The fiery bon fire danced brilliantly amidst the crowd of people. The cold was chased away by the warmth of the fire as the people celebrated the welcoming of the first day of their short summer where harvest became bountiful; the cold barren land had been invigorated and blessed by the sun, turning it into lush greeneries brimming with life.
Citizens of Nessoria, the capital of Ponterim County, gathered around the fire set up at the wide plain north of the city. They all danced merrily while wearing their traditional clothes; the sown beads clattered against each other as they moved while the adorned shiny gems reflected the light from the fire. The colourful festivities continued throughout the night until the light from the summer sun blessed their land where they knelt and sung praises upon the sun.
The Flare's Ember festival came to an end as the fire died down, leaving only embers that the citizens took a piece and brought home as a charm that carried the blessings of their god: Lord Flare. However, the festive mood had not waned as many began drinking mead, ale and eating assorted cured meat, cheese, bread, et cetera. Many enjoyed themselves with music from bards and recital from storytellers or stage performers. As the sun reached its zenith, many had fallen asleep due to exhaustion or simply being too drunk.
The lord of the region, Count Ponterim, watched the celebration from his windows and smiled. "The citizens will be busy starting tomorrow. I think it is time for us to depart. Are we done with the preparation?"
"Yes, my lord. Everything has been prepared with the upmost care."
"Thank you, Lorinzo. You have been my right hand man ever since I was working in the capital, but I will need you to help my wife manage the estate. I am sorry that I cannot bring you to visit your hometown."
"My lord, I made an oath many years ago that I swore my loyalty upon you. This wonderful region you govern has become my home. I just pray for your safe return."
"Thank you." Count Riinol Sur Ponterim turned to his wife. "Honey, I am leaving. I am handing the temporary authority of this region to you."
"Do not worry dear husband, I will keep the County running well. All I ask for is for your safe return and the news that our son is doing well."
"I shall. I love you."
"I love you too. Have a safe journey."
The count bid his farewell to the residents of the mansion and got into a carriage that drove through the largely silent, but festive streets. Several knights on horses accompanied the Count while clearing the streets of any drunkards and telling others to make way for the carriage. Soon, the Count arrived at the Southern gate of Nessoria.
Several carriages and people had gathered near the gate, preparing their equipment or checking their inventories. The Count exited the carriage and every eyes turned to him. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will now be departing to the capital of our glorious Coronamars Empire, Elsyrium. The journey will take several months and the road will be treacherous, but I believe in your abilities to endure those challenges. We pray for the blessings of our God, Lord Flare, to protect us."
Aria, Marion and Scarlet greeted the Count before joining him in the carriage. The entire expedition crew boarded their designated carriages while some of them got on their rides. Several knights on their stead rode alongside the Count's carriage, protecting him from any potential danger.
"We will be passing through several territories. With the snow gone, the less treacherous mountainous paths open up, but we must still keep our vigilant."
"Worry not Count, we will ensure a smooth journey."
"Marion, you can be quite the optimist, huh."
"Hahaha, well, you need to learn to be one if you want to have a happier life, Aria."
"I am more of a realist. How about you Scarlet?"
"Realist, but borderline optimist. You'll get used to it after several months with her. Anyway, are we really just going to give away those precious materials to the royal family? I don't think there is anybody else who can process them into useful equipment other than you, Aria."
"I can teach them how to process these monsters' materials. Besides, I have already taught a group of blacksmith back in my hometown. Some were heading to the capital when I was heading north; I believe they have arrived and are probably setting up their own workshop."
"If you say so. The royal family will probably be surprised, especially with that Khezu."
"I am not going to deny that, but the Earl of Sultier had presented some of the new monsters to the royal family. I believe he is still in the royal capital doing some work."
"Oh yeah... you've mentioned it before that you fought against a 4 stars monster and almost died. Is it called Rathian? The Queen of the Land?"
"Yes. The most successful flying wyvern pair: Rathian and Rathalos. I would not be surprise if we encountered them along the journey, especially in the forested area."
