---
Despite the exhaustion, John felt a weak chuckle escape his lips. He crouched next to the beast, his dagger in hand, and studied the glistening black scales along its body. Even dead, the Nightscale Howler was terrifying. Its muscles coiled beneath the hide, its claws could gouge stone, and its fangs still gleamed like polished ivory.
"System," he whispered in his mind, "scan the body. Identify useful materials."
[Ding. Scanning complete. Recommended collection:
Nightscale Hide: Durable, resistant to basic magic damage.
Claws and Fangs: Can be forged into uncommon grade daggers.
Mana Core: E-rank, low purity. Useful for forging and enchantment on equipment.
Warning: Blood is mildly corrosive. Handle with caution.]
