Ray's breath caught, the approaching talon a stark, unforgiving reality, his last thoughts a desperate plea for escape. He dodged as best he could, but the creature was too quick. He closed his eyes, not wanting to face his bleak situation. They suddenly shot open again as he heard an impact of metal on bone, followed by a howl of pain from the creature that was moments from ending his life. He saw a flaming sword dancing through the night as Erith cut down the first assailant before turning her attention to the one still stunned at Ray's side. Erith swiftly decapitated it before it could recover. After witnessing its two companions die so swiftly, the injured creature, its jaw broken, fled through the tall grass, but it was too slow. Ray stood, his bow drawn. He followed it for a moment before losing an arrow. Silence followed by a yelp, the only movement a gentle breeze. Ray collapsed back to the ground, panting the familiar wave of vertigo taking over. He fought it, but the adrenaline drained away, leaving him to succumb to overwhelming exhaustion and unconsciousness. When he next awoke, he found himself in his sleeping bag; the sun peaking above the horizon. He opened his eyes, seeing bandages covering him.

“You're awake!”

Erith's voice came from nearby as Ray rolled up the sleeping bag.

“What happened while I was out?”

He asked.

"I checked; all three were dead before I treated your injuries and kept watch the rest of the night."

Ray nodded

“So, what were those things?”

“They looked to be some type of large cat-like animal, but steel had replaced their upper and lower jaw and claws in what looked to be a painful process.”

Ray’s eye browser rose as Erith spoke.

“Do you mean someone augmented those things?”

“That seems probable.”

Ray rubbed his chin in thought before responding.

“Perhaps we can find out more by retracing their steps.”

“Sure, I thought that as well. Are your wounds doing well enough to help me break camp?”

“Yeah, ever since I got my spark, my wounds have been healing way quicker than they used to, and I don't feel any pain from them.”

Ray responded.

“That would be your strength and endurance stats taking effect. From what I heard from my father, he had once seen my grandfather pull an arrow from his stomach and watch as the wound knit itself back together in seconds.”

“Wow, I wonder how high his stats have to be to pull something like that off.”

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“I'm not sure. He never disclosed information concerning his abilities.”

Erith said as she finished packing the last of their rations before they followed the trail left by the beasts.

“So, he has never shared what his true power is, even with his family.”

Ray asked as they walked. Erith shook her head.

“No. He claims it could end up being used against him if it ever got out, but I just think that he is paranoid. I don’t think that anyone else in the clan could even lay a finger on him after watching him train.”

Ray's eyes widened.

“He's really that strong?”

“Stronger than you would believe. I don’t even think that the two of us would stand a chance together after passing the fifth threshold.”

Ray nodded grimly.

“We're going to need to work hard and try to ascend before returning. If even he doesn’t stand a chance against the general.”

Erith opened her mouth before pausing, a frown creasing her lips.

“What is it?”

Ray asked, stopping alongside her.

“There are tracks here that look like they belong to a human.”

Erith knelt, peering closer. Ray joined her, peering at the spot that she was focusing on. Ray saw a clear imprint of a metal boot in the crumpled grass. A shared glance passed between him and Erith, a silent understanding before they followed the trail. After 10 minutes of walking, they arrived at a small hill, slowing their pace and trying to stay quiet as they neared a cave nestled into its side. The smell of wood smoke, heavy in the air as they neared the cave mouth, confirmed their suspicion that it was occupied. There were multiple racks set out where the hides of several beasts were tanning. They neared the entrance, the soft glow from within painting dancing shadows on the stone. A deep, resonating growl, like distant thunder, vibrated from the cave's heart. Ray and Erith shared a glance before nodding, drawing their weapons, and creeping into the cave. As they walked, the floor transitioned to cold metal, the light source identical to the trial chambers. Ray scanned the room, seeing it empty except for a staircase leading down. Ray and Erith entered, heading for the stairs. Peering down, they saw the narrow, stone staircase descend fifteen steps to a small landing overlooking a deeper, shadowy cavern. From down below, another deep roar reverberated through the air.

“Should we keep going?”

Ray asked in a whisper.

“I'm okay with it if you are. We'll assess the situation and leave if it seems overwhelming.”

Ray nodded in agreement. They made their way down the staircase and onto the landing. Ray could finally get a better look at the massive cavern below. Approximately 100 feet below, hanging lights illuminated a massive cavern, revealing numerous large cages holding a variety of creatures. The roar rescinded out once more, drawing Ray’s attention to a large cage held against the opposite wall with a monstrous form that he had never seen inside. Its height appeared to be about 30 feet, and scales covered it from head to toe. A long, thin head, ending in a sharp, dagger-like beak, gave the creature an unsettlingly predatory look. Its long neck flowed into a powerful, four-legged body that looked capable of carrying a mountain. A cold sweat ran down Ray's neck, the hairs prickling on his skin as the monstrous figure suddenly peered straight at him, its eyes burning into his soul.

“Hmm, two ssstray chicksss ssso far from home.”

A deep voice rumbled from within Ray’s head, its presence forcing him to his knees. He saw Erith in a similar situation as the voice continued its narration.

“Weaker than I hoped, but you will half to do. Come and free me and I will tell you the sssecretsss and weaknessesss of the great enemy that plagesss your forest. I can also assssist you in reaching your objective.”