As the Shadowfang Lynx emerged fully from the cave, it locked onto John with a look of pure malice. Its body was tense, its muscles already coiled, and its claws flexed against the forest floor.John caught a glint in its eyes, their fierce yellow suddenly flickering red for a heartbeat before fading back into its real color.He frowned, wondering if the strange flash was a normal trait or a sign of something wrong. But he shook the thought away cause he just worried about the wrong thing here.The lynx took a menacing step forward with its lips curling back to reveal blood-streaked fangs.The beast was closing the distance faster, moving with deadly intent. John steadied himself, mentally calling on his Beast Insight Vision. A sharp rush of energy pulsed through his eyes as his vision changed, data flooding into his mind.-----You activate Beast Insight Vision (Novice stage 8/100).Species: Shadowfang LynxRank: Uncommon BeastStrength: HighAgility: Very HighEndurance: ModerateWeakness: Eyes, underbellySpecial Abilities: Quick Step, Bloodlust AuraTaming Method: Dominance, Empathy Bond Ritual-----The stats flashed clearly in his mind. "Shadow Step" and "Bloodlust Aura" — no wonder it was so deadly. The bloodlust aura might explain the flickering red in its eyes, amplifying its predatory instincts. Or maybe something else, it doesn't matter for now. From its name John can already tell that its dangerous."Alright, it's now or never," he thought, signaling to Inky and Miki to prepare.The Shadowfang Lynx was already crouching, muscles tensing for the strike.The Shadowfang Lynx then sprang forward to John with its claws extended, its predatory gaze fixed on John.John brandished his sword but knowing full well that his own abilities wouldn't be enough to match the creature's speed and power — but he had no intention of using the sword just yet. This was a job for his Beasts.In an instant, Inky surged from the shadows beside him already expanding to his full form. The dark mass of his body stretched high, his shape flowing like a liquid shadow.With a guttural snarl, Inky lunged at the Lynx, his powerful jaws snapping toward its neck.The Shadowfang Lynx recoiled, letting out a shocked screech as Inky's assault forced it back, the sheer weight and ferocity of his attack catching it off guard.But the Lynx was quick. Recovering in a blink of an eye and it used Quick Step to darting sideways in a blur of movement, narrowly evading Inky's deadly bite. It growled in fury, red flashing in its eyes again, the bloodlust seeping back into its glare. It looked at John as if he was the most despicable person it ever met.John couldn't care less about its opinion.Before it could fully regain its wits, Miki launched himself from behind with his claws flashing and he tore into the Lynx's side. Blood spattered onto the forest floor as Miki's claws found their mark and the Lynx let out another enraged shriek, twisting violently to throw Miki off.But Miki was relentless, landing nimbly and ready to strike again.The Shadowfang Lynx whipped around, eyes blazing with crimson fury as it singled out Miki, clearly thinking that he is the weaker target.With a feral snarl, the Lynx let its Bloodlust Aura fully envelop it, a dark red mist emanating from its body and sharpening its reflexes and bolstering its strength.In a split second the Lynx became a blur, striking out at Miki with new speed and ferocity. Before Miki could dodge, a swipe of claws caught him across his flank and sending him tumbling."Run, Miki! Now!" John commanded.Miki sprang to his dashed away, his quick move keeping him out of the Lynx's deadly reach.The Lynx hissed in frustration but its attention snapped back as Inky hurtled toward it. Inky launched himself, colliding with the Lynx in an explosion of shadows and fur.They clashed fiercely, teeth bared and claws ripping into one another. The sheer force of their attacks sent dirt and leaves flying, trees shuddering under the impact.John's eyes widened as he watched the devastation unfold, the ground around them marked by deep claw gouges and broken branches.Inky fought with incredible power, his fangs flashing as he lunged and snapped at the Lynx's throat, while the Lynx countered with savage swipes of its own, leaving red slashes on Inky's shadowy hide.But John could tell that Inky had grown much stronger from the Emberfruit. The Lynx even though its powerful as it was, struggled against Inky's attack.Bit by bit, Inky forced the Lynx back and driving it closer to the edge of exhaustion.Then, in a swift movement, Miki suddenly reappeared from the underbrush. With a fierce squeal, he dash forward and his claws slicing across the Lynx's flank, adding another deep wound to its battered form.The Lynx howled, stumbling under the combined force of its opponents.The battle raged for several intense minutes. But finally, with one last shuddering breath, the Shadowfang Lynx staggered and its legs buckling beneath it as it collapsed to the ground.Inky then latched his powerful jaws onto the Lynx's leg, clamping down firmly to immobilize it. The Lynx let out a sharp pained cry, its defiance finally fading as it accepting its defeat.Miki also closing in and pressing his claws against the Lynx's shoulders, keeping it firmly pinned to the ground.John watched as the Lynx's wild gaze softened, its breathing slowing as it seemed to resign itself to its fate.John couldn't help but grin, pride filling him as he looked at his two Beasts standing side-by-side after the win."You two make a hell of a team, guys!" he said with voice warm with approval.But as he stood over the subdued Lynx, his grin faded. A thought struck him — he hadn't considered how he'd transport the creature back to the town. The realization hit him with a jolt."Great. And here I am without a plan for moving this guy," he muttered, glancing around as though the answer might conveniently appear in the trees.---