The Panda North Guardian. Requirements for evolution

Three days had elapsed since the Ashguards ventured into the forest's edge, skirting the perimeter of the Ice Plains.

Neigh!

"Steady, boy, steady," Cristian soothed, running his hand along Black's neck as his horse pranced nervously, threatening to unseat him.

"What's got into them?" Lia hissed, grappling with her own jittery mount.

"They're frightened," Nebula observed, her blue fire wolf emitting a low growl while she scanned the surroundings, sensing an unusual presence.

"Change direction—now!" Cristian's urgent whisper prompted the others to pivot. Unseen to them, atop a mountain, a towering panda, standing over two meters tall, peered down through the dense forest canopy, spying the group.

With a resounding boom, the panda leaped from its perch, crashing to the ground. The impact created a crater, sending debris scattering in every direction.