Mysterious Danger

Facing 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 inscrutable glimmer flashed through its deep green eyes, but it still did not answer him outright.

Instead, it let out a low purr that seemed to come from ancient times. "God? The title is unimportant. We are ancient echoes, watchers of the rules, the dream of all living things that dwell here."

It elegantly flicked its tail, its gaze turning sharp as its tone took on a note of warning. "Stranger, you possess great power, but on this land, you must remember to restrain yourself. A light that shines too brightly will draw unwanted attention. It may even... awaken certain ominous things sleeping within the sea of sand and the space between the stars."

Ian's heart tightened, and he hurriedly explained, "I have always kept a low profile. I only passed through this place by accident and have no intention whatsoever of offending the local gods or their rules."

Thinking back to his actions in the marketplace, aside from speaking with Master Caleb, he truly had not displayed much of his power. Ian was not the sort of person who liked to show off, either.

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 flaunt themselves everywhere.

At Ian's assurance, the cheetah's expression seemed somewhat strange.

It shook its head, its voice carrying a trace of helplessness. "Your existence itself is not a threat to us. In fact, your arrival may itself be inevitable in some way."

"We do not mind your activities here."

The cheetah's response was somewhat beyond Ian's