You must taste delicious

Meanwhile, back in the cave.

"What is Adrian doing?!" Aurelius cursed out loud as he watched the snout-faced monster chase after Adrian, who had taken Rhea with him.

Aria's eyes were cold, tinged with a trace of sadness. "He took the biggest threat away with him."

Aurelius's eyes cleared as he realized the strategic move. He shook his head, noting his own emotional response. He then turned to the tall monster, his voice steely and wry. "So, this is our opponent."

Irithel, having recovered from her shock, hurriedly moved to Ardel's unconscious body. She carefully lifted him and brought him to Aurelia for healing.

The tall monster watched them, its lizardlike tongue now flicking out, its gaze predatory. An eerie silence fell over the group as goosebumps prickled their skin. It looked like the monster was seeing them as its food not as its opponents.

"Let's start with easy food, ha ha!"