The next morning, the headquarters of the Silver Fang Mercenaries was already full of activity.
Warriors were preparing their weapons, checking armor, and packing supplies for the journey.
Kael stood quietly near the door, watching everyone.
Lyra walked toward him with a map in her hand.
"We leave in ten minutes," she said.
Kael nodded. "Where are we going?"
Lyra placed the map on the table.
"To the Ancient Ruins of Valdor."
The other mercenaries gathered around.
One of them, the large scarred warrior from yesterday, crossed his arms.
"You really believe the rumors, boss?"
Lyra looked serious.
"Too many scouts reported the same thing."
Kael glanced at the map.
"What rumors?"
Lyra pointed to a mark deep in the forest.
"Strange energy has been detected there."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Some people believe it's connected to the War God."
Kael's heart beat faster.
Another connection to the War God?
If it was true, it could help him understand the power he had inherited.
Soon, the group left the City of Steel, heading into the wild lands beyond the walls.
The forest was quiet, but the deeper they traveled, the more tense the atmosphere became.
After several hours, broken stone structures appeared between the trees.
Ancient ruins.
Massive pillars lay shattered on the ground, and strange symbols were carved into the old walls.
"This place gives me a bad feeling," one mercenary muttered.
Lyra raised her hand.
"Everyone stay alert."
Kael looked around carefully.
The moment he stepped closer to the ruins—
The medallion on his chest suddenly grew warm.
His eyes widened slightly.
"It's reacting…"
Before he could say anything—
ROAR!!!
A massive roar echoed through the ruins.
The ground shook violently.
From the darkness between the broken pillars, a gigantic creature slowly emerged.
It looked like a monstrous wolf covered in black armor-like fur, with glowing red eyes.
One of the mercenaries stepped back in fear.
"W-what is that thing?!"
Lyra drew her sword.
"That… is not a normal beast."
The creature growled again, its eyes locking onto Kael.
The system suddenly appeared.
Warning
Enemy Detected: Ancient Guardian Beast
Danger Level: High
Kael slowly drew his sword.
This mission had just become far more dangerous than expected.
And somehow…
The creature seemed to be guarding the secret of the War God.
To be continued…