Andrew waited silently in a spot where moonlight couldn't reach in the darkness. The crystal in his shoulder was still causing pain, but survival was the most important thing right now. Controlling his breath, he tried to anticipate the man's next move.
With a single strike, the man attacked Andrew's tree with dark energy, the energy cutting through the tree like a sharp sword. Andrew managed to dodge the strike at the last second by ducking down, thanks to his instincts.
"How long will you run, little mouse?" said the man, his voice sounding quite raspy and deep.
Andrew checked his surroundings and continued running through the trees. He found a spot without moonlight and tried to calm himself, broke the thin long black crystal in his shoulder, and began to move more freely.
"Come on, stop wasting my time, I'll claim my prize and you'll be the cherry on top," said the man mockingly, his laughter echoing. The sound dispersed through the forest, creating a tense atmosphere.