"In that case, we will have to hunt them down just like you did."
"Marion, it is not that easy you know..." Aria sighed and looked out. The region that was once blanketed in white snow had turned green and full of vitality. "I would prefer if we do not encounter anything."
Several days had passed and the scenery had changed from the lush green plain into a rocky terrain with streams. The travelling party continued moving downhill through the rugged terrain, navigating the barely maintained road while avoiding areas with loose footing. The rocky formation turned the entire area into a hellish maze where many could easily fall and got lost if they do not have a clear map and bearing of the landscape. Luckily, due the merger of the northern territories with the empire centuries ago, many carved out several roads along the mountain to ensure trade and safe journey in the summer month where the thick snow melted.
The mountainous region that divided the 3 northern provinces with the rest of the empire was known as the Great Fingers of Earth and had been a wall that granted the northern territories advantages during the Unification War centuries ago. The Empire could only invade the northern territories during the brief summer month before the thick snow and ice blocked their advances, creating a literal wall where both sides could not engage. However, due to having more resources and man-power, the empire emerged victorious, merging the northern territories into their already large country.
After several days of navigating through the mountainous terrain, the group exited at the foot of the mountain range into warmer climate. The journey had been smooth sailing with the exception of some small local monsters appearing that were swiftly dealt with by the knights and hired adventurers. They arrived at a relatively large village located near the foot of the mountain where they stayed for the night and re-supplied.
"Say... this journey has been kind of boring..."
"Marion... for the tenth time, it is better to have a boring and peaceful journey."
"Aria, you are just wasting your breath. She may be the oldest among us, but her behaviour is..."
"Hey! That is rude! I just want to have some kind of excitement and push myself to become stronger!"
"The daily morning sparring with me should be sufficient exercise. Also, you need to be able to distinguish between bravery and recklessness. The encounter with that elder dragon should have given you the picture on how terrifying these monsters can be. Cherish your life a little more."
"Muuuu..."
"I guess she is a little downhearted that both of us skipped rank and are now iron ranked adventurer, the same as her."
"That is not it Scarlet. Well, maybe part of the reason is that, but..."
"So, you are sulking that you only got up 1 rank while me and Aria got up 2 ranks."
"..."
"Never mind... Aria, now that we have gone through the Great Fingers of Earth, the climate will be warmer, so I would stand corrected that we may encounter other types of those otherworld monsters."
"We may, or may not. Hopefully the latter, but I suggest that we keep our vigilance up. We may even encounter the Rathian and Rathalos."
"Sweet! That is a challenge I have been waiting for."
"Marion..."
"Just leave her be... get used to it..."
***
The journey continued for several more days across the flat plain with several villages dotting the area where rivers flowed from the mountain range. They soon entered the first city of the Savion Marquisate territory, Steelranch, where many iron ores were processed into weapons and armours. The city was vibrant and bursting with life where many were busy working.
"Quite the scenery, it is similar to the city of Nessoria where ores are being smelted into equipment."
"Aria, among the provinces in the north, with the exception of the 3 territories beyond the mountain range, my family's territory has the richest deposit of metal ores. The other neighbouring territories do not even come close to the output that Savion Marquisate produces."
"The Sultier Earldom also produces some metal ores, but gems and crystals are the primary export."
"The 2 of you, don't go wandering too far." Scarlet motioned both Aria and Marion to follow the Count into a large inn where they were going to stay for the night. "The 3 of us will be sharing a room next to the Count."
"Well, having an entire room to yourself for your party is a luxury only the wealthy could enjoy. We should use this opportunity to enjoy that luxury while we can. Right, Scarlet?"
"What are you rambling on about, Marion? The inn that I've always slept in since I was born has been a communal one. It is a waste of money to secure an individual room in an inn when travelling. At least you 2 had tasted the luxury of having your own room."
""...""
The nights came and went as the sun basked the city with its warmth. Aria, Marion and Scarlet had good night's rest as the inn they had stayed in was given 4 out of 5 stars rating by the Royal Inspectors belonging to the Department of Commerce. They had delicious breakfast served in the neighbouring hall while the Count asked for his breakfast to be delivered into his room. Several knights who were guarding the entrance of his room also had their breakfast delivered to them, although they ate outside of the room.
