68:  RARE BREED

Karim and I moved with precision, our blades clashing against the formidable leader of the rare breeds. His movements were swift, his strikes deadly, but we pressed on.

It seemed we were gaining the upper hand until a sudden, brutal swipe of his claws caught Karim on his right arm. Karim cried out, stumbling and falling to the ground, clutching his wounded limb.

Panic surged through me. Alone, I knew my chances of defeating this leader were slim. But I had one advantage, one gift that could turn the tide. Summoning every ounce of focus, I activated my vanishing gift, disappearing from sight. In the momentary confusion, I maneuvered around him, reappearing just behind and beneath him. With a swift, decisive strike, I slashed through both his legs, severing tendons and bringing him crashing to his knees.

He roared in pain and fury, but I didn't hesitate. I placed my sword against his neck, pressing just enough to draw blood. "Surrender," I commanded, my voice cold and unwavering. "Tell