### 96

You know that it is only a matter of time before the creature finds your hiding place. Rather than wait to be found, you decide to launch a surprise attack. Using your advanced mastery, you create a noise in the opposite corner of the hold, behind a pair of water barrels. The creature immediately pounces on top of the barrels and slashes at the void behind them. You seize this moment to leave your hiding place and attack the creature from behind.

Zhürc: COMBAT SKILL 52 ENDURANCE 40

Ignore any ENDURANCE point losses sustained in the first two rounds of this fight, due to the effectiveness of your surprise attack. If the Kai Weapon you wield is ‘Valiance’, you may apply the bonus gained due to its unique properties.

If you win the fight, turn to 50.