"Hah... This rabbit stew is still as good as I remember..." Marion savoured the soft meaty texture and the richness of the rabbit meat cooked together with smoked pork fat. "I remember eating this almost everyday when I was young. It is my families' favourite dish and became something of a signature dish in the Marquisate."
"That is quite a heavy dish for breakfast."
"Well, it is my favourite, so I cannot help it but to order this. Besides, you are also having quite the heavy breakfast as well, Aria."
"Well, I just returned from my morning routine, so I am famished." Aria took a large bite of a freshly grilled fish caught from a nearby lake. The flaky flesh melted as Aria chewed, releasing its juice that coated her mouth with savoury and salty flavour. After finishing her fish, Aria proceeded to devour a bowl of bean and potato stew that had been cooked in a rich broth. The various herbs added to the stew infused their aroma into the meal and the rich cured meat added another layer of savouriness into the dish.
While Aria was enjoying her breakfast, Scarlet opted for a standard luxurious meal: Toast, baked beans, fried egg and smoked meat all put together on a wooden plate. She slowly enjoyed her meal with the unctuous meat oozing out its oily juice with every bite, the rich and filling beans that dissolved into her stomach and the crunchy aromatic toast topped with perfectly salted fried egg. She washed everything down with a refreshing cup of chilled sweetened milk that was freshly squeezed.
Aria finished her stew with a piece of bread that she used to scoop the remaining sauce in the bowl. She also grabbed a bowl of yogurt with summer berries that were known for being tart and topped it off with a drizzle of honey. The fresh flavour of the yogurt washed away the oiliness of the stew and fish she ate.
Marion, after having 2 bowls of the rabbit stew, finished her meal with a cup of herb tea that had a squeeze of Litse juice that provided the sourness and refreshing aroma to the drink. "Hah... that was satisfying. Now, I am fully awake and ready to fight against those monsters."
""...""
"Scus' me."
Aria, Scarlet and Marion who had finished their breakfast were approached by 1 of Count Riinol's knight. He requested for the 3 girls to follow him to the Count's private room after their meal. They tried to enquire the details, but the knight remained silent, albeit wearing a difficult expression and avoiding eye contact. Sensing something, they finished up and headed to the Count's private room.
"Excuse me, it is Marion, Scarlet and Aria. We are coming in." Marion knocked the door to inform the occupant of the room.
"Come in."
"Then, we are coming in-" Marion opened the door, but stopped when she spotted an individual standing and staring straight at her.
"Hmm? What is wrong...?" Aria saw a handsome man with long straight blonde hair tied into a ponytail. He had a deep blue iris on his right eye while his left eye has a brilliant green colouration; both eyes were fixed on Marion who seemed to be stunned.
"Elder... brother..."
"It has been close to 2 years since you ran away." Marion's elder brother walked towards the door while talking. He had an elegant voice akin to an angel, but his tone was stern. "I am afraid you might not be able to recognise your family anymore."
"..."
"What is wrong? Did you not miss your brother?" Marion's older brother stood in front of the girls; his tall figure towered over them with an imposing sense of authority. "The 2 of you, I assume, would be my sister's adventuring companions. I thank you for your help in going along with my sister's selfishness, though upon learning of her origin, I would have preferred if you report it directly to the Savion Family."
"They are not to blame, brother!"
"I do not intend to blame them. I intend to reward them for keeping you company, for keeping you from your recklessness."
"I dream of becoming an honourable knight. I want to grow stronger, so that I can go into battle and be a proud member of this family!"
"Do you wish to break father's heart? Even after all that he went through? This is also mother's will. She only wants you to live a long life, away from any blood."
"Is it because I am a girl? Or is it because I am weaker than any of you?"
"It is because you resemble our late mother."
"And is that supposed to be a good enough reason to prevent me from enrolling into the knight's academy? I am my own person. I have my own life. Don't use me as an excuse for yours and father's guilt."
