As Maya concentrated, attempting to initiate [Copycat]. She was unfortunately met with the following notifications:

[Target invalid: knowledge threshold not met]

Frustrated but undeterred, she realized she needed a deeper understanding of the manticore's powers. Ducking and weaving through the trees, Maya positioned herself for a clearer view of the battlefield. The manticore was still somehow fighting on despite the onslaught from the green-clothed hunters.

First, the manticore's tail struck at a hunter who came in too close: leaving him staggering back, his movements slowed as venom took hold. Then, the beast unleashed a roar so powerful and commanding that it momentarily stunned those within hearing distance, including Maya, who felt the force of it even from her concealed position. Lastly, the creature lunged at another hunter; its fangs sinking into flesh and also infused it with a strange purple liquid.

After her observation, Maya focused once more and eyed the beast. This time, the [Copycat] process responded. Energy surged within Maya, a familiar yet always exhilarating sensation as she felt her form begin to change.

[Target Identified: White Manticore]

[Knowledge Threshold Sufficient]

[Displaying Status]

Level: 20

Physique: 9

Dexterity: 7

Magic: 4

Unique Skills:

1. Poison Sting

2. Majestic Roar

3. Poison Fang

[Initiating Transformation]

In an instant, the air surrounding Maya trembled with an unseen energy that manifested as a bright, incandescent light. As the glow intensified, Maya's silhouette expanded, growing in stature and strength. Her limbs, stretched and reshaped into the powerful appendages of a creature far more formidable. Each finger and toe extended, morphing into the sharp, lethal claws of a predator. Simultaneously, a coat of dense, white fur began to sprout across her skin and unfurled like a living tapestry that surrounded her.

[Copycat Successful]

[Tier 3 form unlocked: White Manticore]

[Updating Status]

Level: 20

Physique: 9

Dexterity: 7

Magic: 4

Unique Skills:

1. Poison Sting

2. Majestic Roar

3. Poison Fang

Within moments, she had transformed and took on the form of the white manticore herself. The hunters initially failed to notice Maya's transformation. However, as she moved, her massive form caught their attention.

The hunters immediately mistook her for another threat and redirected their attacks towards her. Crossbow bolts whistled through the air, and spears were poised to thrust, aiming to take Maya down.

Just as the situation seemed to escalate, with Maya caught in the crossfire. She saw Valor step out from the bushes he was hiding in and raised his hands frantically. "Hold on, this one's with me!"

The hunters paused. They exchanged confused glances with each other for a moment as they tried to process what they had just heard. Meanwhile, even the original white manticore seemed stunned as it ceased its attacks: if only temporarily.

Seizing the moment of distraction, Maya engaged the opposing white manticore. She let out a thunderous roar, and with powerful beats of her wings: launched herself into the air to close the distance between herself and her adversary.

Maya and the white manticore clashed midair, their roars intertwining as they exchanged blows. The Shapestealer used her scorpion tail to strike with deadly precision while she maneuvered to evade the retaliatory strikes of the white manticore's own venomous tail. On the ground, the hunters watched on with intense curiosity.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

The Shapestealer and her white-furred adversary ascended into the canopy using their powerful wings. They spiraled around each other for a moment, until they finally struck at each other.

Sharp claws met with hide and fangs sought vulnerable flesh. Maya repeatedly tried to use [Poison Fang], but as she was about to clamp down her jaws on her opponent. The white manticore opened its jaws and parried the attack with a [Poison Fang] of its own.

However, the white manticore overextended in its eagerness to strike a decisive blow. In doing so, it unwittingly revealed just a bit too much of its underbelly.

With a surge of speed that belied her size, Maya dove. Her scorpion tail lanced through the air and struck true: burying itself deep within the white manticore's flesh.

A guttural, agonized roar tore from the white manticore's throat. It was a mournful note that soon faded into silence as the great beast's strength ebbed away. Its wings faltered as it began a rapid descent until it crashed to the forest floor.

With the threat neutralized, Maya hovered in the air for a moment to catch her breath. She then gracefully descended to the ground, where she reverted back to her human form. Sophia and Valor, who had watched the battle with bated breath, rushed to her side.

