A four-wheeled carriage traveled along the road to the Imperial Capital. The smooth road and peaceful journey seemed to have numbed their nerves.
The coachman in dark black clothes and the guards who merely looked like they were protecting the carriage... together formed the shape of the character "three."
"Rumble!"
At that moment, the ground suddenly began to tremble without stop, quickly growing violent—more and more violent!
"Hm? Could it be an earthquake?"
The coachman muttered in confusion.
This main road leading directly to the Imperial Capital had always been absolutely safe. Dangerous Beasts and ferocious animals stayed far away from it, so although the road had existed for hundreds of years, it was still in constant use even now.
Yet this time, an accident occurred...
"Rumble, rumble, rumble!"
The ground beneath them suddenly split open, and a gigantic monster burrowed out. It possessed insect-like characteristics and resembled a cross between a scorpion and a centipede.
It emerged right in front of the carriage, as though it had been waiting for them...
The coachman stared at the enormous creature. His dazed eyes slowly traveled upward as he tried to make out its full form, but he lost his balance and fell instead.
His body was already helplessly flustered. He wanted to say something, but his voice was caught in his throat and refused to come out. Fear spread through his entire body... until at last, he forced out a few words.
"An Earth Dragon!!"
The scream only escaped a few seconds later!
"I've never heard of Earth Dragons appearing on this road!"
The guards were equally shocked and terrified as they stared at the so-called [Earth Dragon]!
"Hissss!"
The Earth Dragon let out a deafening cry, seeming ready to attack the coachman and guards.
"Run!"
One guard shouted and immediately