Chapter 436

Andrew's every movement and the scent of blood emanating from him made it impossible to shake off the bear. Left with no other choice, he gripped his short knife tightly and prepared to fight. He employed every combat skill he had learned, but against the sheer brute strength of the bear, most of his techniques proved futile. The wounds on his body multiplied with each exchange. Two of his ribs were likely broken from a swipe of the bear's massive paw, sending sharp, stabbing pain through his chest with every breath. His thigh bore deep claw marks, the gashes exposing torn muscle and flesh. Despite the agony, Andrew's gaze remained calm and resolute. There was no fear or hesitation in his eyes. He clenched the knife in his hand, searching for a vulnerable spot beneath the bear's thick hide. The bear's eye sockets bled profusely, and it grew increasingly frenzied from the pain. Seizing the moment as the bear lunged, Andrew raised his left arm, letting it take the brunt of the bea