Standing atop the highest peak in the mountain range was a magnificent Griffin.
Emerald wings stretched from its powerful body, each feather gleaming like a polished gemstone. Its muscular, lion-like frame was covered in rich green plumage, while enormous talons gripped the stone beneath it. Its hooked beak and piercing eyes gave it an almost regal appearance.
Talon.
Not the little Skyrend Hawk he'd acquired on Floor One.
Not even the Griffling that had struggled to increase its potential.
This was a mythical beast, an A Rank creature that had forced its way beyond the limits of its previous existence through sheer determination.
Ethan stared at it for a moment before a smile spread across his face.
"Look at us now."
The wind carried his voice across the mountain.
"Remember when you were just a little bird I picked up on Floor One?"
Talon turned its head toward him.
Ethan laughed.
"Come on. You remember. You weren't exactly terrifying back then."
