In the central Arctic, inside a fresh scar in the earth.
Dozens of emaciated, blue-black monsters scrambled up the sheer rock walls. They jostled and surged forward, wild with excitement, like demons newly escaped from hell. Their muscles were withered and their coats dull, but their eyes remained fierce, their claws and fangs sharp.
They leaped out of the ravine and roared at the sky above, at the ground beneath their feet, at everything they could see—announcing the return of the planet's apex predators!
Yuri hovered in midair, smiling as he watched them vent their emotions. He took out the assortment of food he'd prepared in advance inside the Black Sphere and piled it on the ground. The rich aroma and rising steam instantly drew every Mutant Beast's attention.
They gathered together as one and faced Yuri in midair, letting out deep, rumbling growls, as though performing some sort of ritual. Before long, all the Mutant Beasts fell silent. Whether they had four legs, three legs, two legs, or none at all, they all prostrated themselves and offered their loyalty to their Leader.
"Roar... (From this day on, the Mutants will return to the world.)"
"Roar... (The first thing we'll do after filling our bellies is learn the human language.)"
"Roar... (We'll stay in the Arctic for a while, until all our kin have been freed from their seals.)"
"Roar... (My personal guards will serve as teachers for now. If you have any questions, ask them.)"
"Roar... (Enough talk. Let's eat.)"
Shack and the others could hardly contain their excitement. As soon as Yuri gave the order to eat, they revealed their mighty true forms and began searching among the skeletal female Mutant Beasts for suitable mates. Meanwhile, Vanax and Kate followed Yuri straight back to the ice cave where