The creature didn't respond. Instead, its body blurred. For an instant, Max saw it lunge toward him, its claws glowing faintly with blue energy, but before the attack could land, the beast vanished completely.
Max's pupils contracted sharply as his Three Dimensional Body alarmed warning him. He turned his head just in time to feel a pulse of energy appear behind him.
'Fast!' he thought, his instincts screaming.
He pivoted on his heel and brought his sword around in a clean arc. The blade sliced through the air with a sharp whistle. A burst of blue sparks erupted as steel met claw. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, scattering leaves and kicking up waves of dust.
The beast had reappeared directly behind him, striking with a precision that was unnatural. Its movement hadn't been speed—it had been something else entirely. It wasn't running or dashing. It was simply appearing wherever it wanted to.
