The metallic harness shuddered first, then hissed violently. Vents along its ribbed plating expelled a thick plume of pressurized steam, tinged with the acrid stench of scorched mana and oxidized iron. It wrapped around the beast like a fogbank, half-hiding its silhouette. The Bearowl roared though 'roar' barely sufficed to describe the guttural, bone-deep shriek that tore from its chest, a noise that clawed against the marrow of the ear and stung the lungs. The sound was more pain than fury, more ecstasy than instinct. It charged, eyes glassy and blood-rimmed, and brought both claws down in a wide, furious arc aimed squarely at Ludwig.