"Wh-what is that...?"
The mages flew in behind him, first astonished by the vastness of the mountain's interior. Then, when they followed the sound and looked up, expressions of disbelief immediately appeared on their faces.
Above the valley was a narrow fissure. As the only vent here, sunlight filtered in through it, yet it failed to illuminate the entire mountain interior. That was because... above this valley, there was also a colossal creature blocking most of the light.
Its wings were broad as cloud shadows, covered in alternating golden and black feathers. Its four enormous talons made running motions as it flew, as though it were truly running through the sky. Cry after cry rang from its beak, growing more hurried and wary. Clearly, it had also discovered Benjamin and the others who had suddenly appeared below.
—Without a doubt, it was a Griffin.
The only question was, how could this thing be so huge?
"Headmaster, we..." The mages were stunned by its prehistoric-beast-like body. Instinctively fearful, they could not help shrinking back a little.
Benjamin, however, suddenly turned around. To the mages' eyes, his expression had nothing to do with surprise. It could even be called excitement. "Quick! One of you, run back to the camp and bring those two siblings here. Hurry!"
The mages froze. However, Benjamin quickly singled one person out. The mage had no idea what Benjamin wanted, but in a fog, he turned around and ran back to fetch them.
Benjamin's gaze returned to the colossal creature.
"It seems that after The Church cleared the Magic Beasts from the entire mountain range, this place became their refuge," the system suddenly said. "There's a small Griffin nest below, and the one you're looking at should be their leader."
Hearing this, Benjamin glanced down and did indeed