The soothing blue energy he had been using so often lately enveloped his body once more. It was quickly drawn into his right fist, concentrated.
Soon, the mana joined it.
He didn't care to be noticed, he didn't care to be pounced upon by the creature in the darkness.
He just... clenched his fist, tensed it, and waited.
A few meters stood between him and the creature.
And, still, he waited.
A few inches between the creature's claw and his face.
And, finally, he stopped waiting.
The breath he had been holding was released. Without changing the position of his feet, he twisted his body, causing the creature's attack to meet the void. But he did not stop. He grabbed its arm with his left hand, pulling it downward.
The creature tried to take advantage of this. Its jaws, full of sharp teeth, opened wide, ready to take a huge bite out of his stomach... but at that very moment, he swung the fist he had clenched so far at its face.