The fox's voice cut softly through the lizard's mind, calm and steady.
"Little White, see that one up ahead? Let's get a closer look."
The lizard didn't respond aloud. His golden eyes flicked toward the massive demonic beast, then back to the fox, adjusting his invisible form to move more fluidly.
Step by step, they advanced. The fox's paws barely made a sound as she moved—confident, relaxed. Both she and the lizard remained cloaked, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.
"Notice the scales," she said quietly. "That pattern… the claws… it's nothing to worry about for you or cause, but it's definitely worth observing."
Her tail flicked lazily behind her. "Keep pace, Little White. Don't overthink it—just stay invisible."
The lizard shifted slightly, tail twitching as he floated in perfect balance atop her head.
"Good," she added, still calm. "Let's move closer. I want a better view of its energy flow."
They continued forward, blending seamlessly into the shadows, moving silently toward the demonic beast.
The fox's voice remained measured, carrying clearly through their mental link. Her turquoise eyes tracked the creature ahead.
"It's at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment. Nothing below Golden Core can sense us, so just watch."
She paused for a moment, tail swaying lazily behind her.
"I want to test something."
From her storage pouch, she pulled out the corpse puppet she had just repaired—seventh layer. Fully restored. Her craftsmanship precise.
Carefully, she set it down onto the forest floor.
Her paws traced subtle motions, activating the spiritual formation she had prepared.
"Keep your eyes on it," she said, voice calm. "I'm going to see how it handles a live target."
The puppet stirred, energy flaring faintly as the fox guided it forward.
Step by step, it advanced toward the demonic beast. The fox observed carefully, utterly composed, the lizard invisible and balanced atop her head, watching every movement.
The moment the beast sensed the puppet, it let out a low, guttural growl. Its massive claws dug into the mossy ground as it lunged forward, aiming directly for the puppet.
"Now," the fox said calmly, voice clear in the lizard's mind.
Her paws traced invisible patterns in the air, lines of spiritual energy connecting to the corpse puppet.
The puppet moved as if alive, stepping sideways with uncanny precision. The beast's claws struck only empty air, slicing harmlessly past.
"Keep going," the fox murmured.
The puppet surged forward, its movements sharp and calculated, pressing the demonic beast back without ever exposing the fox.
"Good," she added, tail flicking lightly. "See how it responds? That's the advantage of proper control."
Above her head, the lizard's golden eyes glimmered faintly. He remained invisible, following every micro-movement of both the fox and the puppet as the demonic beast struggled to catch it.
The fox's voice stayed calm, almost playful.
"White… this is why preparation matters. Watch closely—every move counts."
The corpse puppet advanced steadily, forcing the beast into defensive stances, while the fox controlled it with ease, utterly composed.
The demonic beast's crimson eyes narrowed, claws digging deeper into the mossy earth. Its tail lashed, stirring the underbrush, as it crouched, calculating.
*An undead puppet…* it thought, baring its teeth. *Someone must be controlling it nearby…*
It spread its spiritual sense, probing the forest around it. Late? Mid stage? Nothing. No detectable presence. Just silence.
It let out a low, frustrated growl. "How dare they… attack me?"
Its gaze flicked to the puppet again, analyzing its movements. *It's just a puppet…* But the motions were precise, unnatural, and its spiritual energy… faint, yet steady.
*Seventh layer of Foundation Establishment… even dead, it's formidable. If I want to survive, I can't just retreat…*
The beast's body tensed, muscles coiling like springs. Its claws glowed faintly with spiritual energy, and its breath came out in low, controlled bursts.
*I have to kill it… destroy it… strike with everything I have… or it will continue to press me back.*
With a growl that shook the leaves above, the beast lunged. Its movement was a blur, claws aimed directly at the puppet's core, mind sharpened with deadly intent.
Above, invisible, the lizard tilted his head, golden eyes tracking every nuance. The fox's calm control over the puppet was about to face its first true test.
The demonic beast lunged forward, claws extended, aiming directly for the corpse puppet. Its muscles coiled with deadly precision, each movement radiating a subtle pressure of spiritual energy.
The puppet reacted instantly, controlled by the fox. It sidestepped fluidly, moving in ways no normal being could anticipate. Its movements were sharp, precise—always just out of reach of the beast's powerful strikes.
The beast growled, frustrated, and concentrated. Its body shimmered faintly as it activated a hidden ability—spiritual energy coalescing into a sudden, invisible strike meant to bypass physical defenses.
The attack shot straight toward the puppet, faster than the eye could follow, twisting unpredictably midair.
But—
A faint shimmer appeared around the puppet. A sudden, rigid barrier, glowing softly with the light of a defensive talisman, blocked the strike completely.
The demonic beast skidded to a stop, claws scraping the ground, eyes widening slightly. The hidden attack had been stopped—neutralized before it even touched the puppet.
The fox's calm voice transmitted to the lizard without haste.
"See that, White? Defensive talismans aren't just for show. They can stop even attacks designed to bypass physical evasion. Watch closely—this is why preparation matters."
Above her head, the lizard's golden eyes glimmered faintly. Invisible, he adjusted slightly, balancing on her head as he observed the beast's reaction.
The beast growled again, low and sharp, reassessing the puppet. Its mind raced—if it wanted to destroy this threat, it would have to be clever. But right now, the puppet was untouchable.