Lilith clapped once, slowly. "Better. You're beginning to understand the essence of combat. But don't let victory blind you. A stronger opponent will crush arrogance in a single strike."
Amber bowed her head, swallowing her pride. "I will remember."
---
The Mountain Beasts
Further along their journey, they climbed into rugged mountains. The air grew thinner, the terrain harsher, yet Amber's resolve only deepened. It was there that monstrous beasts ambushed them—hulking creatures of stone and fur, their roars echoing like thunder.
Amber charged ahead, eager to test her growing strength. She darted between the beasts' massive claws, slicing tendons, severing muscles, her blood arts enhancing her speed. But one of the creatures caught her mid-dodge, hurling her against a rock. Pain seared through her, bones nearly snapping.
Lilith's voice cut through the chaos, calm yet commanding. "Amber, precision. Don't just slash blindly. Read their movements—predict, then strike."
