"Tempest!"
Leylo's expression shifted. This fellow had completely thrown his plan into disarray!
Tempest's actions were entirely outside Leylo's expectations. Like a meteorite, carrying an unmatched aura, it brazenly invaded the territory of the Storm Griffin pride.
Within the Stone Forest, the griffins that had been resting peacefully were instantly jolted by this provocative shriek and the uninvited guest. In a flash, the Stone Forest erupted with a chorus of angry, sharp cries, as if a hornet's nest had been stirred.
"Roar!" "Roar! Roar!"
One after another, vigorous figures shot into the sky from the tops of stone pillars and rocky caves. The gale kicked up by their flapping wings caused the trees below to sway violently. They quickly gathered in the air, watching the uninvited kin with wary eyes.
Tempest circled above the Stone Forest a few times. He let out several more urgent and piercing shrieks. The pressure contained within those cries caused some of the younger griffins to involuntarily shrink back, their flight patterns becoming somewhat erratic.
Standing on a distant peak, Leylo's brow was furrowed tight. He didn't understand why Tempest had suddenly become so reckless. Or perhaps, did this fellow have his own calculations?
Just as Leylo was deliberating whether to forcibly order a retreat, a new change occurred within the griffin pride. From the top of the tallest stone pillar in the center of the forest, a griffin significantly more robust than the others slowly ascended.
Its feathers were not purely cyan; instead, the edges were laced with strands of dazzling gold, particularly prominent around the neck and wingtips. Under the sunlight, these golden feathers reflected a brilliant luster, making it look extraordinarily majestic.
This gold-feathered griffin was nearly a size larger than Tempest had been before his breakthrough; it appeared to be a mutant variant. As soon as it appeared, the other twelve griffins clustered around it like they had found their backbone, letting out low cries. Clearly, this was the leader of the pride.
Leylo's pupils constricted slightly. He understood now!
Tempest wasn't being reckless; he was issuing a challenge! He was challenging the original leader of this pride for the right to rule!
In the world of magical beasts, strength is respected above all else. For social magical beasts, the leader's position is often determined through the most direct and primitive combat. The winner takes everything; the loser may lose their life or be exiled from the pride.
Leylo's heart began to race. He had been calculating how to use Tempest's rank advantage to pick them off one by one, never expecting Tempest would choose such a blunt yet instinctive method.
"ROAR!"
The Gold-Feathered Griffin let out a resonant roar filled with fury and warning, as if questioning why Tempest had invaded its domain. Tempest didn't back down, responding with a high-pitched cry of his own, brimming with disdain and battle intent. He lowered his body slightly, unfurling his wings to their limit in a combat stance.
In the next moment, without a word, the two giant raptors collided like arrows loosed from a bow!
BANG!
A dull thud of impact exploded in the air as feathers flew and air currents surged. The Gold-Feathered Griffin was clearly a veteran of a hundred battles; facing the interloper, it showed no retreat. Its talons flashed with a cold light, each strike сопровождающийся by the whistle of tearing air. Its beak was like a sharp battle-axe, constantly pecking at Tempest's vitals.
Though Tempest had just reached Tier 4 and hadn't perfected the control of his power, the foundation of a Tier 4 beast remained. His strength, speed, and defense far surpassed his opponent's. Every collision with the Gold-Feathered Griffin sent a shower of sparks flying—the result of scales and iron feathers grinding against each other.
The battle instantly reached a fever pitch.
The two Storm Griffins tumbled and fought above the Stone Forest. One moment they were tearing at each other's wings with claws, the next they were pecking at heads with hard beaks or slamming into each other with their massive frames. Every clash was accompanied by dull thuds and angry shrieks.
The other twelve griffins circled the perimeter, watching the battle that would decide their future destiny with tension. They did not interfere; this was a duel between leaders, and any outside intervention would be a desecration of the rules.
Leylo held his breath, his palms slightly sweaty. He knew this battle concerned not only whether Tempest could subjugate the pride but also Tempest's own safety. Although Tempest was Tier 4, that Gold-Feathered Griffin was no pushover. Having led the pride for years, its combat experience was undoubtedly immense, and being a mutant gave it unique advantages.
Moonlight also stopped her movement, crouching at Leylo's feet as she watched the battle in the sky.
CLANG!
Tempest's talons clashed violently with the Gold-Feathered Griffin's beak, producing the sound of grinding metal. The leader's attacks were cunning and ruthless; utilizing the sharpness of its golden feathers, it managed to leave several bloody gashes on Tempest's neck.
Stung by the pain, Tempest let out a furious roar, his savage nature fully awakened. He no longer held back his power; the pressure of a Tier 4 beast erupted completely, sending an invisible storm sweeping outward from him. The ordinary wind elements, under Tempest's command, transformed into countless tiny blades that sliced through the air—and the Gold-Feathered Griffin's body.
The leader clearly felt the immense pressure; its movements became sluggish. It hadn't expected this outsider to possess such terrifying strength. Taking this chance, Tempest accelerated abruptly, his massive body slamming into the leader's flank like a cannonball.
THUMP!
