The forest was silent, eerie but calm—no signs of any monsters yet. Only the distant sound of leaves rustling overhead.
"What kind of monsters do you want to tame, Axel?" Owen asked as he bounced on top of Axelius's head.
Axelius grinned, his hands behind his head. "Depends on what my core can handle… but it should be something strong. Like, really strong." He clenched a tiny fist with excitement, already imagining a powerful, terrifying beast obeying his every word.
Liselotte suddenly whispered, "Oh my gosh, keep quiet, guys! Look!"
Axelius blinked and turned his head. Adelheida was already squatting down beside a bush, motioning him over.
"Look at that, Axelius," she whispered excitedly, pointing through the trees. "This is amazing. It's rare for them to come out in groups like that."
Axelius crouched and followed her finger.A soft shimmer floated in the fog—tiny black-winged creatures, glowing faintly, their wings fluttering silently as they trailed violet mist.
