Of course, before embarking on this self-torture, certain preparations had to be made in advance.
Longinus first took out Seastone handcuffs and restrained the unconscious Kuma, just in case.
Then.
"Minos!"
Screech!
Accompanied by a clear, piercing eagle cry, golden radiance tore through the night sky. A griffin with sharp eyes and a nimble body soon appeared before Longinus.
Though Minos looked fierce and imposing, before Longinus it behaved like an affectionate kitten. The first thing it did upon seeing him was lower its body and rub its bird head against him intimately, while an utterly contented purr came from its sharp beak.
Yet Longinus, whose body was not even as large as one of Minos's eagle heads, was shoved backward again and again by this display of affection.
"Alright, alright, good boy!" Longinus said with a helpless laugh, pressing down on Minos's head. If this continued, he would be pushed right off the battlefield.
At Longinus's command, Minos immediately sat upright with a solemn expression, head held high and chest thrust out as it awaited orders.
"From now on, no matter what I do, do not come near me. At the same time, make sure no one else comes near me either."
To prevent Minos from being lured away, Longinus thought for a moment before adding, "If anyone approaches, swat them away, but do not pursue them under any circumstances."
"Protecting me is your highest priority. Do you understand?"
Minos nodded seriously, a humanlike wariness appearing in its large eyes.
Then Minos began striding around the red bubble, head high and chest out, with an air of utmost seriousness.
Watching Minos's earnest display, Longinus gave a soft laugh, then stepped into the red bubble without hesitation.
Pain!
Excruciating pain!
An indescribable, suffocating pain that pierced deep into his bones!