Kael scrambled up the nearest tree without pause, climbing into its dense network of branches and hanging vines.
The second leopard leaped after him with frightening agility, claws reaching for his exposed throat.
Kael grabbed a thick vine and swung outward at the last second, the leopard's claws slashing through empty air where he'd been.
He kicked off hard against the trunk, using the momentum to spin. His dagger carved a deep, brutal gash along the beast's flank as he passed.
[EXP +2]
The leopard roared, stumbling on the branch. Its frost aura weakened visibly, flickering like a dying flame before extinguishing completely. The beast collapsed moments later, dead from blood loss.
Kael landed in a defensive crouch, breathing hard. His Predator's Instincts tracked the last leopard automatically, which now circled warily below. Its glowing blue eyes watched him with newfound caution.
