The flames were actively healing all the damage I had inflicted during our earlier exchanges. That explained why the creature wasn't pressing its advantage immediately. It was using this moment to repair itself completely before resuming combat.
I could see the deep gashes I had carved into its legs and torso slowly sealing themselves shut under the regenerative fire. Within moments, I would be facing a fully healed opponent with dramatically enhanced capabilities.
There was no time to waste. This was dangerous territory, and with the lion's current empowered state, I needed to deploy my most powerful asset.
'Silent Predator.'
I activated my Transcendent-rank aspect immediately, feeling the familiar sensation as my presence began to fade from detection. My breathing became silent, my scent disappeared, and my visual profile shifted to near-invisibility. Even to a Transcendent-rank opponent, I would be extremely difficult to track.
