With his camp secured, Noah ventured deeper into the snow-covered forest, following the deep claw marks and massive footprints that marred the otherwise pristine landscape. The tracks were fresh—whatever left them was nearby.
His Presence Detection skill pulsed in his mind, forming a three-dimensional map of his surroundings. In the distance, he sensed movement—a large creature, alone, waiting. It wasn't rushing toward him like an ambush; it was watching.
Noah crouched low, slipping between the thick-trunked evergreens, his breath coming out in misty puffs. His heartbeat was steady, controlled. He approached silently, each step calculated. As he reached a clearing, his golden eyes locked onto his target.
