The beast stomped, and the ground shook violently beneath Riley's feet. A few crystals embedded in the cavern walls cracked under the force and dropped, shattering upon impact with the floor.
The monster's growl rolled out again, long and guttural, filling the chamber like a thunderous warhorn.
And then, it fixed its entire body toward Riley, lowering its crystalline head as though daring him to move.
Riley's eyes narrowed as the tremors settled into silence, the crystals around the cavern still faintly quivering from the beast's earlier stomp.
He exhaled slowly, gaze steady on the hulking creature standing before him.
The sharp glare of those bright red eyes locked onto him like molten orbs peering out of a mountain of gleaming crystal.
His lips parted slightly, words escaping almost without thought.
"…So it reacted even though I barely oozed any bloodlust."
His tone was quiet, low enough that it nearly blended into the steady hum of mana that filled the chamber.
