Though the sun shone brightly, the wind atop Mount Lustfor blew with a biting chill.
The air was dry, sharp—almost cutting. From where I stood, I could hear the echoes of battles raging all around. Cries, spells, roars. I easily recognized the voices of my comrades—Nilyna, Raelia, Kaylen. Judging by the sounds, each had already formed a pact with a Highbeast. I smirked slightly.
"Jonady, don't fall behind..."
My blade was still dripping with the black blood of a Diyulde. These cliff-dwelling creatures resembled massive butterflies, measuring nearly sixty-eight centimeters, with long, mantis-like articulated legs. I had already cut down half a dozen of them. Another sprang at me from behind, limbs outstretched to trap me.
"Severing Strike."
My new sword sliced it into six clean pieces. I took a moment to admire the blade, freshly forged by Thornor: a magnificent weapon, adorned with a red-eyed giraffe on a yellow background, etched with ancient runes. I had no hesitation naming it: Kokushide.
A weapon like this—if mass-produced—could change the tide for our army. Thornor would need to forge more for the elite. But my thoughts were cut short by a piercing scream from the sky.
"WAAAAA!"
I looked up. A massive figure tore through the air—a Manticore. Its red eyes locked onto me with predatory intent. I grinned.
It dove, claws first. I dodged narrowly and parried its follow-up strike with Kokushide. Each of its moves radiated raw, terrifying strength. This beast couldn't be tamed by force alone. I had to defeat it—without killing it.
"Mmmh... If I beat it and offer some good meat, maybe it'll calm down. Like tossing a bone to a hound..."
The Manticore soared upward, inhaling deeply.
"Tch. Too predictable."
A fireball burst from its maw. I dove aside just in time. The blast obliterated a termite mound of some unidentified Highbeasts—an entire tribe, wiped out in an instant.
"Time to bring you back to earth, big guy."
I channeled magic into Kokushide. The blade flared a fiery red. I launched a volley of fire—lobbed, not aimed. The Manticore dodged elegantly, but the explosion created a shockwave that knocked it off balance. It descended to charge on foot, aiming to crush me.
I didn't panic.
"Now."
I drove Kokushide into the ground.
"Bursting Lightning!"
Electricity surged from the blade, fracturing into brilliant arcs that struck the Manticore square in the chest. It shrieked:
"ROAAAAWAAA!"
Its body convulsed violently. The attack hit both its nervous system and magic core. It crashed to the ground, unconscious.
A growl rose from my right.
"Grrrrr..."
Three figures crept forward—Bivouls. Kaylen had told me about them: hybrids between wolves and serpents, their black fur bristling, shot through with overlapping scales. Their yellow eyes studied the fallen Manticore.
I stepped forward. They froze. Then, judging the fight too risky, they burrowed into the earth and vanished.
Hurried footsteps approached—my escort. Several guards arrived, weapons drawn.
"Your Majesty! Are you all right?"
I nodded.
"Yes. Set up a perimeter. I want a garrison stationed here. And bring reinforced chains. This Manticore mustn't be able to move a single paw."
One of them added, "And the meat?"
"Bring some. A lot. When it wakes up, it'll be furious. I won't have needless casualties."
They saluted.
"Understood, Majesty!"
I walked to the unconscious beast. Its breathing was deep, steady. I placed a hand on its warm, blood-matted fur.
"You'll make a fine companion, if you choose trust. I don't tame through fear—but through loyalty."
Kokushide hummed gently at my side, as if sharing my resolve.
Mount Lustfor had thrown its trial at me.
And I had conquered it.