Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 245: Hunt [2]

As I concealed myself behind the massive boulder, I retrieved my Nightshadow bow from the smart bracelet. The translucent blue energy bow materialized in my hands, its ethereal glow contrasting with the frigid surroundings.

"Alright, let's try a more tactical approach," I muttered to myself, my eyes focused on the Frostclaw Bears prowling in the distance.

Yato must have forgotten that I had a [S] ranked artefact with me, with the help of Nightshadow bow, it would be easy to kill them.

Right now I am only able to use the [C-] rank amount of power of the Nightshdaow bow but since the Frostclaw bear is at [C-] ranked it should not be any problem for me.

Without hesitation, I took a deep breath, drawing an arrow from the quiver and aligning it on the taut bowstring.

My sights were fixed on the first Frostclaw Bear that rushed at me. I aimed it and released the arrow.

Swish—!!

The arrow launched at the Frostclaw Bear at breakneck speed, but the mana beast was quick to react.

It raised its claws and deflected my arrow with ease, not stopping its charge at all.

'What the hell!' that should be enough to kill him.

Wait minute! Frost law known for their incredible defence so maybe that's why he deflected my arrow at ease but at least he should be able to get some damage.

Anyway, I don't have time for these thoughts, right now Frostclaw bear is rushing directly at me.

I was prepared for it, so I also dashed at the incoming forstclaw Bear.

–"Gaaawwr!"

The Bear roared as I got too close to it and swung its claw at me, aiming to shred me asunder in an instant.

"Haaa!"

But I channelled mana into my legs and jumped over its head in the air. From there, I knocked another arrow on my bow and shot it at the beast.

The Frostclaw Bear, who saw the attack coming, again raised its claw over its head to block my arrow.

"Heh!" But I could only smirk as that happened.

Kaboom—!!!

The arrow exploded as soon as it came in contact with the Frostclaw Bear's claws, obstructing my vision of the beast with smoke.

Thud—!

I landed a few steps away from the beast and quickly took out another arrow and placed it on the bow.

'That should be enough to kill him.'

Since many other beasts were also rushing at me, I had no time to celebrate my kill. I had to continuously keep on fighting if I wanted to survive.

–"Gaaawwr!"

"Huh?!"

But right then, the Frostclaw Bear I thought I had killed emerged from the smoke and furiously rushed at me again.

"What the Fuck?" I cursed out loud before placing my bow back into the dimensional storage of my smart bracelet and taking out my sword. "Come!"

Thwoosh—!!

The Frostclaw Bear lunged forward, slashing its lethal claws in my direction.

Reacting swiftly, I hopped a few steps back, narrowly avoiding my death.

Thwam—!!

No, I wasn't exaggerating.

The mana beast's claw struck the exact spot where I stood, creating a resounding thrash that echoed through the air.

The ground trembled with the force of the impact. If I hadn't moved, I would have been crushed.

The realization struck me hard – these Frostclaw Bears were more formidable than I initially thought. Their resilience and regenerative abilities exceeded my expectations.

Quickly adapting to the situation, I engaged in a continuous dance of evasion and counterattacks. The Nightshadow bow had its limitations against these robust mana beasts, prompting me to rely on my swordsmanship.

As the relentless assault of Frostclaw Bears continued, I Chanelle my mana all over my body, creating a small layer of azure colour on my body.

I'm still not good at Mana Coating but this would be enough for now.

A surge of energy coursed through me, enhancing both my physical and magical capabilities. The blade of my sword emitted a radiant glow, signifying the amplified power at my disposal.

Swinging my sword with newfound strength, I aimed to exploit the vulnerabilities Yato mentioned – targeting joints and vital points. Each precise strike was imbued with mana, creating a freezing effect upon contact. The crystalline sheen of ice formed around the wounded areas, hindering the bears' movements.

Yet, the battle was far from over. The relentless pack closed in, their ferocity undiminished. I needed a more decisive move to gain the upper hand.

Channelling mana into my sword, I executed a swift and intricate series of slashes, creating arcs of freezing energy with each swing. The Frostclaw Bears, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected surge in my capabilities, hesitated in their advance.

This is my chance! I have to do it now or else there won't be any more chances like this.

"[Shadow Control:- Shadow Binding.]" I shouted and activated my Shadow Binding.

As my [Shadow Control: Shadow Binding] skill activated, tendrils of darkness extended from my own shadow, wrapping around Frostclaw bear, and immobilizing him.

-Grrrrrrra!

The beast roared as my shadow bound him he tried his best but he couldn't break the shadow binding on the other, I was also not in better shape.

For shadow binding to be activated I have to constantly channel my mana into skill so that skill should not break apart and right now I'm channelling more mana than ever before.

'This bastard is strong!' I gritted my teeth and dashed at the beast at full speed.

If he continues to struggle more my shadow binding will break apart.

"Haaa."

I raised my sword horizontally and aimed at the beast's neck as I swung my sword with full strength.

Looking at the upcoming sword that was coming for its head, the beast started to move his body so that he could evade the attack however shadow binding was too strong for him.

As the blade of the sword comes near Frostclaw beast's neck my shadow binding loose a little because of the low mana.

Taking this opportunity, Frostclaw beast was able to get out of shadow binding however

-Slash!

Not before my sword cut off one of its eyes!

-ROOOOOOOAR!

The Frostclaw beast let out a pain roar as fountains of blood leaked from its eye socket.