Damien took a deep breath, stretching his sore muscles as he surveyed the dawn-lit landscape before him. The sky was now painted in hues of orange, red, and gold, the rising sun glistening off the horizon, marking the beginning of a new day.
The cold air of the dungeon had long since left his body, replaced by the gentle warmth of morning. He had been fighting all night, and though exhaustion still lingered in his bones, he knew he had no time to rest.
He had a city to leave and a destination to reach.
With a mental note to his system, Damien activated his summoning. 'Summon Aquila.'
The air shimmered, rippling like disturbed water as the familiar blue portal appeared in front of Damien and from it, regal figure emerged.
Aquila.
The Griffin stretched its golden wings, its sharp, intelligent eyes locking onto Damien immediately.
Damien stepped forward, placing a hand on Aquila's beak, giving it a gentle pat before swiftly mounting onto its back.
