With a burst of energy, Aurelion shot out of the water, using his Kinetic-Flow Steps to slice through the pond and land on the muddy shore.
"Skulk managed to pressure me, and yet he died in a single strike from that toad, even while injured. This creature must have a Core of at least the rank 3."
A tremendous splash and a low THUMP from behind him confirmed his thoughts. He glanced back to see the massive toad landing where he had just been.
"There's no point in chasing the fantasy of defeating it," he decided instantly.
He stretched his aching muscles, pushing through the fire in his veins, and launched himself forward into the dense treeline.
"My only goal is to get away. After that, I need to mitigate the side effects of this technique and tend to my wounds. If I lose any more blood, I'll lose consciousness." He kept running.
The toad's tongue lashed out again. Aurelion used his movement technique to slide sideways, avoiding the attack.
