---
The distortion rippled, and part of its front leg disappeared into the void. The Snapper howled, its momentum breaking as it tumbled to the ground, rolling across the grass and snapping at the air in confused rage.
"Yes!" Fizz spun in ecstatic circles, leaving a trail of red-orange sparks. "Yes! You did it! Partial devour, front row seat to the buffet of doom balls!"
John stumbled back, gasping. His mana drain was real now, a deep ache in his chest. He let the sphere vanish before it pulled more than he could spare. His whole body trembled from the strain.
The Verdant Snapper was bleeding heavily but still alive. Its eyes glimmered with feral rage as it staggered to its feet, crouched low, and began to circle him. It moved slower now, but each step was deliberate, predatory.
John's muscles screamed, but he forced his body to follow the rotation, his hand raised, ready to summon again.
