Chapter 36 - The Temple of the Moon Wolf
Snow fell gently over the Frostfang Mountains.
A narrow trail wound through towering pine forests, disappearing into the white wilderness.
Kai, Selene, the Crimson Flame Fox, Ignis, and the Lunar Frost Wolf travelled in silence.
The deeper they ventured into the mountains, the colder the air became.
Even Ignis shivered.
"I may be a dragon," he muttered, "but I strongly dislike snow."
The Crimson Flame Fox laughed.
"You're made of fire, yet you're freezing."
"I am an Eclipse Dragon," Ignis replied proudly. "Not a furnace."
Kai smiled.
"Looks like you two will never stop arguing."
---
By noon, they reached an abandoned mountain village.
Wooden houses stood empty.
Doors creaked in the icy wind.
No smoke rose from the chimneys.
Selene frowned.
"This village should be full of people."
The Lunar Frost Wolf sniffed the ground.
"They left recently."
"But they weren't running."
"They were... led away."
Kai's expression became serious.
"Something's wrong."
---
As they searched the village, Kai noticed strange black markings carved into several walls.
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared.
---
Analysis Complete
Shadow Binding Rune
Purpose:
- Drains spiritual energy.
- Weakens contracted beasts.
- Conceals hostile presence.
Status:
Recently activated.
---
Before Kai could warn the others—
WHOOSH!
Dozens of black chains burst from beneath the snow.
They wrapped around the houses and shot toward the group.
"Move!" Kai shouted.
Selene leapt backward as the Lunar Frost Wolf froze several chains with a blast of icy breath.
The Crimson Flame Fox released a wave of crimson fire, melting another group.
Ignis breathed golden flames, burning through the remaining chains.
The village square fell silent once more.
Then...
Slow applause echoed from a nearby rooftop.
A hooded figure stepped into view.
"So..."
"The Beast Sovereign truly is impressive."
Kai recognised the voice.
"Morgana."
She lowered her hood.
Long crimson hair flowed in the mountain wind.
Her golden eyes held neither anger nor hatred.
Only sadness.
"I was hoping we'd meet under different circumstances."
---
Selene raised her sword.
"You stole the Moon Crystal."
Morgana nodded.
"I did."
"And I would do it again."
"The Temple intends to awaken what sleeps beneath these mountains."
Kai frowned.
"Then why tell us?"
For the first time, Morgana smiled.
"Because I don't want them to succeed."
The group froze.
"What?" Selene asked.
Morgana looked toward the distant Temple of the Moon Wolf.
"I serve the Temple..."
"...but I do not serve its madness."
"The creature beneath the temple is not evil."
"It is merely imprisoned."
Ignis narrowed his eyes.
"So that's why you left clues."
Morgana gave a slight nod.
"I cannot openly betray the Temple."
"But I can delay them."
---
Suddenly, the Book of Infinite Beasts flashed.
Character Update
Lady Morgana
Status:
Enemy...?
Loyalty:
Unknown.
Threat Assessment:
Unpredictable.
---
Before anyone could ask another question, Morgana's expression changed.
"They're here."
A deafening howl echoed across the mountains.
The snow beneath the village began to shake.
From the forest emerged dozens of armoured Beast Tamers wearing the white-and-gold robes of the Divine Temple.
At their head stood a giant man carrying a silver war hammer.
Beside him walked a massive white sabretooth beast covered in black armour.
The Book identified him immediately.
---
Enemy Identified
Gareth
Title:
The Temple's Iron Apostle
Contract Beast:
Frostfang Sabretooth
Rank:
Divine (Incomplete)
Threat Level:
Very High.
---
Gareth's booming voice echoed through the valley.
"Morgana."
"You've spoken far too much."
He looked directly at Kai.
"And you..."
"The High Pontiff wants you alive."
He raised his war hammer.
"Kill everyone else."
Hundreds of Temple soldiers charged down the snowy slope.
The mountain echoed with the roar of beasts.
Kai summoned his spear.
Selene stood beside him, her silver blade glowing in the falling snow.
The Crimson Flame Fox's crimson flames blazed brighter.
Ignis spread his tiny wings.
The Lunar Frost Wolf bared its fangs.
For the first time...
Kai and Selene would fight together as true partners.
And hidden beneath the Temple of the Moon Wolf, an ancient heartbeat echoed through the frozen earth.
THUMP.
THUMP.
Something sealed beneath the mountain had sensed the arrival of the Beast Sovereign.