Side quest completed

His shoulder ached fiercely where the beast had bitten him, and the remnants of his shattered mana shield still shimmered faintly around him like dust in the air. The monstrous dog was circling him again, snarling lowly, its single grotesque fang dripping with a mixture of saliva and blood. Its glowing red eyes were filled with rage, and each step it took felt like a countdown to Alex's doom.

He clenched his fists, heart racing. The mana shield had failed. His Pinpoint Inflicting hadn't even slowed the creature. And while the Telekinetic Push had bought him a few precious seconds, it wasn't nearly strong enough to be used again as a real defense.

He had no choice. His abilities were still too weak to deal meaningful damage. He needed to switch tactics. Fast.

His thoughts raced.

Abilities won't work. Mana's low. Can't stall this thing forever…

Then it struck him.

Weapons. Maybe I need a weapon.