Chapter 224 224: Visiting the Tamed
Logan was finally soaring above the skies of his kingdom. Exhausted from the long journey, he knew this was just the start of what lay ahead as he would need to fly to new lands to get more monsters.
As he glanced around, the now-familiar terrain near his country unfolded below him. He had memorized most of it by now and could easily estimate how long it would take to reach his castle.
"Home sweet home," Logan said loudly enough for the others to hear over the rushing wind.
[We're almost there…] Rubina communicated through their link, avoiding the need to shout.
[Yes… almost home. I'm so tired.] Lisa added, her exhaustion clear as she silently resolved not to take part in the next monster expedition.
Within thirty minutes of flying through the familiar skies, they finally caught sight of the large walls that defined their home.
Rosethorn was coming into view, its details growing sharper by the minute. Logan noticed the outer sections had expanded since his departure. Three areas he recognized—one for the warks, one for the goblins, and another he couldn't quite place. But he also saw new additions that hadn't been there before.
One area, layered in visible snow, was clearly for ice monsters. Another, marked by glowing pools of lava, was meant for fire beasts. There was yet another for lightning creatures, and more still. In total, there were now seven of these new zones.
[Girls, I'll be taking Wyver to the newly constructed ice zone,] Logan communicated, noting with satisfaction the addition of a tower he had requested. Wyverns needed high nests, and the new structure stood tall and proud, a perfect home for his companion.
As Logan approached, he took in the remarkable craftsmanship of the new walls and towers. Each stone edge was rounded and polished to a marble-like finish, giving the structures an air of elegance and sophistication.
The only downside was the biting cold that seeped through the air. The dome-shaped design kept the sunlight from warming the vast, frigid area, intensifying the chill.
[Wyver, buddy, I'll have to leave you here,] Logan communicated, unable to proceed further into the freezing zone while on its back. Curiosity got the better of him as he wondered what was generating the icy air. Scanning the area, his gaze fell upon a small figure at the center of the dome.
[Luna?] Logan called out, surprised to see her there.
[Master back?] Luna replied eagerly, her cold aura dissipating as she dashed toward him. Her figure had grown noticeably larger, almost reaching half of Ferra's size, with a sleek, streamlined appearance that caught his attention.
She darted toward Logan with a speed that left him dumbfounded—he hadn't anticipated just how much her figure had grown. As Luna came closer, Logan realized she now stood at an impressive two meters in height, her nine tails fanning cold air with every movement.
To shield himself from the chill, Logan summoned extra layers of protection. However, as Luna neared him, she skillfully controlled the cold air, ensuring the space around him remained comfortably warm.
[You're getting better every time I see you, Luna,] Logan remarked. This time, he didn't even need to crouch to hug her face.
[Yes, stronger—want to be like Mother,] Luna replied, puffing her chest out with pride.
[It won't be long then. I wonder how your fourth evolution will be,] Logan said with a smile, ruffling her fur gently before taking a step back to admire her.
[Please take the time to get to know Wyver and the new monsters I've brought. Show them the ropes, teach them how to use the crystals, and keep an eye on them for me, alright?] Logan added, giving one of his most loyal companions another affectionate hug before stepping away.
Summoning his wings, he prepared to leave. Just as he was about to take off, his gaze landed on Riptide near the entrance of a cave. Surrounding him was a group of fifteen creatures, some playing while others were sparring, honing their skills in what seemed to be an organized practice session.
Logan made his way to the nearest section designated for his earth creatures. It was one of the largest areas, thanks to Terra and Silis, whose massive sizes required ample space. Additionally, their ability to reshape the terrain to suit their preferences likely meant the section was expanding by the day.
One advantage of the earth creatures was their ability to burrow underground, creating homes hidden from view. Logan didn't spot his mole colony, which likely meant they were beneath the surface, busy in their subterranean havens.
Silis, however, was impossible to miss. The colossal serpent lay coiled, basking in a moment of peaceful rest.
[Hey there, Silis, where are the others?] Logan asked, glancing around. The basilisk, who usually accompanied Silis, was noticeably absent, prompting his curiosity.
[Hunting and sleeping—most are underground,] Silis replied, remaining in her spot. Logan felt a pang of guilt at her lack of enthusiasm compared to Luna's energetic greeting.
[Aren't you going to greet me?] Logan asked, puzzled by her distant demeanor.
[Can't move—eggs will break,] Silis explained, shifting her head slightly to reveal two large eggs nestled beneath her.
[Oh… well, keep at it then,] Logan said as he approached, gently patting her side and wondering when the eggs would hatch.
[Ask my kin if you need help,] Silis added before closing her eyes once more.
Logan left her to guard her eggs in peace and made his way to check on his strongest beast. Unlike the frost and earth sections, the fire zone posed a greater risk to him, so he unfurled his wings and flew over the fiery terrain. He scanned the area until his eyes landed on a pack of dinosaurs.
[Scorch?] Logan called, spotting four of the massive dinosaurs that were as large as Scorch himself. The rest of the herd, about eleven, were still raptors, smaller in comparison but no less fierce.
As Logan's voice carried through the area, he finally located Scorch and his mate sitting protectively near two eggs. The eggs gleamed with vibrant, fiery hues, and Logan suspected they were close to hatching. The abundance of fire stones scattered throughout the zone seemed to benefit the creatures, strengthening them without requiring them to drain mana from the crystals.
Marie had previously informed Logan that, with the collaborative efforts of Kryst, her new colony, and Silvia, they had successfully developed special crystals. These crystals could now replenish energy reserves efficiently, serving as a sustainable power source without depleting to the point of disappearing.
Hearing Logan's voice, Scorch dashed toward him with the eagerness of a loyal dog greeting its master.
Logan, however, prepared himself by summoning a few protective shields. Hugging the fiery creature without taking precautions would be a challenge.
As Scorch closed the distance, he skillfully adjusted the heat of his scales, containing it to a safe temperature that wouldn't harm Logan. With this done, he nuzzled up to Logan, his affection evident even in the air.
Taking a deep breath, Logan carefully climbed onto Scorch's back, cautiously testing to ensure he wouldn't sear himself alive. To his relief, the temperature was manageable, and he settled in.
"I hope you're enjoying your new home, Scorch," Logan said, settling onto the dinosaur's broad back. Scorch wagged his tail in excitement and made a series of sounds that Logan could only describe as a dinosaur's version of dog-like whimpers, showcasing just how thrilled he was to see his master.
[Yes, hot and nice—just what we needed. We grow stronger every day and don't have to kill all the creatures anymore,] Scorch replied with evident joy.
"Good. Just make sure your raptors don't cause trouble for the ones that feed you. The staff mentioned the heat's been a bit overwhelming, even for fire mages," Logan said, his tone firm as he reminded Scorch to better manage his underlings.
[Will warn them!] Scorch responded enthusiastically before nudging Logan closer to the eggs.
[So, when will they hatch?] Logan inquired, leaning in to observe the brightly-colored eggs.
[Soon. I want you to see them born. Please stay today—I feel movement,] Scorch said, his voice filled with pride and anticipation.
Logan hesitated, briefly reconsidering his plans for the day. "I won't leave until they hatch, Scorch. Just call me when something happens," he promised, gently patting the proud father's head.
Scorch, clearly pleased, rumbled softly as Logan prepared to stay and witness the birth of his loyal companion's offspring.
What do you think?
Total Responses: 0