The roar startled Max for an instant, a chill running down his spine, but he quickly realized the dragon's body was trembling too much to move, its strength completely drained from the brutal battle and the devastating self-detonation of its beast core.
Max exhaled slowly, forcing himself to focus. Black flames erupted around his body like a shroud, twisting and writhing as his unique power surged. "Devour," he whispered, his voice low and calm. Immediately, waves of energy from the dying three-headed black dragon began to flow toward him, drawn into his body like streams feeding into a hungry abyss. The surge of power was immense, but Max didn't stop to savor it, knowing there was no time.
