Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 246: Hunt [3]

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 painful roar as fountains of blood leaked from its eye socket.

The wounded Frostclaw Bear staggered backwards, blinded and disoriented by the loss of its eye. The strategic precision of my attack had paid off, exploiting its vulnerability with a swift and accurate strike.

Despite the successful blow, the other Frostclaw Bears closed in with renewed aggression. Their pack mentality kicked in, and the wounded bear's roars only fueled their determination.

Determined to capitalize on the advantage, I seized the moment. My mana-coated sword gleamed with a frosty hue, a testament to the power channelling through it. The severed eye of the Frostclaw Bear lay on the snow-covered ground, a gruesome reminder of the battle's intensity.

The immobilized Frostclaw Bear, recovering from the Shadow Binding, attempted a desperate counterattack. With a single-eyed glare, it lunged forward, swiping its claws in a frenzied assault.

As the single-eye Frostbear came near me, I infused my sword with mana and raised it to block its attack.

Thwash—!!

Thak—!!

"...?!"

However, despite the infusion of mana, as soon as the Frost Bear's claw collided with my sword, its sturdy shaft snapped in half like it was made of paper.

In one fluid motion, the bear swiftly stepped in yanked its arm up and struck me forcefully with the backside of that very same claw that it used to break my sword.

Thwuck—!!

"Khuuk!"

A groan escaped my lips as the impact of the Frost Bear's strike made me feel as if I had been struck by a speeding truck.

The force of the attack flung me back into the air before my body violently crashed onto the snow-covered ground a few steps away in the next instant.

I was momentarily blacked out when my body hit the ground, and it truly felt like I was going to die. For a second, it felt as if I had forgotten how to breathe.

However, when I remembered that I was in the middle of a battle, I forced my body to move.

I had to stand up.

But how the fuck he was still this strong after taking a critical hit like that! He should be on the ground but that bastard becomes more strong than before.

"Arghh!"

Gritting my teeth, I stood up and materialised a protective coating of mana on my body, cloaking my figure in an azure hue.

It was Mana Coating— something I had learned just today.

–"Gawwwr!"

Right then, a fierce roar erupted from my right, catching my attention.

I quickly turned to witness another frost claw Bear speeding toward me at breakneck speed.

A few more Frost claw Bears followed closely behind it, their predatory instincts on full display as they charged at me.

Firmly clenching my fist, I rushed forward, dashing toward the approaching frost Claw Bear that was leading the charge.

"Ha!"

I stepped into the striking range and let out a fierce battle cry as the Frost Claw Bear swung down its claw at me.

With lightning reflexes, I swiftly sidestepped the incoming attack, narrowly avoiding the lethal swipe of the Frostclaw Bear's claws. The protective mana coating on my body shimmered as it absorbed the residual impact, leaving me unscathed.

Seizing the opportunity, I countered with a precise strike, aiming for the bear's exposed flank. My mana-infused fist cut through the frosty fur, leaving a frozen trail in its wake. The bear roared in pain, momentarily staggered by the unexpected assault.

Amid the battle, my mind raced to formulate a strategy. The relentless aggression of the Frostclaw Bears demanded a calculated approach. With my broken sword lying in the snow, I decided to rely on my Nightshadow bow once again.

Swiftly drawing the translucent energy bow from my smart bracelet, I notched an arrow and aimed at the wounded Frostclaw Bear. The bow, still limited to [C-] rank power, held enough strength to pose a threat to the mana beasts.

"Let's see how you like this," I muttered, focusing on the target.

-Swish!

The arrow whizzed through the air, seeking its mark. However, the Frostclaw Bear, though wounded, displayed remarkable agility. It evaded the arrow with a swift sidestep, its single eye fixed on me with a predatory intensity.

With the other Frostclaw Bears closing in, I leapt backwards, creating distance to reassess the situation. The mana-coated protective layer enveloping me offered a degree of security, but I couldn't underestimate the ferocity of these formidable creatures.

My eyes scanned the surroundings for any potential advantages. Amidst the snowy terrain, a series of icy rocks stood out as potential cover. Darting towards the rocks, I sought refuge from the charging Frostclaw Bears.

As the bears approached, I crouched behind the rocky barrier, preparing for the impending onslaught. The bow drawn, I aimed for the wounded bear's remaining eye, determined to exploit its vulnerability.

-Thunk!

The arrow sailed through the air, replaceing its mark this time. It embedded itself into the remaining eye of the wounded Frostclaw Bear. The beast roared in agony, its vision impaired once again.

The other Frostclaw Bears, momentarily hesitant, circled the wounded comrade. Taking advantage of this I knocked another arrow and launched at the group of frost claw Bears.

-Swoosh!

With lightning speed the arrow hurdles towards the group of frost claw Bears. However at the last moment sensing the arrow everyone jumped back, dodging the arrow.

-Boom!

The arrow exploded as soon as it came in contact with the ground, obstructing my vision of the beast with smoke.

-Grrrr!

-Growl!

-Growl!

With a burst of speed, all the Frostbearanun toward me within the smoke!

'Shit, I exposed myself!' I cursed mentally as I knocked another arrow into my bow however I was too slow they were already near me.

I gritted my teeth and quickly placed the Nightshadow bow in my bracelet and ready myself for close-quarters combat.