With both Rhyana and Susan having reached the 4th tier, that of being a Lord, Violet was quite happy. Her friends were now stronger, their group would now be able to face much more threats head on.

Whilst they would still need to be careful, as it would just be stupid to run blindly forward. Thanks to them all being 4th tier creatures, their overall strength was quite considerable. Heck Violet reckoned that with all 4 of them as they are now they stood a good chance against that giant crocodile from when they first arrived in the region… actually, maybe not once Violet thought more about it. That beast was truly powerful so it may be a bit too much for them to challenge it just yet.

Still she felt happy that their group had grown so much stronger compared to when they first met and struggled so much against a single 4th tier beast, when surrounded by numerous allies all fighting together.

With it being morning now, and Violet in quite good health the group decided that they should probably leave this city for now. They had satisfied their curiosity regarding what was to be found within, been caught up in a massive three way war which they subsequently won with the help of two of the parties. It had been an eventful day indeed. But the group was more than happy with leaving this domain and moving on for new adventures.

With that decided, they had a hearty breakfast to celebrate Rhyana and Susan's success, before getting ready to leave. Luna chose to shift back into her beast form, unwilling to let the Orthrus know that she could shapeshift. They didn't think anything would come of it, but they all didn't exactly trust the big dog.

As they left their accommodation for the night they were met with the ubiquitous rain that dominated this region. "I am starting to get really sick of this rain." Huffed Luna, Violet glanced over at her companion, seeing her fur already beginning to get damp and had to hold back her amusement at the scene.

Still she had to agree, the constant rain was quite annoying. It limited both visibility and mobility, and whilst the slick ground underfoot would not truly pose any risk to her in combat, it was more of an annoyance than anything. She really didn't like getting mud stuck between the scales on her feet, it got quite itchy after a while.

The group of four made their way east, not in any rush as they slowly walked the abandoned streets. They paid close attention to the sights of the long fallen city, the ancient yet still beautiful architecture was quite evident in this section of the city. Numerous large houses lined the wide street. Said street was once made from exquisite cobbling, saddly it had now been broken through with countless weeds and vegetation.

But the beauty of the city was clear to see. "I would have loved to see this place when it was in its prime." Susan said wistfully as her head turned this way and that, taking in all that this long forgotten city had to offer.

"Yeah it should be been quite impressive, I wonder how many beings lived here when it was still standing." Luna pondered aloud.

Violet thought about that aswell, it must have been many thousands, but Violet had no real frame of reference of numbers that large so found it hard to accurately imagine what that could look like.

It was then that a voice reached them, surprising both Rhyana and Susan as they had not sensed his arrival, unlike both Violet and Luna who had much more practice utilising their presence to scout their surroundings.

"If I'm not wrong, I would imagine that close to 100,000 people once called this city home. This is just a guess based off its size compared to some of the other cities that I have witnessed through the Endles Forrest. Also I must congratulate the two of you for your evolution and advancement." The Orthrus then paused, gave the air a long sniff and his eyes opened a touch wider.

Giving both surprised girls an appraising look he continued speaking. "And you both now have the scent of the Wilds on you… interesting. It is still in a nascent form but… interesting, very interesting." His gaze moved over to Violet, giving her an appraising look. "Would I be right in assuming that this would be your influence?"

Violet matched the stare of the Orthrus, refusing to back down from the big dog. Then purposefully ignoring the last question she only responded to the first half of what he said. "That… I am honestly unable to even imagine so many beings all living together, it seems so… unnatural."

The Orthrus stared at her for a few long seconds more, before shaking his head and replying, choosing to drop the subject that Violet obviously did not want to talk about. "I personally do agree, having my pack be a few hundred strong is already beginning to feel too much, imagining hundreds of times that number is terrifying."

"Although, those monster ants we fought likely match that in numbers. Any hives are truly monolithic in size, their Queen is likely a Tyrant, if we are unlucky than maybe even a Titan, it likely has hundreds more of the soldiers and countless drones serving it."

A grim silence overcame the group as they tried to understand the scale that the Orthrus spoke of. It was Susan that spoke up voicing a question she had. "What do you mean by Tyrant and Titan? I don't think iv heard of that before."

"It's the title given to being of the 5th and 6th tier respectively when referring to monsters. 4th tiers are called Terrors. Whereas beast and enlightened have their own terms for being at these tiers." Replied the Orthrus.

Now Violet was interested. "Oh what are these titles? I know that beasts and enlightened are called Lords once they reach the 4th tier but I don't know about the rest."

With a shrug the Orthrus went on to explain what he knew as he walked with them towards the city edge. "From tier 1 to 3 their is no title given, they are simply too weak to warrant being given any true recognition. However, once they reach the 4th tier all being unlock their presence as I'm sure you know. Beasts and enlightened share the same titles for all ranked, at least as far as I know."

"The 4th tier is Lord, next you have Sovereign for 5th tier beings. For the 6th tier you have the Supremes. I no nothing more about anything above these tiers, all that I know it that the Storm Titan was not called that for no reason, it was at the peak of the 6th tier, and being a monster it was granted the title of Titan."

Violet blinked as she processed that information. "Hu I always thought it was called that because it was huge!" Blurted out Luna.

The Orthrus snorted in amusement. "As fitting as it may be, no it was due to its status as a 6th tier monster."

A comfortable silence settled over the group for a while before Violet spoke up again. "Will you be staying in this city Orthrus? If so what will be the fate of the weak beast lords?"

The big dog snorted in amusement at her words. "Ha, they are indeed quite weak aren't they, one of them even had the gall to die to weak ants. My pack will be staying here for now, many of them are close to evolving after that battle, I will stay to protect them until they evolve and likely split off to form their own pack. Past that I do not know. Where is it that you four will be heading?"

Rhyana replied this time. "East, we aim to cross the mountains." Her curt reply was both succinct and to the point. Still it didn't give away anything of their plans so Violet didn't mind.

Silence once more settled over the group as they closed in on the city wall and the gaping hole that likely signified a gate for entrance into the city long ago.

Upon reaching the wall the Orthrus spoke up once more. "I wish you fortune of your journey Wild Ones. May the winds be ever at your back. And if our paths cross in the future, may it be as allies not enemies."

"The same to you Storm Touched. May the sky be ever under your domain." Violet was unsure where that choice of words came from, but based on the mildly surprised and pleased look on the twin dogs heads it seemed like she had indeed said the correct thing.

And like that, the group of four, 4th tier lords left the fallen city. Eager to continue on their adventure.

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