Everyone shifted their focus to Commander Lei, who stood beside Kin.
"Your Highness, I think you should reconsider. There are much better options," Commander Lei said.
"It seems you are familiar with the beast," Mystos said, observing commander Lei's reaction.
Commander Lei didn't reply and kept his gaze fixed on Kin.
"Why should I consider something else?" Kin asked.
Commander Lei opened his mouth to speak, but Mystos spoke first.
"It's because there are different rumors about the beast. After all, you are not the first to seek it out. The temple it guards is said to belong to worshippers of the King of Beasts—one of the most ancient demons. The followers of this demon were responsible for various atrocities committed within the temple's walls.
"As for the beast itself, legends say that the King of Beasts unleashed it into the world for reasons unknown. But these are just rumors. Personally, I believe it is merely a ferocious beast. If you're looking for something unique, I'm sure the Khelsaroth is your best bet," Mystos explained.
"There are better options, Your Highness—ones that serve your purpose with fewer risks and more reliable information. We cannot afford to take unnecessary chances just to hunt down a beast shrouded in mystery," Lei added.
Kin held his chin, deep in thought. Commander Lei had a point—there was too little information about the Khelsaroth, and even what was available was based on unreliable rumors. The risk was indeed great.
However, he wasn't looking for just any beast. Ashell had a strange and specific taste for the materials she used. If she had requested something rare and powerful, then he needed to obtain something rare and powerful, even if it meant risking his life.
Kin smirked. He was already going to risk his life against Jai. What difference did it make if he went up against a beast cloaked in mystery? If he was going to die at the hands of a mere creature, then he wouldn't stand a chance against Jai either. Kin was the type to back down just because something was risky, but he had faced countless dangers in the past and he was certain that wouldn't change anytime soon. If he was going to back down against a mere beast, then he should be cowardly enough to not want to face his uncle, a man much more dangerous than any kind of beast. This wasn't the time to be afraid of taking a little risk.
Every breath he took in this world was a risk.
His uncle might not be on his trail at the moment, but Kin was certain of one thing—Jai was searching for him. Hunting him, maybe. It was only a matter of time before he was found. So there was no point in fearing risks. His very existence was a risk.
Kin turned toward Mystos.
"Tell me more about the beast."
Commander Lei wanted to protest, but Kin raised a hand to silence him.
Mystos wasted no time in continuing.
"The Khelsaroth is no ordinary beast—it is a deadly and calculating hunter. Its body is covered in impenetrable armor, and its limbs are powerful enough to tear apart entire squads of warriors. Some legends even claim that, in battle, it can manifest additional arms—each one more lethal than the last.
"And its tail…" Mystos shuddered slightly, as if the thought alone unsettled him. "A tail of serrated blades, like a whip made of jagged steel. It can slice through armored men as easily as a blade through cloth."
"It may not speak like a man, but the Khelsaroth is far from mindless. It possesses a cruel, calculating intelligence, honed by centuries of guarding the ancient demon-worshipping temples. It knows how to fight—how to wear down its foes, how to use its power strategically. It is an apex predator, ruling the dark corners of this land."
Kin, now fully aware of the scale of the challenge, asked, "How do we find this beast? Where is it hiding?"
"The Khelsaroth resides deep within an ancient demon-worshipping temple—an abandoned place where it has been sealed or left to roam as a guardian. The temple itself is hidden, buried beneath centuries of dust and death.
"It lies in the heart of the Jut Forest. You can take the Yalu River, enter the forest from the north, then travel east toward the ruins of Ramorah—a city long swallowed by the wilderness. I'm sure Commander Lei is familiar with the route," Mystos said.
"Also, a word of warning—if you choose to hunt this beast. Those who seek the Khelsaroth rarely return… and if they do, they are never the same. You must be prepared."
Kin clenched his fists, his mind already racing through the possibilities. He could barely wait to see what Ashell would make from this mysterious beast.
He knew this was a step he had to take.
Risk or no risk, he would return.
And this time, he would return with the head of a Khelsaroth.
"So, when do you plan to go?" Mystos asked.
"As soon as possible," Kin replied.
"I believe Lady Thia plans to accompany you?" Mystos asked.
"Why not?" Thia shrugged.
"Well then," Mystos mused. "I'm sure with her by your side, the fight will be far less difficult.
"And you, Lady Eryndril—are you going with them?"
"Yes," Vera replied.
"Good. Then it seems you've assembled quite the powerful team, Your Highness," Mystos said.