The moment they stepped into Stormclaw Fortress, the atmosphere shifted.
The streets were bustling, yet the moment the locals noticed the outsiders, everything slowed. Sharp eyes tracked their every move. Conversations hushed. Warriors leaned on their weapons, their gazes calculating.
Outsiders didn't belong here.
Leon expected this reaction. Stormclaw was the beating heart of the Beastman Continent, a place ruled by strength alone. Weakness was not tolerated. Strangers were not trusted.
Yet, despite the tension, their escort continued forward, leading them deeper into the fortress.
Jarek muttered under his breath, "Feels like we walked into a den of starving wolves."
Kaelen smirked. "Try not to look too delicious, then."
Jarek shot him a glare.
Rhun ignored them both. He walked with purpose, completely unfazed by the attention. This was his homeland, and unlike the others, he belonged here.
Leon, however, remained cautious. Stormclaw wasn't just any city—it was the seat of the Beastman Emperor. And if that emperor had summoned them, it meant something important was about to happen.
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A Throne of Claws and Bone
Their destination was a massive structure at the center of the city—a colossal stone palace, its entrance flanked by towering beast totems. Unlike human palaces built for luxury, this one was a fortress in its own right. A place of rulership, but also a place of battle.
The beastman guards at the entrance barely spared them a glance before opening the doors.
Leon stepped inside and was immediately struck by the sheer presence in the room.
At the far end of the grand hall, seated upon a throne carved from the bones of legendary beasts, was the Beastman Emperor.
He was massive, even by beastman standards—a lion-like figure with a golden mane, his broad frame covered in battle scars. His very presence exuded dominance, the air around him thick with an invisible force.
This was not just a ruler.
This was a warrior who had earned his throne through blood and battle.
The emperor's piercing gaze swept over them, lingering on Rhun for a moment before settling on Leon.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Then, in a voice that rumbled like distant thunder, the emperor finally spoke.
"You are not of our blood."
His golden eyes narrowed. "So why have you come to my lands?"
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A Challenge of Worth
Leon met the emperor's gaze, unfazed.
"I seek knowledge," he said. "And answers."
A heavy silence followed.
Then, the emperor let out a deep chuckle, the sound more dangerous than amused. "Knowledge? Answers? In Stormclaw, those are not given freely."
He leaned forward, resting his massive hands on the armrests of his throne. "They are taken."
Leon expected as much. Stormclaw respected only one thing—strength.
The emperor's gaze swept over him once more before settling on Rhun. "You vouch for this one?"
Rhun nodded. "I do."
The emperor was silent for a moment. Then, he smirked. "Very well. Then let us see if he is worth vouching for."
He raised a hand and snapped his fingers.
Immediately, the doors at the far end of the hall slammed open, and a group of warriors entered—beastmen of various clans, each one radiating power.
The emperor's golden eyes gleamed.
"If you want answers, outsider," he said, "then prove yourself in battle."
He leaned back, his smirk widening.
"Survive, and we shall talk."
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