As they regrouped, a figure detached from the group of green-cloaked hunters and approached them. He was a human male with black hair that contrasted sharply with the lush green of his hooded cloak. A crossbow was slung across his back: its make suggesting a balance between craftsmanship and practicality. His eyes briefly assessed Maya and her companions before he offered them a small, cautious smile.

"Quite the spectacle," he began, his voice carrying a note of respect. "I'm Ark, a member of the Green Dragoons. We operate mainly from the tenth floor of the Tower, but we use this floor as a recruitment base to scout for promising talent like yourselves."

Sophia frowned slightly. "And why would we want to join your organization?"

Valor seemed intrigued. "It might not be a bad idea to hear him out," he countered, looking from Sophia to Maya. "Alliances can be beneficial, especially in a place like this."

"We're a simple group. You work for us and we give rewards to you: up to and including golden branches."

Maya remained silent. The promise of a golden branch was indeed an enticing one. After a moment of contemplation, Maya nodded. "Let's hear more about what you have to offer."

Ark's smile widened at their interest. "Follow me, then. Our main camp isn't far from here. You'll find that the Green Dragoons have much to offer to those willing to join our cause."

***

As Ark led Maya, Sophia, and Valor through the dense forest, they eventually stepped into a clearing where the Green Dragoons' camp was located. The camp was alive with activity; members sharpened weapons, tended to fires, and engaged in quiet conversation. The organization of the space and the discipline of its inhabitants spoke of a group well accustomed to the challenges of the Tower.

Maya's eyes scanned the area with genuine interest. "This is quite the operation you've got here."

Sophia, however, seemed less taken by the scene. "Looks like any other camp trying to scrape by in the Tower."

Valor quickly shot her a look, his voice low but firm. "Maybe keep those thoughts to yourself for now."

The Paladin shook her head and sighed. "Fine."

Ark seemed unfazed by the exchange. He continued to lead the Party deeper into the camp. Their destination was a large tent: guarded by a figure that immediately drew their attention. A Lizardman stood before the entrance, his green scales catching the light. He was clad in silvery armor, and he rested a large sword against his shoulder.

"I'm Xavier," he introduced himself with a nod. "Welcome to our corner of the Tower."

"Nice to meet you." Maya responded, extending a hand in greeting, which Xavier regarded for a moment before nodding in acknowledgment.

Sophia briefly scanned Xavier's armor and weapon, appreciating the craftsmanship despite her earlier skepticism of the camp. "Thank you for having us."

Valor offered a warm smile. "Thanks for the welcome."

Xavier's eyes flicked between the three newcomers, assessing their demeanor and perhaps gauging their worth. "Let's cut to the good stuff yea? Follow me."

Stepping aside to allow them entry into the tent, Xavier's demeanor shifted to one of focused intent as they followed him inside. The interior was spacious, with a table at the center displaying maps and various documents.

Without further ado, Xavier turned to face the Party. "We've observed you since your arrival on this floor, and we believe you're capable of helping us with something big."

Maya, Sophia, and Valor exchanged quick glances. Though none said a word for now.

"We're willing to offer you a golden branch in exchange for a specific task," Xavier continued, his gaze locking onto each of them in turn. "It's an assassination job."

Sophia raised an eyebrow at the proposal. "Depends on who the target is."

Xavier reached into his armor and pulled out a poster, which he handed to the group. It depicted a bald man with a distinctive X-shaped scar across his face. "The target is Omen, one of the leaders of the Black Talons operating on this floor."

Valor's expression turned wary at the mention of the Black Talons. "That's not exactly easy."

Maya, however, leaned forward as she pressed Xavier for more details. "Why him? What made this guy a target for the Green Dragoons?"

"Omen has been a thorn in our side for too long. Killed one too many of our men to be precise. We want him dead, but we can't send our own guys to him or risk starting a war, maybe worse."

"Taking out a Black Talon leader doesn't sound like an easy job; I think for something like this we'd need to get something a lot better for our troubles."

"Tell me what you want."

The Shapestealer raised her right hand and moved her fingers to form a V. "I want two golden branches at least."

Xavier's initial reaction was a surprised look. His brow furrowed as he considered Maya's counteroffer. After a moment of thought, his expression softened, and he gave a curt nod. "Agreed. Two branches, should you succeed in taking Omen out.