"Even Ninja Man and Wolf still feel some strain here and there." She gestured toward the two men.
"Night Ninja," Night Ninja corrected with a light cough. Then he nodded at Elias in greeting.
Wolf nodded at Elias, then turned away to speak with Silver Knight, likely still trying to recruit him.
Silver Knight gave Elias a slight nod before withdrawing his gaze. Elias nodded back. He noticed that Silver Knight's armor looked completely unblemished despite the fact that he had left to help secure the castle with Genera Avandal, making him wonder what kind of item it was.
"What about you? How do you currently feel?" Elias asked, turning to Iron Maiden.
"Me?" Iron Maiden pointed at herself, asking in surprise. She hadn't expected the party leader to ask her such a question and was momentarily unsure of what to say.
"Ahem! I'm more durable and powerful than you think, party leader. Monsters like that aren't even qualified to think about injuring me. I did enjoy the good night's rest, though," she said after clearing her throat.
Elias nodded in understanding. While Night Ninja seemed much more reserved, Iron Maiden appeared far more outgoing, which meant he could gradually uncover more about their skills and personalities—something that would aid them in conquering the dungeon.
"Since everyone is gathered here, please allow me to introduce myself," the man in black armor with a greatsword strapped to his back stepped forward and said. "I am General Avandal, the Emperor's sword and Commander of the Dawn Empire's forces."
Elias and the others returned the gesture, introducing themselves one by one.
"I've been informed about your arrival, so there's no need to explain. Follow me," General Avandal said as he turned around and led the way.
Elias and the others walked beside him. They passed through one hallway after another until they arrived at a massive hall, where a huge iron gate covered in chains stood before them.
Several rows of soldiers and Red Rose Knights were scattered across the hall, stationed in front of the gate.
The guards parted as Elias and the others approached.
Using the chains, they began pulling the gate open. The gate was so heavy that even with several rows of guards working together, they only managed to create a narrow gap, just wide enough for one person to enter at a time.
A few guards from outside the hall accompanied them, surrounding the group protectively.
Once they passed through, the gate was shut behind them.
Before them stretched a vast, empty hall. Shards embedded in the ceiling emitted light, while fire torches lined the corners of the walls, illuminating the chamber brightly, much like the wide hall they had just left.
"Only two of the gigantic ferocious beasts are kept hidden within the castle. The rest are kept at the Empire's gate and scattered throughout the Empire for our war against the Red Sea Giants. It's because of them that we've managed to survive this long. Keeping them all in one place would make it far too easy for the enemy to locate and eliminate them," General Avandal said, grabbing a fire torch from the corner as he led them forward.
As they walked deeper into the hall, they began to hear the low gruffing of a beast. The sound grew louder with each step. Still, the group continued forward until they reached the edge of the hall and halted.
A massive gust of wind from beating wings brushed against their bodies, followed by thunderous gruffs that made it clear the gigantic beast they were searching for stood before them. At this moment, the sound alone was like rolling thunderstorms within their ears. However, the light from the ceiling shards failed to reach this area, and the corner torches here were unlit, shrouding the space in darkness.
They could make out two colossal silhouettes, but were unable to discern exactly what they were.
"Turn on the lights," General Avandal commanded, handing the torchstick to one of the guards.
They moved toward the corners of the walls and began lighting the fire torches one by one.
After several minutes, the room was flooded with bright light, allowing them to see the gigantic beasts clearly.
Before them stood a thirty-foot-tall bird of prey covered in black feathers, possessing four massive wings, a giant razor-sharp beak, and deadly claws. Its body was bound in large interlocking chains etched with glowing golden inscriptions, imprisoning it to the ground.
The chains shifted and writhed around the bird's body as if alive, reacting to every movement it made. Its large, bright yellow irises stared down at them with a fierce glare.
On the other side was a massive beetle, its shell covered in red and white spots. Chains wrapped tightly around its armored body, binding even its numerous legs.
"This is one of the gigantic ferocious beasts brought from the realm above the Beanstalk. Its name is Storm Eagle, and as you can see, it's a giant bird of prey," General Avandal explained. "It was meant to transport the Emperor and the royal family, along with the Empire's special guards, off this continent to seek refuge elsewhere and warn the other nations should we lose the war against the Red Sea Giants."
He then gestured toward the second beast.
"The other is Bulwark Beetle. It is meant to serve as the final line of defense against the Red Sea Giants should all our attacks fail, including those of the gigantic, ferocious beasts stationed outside the castle. It is also meant to act as cover for the royal family as they escape the continent."
General Avandal lowered his hands and looked at Elias and the others intently. "However, those plans have now been scrapped with your arrival. These gigantic ferocious beasts will be handed over to you for your battle against the Red Sea Giants." He clapped his hands lightly.
Immediately, two guards approached, carrying a large box twice their size. Behind them, two more guards followed with similar boxes. They placed the boxes before him and opened them.
"These are the items used to control the beasts. Once equipped, the beasts will become completely docile and will obey whoever puts it on them," General Avandal said, gesturing toward two golden girdles of different sizes inside the boxes.
"However, there is one special effect. Regardless of who wears them, the Emperor and the rest of the royal family will also retain control. This ensures that these beasts cannot be used to harm the royal family or the Empire."
He paused, his gaze sharp. "Even if you are allies of the Empire, you should understand the consequences of attempting to use these beasts for selfish purposes."
"Although the Emperor has stated that he fully trusts you, I cannot say the same for every individual present," General Avandal continued. "Except, of course, for Silver Knight. He is the only one here who has earned my admiration. As such, he will have the first right to choose which beast he wishes to claim. The rest of you may decide the order for the remaining selections."
He finished by nodding toward Silver Knight.
Silver Knight nodded and stepped forward, halting before the two beasts. He studied them intently, carefully weighing his choice.
Elias couldn't help but frown as he observed the scene. He had initially thought that Silver Knight had gone to assist the General in exterminating the Thorn Juggernauts simply to earn merit points and experience to level up, but it seemed he had underestimated him.
Silver Knight had thought several steps ahead, befriending the General to earn the privilege of choosing first.
Although they were not yet certain what kind of beasts were stationed outside the castle, the fact that these were reserved for the royal family meant they were special in their own right. If that was the case, then there was a strong possibility that Silver Knight had already known about the beasts imprisoned within the castle beforehand.
What a schemer! This guy had never once shown the attitude of a true knight.
Iron Maiden and Night Ninja seemed to think the same as they stared at Silver Knight.
"TCHH!! And here I thought he was a credible knight," Iron Maiden muttered silently, scoffing.
Meanwhile, Lyrac clenched his fists as he looked at Silver Knight and the two giant beasts, his expression unreadable.
"I'll go with Storm Eagle. With its advantage in the skies, I believe I'll be able to increase my chances of defeating the Red Sea Giants," Silver Knight said, pointing at the gigantic bird of prey.
"Good choice. From what I witnessed yesterday, I also believe you will succeed, Silver Knight," General Avandal said with a nod. He then gestured toward the nearby guards.
"Help him equip it on the beast."
"General Avandal, as for the second person to choose, I hope you don't mind if I decide who it will be," Silver Knight suddenly said, his tone solemn. His words stunned the others standing behind him.