The generator core inside me was heating up fast. Just one or two more full-powered attacks and I was sure my Essence storage would be completely filled.
The panther shook its head violently, let out a thunderous roar, and charged at me again.
Its powerful legs bent, claws digging into the ground, and then it lunged straight at me with frightening speed.
I braced myself, ready to meet it head-on.
But then….something changed.
Its black fur shimmered unnaturally, and in the next instant, tendrils of shadow burst out from its body. They coiled and twisted around it like living smoke, wrapping around its limbs and torso until its entire figure was swallowed in black.
And just like that—
It vanished.
No ripple. No blink anchor.
My eyes narrowed. This wasn't the same space-step as before.
This was different.
There were no ripples. No spatial fluctuations. No warning.
My instincts suddenly screamed at me. I flapped my wings hard and burst forward….but not fast enough.
