The monstrous panther lunged, its claws slicing through the air, aiming straight for Mri's chest.
Mri sidestepped, his movements faster than the beast could react. With a sharp twist, he slammed his elbow into its ribs. A shockwave erupted from the impact.
The panther howled in pain, its massive body skidding across the jungle floor, crushing trees in its path.
> "You're strong," Mri muttered, rolling his shoulders. "But you're not fast enough."
The beast snarled, eyes glowing brighter, red aura intensifying as if feeding off its own rage. It wasn't done yet.
Awakening the Monster
The jungle shuddered as the panther's aura expanded, warping the very air around it.
Mri's eyes narrowed.
> "It's evolving."
The panther's body grew larger, muscles bulging, black fur darkening, and its fangs elongated like daggers. The air around it crackled, the temperature rising.
Then—it disappeared.
A flash of red. A burst of speed.
Mri barely had time to react as a clawed paw smashed into his gut, launching him through the forest.
CRASH!
He hit the ground, tumbling, coughing up blood.
> "Fast… really fast."
The panther rushed again.
Mri twisted mid-air, landing on his feet. His hands clenched into fists. It was time.
> "I was going to hold back, but…"
His aura erupted. Yellow lightning crackled around his body, the very ground splitting beneath him.
The panther froze.
For the first time—it felt fear.
The True Power of Mri
Mri vanished.
In the blink of an eye, he was behind the panther.
One devastating punch to the ribs—the jungle quaked. The beast screeched, sent flying into the air.
Before it could land, Mri appeared above it—twisting mid-air—
BOOM!
A brutal axe-kick crushed the panther into the earth, leaving a crater.
Dust and debris filled the air. Silence followed.
The beast trembled, struggling to move. Its aura flickered, weakened.
Mri stood over it, breathing heavily.
> "You're done."
The panther let out a final growl—before its body collapsed.
Mri wiped the sweat from his forehead. The battle was over.
Or so he thought.
A New Threat in the Shadows
As Mri turned away, something stirred in the distance.
A figure, watching from the treetops.
> "Interesting…" a voice murmured. "He might be the one."
And then—they vanished into the darkness.