"Apologies for the interruption." Count Riinol finally spoke up to disperse the increasingly heated argument. "The young lady here has proven her worth as I have written in my letter. Perhaps, it would be to our benefit to allow her to train with the knights; allowing her talents to blossom and be a formidable force for our Empire."
"... We will be going back to the mansion. You should at least greet our father and those you have left behind. We will be departing now." After a brief silence, he left the room and as his figure disappeared, the tension eased.
"For some reason... your brother looks really scary, despite his calm voice and tone." Scarlet urged both Marion and Aria to enter the room before closing the door. "I guess the reason for the summon is because of him."
"Indeed. I did not expect him to show up in this city. Perhaps he truly do care for you young lady. I hope that you reconcile with each other, lest it be too late..."
"..."
"Let us continue our journey. In the mean time, take your time to settle your heart and find a middle ground with your family."
***
The journey continued South; they stopped by various villages and cities towards the capital of the Savion Marquisate, Laviron. The once lively journey felt oppressive for Marion, who stayed silent and only spoke out minimally. The presence of her brother had made her uncomfortable and her companions were feeling a little apprehensive as they neared the Capital.
Several weeks passed and the temperature rose with each passing days, reaching the zenith of summer. They were only 1 day away from Laviron and Marion had yet to talk to her brother. The food, drinks and incredible view of the plains and vegetations became a blur for the group.
"You know, I believe we have given you enough time. I think you should visit your brother." Scarlet, unable to withstand the atmosphere, advised Marion. "I think getting into a heated argument is better than this silence. At least, all the pent up emotion and misunderstanding can be poured out. They can be rectified."
"I agree. I may not be able to forget my father's action... or rather, his inaction in dealing with the family situation, but I at least talk it out. It did help ease my heart a little, even if I am not ready to forgive him."
"... I know that I did wrong, but at the same time, I felt that I had to stay strong. That is why, I have stayed silent; I was hoping that brother will be the one to cave in first."
"It may be fear." Aria looked out of the window that overlooked the village from the third storey. "It may be due your desire to maintain your reason for living this way. You are afraid of changing, afraid of facing something that may rob your freedom, rob your current way of live that you have gotten used to."
"..."
"Being brave does not mean facing off against formidable enemies or coming out victorious from those scuffles. It is not like those stories about heroes slaying the legendary dragons. Rather, it is the courage to face against the things that you fear; coming out of your comfort zone and taking responsibility is the first step to being a courageous hero."
"...sigh... right, right... I need to deliver my message to him. I need to face him and my family." Marion looked at the door with determined eyes. "When tomorrow comes, I will fight against my brother to drill my point into him."
""...""
"You are right, Aria. If I am to become an honourable knight, praised for my heroic feats, facing off against my brother should not be something that I have to be troubled with, otherwise, I will never be able to face off against a legendary dragon.
""...""
"Thank you for the advice. I will head to bed now. Tomorrow, I will be off to a battlefield against my brother." Marion got on her bed and slept soundly after a few minutes of silence.
""..."" Aria and Scarlet were stupefied, but decided to head into bed in order to retain whatever was left of their logical mind.
The sunlight shone through the window, warming and lighting up the room. Aria was the first to wake up as she went out for her morning jog and swings. The warmer weather made her sweat more than she usually did during the winter season, but she did not mind it and continued her training. Going back to the inn for a bath, Aria got into her shared room to retrieve her change of clothes and she noticed that Marion was not on her bed.
"Hey, Scarlet. Wake up. Marion is gone. Do you know where she went?"
"Mmhmmm... I don't. Isn't she supposed to be with you for your morning routine?"
"She is not with me. She was sleeping so soundly that despite me making some noises as I get ready for my morning training, she was still snoring loudly."
"Hmmm...? Wait, snore?"
"?"
"Marion never snore."
"! Oh, you are right. I never hear her snore before..." Aria and Scarlet looked at each other before hearing some kind of commotion coming from outside of the room. They both went out and overheard some whispers of a duel. The dot immediately connected and they both followed the excited villagers towards the venue.
