"Shit!"
Jake's mind raced.
He couldn't afford to let this hidden shelter be exposed, as it was the perfect safe haven, shielding him from the nobles' power struggles and the chaos surrounding them for the time being.
At least long enough for him to grow a bit more stronger.
Seeing the man turning to flee, Jake's eyes turned cold and serious.
"Grace, we can't let that guy know about this place!" he growled.
In one fluid motion, he vaulted out of the hatch and charged forward like a predator unleashed.
His newly upgraded muscles exploded with power, propelling him across the forest floor in powerful strides.
The man in glasses had already turned to run, desperately raising a whistle to his lips.
"Not so fast!" Jake snarled.
The suited man spun around, his eyes widening in shock at how quickly Jake was closing the distance.
But a cruel, arrogant grin soon twisted his face as he drew a sharp short sword.
"You're dead, bastard!"
