His dagger, when it connected with the Panther's flank, drove twice as deep as before.
The beast howled in genuine pain, blood flowing freely from the grievous wound. Its attacks and defence grew increasingly desperate, as it was no longer able to keep the balance with Ethan's new power.
Then Ethan saw its eyes.
In that moment, Ethan recognised what was coming.
'It's going to run.'
The Panther feinted toward the Mid-Silver general, then abruptly disengaged from combat entirely. Its Speed talent activated at maximum capacity, carrying it away from the battlefield in a silver-streaked blur.
Headed for the distant forest.
"It's fleeing!" the Low-Silver general shouted.
The Mid-Silver rank cursed. "Let it go. We've done enough."
But Ethan was already moving.
Enhanced Speed activated, his newly elevated Strength amplifying the talent's effectiveness. He sprinted after the retreating beast, following the distortion in the air where its passage stirred dust.
