The ground shook as the huge creature charged out of the darkness. It was twice as tall as Kael—a monstrous bear with rock-like skin and teeth like knives. Its roar made the cave walls tremble.
**"NOW!"** Kael yelled to his clone.
They split apart as the beast swung giant claws. **WHOOSH!** Stone shattered where they'd stood.
Kael dodged left (FAST:5), stabbing its leg with his rusty knife.
***CLANG!***
The blade snapped! The bear's skin was like armor.
*Too tough!*
The bear swiped at Kael's clone. The clone jumped back—but not fast enough.
**SLASH!**
The clone's arm tore open, bleeding blue light instead of blood. It flickered like a dying bulb.
*No!* Kael thought. *If my clone dies, I lose 3 points!*
**[Add points?]** Anis urged.
*Add 2 to SMART!* Kael ordered.
SMART:5 → 7
POINTS:5 → 3
Instantly, his mind cleared. *Find its weakness!*
He spotted it—a soft patch under the bear's jaw.
"Go left!" Kael shouted to his clone.
The clone lunged, distracting the beast.
Kael grabbed a sharp rock and leaped onto its back.
STAB!
He jammed the rock deep into its throat!
**ROOOOOAR!**
The bear thrashed wildly. Kael held on tight.
*Need more power!*
Suddenly, heat exploded in Kael's palms. Blue fire burst from his hands—shaping into a glowing sword made of flames!
[New power: Blue Flame Sword!] Anis cheered.
Kael didn't hesitate. He plunged the blazing sword into the bear's neck.
**SSSSSS!**
The smell of burning fur filled the cave. The beast collapsed.
Kael panted, blue flames dancing on his skin.
Then—a gasp echoed.
Kael spun around.
Humans.
A man in shiny armor pointed a sword. A woman in robes held crackling fire in her hands. Three others stared, eyes wide with fear.
"Monster!" the armored man shouted. "It killed the Rock-Bear!"
The woman's voice trembled. "That blue fire... *What is that thing?*"
Kael's blue sword blazed brighter.
*Not again,* he thought. *Not more enemies...*
(Chapter 5 Fin)