Chapter 25: Monarch of the Desert
Far from the bloodbath, beyond the desolate sea of sand, the manticore soared through the sky. Its massive wings flapped with monstrous force, parting the clouds in its wake as it streaked toward its destination.
Hours passed as it traversed the desert with unnatural speed. Until finally—
It arrived.
In the heart of the desert stood a structure that defied comprehension. A colossal temple, forged from the bones of civilizations long lost to time. Massive pillars carved with ancient runes held up its magnificent structure. Dark, swirling auras of death and ruin clung to the temple like a lingering plague.
The manticore descended gracefully before the towering gates.
Without hesitation—
ROOOAAARR!!
Its thunderous roar shattered the silence, sending tremors rippling through the sands. The temple’s gate shuddered before creaking open, a surge of cold, deathly wind flooding out. The beast braced itself, shivering beneath the ominous pressure emanating from within.
With cautious reverence, the manticore stepped inside.
The hallways were vast, stretched impossibly long, adorned with grotesque murals depicting the carnage of forgotten civilizations. Malformed, otherworldly creatures decorated the pillars—remnants of ancient, unspeakable horrors.
And at the heart of the temple, seated upon an exquisite obsidian throne, was—