Angry Man

A collective gasp escaped from Amel and Irene as the fiery light from Gervas's bird cast their shadows in sharp relief and shattering the cover Inky's Dark Shroud had provided. John, Marik, Amel, and Irene froze momentarily, caught off guard by the sudden light.

Across the chamber, Gervas's group turned and their faces instantly twisted in anger as they finally locked eyes on the intruders clutching the Emberfruit, stealing their prizes.

"ROAR!"

The massive gorilla Beast, towering over three meters, let out an earth-shaking roar. His eyes narrowing on the fruit clutched in their hands.

Then, with furious speed he began charging toward them with steps that rumbling like distant thunder as Gervas and his team shouted curses with voices laced with rage and frustration.

"Let's keep running, now!" John shouted to his team with urgency that made his voice cracking.

Without a second thought they bolted for the chamber entrance.

"Alright, time to bring out the big guns!" John thought, sending a mental command to his Beasts.

In a rush of expanding energy, Miki and Inky grew to their true forms. They now towering two meters high.

Miki's body transformed, his limbs thickening and his claws extended and his sharp eyes fixed on the approaching gorilla.

Inky's body also surged dark tendrils trailing from its sleek powerful form of a giant wolf, casting deep shadows even in the intense glow of the bird's light.

John reached out mentally, feeling a bond of understanding with both Beasts.

"Just buy us some time. Hold them off, don't go for the kill," he thought.

In response, he felt a wave of agreement from Miki and Inky, a silent but unmistakable acknowledgement of his command.

Once again, John didn't know that what he had done was pretty impressive because Beasts don't just listen to command of their tamer just minutes after being tamed, moreover with Dominance method.

But Inky and Miki listen to him and obey him as if they have been bonded for so long.

The two Beasts stepped forward and placing themselves between John's group and their pursuers. Miki let out a guttural hiss, baring his teeth as he prepared to intercept the gorilla, while Inky's body melded into the shadows around him and he flickering in and out of sight making the gorilla confused.

With Miki and Inky holding the line, John, Irene, Marik, and Amel sprinted toward the chamber exit. Their breaths came fast and heavy, feet pounding as they raced against time and the gorilla's relentless fury.

Behind them, the gorilla lunged at Miki and swinging a vine-wrapped fist, only for Miki to dodge nimbly and retaliate with a swift counterattack, clawing at the gorilla's bark-like arm.

Inky darted in and out of the shadows, creating a web of darkness that momentarily disoriented the advancing Beasts. The gorilla bellowed in frustration, its eyes darting between the thiefts who run away and the Beasts obstructing its path.

"Keep running!" John shouted, the hole to the outside was so close now.

Gervas staggered, his breaths coming in ragged gasps as he watched John and his team dash for the exit. He feels anger and frustration seethed through him as he look at his own injuries. His cracked ribs, bruises, and deep scratches slowed him down, each step a reminder of how stupid they were.

"Damn it all!" he cursed, clenching his fists. With a snarl, he barked out to his team, "After them! Don't let them get away with those Emberfruit!"

But his team was no better off. Griselda limped forward, a hand pressed to her side, her panther at her side with torn fur and a slight stagger in its step. Marth's bear swayed and Gabel's serpent slithered weakly along, scales scratched and bruised.

Gervas knew they wouldn't be able to keep up but the rage refused to subside.

He clenched his teeth, a flare of anger blazing in his eyes.

"Griselda, go after them!" he growled, punching the ground in frustration despite the searing pain it sent through his wounded arm. "Kill them if you have to. Don't let them get away with this!"

Griselda hesitated, her gaze shifting from Gervas to John's retreating team, now only a few heartbeats away from freedom. But she gritted her teeth and sent her panther forward with a nod, limping along after it. She was certain that she can handle those weak adventurers even alone with her Rare Beast.

Meanwhile, John, Irene, Marik, and Amel burst through the exit into the open air. The thrill surged through them as they reached the safety of the outside and they gasping with relief.

"Miki, Inky, get out of there. It's time to go!".

The two Beasts responded without hesitation. Inky cloaked himself in shadows and pulled back from the gorilla, slipping back and melting into the darkness and evading a last swing from the furious Beast.

Miki skittered back with a deft leap, dodging the gorilla's swipe as he bounded towards the exit.

"ROAR!"

The gorilla roared, pounding the ground in frustration, but both Beasts were already retreating. They are too nimble for the gorilla to catch.

Within moments, Miki and Inky had joined John and his team, pulling up beside him. They are not badly wounded.

The four adventurers exchanged a look with the Emberfruit secure in their hands. Marik laughed hearing Gervas's shout from inside.

But then, they are surprised by Griselda who dash from inside the chamber with dagger in her hand. Her eyes aiming for Irene.

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