The wind howled violently atop Mount Lustfor, lifting clouds of dust and snow.
With blade in hand, Nilyna had dashed straight into the heart of the Highbeast herd, immediately drawing their attention.
The creatures, initially startled, hesitated.
Why would a mere human dare enter their territory? But the hesitation was brief.
In their wild eyes, Nilyna was nothing more than prey.
A worm that had fallen into a den of predators.
A collective growl echoed, and in mere seconds, the beasts encircled her, their claws scraping against the stone.
"Nilyna, fall back!" shouted Raelia, seeing the situation turn dire.
But Nilyna didn't move.
Suddenly, the mage unit sprang into action.
"Wind Levitation Spell!"
A powerful gust surged upward, lifting Nilyna into the air, just out of reach of the snapping jaws beneath her.
The pack roared in frustration but they didn't give up.
The creatures began fighting amongst themselves, vying for the honor of devouring her.
All except four.
Four Highbeasts separated from the group, their hunting instincts keener than the others.
"Earth Phalanx!" Gilbert roared, raising his staff.
The ground trembled violently as two tall stone walls erupted from the earth, cutting the beasts off from the rest of the group.
Nilyna, still suspended in midair, burst out laughing.
"It's so hard to resist the urge to kill them…"
Her gaze sharpened, a thrill coursing through her.
Then, she turned to Raelia.
"Rael, the Tarasque is mine."
Raelia crossed her arms and replied calmly,
"All yours. I was planning to take the Gryphon anyway."
Behind them, Sylena, bow drawn, nodded."Go ahead, big sisters—I've got your backs."
A fierce grin spread across Nilyna's face as she charged her opponent.
Nilyna side
The Tarasque, a hulking creature with a back lined with razor-sharp scales, reared at the sight of its foe.
It dodged Sylena's arrows with impressive agility, snarling in rage.
But Nilyna taking advantage of the distraction, slipped into its shadow.
A black flash split the air.
Then Nilyna reappeared, just behind the beast.
"Got you."
She grabbed its scaly tail with both hands lifted it with titanic strength, and with a war cry slammed it hard against the ground.
A thunderous crash rang out, kicking up a cloud of dust.
The Tarasque roared in pain, trying to rise... But Nilyna, still smiling, approached slowly.
She placed her hand gently on the monster's head and whispered:
"Trying to act tough? I like that."
The Tarasque froze.
There was something in her tone... her eyes...
A chilling instinct ran down the creature's spine.
Its primal senses screamed that it was facing something more dangerous than itself.
It averted its gaze, lowered its ears, and in a submissive gesture, rolled onto its back, exposing its belly.
Nilyna knelt and stroked its rough neck.
"Good creature... No need to be afraid."
Her voice softened.
"As long as you're obedient, I promise I'll take good care of you."
Silence fell...
Then, slowly, the Tarasque rose slightly and licked her hand.
"Aha... There's a good boy."
She stood up, satisfied. She had tamed it.
Raelia side
Raelia, having watched the entire scene, smiled slightly.
"I can't lose after that."
The Gryphon perched on a rock, beat its wings powerfully and soared into the air.
Then, with a swift motion, it opened its beak and launched a slicing gust of wind.
"Tch…"
Raelia raised her blade, barely blocking the attack.
But the Gryphon didn't let up, sending a barrage of wind spheres her way.
Raelia backed off, thinking.
How to catch it?
If she used fire, she risked hurting it too much...
She shook her head.
There had to be another way.
Then, suddenly…
An idea struck her.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small pouch.
"Let's see…"
With a smooth gesture, she tossed several pieces of dried serpent meat into the air.
The Gryphon halted its assault.
Its orange eyes sparkled with desire.
Then, in a flash, it dove for the morsels.
"Perfect."
Raelia jumped too, striking lightly at the Gryphon's claws, throwing it off balance.
It roared, furious, but instead of retaliating…
It lowered its head toward the serpent bits.
Raelia slowly approached, calm and confident.
The Gryphon looked up at her, wary.
She pulled out more pieces and offered them.
Silence...
Then it stepped forward, grabbed the food, and devoured it eagerly.
"You're just a big glutton, aren't you?"
The beast gently beat its wings, then...
It licked Raelia's cheek.
A powerful cry rang out:
"PRIIIIIIIIII!"
Sylena, who had been watching, burst into laughter.
"I think he's accepted you!"
Raelia gently stroked the Gryphon's feathers and smiled.
"Yes… I think I'm his master now."