The fang rabbit lunged at Alden, its claws slicing the air with a sharp swish.
Alden stepped aside with smooth, quick moves, wind swirling around him.
"Ugly creature, come get me if you can!" he taunted, putting both of his wind skills to good use.
"Having such skills in battle is useful..."
Alden easily maneuvered around the rabbit, striking from multiple angles and giving it no chance to retaliate.
The wind control proved useful in this case, enabling him to boost his attack range.
Clang!
He blocked the blow with his sword, the clash ringing out as the creature's hard fangs and claws met his blade.
The impact sent a shock through his arms, but he held his ground, never allowing the beast to overpower him.
Seeing its foe still standing strong, the beast growled and began to retreat slowly, its eyes burning with anger.
Snap!
Ember let her arrow fly. It whistled through the air and hit the creature's back leg with a heavy thud.
The animal staggered, its speed dropping as the arrow sank into its flesh.
Alden did not wait. He charged in, sheathing his sword and drawing out his twin daggers, which flashed in silver light.
He attacked from the side and then from the front, his movements smooth and constant as he continuously hit it from different angles.
The creature's claws met his blades in a burst of sparks, each clash echoing through the forest.
Ember quickly readied another arrow, her eyes fixed on the beast. With a quiet breath, she released it, the arrow grazing the same wound as her first shot.
The creature roared with a raw sound that shook the trees. It thrashed wildly, its claws scratching the ground in frustration.
Alden activated his wind skill, the air surging around him.
He rushed forward, spun, and swung his blade in a smooth curve, slicing across the creature's side. The fang rabbit couldn't outrun it and was hit.
Blood sprayed out, staining the grass red.
The animal snarled and snapped its fangs, but Alden was already out of reach, his moves too quick to follow.
The creature tried to flee, dashing toward the bushes with desperate speed.
Thwip!
Ember's next arrow landed just in front of it, forcing the beast to skid to a stop and change direction.
Alden was there in an instant, his blade sweeping low to knock the creature off its feet.
The beast tumbled, tossing dirt and leaves into the air before crashing against a tree and coming to a halt.
Its eyes were wild and its breath ragged as it struggled to rise on four legs again.
The creature charged at Alden with a burst of speed, its claws aimed for his chest.
"I'm always ready for you," Alden smirked.
He ducked, twisting his body as he slashed upward with his sword.
His blade ripped across the beast's chest, leaving a deep wound that sent blood pouring out.
Ember drew her bowstring, fingers holding steady.
Whoosh!
She released the arrow. It flew straight, piercing the creature's eye with a sickening crunch.
The fang rabbit froze, its body stiffening as a pained cry escaped its throat.
Seeing no chance to survive, the creature leapt into a nearby tree, claws scraping the bark as it tried to climb to safety.
But Alden was faster.
With a long dive, he swung his blade in a wide sweep, striking the creature's head with a heavy thunk.
The beast shuddered, its grip on the tree weakening.
Then, with one final, soft cry, it collapsed.
Thud!
The ground trembled as the creature's body hit the earth.
It lay still, its chest rising a couple of times before stopping.
"Finally, that's it," Alden said, lowering his blades, his chest heaving as he caught his breath.
Sweat dripped from his brow, yet a satisfied smile spread across his face.
Ember stepped forward, bow in hand and a small smile on her lips.
"We did it!" she exclaimed with excitement.
Together, they formed a strong duo against the beast.
[+3 points added to your Agility]
[+2 points added to Strength]
Alden grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.
He stopped the notification.
"Well done, you two," Darian said with a faint smile as he approached them. "You were able to hold your ground this time."
"Congratulations, Alden, on discovering your talent and for your well-timed attacks," Storm added.
Alden shrugged, still grinning. "This beast was weaker than the wolf we came across earlier, so I guess we were lucky."
"Stop talking and pay attention to what comes next."
Zara stepped forward, making Alden look at her with curiosity, then at Darian.
"Yeah, we've got companies to take care of now. In a dungeon, you must finish your target quickly, or the fight disturbance will attract other beasts," Darian explained. "The longer a fight drags on, the more danger you invite."
Howl!
Howl!
The sounds of different beasts began to resound in the forest, drawing closer as if to confirm his words.
"Now it seems your fight has exposed us," Darian added.
Alden nodded in understanding.
Zara's gaze remained fixed on the trees, her ears tuned to the faint rustling.
"Let's leave before we get surrounded," Darian instructed.
The group moved fast, their steps light and quick.
As they went deeper into the forest, the sounds of chasing beasts grew louder.
Snarls came from behind, showing their pursuers were close.
Suddenly, Zara raised her hand.
She looked into the shadows ahead.
"Too late for that, we're already surrounded," she whispered.
From the bushes, three pairs of glowing eyes appeared.
Three dangerous scor‑eye wolves stepped into view.