On the far side of New Atlas, a group of figures concealed themselves behind a small hill and watched the city from a distance.
"Let's see whether New Atlas is truly that powerful or if this is all an act," Zareth said coldly. "If I find out they were bluffing, I'll burn every last person in that city alive!"
Being scared into retreating was a humiliation. Only their deaths could wash it away.
Just then, the High Elder cried out, "Patriarch, look! What is that?"
Zareth followed his finger, and shock spread across his face.
An enormous figure had flown out of the city. It circled once through the air before descending again.
That brief glimpse was enough to make Zareth's entire body go rigid.
"A peak Tier 47 Outland Beast!" the High Elder said, his voice trembling.
"That Outland Beast is stronger than I am," Zareth said grimly.
Everyone fell silent.
This was the first time they had ever heard their Patriarch admit that someone was stronger than him.
