Chapter 107: A Dangerous Trek
Then, without warning, a blur shot out from the bushes to their right, lunging straight at Amelia. It had chosen her as its target—the one who seemed like the easiest prey. Despite her efforts to scan her surroundings and stay on guard, it was clear that she was often lost in her thoughts.
Amelia saw a black blur rushing toward her and instinctively raised her bow, putting it between herself and the incoming threat. However, just before impact, two swords slashed forward, intercepting the blur.
"Clank!"
Metal clashed against claws. At the moment of impact, when the swords and the blur were locked against each other, the creature finally became visible. It was a black panther—except far larger than a normal one. A typical panther would barely reach Mikael's waist, but this one stood nearly as tall as him and stretched over four meters in length. Its claws and teeth gleamed, sharp enough to tear through steel with ease.
"Argh," Mikael grunted as he planted his feet into the ground, stabilizing himself before pushing forward with more strength, slowly forcing the panther backward.
Unfortunately for the beast, this wasn't a duel. Just as its fierce eyes locked onto Mikael, an aura-infused arrow shot toward it. The panther barely managed to tilt its head, avoiding what would have been a fatal hit to the eye. Still, the arrow grazed its head, embedding itself into its flesh.
"ROARR!"
Its pained roar was cut short as a water sphere struck its flank, sending it flying. The panther crashed into a tree, the force of the impact snapping the trunk in half. It tumbled further, colliding with another tree—this one sturdier—finally stopping its momentum.
"Are you okay?" Lyra asked with concern, hurrying toward them with worry etched on her face.
Mikael gave her a nod, his gaze fixed on where the panther had landed, knowing better than to let his guard down. Amelia, however, didn't respond. Instead, she raised her bow and fired multiple aura-infused arrows at the bloodied, struggling beast.
The arrows struck their target without fail. The panther attempted to rise, but as more arrows pierced its body, it collapsed, taking its final breath. Blood pooled around its lifeless form.