Ch. 15 – Bloody Battle

The Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear, still swaying from the effects of the Tectonic Glacier Smash, urgently sought a game-changing move. It discovered its solution within its ability—the Boulder Barrier Stomp. Instead of merely creating a protective wall of rocks, the grizzly summoned a colossal boulder directly beneath itself.

The ground shook as the boulder shot up, giving the bear a boost. It was like a giant bear-powered elevator. The move not only helped it escape the icy mess below but also put the grizzly back in the game, standing tall on its rocky pedestal.

As this surprising move happened, Yves couldn't help but be amazed. "Damn. This bear is freaking smart." He admired the creature's rapid decision-making, acknowledging the intelligent use of its own abilities to reshape the tide of the conflict.

However, a knowing smile played on Yves' lips. "But I think this bear still got played. Now it's in a more open area, and you know what's gonna happen."

"The bear forgot about the bigger picture. By elevating itself, the grizzly shifted the battlefield to a more open area. And in this game, open spaces might not work in its favor."

"In the wild, predators often use the terrain to their advantage. This move might have given the bear a temporary advantage, but now it's exposed. And I believe the panda is about to capitalize on that vulnerability." he thoughtfully considered.

Just as Yves predicted, without hesitation, the Giant Glacial Terra Panda unleashed its Icy Boulder Toss skill again. The frost-coated projectile sailed through the air in a calculated trajectory, aiming directly for the Mossback Crowned Grizzly standing tall on its boulder platform.

The Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear, sensing the incoming icy threat, had a split-second realization that dodging was out of the question. It knew the frosty rock was too fast and closing in rapidly. With an instinctive move, the grizzly bear summoned its Crown of Thorns.

The layers of thorns manifested around the grizzly bear. The first layer appeared like a shimmering net, quickly followed by additional layers, each more durable and tough than the last. The thorns twisted together with precision, forming a natural shield that wrapped the bear in a defensive cocoon.

Boom!

The boulder slammed into the thorny shield. Crackling sounds filled the air as the thorns tried to stop the frosty force. However, the Giant Glacial Terra Panda's icy boulder was relentless. It froze some of the thorns on impact, shattering a layer or two in the process.

Despite the tough defense, the boulder's power was too much. The grizzly bear got pushed back by the impact and lost its balance on the boulder.

Thud!

In a matter of moments, the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear fell from the boulder, crashing onto the forest floor. The collision was so loud it echoed through the trees, making the ground tremble.

As the bear hit the ground, a cloud of dust and tiny ice particles burst into the air, creating a mist that veiled the surroundings.

Right then, out of nowhere, Yves heard a soft woman's voice. It came from the woman standing behind the Giant Glacial Terra Panda, who appeared to be the partner of the pet monster. "Finish the bear, Coco!" she shouted.

No time wasted, Coco, the Giant Glacial Terra Panda, responded to the woman's instruction. The mist swirled as the massive panda propelled itself forward, each powerful step shaking the ground beneath its colossal paws. The fallen bear, still trying to get up, felt the danger and struggled to stand.

Drawing near to the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear, Coco tapped into its ice magic. The atmosphere surrounding the colossal panda glimmered with frost as it triggered its Terra Body Slam ability. Coco geared up, wrapping its massive form in a chilling layer of ice.

The ground, unable to endure the weight and power of the charging panda, cracked and crumbled. Coco, now airborne, soared towards the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear.

As Coco came down on the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear, the ground cracked, but the grizzly bear's strong body held up. The grizzly bear's robust frame absorbed much of the impact, preventing a complete bone-crushing outcome but it was still hurt.

The grizzly bear let out a painful growl. Yves could tell it was in pain, even though it didn't get squished. The thorny armor it had on looked a bit messed up from the slam.

Despite the pain, the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear refused to give up. It rose from the ground with a furious strength that surprised Coco, the Giant Glacial Terra Panda. The bear's angry eyes made Coco take a step back, unsure what to expect.

Seeing an opening, the grizzly bear charged at Coco. Its antlers, now filled with extra power, were aimed right at the panda. The creature launched one of its abilities, the Primal Antler Thrust.

"Coco, dodge!" the woman yelled urgently, but it was too late.

Caught off guard, Coco couldn't react in time. The bear's antlers went through, hitting Coco's body with a powerful force. It was like a sudden, unexpected jab that pierced through Coco's defenses.

Caught off guard, Coco let out a pained roar. The grizzly bear's antlers had struck with immense force, causing blood to spill and revealing the giant panda's internal injuries.

Staggering back, Coco's body showed the visible aftermath of the powerful jab, with bits of blood and guts escaping the wound.

Suddenly, a burst of ice magic oozed out of Coco's body. Yves and Taro, even in the far distance, could feel the sudden cold spreading through the air.

Yves shivered, thinking. "What the...?" The biting cold took him by surprise. Then, like a lightning bolt of realization, he understood. The Giant Glacial Terra Panda sensed its impending defeat and triggered its special trait, the Frozen Juggernaut Rampage.

Coco lunged forward, attempting a bone-chilling bite. However, before Coco could reach its massive jaws for a chomp, the grizzly bear roared defiantly. A healing magic aura coated the bear, pushing through the pain and repairing its wounds. At the same time, the bear's claws transformed, covered in thick roots, getting ready for a counter-attack.

Coco bit into the grizzly bear, its frosty jaws sinking deep. Frost spread on the bear's body, but the resilient creature endured. Without flinching, the bear raised its paw and unleashed a powerful slash at Coco. The giant panda got hit, enduring the blow, and then tore away from the bite.

Now, both colossal monsters were locked in a brutal battle, exchanging powerful blows with their massive paws. Each strike reverberated through the surroundings, and the battleground showcased their persistence accompanied by ice fragments and splashes of blood.

Watching the fight, Yves could see the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear was clearly winning. It was landing stronger hits, and Coco, the struggling Giant Glacial Terra Panda, seemed to be nearing its last moments.

Yves also caught a glimpse of the woman's face, filled with concern and tears beginning to flow.

Turning to Taro, who stood alongside him, Yves quietly addressed him. "You ready? he asked, meeting Taro's gaze. Taro nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation and expressing his readiness to contribute.

"Alright. Your safety comes first. If it gets too tough, we'll retreat. Act wisely, and don't hesitate to run if needed. We're here to help, but we're not heroes from a fairy tale. If things get too dangerous, prioritize your safety and escape."

Yves smiled. "Go, do your best as usual. If we handle this properly, there might be a nice payout waiting for us. Now, show them what you're made of."

With those encouraging words, Taro transformed into a shadowy bullet, resembling darkness in motion. He shot out like a projectile made of shadows, quickly closing the distance to the two massive monsters using his Eclipse Blitz Dash ability.

Amidst the intense battle between the Giant Glacial Terra Panda and the Mossback Crowned Grizzly Bear, Taro's sudden appearance grabbed their attention for a moment. However, their fierce struggle consumed their focus, giving Taro the perfect opportunity.

Yves, spotting the chance, grinned and sent a quick message to Taro in his mind. "This is it, Taro! Go in for the strike. Use the Shadow Claw Slash, aim straight for the bear's eyes."