One of the Ironback Bears finally caught up. It lunged with terrifying speed, its armored hide gleaming under the moonlight that barely pierced the forest canopy.
Kael braced himself and then jumped sideways at the last moment. The bear's claws missed by inches but ripped through a nearby tree, sending wood splinters flying.
Kael landed in a crouch and tossed a handful of black powder from his pouch—black lotus dust. The bear inhaled. It hesitated, blinked, swayed.
Kael struck.
He climbed its back like a wild cat, digging his dagger repeatedly into the thinner joints near its neck—[EXP +1075].
He barely had time to catch his breath when a lion came charging in with its teeth bared and eyes glowing red.
Kael rolled backward, barely escaping a fiery bite, and came up behind the beast. His blade slashed across its hind leg. The lion roared and turned—exposing its throat.
Kael didn't waste the chance.
He drove his dagger in with both hands—[EXP +1050].
