The forest had grown quiet.
After the Bonefang Hare, Reynar's confidence surged, but so did his caution.
He knew this world was unforgiving. His System promised infinite growth, but only if he survived the trials.
The towering trees around him whispered in the cool breeze as shadows lengthened under the twin suns.
Ahead, a faint sound caught his attention—a low growl, primal and deep.
His System pinged nervously.
[Enemy Detected]
Name: Direfang Panther
Level: 12
Status: Hostile
Threat: Extreme
Reynar's heart pounded.
Level 12? He was barely Level 3.
Yet, something inside him refused to back down.
He gripped the sturdy branch tighter, muscles tense.
The growl grew louder as a massive black panther slinked out from the underbrush.
Its eyes gleamed like molten gold. Its fur shimmered with an unnatural sheen.
Teeth sharper than daggers gleamed in the fading light.
The beast crouched low, ready to pounce.
Reynar didn't wait.
He charged forward, swinging his branch with everything he had.
The panther dodged with blinding speed, its claws raking the air where Reynar's head had been moments before.
A swipe grazed Reynar's arm, searing pain exploding through his flesh.
He stumbled, barely catching himself.
His system alerted:
[Warning]
HP Critical — 30/120Enemy attack power exceeds recommended engagement level.
Desperation fueled him.
Reynar feinted left, then right, landing a solid hit on the panther's shoulder.
The beast hissed, wounded but unbroken.
It lashed out with a claw, cutting through Reynar's defenses and tearing into his side.
Pain flared like wildfire.
He collapsed onto one knee, breath ragged.
[System Update]
Skill Unlocked: Last Stand
Effect: Temporary boost to defense and attack when HP drops below 20%.
Duration: 60 seconds.
With trembling hands, Reynar activated Last Stand.
A faint blue aura flickered around him.
The panther lunged again, jaws wide.
Reynar raised his branch in a desperate block.
Crack.
The branch shattered.
Reynar cried out as sharp claws raked across his chest, knocking him back.
He hit the ground hard, vision swimming.
Blood stained the grass beneath him.
This is it.
Darkness crept in around the edges of his sight.
The beast loomed over him, fangs bared.
A final strike was coming.
[System Alert]
Critical HP. Death imminent.
The panther's claws descended.
Will Reynar survive?Or is this the end of his journey?
[To be continued…]