As the group emerged from the jungle, their clothes stained with blood and their weapons still warm from battle, the girls began preparing for their next destination.
"We need to get to Silvergate City first," Selene said, stretching her arms. "That's where the registration happens."
Zairon furrowed his brow, glancing at the distant horizon.
"How far is it? Don't tell me we're running all the way there. What a hassle…"
Airi chuckled. "Run? Oh no, why would we do that?"
She whistled softly, and moments later, a shadow descended from the clouds above. A massive hawk — sleek, silver-feathered with glowing blue eyes — landed beside them with a powerful gust of wind.
"My spirit beast," she said proudly. "Stormfang. He'll carry all of us."
Zairon's eyes widened slightly, a spark of interest flaring in them.
"Spirit beasts… huh? So there are mounts like these in this world too?" He walked around the hawk, inspecting it. "Fast, powerful… loyal. How did you get one?"
"You bond with them," Selene explained. "Find a beast, tame it, survive its trials, and if your will is strong enough, it'll submit to you. It becomes your companion, your partner in battle… and in travel."
"Hmm… interesting," Zairon muttered, placing a hand on the hawk's feathers. "I want one too. Something big, flashy, and terrifying. Maybe a dragon. Or a nine-headed serpent. Yeah… something that screams 'bow before me.'"
Kaelra raised an eyebrow. "Of course you do."
"Anyway," Zairon continued, hopping on the hawk, "this world just keeps getting better. Alright Stormfang, take us to the city — your new favorite passenger has arrived!"
The girls exchanged glances, smirking, as they climbed on after him.
And with a powerful flap of wings, Stormfang launched into the skies, carrying the team toward Silvergate City… and toward a tournament that would soon learn the meaning of true chaos.