Beyond the western entrance of the village laid a grassy plain where Marion and her brother stood facing each other. When Aria and Scarlet arrived, they both let out a long sigh, feeling tired even though the day had just started.
"Brother Mani, I will make you understand my resolve. If I win, you will have to support my dream of becoming an honourable knight." Marion readied her Mammoth Longblade.
"Umm... Sir Manifique, is this going to be fine?" A knight who passed a large shield and a long sword to his general was a little concerned. "The large blade that young lady is using seems dangerous."
"You have no need to be worried. This will be over in a few minutes, so I would rather that you prepare for our departure." Manifique Els Savion readied his sword and shield. "Count, I am ready. Please give out the signal."
"Since both parties are ready, I will announce the unofficial duel." Count Ponterim raised his right arm and swung it down. "Begin!"
Marion charged straight with a piercing lunge that was immediately blocked by Manifique's shield. Trying to keep up the pressure, Marion pivoted and changed direction by sliding her blade diagonally to move along the shield, hoping to reach her brother's chest armour. However, Manifique dexterously disengaged his shield while turning his body sideway, catching Marion off guard as her blade sliced the air.
"Do not be hasty." Manifique dashed with precision as he swung his sword with his left hand onto Marion's blade, leaving her vulnerable. However, with her enchanted greaves, she jumped back to create distance in order to regain her stance. Her brother did not pursue and allowed her to recover as he slowly walked towards her.
Marion could feel the pressure despite Manifique's slow steps. Gritting her teeth, she pulled her blade and rushed forward to perform an iai slash, but her brother also rushed in, catching her by surprise.
Manifique had predicted her movement and dashed in. As Marion unleashed her slash, Manifique used his shield to bash her right hand while using the flat side of the blade to hammer Marion's head. The impact had staggered Marion as she retreated, but with the slower reaction and lost of balance, Manifique closed in without resistance and bashed her face with his shield. Marion got knocked out due to concussion and she collapsed, feeling dizzy.
"That is enough!" Count Ponterim announced the end of the match. "Sir Manifique wins!"
The crowd cheered in euphoria as many girls gazed upon the dashing man with love-struck eyes. The cool and composed knight general of the Savion Marquisate who, despite being young, had contributed magnificently during the last war. His heroic tales was sung and many girls were attracted by his charisma, fame, beauty and strength.
"Marion, you should understand it by now that you do not have what it takes to be a heroic knight."
"..."
Aria and Scarlet rushed in to take care of Marion. Aria chanted healing spells before she and Scarlet brought Marion back to the inn. They got themselves cleaned and had breakfast while Marion remained silent throughout.
"I am weak..." Marion muttered under her breath as they boarded the carriage. "I thought that god had chosen me..."
"That is quite the arrogance." Scarlet leaned back against the seat. "He is 20 years old while you are not even 15. No matter what kind of blessing that god bestow upon you, if you do not have the experience and intuition to utilise them, then it is still useless."
"Young lady, do not be disheartened. Sir Manifique is well known for his combat prowess and tactical mind. His tales echoed across the nation. Losing against him does not reflect badly against you. In fact, I am mesmerised by your speed and power."
"Thank you for the complement my lord, but it terrifies me. I do not know if they are going to crush my dream just like that."
"Hmmm... it is only by being yourself that you can convince them. If you prove that you have what it takes to be-!" A sudden jolt cut his sentence as the carriage swerved before coming to a halt. "What is going on?!"
"A group of monsters came out of the forest in the east!" A knight informed the Count of the sudden event. "It moved erratically while spewing fire balls!"
Aria, Scarlet and Marion got out and saw several knight rushing forward to confront the monsters. 3 creatures ran around while spitting out fire balls that burned the greeneries. It has orange-pinkish, scaly body with winged forelimbs and bird-like hindlimbs. They had fan-like ear frills and large, yellow upper beak with pinkish strip running throughout its central plane. The lower beak of these creatures were significantly larger and bulkier than their upper beak with an underbite.
