Faced with Ian's direct question,
the cheetah did not answer directly. In truth, that was an answer in itself.
Of course.
Seeing Ian continue to stare at it, the cheetah seemed somewhat helpless. An unfathomable glint flashed through its deep green eyes, yet it still did not answer directly.
Instead, it let out a low purr that seemed to come from ancient times. "Gods? Titles are unimportant. We are Ancient Echoes, Guardians of the Rules, and Dreams of All Spirits that live and breathe here."
It gracefully flicked its tail, its gaze sharpening as a warning entered its voice. "Strange Traveler, you possess great power, but on this land, remember to restrain yourself. Light that shines too brightly will draw unnecessary attention. It may even... awaken certain ominous things sleeping between the sea of sand and the stars."
Ian's heart tightened, and he hurriedly explained, "I have always kept a low profile. I merely passed through this place by accident and have no intention of offending the local gods or rules."
He recalled what he had done at the market. Aside from speaking with Master Caleb, he truly had not displayed much power. Ian was not the flamboyant sort to begin with.
After all, he was a Ravenclaw student, not a Slytherin or Gryffindor student. Only Hogwarts students from those latter two Houses would cause trouble and show off everywhere.
At Ian's assurance,
the cheetah's expression seemed slightly off.
It shook its head, its voice carrying a trace of helplessness. "Your very existence is not a threat to us. In fact, your arrival may itself be inevitable."
"We do not mind your activities here."
The cheetah's reply was somewhat beyond Ian's expectations.
Ian fell silent.
He could hear the condescension in its tone, which only further convinced him that the