A dangerous magical beast widely distributed in forests, mountains, and plains.
As its name suggests, its most striking feature is its bizarre appearance, a combination of ’owl’ and ’bear’ creatures.
Nearly three meters tall with a bear-like body that is solid and robust like a mountain of flesh, but with an owl’s head on top.
Even its roar is a rather low bird-like call.
The origin of this creature has been debated in the academic world for many years.
Some scholars believe that it is an accidental creation of a mad and daring mage during an experiment.
After all, whether from the physiological structure or reproductive evolution perspective, it does not resemble a naturally evolved creature.
In contrast, critics cite records from elf tomes from thousands of years ago, which describe similar creatures to the Bear.
On the Aifala Continent, it is quite commonplace for demons to look a bit strange.
The origin of the Bear is much debated, and there is still no definitive conclusion.
However, it cannot be denied that this dangerous creature has become a part of nature, and one of the demons adventurers must pray to the divine not to encounter before setting out on a mission.
The Bear is a fiercely violent creature, with intelligence significantly higher than ordinary beasts, yet it lacks understanding of etiquette and restraint, only assisting it in shredding prey to pieces and lining its entire lair with carrion and bones.
In most cases, it indulges in tangling with other magical beasts in the forest using its robust and solid body, and its overly reckless, fearless combat style sometimes drives away those beasts stronger in physique and power.
Its extreme aggressiveness and bad temper result in numerous unfortunate adventurers dying under its beak each year.
If confronted in the forest, all you can do is pray it has already filled its stomach.
Blind attacking or fleeing will only provoke its ferocity.
Worth mentioning, the Bear’s challenge level is "3."
This means that a mature Bear in good condition requires a reasonably constructed team of four Level 3 professionals, with full preparation, to take it down without casualties.
The challenge level may not fully and clearly reflect the specific strength of a demon, but it does indicate its danger level.
As a reference, in Xia Nan’s second task after crossing into this world, encountering a creature not yet seen, halved the team’s number.
Moreover, it left guards Wood and Half Elf Hai’an utterly powerless, fleeing in distress, with the team nearly wiped out by that Petrified Lizard "Basilisk."
Its challenge level is only "3" as well.
It’s essential to point out that at least half of the Petrified Lizard’s Level 3 challenge rating is probably due to its "Petrification Gaze."
Yet, the Bear does not possess any special abilities.
Only relying on sheer physical strength and an explosive temper among demons, it arduously raises its challenge level, becoming a nightmare for countless adventurers.
Xia Nan doesn’t understand why this fierce and ruthless beast chose him as its first target.
Maybe it’s because of his relatively rear position or the chunks of meat and blood from other beasts on him, or merely a coincidence.
At this moment, being knocked flying, he once again relived the tremendous power from the blasting truck he faced before crossing.
Since becoming a professional, the intensely sharp pain he hadn’t felt in a long time surged from his forearms, chest, and abdomen.
Although he reacted in time, blocking the direct attack with his Arm Shield, the force that would have crushed an ordinary person to bits was weakened by the Snake Scale Arm Shield, Plate Chain Composite Armor, and Copper Bones.
Though flung backward, Xia Nan still momentarily blanked, his eyes unfocused.
If not for his still firm will, he might have fainted on the spot.
Tidal Shaping silently took effect:
——Halved fall damage, and any push/pull effect on you was enhanced or diminished as appropriate.
This made Xia Nan, who should have been directly knocked into the forest depths by the Bear’s impact, feel a sudden lightness mid-air.
Like a drifting leaf, he instantly regained control of his body balance.
From the outside, the air around him seemed like a sticky water layer, letting him land gracefully with an eerie curve.
Blood-stained boots squashed the rotting leaves, sinking deep into the mud.
Xia Nan stumbled backward due to the residual force, stopping only after hitting a hefty oak trunk behind him, his Metal Armor clanging dully against it, finally halting his movement.
Quickly checking for injuries.
The pain in his chest, abdomen, and arm remained severe, but luckily he reacted swiftly, hastily defending, and his physical defense capability was fairly good, thus he suffered no serious injuries.
His elbow joint moved smoothly, with no lingering issues other than the pain.
The Bear, drawn by the intense smell of blood and killing aura from the area, did not choose to pursue after knocking him away.