(I made some revisions to the previous chapter, as it felt too abrupt in its delivery. The earliest readers might want to take another look. This current chapter was written yesterday.)
...
The War Goddess turned around in surprise, her pleasant face showing an expression of bewilderment. She rapidly raised her head, peering into the distance.
In the high sky above, amidst the swirling clouds and mists, lurked a great ferocious bird enveloped in a halo of light. It was petrified, its eyes locked onto the massive figures below, its body shivering uncontrollably like a sieve.
Though the ferocious bird was large in size, its expansive wings unfurled to a span of nearly seven or eight meters. Brilliant rune lights danced across it, radiating in a dazzling display. Its aura was exceptional!
However, no matter how the War Goddess tried to call her mount, it refused to budge, frozen in mid-air.
"My apologies for the unworthy spectacle," she said.