The Sabertooth Flare's body had grown more compact now, more powerful, every muscle defined and radiating barely contained strength. The flames that composed its mane now burned white-hot at their core, transitioning to gold at the edges. The heat was so intense that bushes and grass within a five-meter radius simply turned to ash, disintegrating without even catching fire first.
Fred's tactical mind kicked in, cutting through the fear. Whatever was happening, they had to stop it now, before the transformation completed.
"Anderson!" Fred barked, his command voice cutting through the terror. "Prepare to fire! Now!"
Anderson, who'd been frozen in fear, snapped back to attention. "Y-yes sir!" He raised the cannon with trembling hands, the weapon already beginning its charge cycle. Green energy gathered at the nozzle.
Martinez and Chen moved to flank the beast, but Fred held up a hand. "No! Stand down!"
"Sir?" Martinez questioned, confused.
