The woman in the white robe watched in shock. “What the hell?”.

Below, chaos erupted as people screamed in terror. “Everybody get down! And hold onto something tight!” Aster shouted.

“Get down!” Leon echoed, and they all dove into the watchtower, seeking shelter from the impending storm.

Zander summoned his sword and stabbed it into the ground, anchoring himself in place. Leo, thanks to his weight and sturdy build, remained unaffected by the fierce winds.

Leon pulled out a bell and rang it, its sound cutting through the chaos. Remarkably, he seemed immune to the wind's wrath.

The dust devil loomed over the city, its powerful winds swirling violently, before suddenly coming to a halt. The air became eerily still, as if holding its breath in anticipation.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but that moment was shattered as a massive creature emerged from the center of the city.

“Leon!!!” it bellowed, its voice booming through the streets, filled with rage and intent.

The guards surrounded the towering creature, their eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion.

“What is that thing?” one of them muttered, gripping his weapon tightly.

The creature stood at an imposing 13 feet tall, draped in a tattered blue cape adorned with a golden circle. In its massive, clawed hands, it held a weapon that looked like a twisted, menacing pitchfork. Its appearance was unsettling, a fusion of rat and cat features melded into a monstrous form. Sharp teeth jutted from its twisted snout.

People throughout the city peered out cautiously from their homes, fear etched on their faces.

“What is that creature?” a woman whispered, clutching her child close.

“It’s as tall as a tree,” murmured an elderly man, his voice trembling.

“Is it dangerous?” someone else asked, their tone filled with dread. “I don’t like this at all.”

“Leon, it called your name,” Zander pointed out, eyes narrowing as he watched the creature.

Leon nodded, his expression serious. “Let’s get up on one of the roofs. We’ll get a better view from there.”

The group quickly made their way up, finding their footing on a nearby rooftop. From their new vantage point, they could see the creature more clearly, its twisted form looming ominously in the city center.

The guards hesitated, fear evident in their eyes, but before they could make a move, Aster stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he approached the towering creature.

“State your business, creature,” he commanded, his voice steady and firm.

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The guards looked on in awe, marveling at Aster’s courage. As the general of the Oasis Squad, he stood fearless, a lone figure facing down the giant monster.

The creature sneered, clearly unimpressed. “Who the hell are you? You’re not Leon,” it spat, its voice dripping with disdain. “Get out of my sight.”

“I am Aster, General of the Oasis Squad,” Aster declared, his voice unwavering. “I demand you state your business. So out with it.”

The creature’s eyes narrowed, its grip tightening on its pitchfork-like weapon. “I came to fight Leon! That’s my business,” it growled. “Now, get out of my way, or I’ll destroy this entire city.”

"You creatures have no manners, do you?" Aster said.

Ruler Havasu strode out from the palace, his expression a mix of authority and concern. He approached Aster, glancing between him and the towering creature.

“Aster, what’s going on? Why was there a huge dust devil, and what is that... monster doing here?” he asked, his gaze fixed on the creature with a mixture of disbelief and worry.

Aster inclined his head respectfully. “It seems this creature has come here seeking a fight with Leon, my ruler. It’s threatening to destroy the city if it doesn’t get what it wants.”

“Where is Leon? I’m tired of waiting!” the creature bellowed, leveling its pitchfork-like weapon at Ruler Havasu and Aster, the sharp prongs gleaming menacingly.

“The general and the ruler are in trouble!” one of the guards muttered anxiously, gripping his weapon tighter as he watched.

The guards aimed their weapons at the monsters, but Aster raised his hand. “Stand down. They’re just empty threats.”

“Leon, get out there,” Zander commanded.

“Alright, alright… I’m going,” Leon replied, gathering his courage.

Leon leapt down from the roof. “Hey, creature!”

The monster turned, its gaze locking onto Leon. It bared its teeth, seething with rage and hatred. “There you are, Leon. Finally, you’ve come before me. I have plenty to say about you… but I’ll save it.”

Leon narrowed his eyes. “What’s your business with me?”

“You know exactly what you did. I want to hear you admit the wrong you committed!”

“I will not admit to any wrongs I’ve done,” Leon retorted defiantly.

In his mind, Ruler Havasu wondered, What are they talking about? What wrong could Leon have committed? This monster must be speaking in hyperbole.

“I will kill you, Leon. Fight me!” the creature snarled.

“If you want to battle, let’s take it outside the city. I don’t want anyone caught in this,” Leon replied.

“Fine. I’ll follow,” the monster growled.

Zander frowned. “What is that thing? It looks like a mix between a rat and a cat. What does it want with Leon?”

“I don’t know, but if I had to guess, Leon may have done something to provoke this beast,” Leo said, crossing his arms.

“Should we follow them?” Zander asked, glancing at Leo.

“Let’s do it,” Leo replied, determined in his voice.

“General Aster, I need you and the guards to follow Leon. Ensure his safety. I don’t know what that monster wants from him, but be ready to help if he needs it. The army must be prepared to come to his aid.”

“Yes, my ruler,” Aster replied, rallying the guards. “Come on, men! Follow me!” They all follow behind the monster and Leon.

Ruler Havasu addressed the citizens of the city. “Please stay in your homes. The situation is being handled.”

A woman in a white robe, her basket-like headpiece bobbing slightly as she spoke, exclaimed, “What the hell is that towering monster? Leon is outside the city? This is going to make my job so much harder! I should follow behind, but I need to stay out of sight.”

Aster, Zander, Leo, the woman in the white robe, and the guards of the City of the Scorching Wastelands trailed behind Leon and the monstrous creature, which resembled a mix of a rat and a cat. They ventured outside the city, ready to witness a display of power from both beings.