---
Just beneath the beast's chest, near the rib cage, something pulsed. A faint, blue flicker.
John's eyes narrowed. "No way…"
Fizz tapped his chin. "Maybe it fed on something. Like the mana particles. But it couldn't absorb it."
John knelt and reached out. The system flickered.
[Ding. Mana Particle Detected.
Absorb?
Yes / No ]
He blinked. "This early?"
Fizz shrugged. "Maybe luck's finally flirting with you."
John chose Yes.
The same rush hit him. Not as sharp as the first, but still intense. The mana slid into him like smoke being poured into a bottle. Warmth spread through his limbs. This time, he didn't stagger. He exhaled slowly.
[Ding. Mission Progress: 2 / 3 Mana Particles Absorbed.]
Fizz did a little jig. "Boom! Two down, one to go. You're on fire."
John stood slowly. The rain washed blood and mud from his coat.
"Something's waking up," he whispered.
Fizz tilted his head. " Where… Inside you?"
John nodded. "It's closer now. Like it knows I'm coming."
