The Mist Panther wasn't just attacking now—it was hunting.
And Gilgamel had become the target.
Crack!
The ground behind Simon exploded.
The Mist Panther lunged from the mist like a missile, claws glowing faintly.
Gilgamel slammed his palm into his floating Book of Hundred Spells. "Fire Blast!"
Flames erupted in a wide arc. The Mist Panther twisted mid-air, avoiding the brunt—but a few embers scorched its flank.
It snarled lowly.
Still barely harmed.
Even direct hits weren't enough.
Suddenly...
Snap!
A strange ripple shimmered at the Mist Panther's feet.
"Frame Trigger: Bind Ink."
Silver-black ink exploded from the ground, shaped like jagged chains. The Mist Panther faltered—not fully restrained, but slowed.
Gilgamel's eyes widened.
It's Collin!
High in the canopy, Collin painted across a glowing scroll.
"Frame Two: Phantom Burst."
An illusion of Gilgamel casting Ignition detonated behind the Mist Panther.
It twisted around—instinct.
