'What the hell is that?!'
Lucas's eyes widened as he took in the creature before him. Its massive frame, gleaming feathers, and piercing gaze left him frozen in place.
"Sebastian?" Lucas finally managed to speak, his voice shaky. "That thing isn't going to eat us… right?"
Sebastian burst into laughter at Lucas's reaction, the sound echoing through the open space. "Eat us? Lucas, you really haven't seen a Skyrak before? These creatures are quite common. In fact, people use them for riding."
Lucas blinked, utterly dumbfounded. 'There is no way that thing is used for riding!'
The Skyrak, seemingly unbothered by the conversation, lowered its head and locked eyes with Lucas. Its gaze was intense—almost predatory. Lucas felt like the bird was sizing him up, deciding whether he was worth the trouble.
'What the hell?! Stop looking at me like that!'
Sebastian chuckled again, noticing Lucas's rigid stance. "Relax, Lucas. Skyraks aren't aggressive. They're actually quite gentle and affectionate once you get to know them."
As if to prove Sebastian's point, the Skyrak leaned down, its massive beak coming closer to Lucas. He could feel its warm breath against his face.
Lucas trembled, panic flashing through him as he turned his head toward Sebastian, silently begging for guidance.
"Lucas," Sebastian said with a reassuring smile, "it wants you to pat its head."
"Uh… alright," Lucas muttered, his voice hesitant.
Turning back to the Skyrak, Lucas took a deep breath. 'This guy's Dr. Sebastian's pet, so it should be fine,' he reasoned. Slowly, he raised his hand toward the creature's enormous head.
'Please don't eat my hand.'
To his surprise, the Skyrak didn't lash out. In fact, it seemed to relax under his touch. Its eyes softened, and Lucas could swear it almost looked like it was smiling.
'Oh wow… he really is just like what Dr. Sebastian said.'
Lucas continued to pat the Skyrak, feeling more at ease with every stroke. Its feathers were surprisingly soft despite the creature's intimidating appearance.
Sebastian's voice broke through the moment. "Come on now, Feronis. We've got deliveries to make."
The Skyrak—Feronis—made a low, rumbling sound and turned toward Sebastian, leaving Lucas's side. With practiced ease, Sebastian secured the creature to the carriage using sturdy reins.
"Oh, and thanks for your help, Lucas," Sebastian said, brushing his hands off as he turned back to the boy.
"Sure, no problem," Lucas replied, still slightly shaken by the encounter.
Sebastian paused for a moment before asking, "By the way, Lucas, have you ever been to the main city before?"
Lucas shook his head. "Uh, no, not yet. But Eldric said he'd take me there later."
Sebastian's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "Eldric is really going to take you to the main city?"
Lucas paused, frowning slightly. 'Why does he look so shocked?'
"Yeah," Lucas said after a moment. "He told me he'd take me there to help me learn more about my element. He actually helped me discover what my elements was earlier."
Sebastian's expression shifted, a wide smile breaking across his face. "Oh, I see," he said warmly. "That's good to hear, Lucas. Really good to hear."
With a quick pat on Feronis's side, Sebastian added, "I'll see you later then, Lucas."
Lucas smiled back. "Alright, Dr. Sebastian!"