The massive courtyard of the guild headquarters erupted into a flurry of sudden motion. The moment the shadow of the giant avian blocked out the midday sun, the seasoned adventurers loitering in the open training grounds looked up, their experienced eyes instantly locking onto the majestic creature.
"Oh… Lord Ayu is back!" One shouted, his voice cutting through the ambient noise of clashing practice swords.
The name spread like wildfire through the crowd. Dozens of high-ranking magi and veteran mercenaries quickly turned toward the landing zone, their expressions turning to ones of immediate respect.
To the members of the headquarters, the sight of those midnight-black feathers and the distinct golden-furred neck was unmistakable.
It was the personal mount of one of the top arch magi in the entire organization, a symbol of absolute authority and overwhelming power.
What caught their attention next, however, completely derailed their welcoming thoughts.