"What the... these are flying wyverns, right? They sure do look ugly." Scarlet commented with readying her glaive.
"They are bird wyverns, the Yian Kut-Ku. They are a bunch of annoying creatures due to their temperamental, skittish and curious nature." Aria set aside her glaive and drew her Pulsar Hatchets. "They are weakest to ice, water and thunder, in that order."
"So that's why you are using that dual blades. But well, this is perfect, since this glaive has ice element imbued into it. This is the time for it to shine."
"Yeah, but do not let your guard down. Marion, can you support us by drawing their attention so that both me and Scarlet can land our attacks?"
"..."
"Marion!" Aria hit Marion's back to snap her back into reality. "Focus! You may not be as strong as your brother, but this is the time for you to show him your strength! Turn that defeat into motivation to grow stronger!"
"... Right!"
Aria, Scarlet and Marion rushed forward to confront the monsters that were running around, trampling on the fallen horses and people; fortunately, being lightweight, they suffered only bruises and scratches. They each confronted a Yian Kut-ku.
Aria leapt with the aid of her wind magic, bypassing the wall of knights and landed a double slash onto the monster's head. Thunderous crackling exploded during the impact as Aria continued to apply pressure with her agility whilst avoiding the pecking and tail swipe of the monster.
Scarlet used her glaive to launch herself up and casted fire magic to propel unto her target where she unleashed consecutive slashes. The beast retaliated by spitting out fire, but Scarlet launched herself into the air again to avoid the attack. She continued to remain airborne with her fire magic acting as propellant to increase her attack power.
Marion used her wind magic to run faster than the other knights and caught up with the Yian Kut-ku that was running around aimlessly. She unleashed her iai slash and got in front of the beast where she proceeded to stab and launched herself up before delivering a powerful downward slash that staggered the monster. Enraged, the Yian Kut-ku spread out its wings and fanned out its frills to appear bigger and began to move more aggressively. Its mouth began to foam with fiery mucus that it shot out in random, making it difficult for the knights to approach.
Marion had a difficult time in chasing the rampaging monster. She tried to find openings to attack and tried to perform a downward slash, but was caught off-guard when it flapped its wings and jumped back. Marion missed and the monster charged towards her, flinging her into a nearby stream.
Manifique jumped in to replace Marion as he bashed the Yian Kut-Ku's head with his shield to stagger it before slashing it. The monster turned its entire body in an effort to swipe away its attacker, but Manifique blocked the tail and countered. The monster jumped up and down and pecked the ground in rage before running towards Manifique to ram its head. Manifique dodged the attack sideway and countered with another slash.
Marion got out of the stream and jumped in to attack with various slashes that connected. The monster ran forward while spitting out fire, ramming against Marion who once again was thrown into the stream. Gruntling, she got angry and rushed forward again before being stopped by her brother.
"Read its pattern carefully. Do not be hasty."
"But, it will result in more damages and injuries!"
"That is more of a reason to stay calm and observe. I have instructed the knights to form a defensive stance, they will be fine. It will be up to us to take them down."
"... Fuhhh..." Marion let out a breath before inhaling deeply to calm her nerves. "Its erratic movement will be troublesome, but they can be parried and blocked."
"Yes, we lured them away from this area and counter whenever we have the openings."
Marion casted wind spell to increase her speed and blitz forward with iai slash, gaining the attention of the monster. She retreated away from carriages and taunted the beast to follow while Manifique charged in from its side and bashed its head, chipping its ear frills. He too backed away and led the monster further away.
Aria noticed that Marion and Manifique were luring the enraged monster away and communicated with Scarlet to do the same. She jumped up and performed a spinning slash along the Yian Kut-ku's spine, landing behind it and luring it away. Scarlet jumped up and landed on its back; she held on and stabbed its back with her dagger while controlling its head to move away from the group.
After leading the army of Yian Kut-ku away, Marion and Manifique rose up high with their wind magic and slashed the head of the monster while the latter bashed it, resulting in a complete breakage of the ear frills. Exhausted, the monster stopped and drooled, giving both Marion and Manifique the opening to wail upon it.
