Lesser Evil

A sharp tug on the rope sent the injured bear stumbling into its companion.

Effects of its unbalanced weight.

The two beasts collided, their combined weight sending them crashing to the ground in a cacophony of snarls and growls.

Seth allowed himself a brief smirk.

Minimal effort, maximum damage.

That was the key to survival.

But as Seth moved to secure his next strike, the air around him shifted.

A low, guttural roar rumbled through the battlefield, different from the bears' usual bellows. It carried with it a weight that pressed against Seth's chest, making it hard to breathe.

The atmosphere grew heavy and thick with an oppressive energy that sent chills down his spine.

Seth froze, his golden eyes narrowing as he scanned the battlefield.

"Mana surge," he whispered, the words barely audible.

It was unmistakable, a surge of power radiating through the air, primal and unrestrained.