[CALCULATION COMPLETE] [WEAK SPOT: Left Eye] [Suggested Action: Distraction + Precision Strike]
He snatched a loose stone from the ground and hurled it with perfect accuracy. The stone struck the predator's snout, forcing it to recoil just long enough.
Sion lunged, landing a precise kick to its jaw before retreating swiftly, never staying still. His attacks were small, controlled—designed to frustrate and exhaust the beast without exposing his full strength.
His system flickered another message.
[Warning: Lifeform Fatigue at 32%]
Sion smirked. "Good. Almost there."
Just as he prepared to deliver the final strike, a gust of wind rippled through the clearing.
The hooded woman appeared before him, her silver eyes cold and assessing.
"Enough games," she said, her voice carrying quiet authority.
The Lupine Stalker, sensing the far greater threat, whimpered and fled into the forest.
Sion tensed, observing her every movement.
"You…" he said flatly. "You're not from here either, are you?"
Her lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Who I am isn't important. What matters is… I know exactly what you are, Ancient World boy."
Before Sion could respond, she lunged.
Their fists clashed in the air, the impact sending a shockwave through the trees.
Her strikes were swift, precise—but Sion's system compensated perfectly, analyzing each movement, predicting patterns, guiding his counters.
Punch for punch. Kick for kick.
But still, he held back.
And so did she.
It was a test.
A dangerous, silent test… for both of them.