The golden Mountain Stalker was losing, and it knew it.
Its once-pristine golden hide was now filled with crystal wounds, crimson blood covering its fur, its breath coming in ragged, furious heaves. Honeybun had dismantled it piece by piece, the turtle's speed and relentless attacks wearing down the Surpasser until the ruler of the mountain stood cornered and bleeding, its ruby eyes burning with desperation and a hint of fear.
It gathered itself for one last gamble, placing everything it had left into a single, massive lunge, golden claws extended, throwing its full strength behind one killing strike meant to crush the turtle that had humiliated it like no other.
It had stood as the king of this region for decades, and never did a beast ever forced it to a corner all bloodied up and on the verge of death.
Having experienced this before, Honeybun saw it coming from a mile away and prepared for it.
