After a while, the Pegasus began to descend gently, taking them back to solid ground. The landing was smooth and uneventful, and Luzbel helped Morrigan down from the back of the majestic animal.
Morrigan looked at Luzbel with gratitude in her eyes, knowing that this moment had been a priceless gift. It was an instant of connection and joy she would never forget.
After leaving the Pegasus back to his stable with a gesture full of complicity, they both headed towards the entrance of the mansion, carrying with them the memory of the magical flight. The bonds that had formed between them had grown even stronger.
As they made their way towards the imposing mansion, Luzbel could not help but think of Ember, his loyal companion. A brief moment of doubt came over him as he considered whether he should reveal her existence to Morrigan. However, the interactions they had had together and the trust that was growing between them prompted him to seek Morrigan's advice.
Luzbel looked at Morrigan with determination and said, "Morrigan, I want to reveal something to you."
Morrigan, confused by the expression on Luzbel's face, replied, "What is it?"
Luzbel took Morrigan's hand and led her toward her room. Morrigan, shy but intrigued by Luzbel's enthusiasm, looked down as they walked together.
Upon entering the room, Morrigan's gaze fell on a quiet figure resting on Luzbel's bed. It was Ember, a majestic black eagle with slight flames enveloping her. Surprise and curiosity flashed in Morrigan's eyes as she looked to Luzbel for answers.
At her questioning, Luzbel replied, "This is my companion, Ember."
Morrigan, fascinated by the bird, slowly approached to explore the animal. However, before Morrigan could touch it, Ember awoke and let out an angry screech, returning to perch on Luzbel's shoulder.
Morrigan, amazed, observed the eagle on Luzbel's shoulder and commented, "That's impressive, it looks like a high-grade beast. But where did you get it?"
Luzbel related the story of how he found Ember in a cave, and the beast took a liking to him, and how they had been traveling together ever since. Morrigan was surprised to hear how such an unusual magical beast had become attached to a child.
After revealing Ember's existence, Luzbel finally asked the question that had troubled him since they first learned of the hierarchy of Magical Beasts. With his hand stroking Ember's plumage, Luzbel looked at Morrigan and said, "Morrigan, I have introduced her to you because I want to know what rank you think Ember holds. She is no ordinary eagle, she uses spells and her intelligence is extraordinary."
Ember, meanwhile, raised her beak proudly skyward at the flattery.
Morrigan, surprised by the information and aware of the reality before her eyes, reflected before responding. Ember seemed to understand Luzbel's every word and behaved in a surprisingly human manner.
Finally, Morrigan concluded, "If everything you say is true, Luzbel, you could consider yourself very lucky. Ember appears to be a magical beast of Sage rank."
Although the answer seemed strange and unusual, Morrigan advises Luzbel: "Luzbel, you should talk to my parents about this. Besides, a beast as extraordinary as Ember deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and care."
Luzbel nodded. He knew it was important to address the situation with Titus, though he was also aware that Ember was the beast the army had been looking for for a long time. However, the trust he was developing with Morrigan was driving him to seek a solution that would benefit everyone.
He decided it was time to explain to Titus the true nature of Ember and how she posed no threat. Although he had his reservations, he was confident that the man would understand the situation and help him find a peaceful solution.
After parting ways with Morrigan who took her leave and went to her room, Luzbel headed towards Titus' office. As they approached the solid wood doors, Luzbel mentally prepared himself for the conversation he would have with Titus.
With a soft knock, Luzbel knocked on Titus' office door, who immediately answered, "Come in."
Luzbel entered and Titus looked up from the documents on his desk. His eyes fell on Ember, who was resting on Luzbel's shoulder.
Titus frowned slightly, but before he could say anything, Luzbel took the floor, "Titus, I need to talk to you about Ember. She is an exceptional magical beast and poses no danger."
Titus looked at him carefully and then turned his gaze to Ember. Comprehension and surprise were plastered on his face as he processed the information.
Titus gazed at the magnificent creature in front of him, amazed. He turned to Luzbel and spoke thoughtfully, "This magical beast matches the description of a creature that has suddenly appeared in the skies of Arx Regni."
Luzbel nodded and replied, "Indeed, it is that magical beast. When Alistair came to town, I helped him look for it. But before I found it, that winged man finished off Alistair and the whole village. I managed to escape and met Ember in a cave. Surprisingly, she didn't show aggression, but from the first moment she was affectionate with me."
Titus hesitated for a moment, as his attention was focused on Ember, approaching cautiously. Sensing his presence and the natural pressure he emanated, Ember leaned shyly against Luzbel's head and hid in his hair.
Titus laughed and commented, "Surely, this little one poses no threat to anyone."
Titus composed himself and asked, "Then why are you here?"
Luzbel looked at Ember, still trembling with fear, and stroked her gently to reassure her. "I came here because Morrigan told me about the hierarchy of the Magical Beasts, which made me doubt Ember's true level."
Luzbel explained Morrigan's conclusion that Ember was a Sage level beast, known for exceptional intelligence and power.
Titus was skeptical and suggested that Luzbel demonstrate Ember's abilities to convince him.
To demonstrate his ability, Luzbel instructed Ember to perform his usual invisibility spell. Ember nodded, wrapped herself in a dark cloak and disappeared from sight.
Titus was astonished and muttered, "That spell is strange; I've never seen it before, and I didn't sense any elemental energy in it."
Deciding not to read too much into it, Titus continued, "It clearly has the ability to cast spells, and based on your interactions, it displays intelligence on par with a human. This might classify her in the rank of Sage, but the power she gives off is not particularly significant."
Titus pondered for a moment and proposed, "Have her fire a spell at full power through the window."
Luzbel nodded, walked over to the window, opened it wide and instructed Ember to fire a spell with all her might outward.
Ember concentrated a large amount of mana in her body, creating a blazing fire that enveloped her. She launched a fireball the size of a basketball with incredible force.
Upon seeing it, Titus commented, "Curious. Although she should be classified as a Sage and have power equivalent to that of a mage/knight, her actual power is that of a Mutated rank.
Titus pondered for a moment and then nodded slowly. "Luzbel, I trust you and your decisions. If you say Ember is not a threat, I am willing to listen to you and leave her in your care."
A feeling of relief ran through Luzbel as Titus showed his support. He knew he wouldn't have to worry about hiding Ember anymore.