With a loud boom, the mountain finally caved in, revealing a massive tunnel above the fast-flowing river. Emerging from the darkness was a monstrosity that Damian had misjudged in size. Now that he was closer, he could fully grasp the scale of the Emperor-ranked beast—it was enormous. Bright, dark purple-pink energy coursed through its huge body, crisscrossing outwardly in a fierce display.
Raising its trunk, the creature roared, the sheer intensity of the sound deafening. Small animals and birds throughout the valley scattered, fleeing to safety. Damian had to admit they were the smarter ones.
Behind the beast, a group of humans appeared. Although the river filled most of the tunnel, there were narrow edges where one could walk in shallow water. Damian gestured to Kazak, pointing toward the five second-rankers approaching behind the roaring giant. Kazak nodded and quietly gave orders to his companions nearby.