Unable to dodge in time, the Gold-Feathered Griffin took the hit directly. It let out a piteous shriek as it lost its balance, falling toward the ground like a broken kite. Tempest, pressing the advantage, beat his wings and dove down, his sharp talons flashing as he aimed straight for the leader's head!
However, just as Tempest's claws were about to make contact, the Gold-Feathered Griffin performed an incredible mid-air roll, narrowly avoiding the lethal blow while snapping its mouth shut toward Tempest's face!
Tempest's reaction was lightning-fast; he tilted his head, and the iron beak grazed his cheek, shearing off several cyan feathers and leaving a shallow bloody trail.
That was close! Leylo thought to himself. This Gold-Feathered Griffin's combat intelligence was not to be underestimated.
The battle grew more intense and cruel. The wounds on Tempest's body increased; feathers had been torn away in several places, revealing the tough skin beneath oozing blood. His steel-like plumage had become a disheveled mess. Yet, his aura only grew stronger. His golden eyes burned with a raging battle intent, each attack more ferocious than the last. He seemed to be using this fight to vent the unspent power of his recent breakthrough and to become more familiar with it.
In contrast, the Gold-Feathered Griffin's situation was far worse. Its golden feathers had dimmed significantly, and blood stained it in several places. One of its wings seemed severely injured, its flapping becoming labored. Its breathing grew heavy and ragged; its stamina was clearly failing. It couldn't understand why this outsider was so powerful, as if his strength was inexhaustible.
With one final violent impact, Tempest used his superior momentum to send the Gold-Feathered Griffin flying again. Simultaneously, he unfurled his wings, stirring a storm that slammed into the leader's face.
This time, the leader couldn't stabilize itself immediately. Tempest seized the opportunity, pursuing like a shadow. His sharp claws no longer showed mercy, sinking deep into the Gold-Feathered Griffin's back!
SQUELCH!
The sound of claws entering flesh was clearly audible.
"ROAR!"
The Gold-Feathered Griffin let out a scream of extreme agony. Its massive body shivered violently, no longer able to maintain flight as it crashed onto the top of the highest stone pillar.
CRASH!
Dust swirled and stones shattered. Tempest followed close behind, landing steadily on the pillar. One talon, flashing with cold light, pressed heavily onto the Gold-Feathered Griffin's neck, pinning it to the ground.
The battle was over!
Tempest raised his proud head. Despite his many wounds and the blood dripping from his feathers, his posture was that of a triumphant king. He spread his wings and let out a roar that shook the heavens!
"ROAR!"
The sound was filled with the joy of victory and supreme majesty, echoing above the Stone Forest for a long time.
After a brief silence, the twelve griffins that had been watching the fight suddenly let out synchronized, low, respectful growls. They slowly beat their wings and flew toward the pillar where Tempest stood, circling it in a humble manner, signaling their submission to the new king.
Standing on the distant mountain, Leylo watched in amazement.
Just like that... it's solved?
The problem he had wracked his brain over, planning a war of attrition, had been settled so simply and directly by Tempest through a hearty battle. Looking at Tempest's majestic silhouette and feeling the soaring aura radiating from him, Leylo didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
What is this? Plans can't keep up with changes?
Atop the Stone Forest, the wind howled. Tempest, treading upon the body of the former king and looking down upon the pride, was etched deep into Leylo's mind. That pride and power belonging to the overlord of the sky stirred the soul even from a distance.
After a long while, Tempest finally seemed to have had his fill of the victor's glory. After confirming that the Gold-Feathered Griffin had completely lost its will to resist, he released his claws. He didn't strike the killing blow, merely leaving the opponent heavily wounded. The law of magical beasts was cruel, yet not entirely without room for mercy.
The former leader struggled to its feet, its once sharp eyes now dim and defeated. It lowered its head, let out a faint whimper, and dragged its injured wing into a dark crevice beneath the pillar, its figure appearing incredibly desolate.
The other twelve Storm Griffins continued to circle Tempest. Their cries had lost their previous aggression and gained a sense of obedience and awe. Clearly, the overwhelming power Tempest displayed had completely conquered them.
"Roar!"
Tempest let out another clear cry, as if giving an order. The griffins immediately stopped circling and landed on nearby stone pillars, quietly watching their new king.
With all that finished, Tempest turned his gaze toward the peak where Leylo stood. His somewhat battered yet high-spirited figure was clear under the moonlight. Then, with a beat of his wings, carrying the wet blood and the smoke of battle, he flew back toward Leylo.
"Roar!"
The massive figure landed before Leylo, the resulting wind making his clothes rustle loudly. Tempest folded his wings and nudged Leylo's shoulder with his large head, letting out a "purring" rumble in his throat. His golden eyes flickered with pride and expectation—he looked exactly like a child who had won a fight and was eager to show off and ask for a reward.
Leylo looked at his wounds—the missing feathers, the exposed grey-blue skin, and the bloody patches, especially around the neck and wing edges. The steel-like feathers were broken in many places. However, these scars did not diminish his majesty; instead, they added a sense of battle-hardened ferocity.
"You fellow—" Leylo was both pained and amused.
"Awoo!"
Moonlight jumped onto Leylo's shoulder and gently patted Tempest's shoulder, offering her approval. Tempest's eyes lit up instantly, his tail feathers perking up proudly as he let out a joyful chirp.