Yesterday, Vulture informed Claude about a powerful monster guarding a cave filled with condensed mana crystals.
The creature—a serpent—had already reached the second stage of evolution despite being young.
Its strength came from absorbing the mana within the crystals, allowing it to grow far faster than others of its kind.
The serpent's body coiled, its massive length undulating with a grace that belied its size. Its golden eyes glowed like twin moons in the haze of the poisonous mist, slitted pupils narrowing at the sight of Claude's nonchalant stance.
"I will melt the flesh from your bones," the Serpent hissed, its voice reverberating through the cavern like thunder. "And wear your soul as a trophy."
Claude grinned, raising his black-flamed sword. "Big talk for a snake."
The Serpent didn't wait. With a screeching roar, it lunged, fangs bared, mouth wide enough to swallow a man whole.
