Don't Be Gross

"That was honestly rough and very much unexpected." With a satisfied sigh, Damien knelt beside the massive carcass of the lake beast, his fingers tracing the rough, scaly surface.

The battle had been unexpected, but it had provided him with an opportunity he wouldn't waste.

Carefully, he summoned a small, precise blade from Luton's storage and made an incision along the creature's chest. The thick hide resisted at first, but with steady pressure, he sliced through, exposing the internal organs.

His target was the magic essence core.

Every mana beast had one, the concentrated source of their power. Stronger beasts had larger, denser cores, and from the intensity of their battle, he knew this one would be valuable.

Damien reached into the cavity, his fingers brushing against something smooth and solid. He gripped the core firmly and pulled. It came loose with a wet squelch, glistening with a soft blue glow.