Aria continued to circle around the monster without giving it any opportunity to land a hit as she elegantly dodged. "Water. Aggregate from the air. Wind. Blew away the heat. Ice crystal!"
Several ice crystals formed and shot out onto the monster. The sudden drop in temperature staggered it and it fell. Aria used this opening to unleash her heavenly blade dance in demon mode; the aura that she emanated increased her attack potency that finally broke the Yian Kut-ku's head frills.
Scarlet continued attacking whilst riding the beast, opening up a wound and exhausting it. She stabbed the wound with her icy glaive and chanted a fire spell on her leg to propel herself. She spun around on high speed, drilling her glaive into the wound and felling the creature.
The 3 battered monsters were now limping away to escape, but the 4 individuals chased them and unleashed more devastating attacks combined with magical spells.
Manifique and Marion used wind magic to boost their speed and landed a final blow onto the monster. Aria used ice magic to freeze the monster's legs and perform heavenly blade dance that sliced its neck, reaping its life. Scarlet slashed the Yian Kut-Ku's head and with a powerful downward slash, broke its head, finally killing it.
The 4 individuals took a breather as the knights and adventurers arrived to dismantle the 3 monsters. They returned to the carriages and loaded the carcasses before resuming their journey. This time, Manifique requested for Marion, Aria and Scarlet to board his carriage.
"So those are the new monsters that invaded our ecosystem."
"To be more precise, those are one of the few monsters. They seem to have come from a different world and eliminating them should be our priority in order to restore balance."
"Marion, although it is true, the presence of these Yian Kut-Ku usually means the habitat around here becomes plentiful, full of life and vigour. They are some kind of an indicator that life is thriving. Well, not much of a surprise as the summer season is in its zenith."
"Even so, it will be dangerous, especially for merchants if they pass through this passage and are attacked by them. I think eliminating them should be a priority."
"You can be extreme sometime huh, Scarlet." Aria looked out of the window and stared at the forested area. "These creatures usually do not attack us. They ate insects and despite being inquisitive, they usually opt to run or fly away at the first sign of danger. Something must have agitated them, something that unleash a powerful sound that disturbed them due to their sensitive ears."
"You are not telling me, that there is a Tigrex, is it." Scarlet looked worried. "I don't think we can fight that thing just yet."
"There are a lot of other creatures that can make a loud noise or use sound based attacks."
"Well, I think the roar of any monsters could be an attack though."
"They are not that sensitive, Marion. At the top of my head, I can think of a few candidates..."
"Sigh, whatever it is, as long as they do not come out of the forest, we should be fine." Scarlet let out a tired sigh. "Anyway, I think we are about to arrive at Laviron. Look, the trees are starting to dwindle in numbers and wide rocky plains are replacing the scenery."
"Hahaha, I think that is an attitude forged from the long travel with Marion." Aria let out a wry smile.
"Why are you emotionally attacking me?"
"Anyway..."
"You are ignoring me!"
"... the possible candidate that I have, after considering the weather and habitat, I think that-"
A sudden wave of loud sound echoed throughout the forest, making the travelling group wriggled in pain. The horses were not spared either as they took off randomly, creating some kind of chaos. As the noise stopped, the riders and drivers took back control and calmed the horses.
Aria, Scarlet, Marion and Manifique got out of the carriage to assess the situation. They looked around and Aria saw a shadow disappearing among the rock.
"Ahh... I think I am indeed correct on my guess." The rest looked at Aria in confusion as she took out her Pulsar Hatchet. "That thing is the cause of those Yian Kut-Ku going wild."
A large yellowish-green creature emerged from the greeneries. It had long serpentine body covered in scales and adorned with large orange-yellow plates from its head to its forelimbs and several fan-shaped plates blooming on its tail tip. It had a beak-like mouth with small tusks; opening its mouth, a forked-tongue wiggled out like a snake.
"Najarala, the constricting snake wyvern."