New Monsters

Deep within Pangaea Castle, Imu's figure was concealed within faint light and shadow.

Her face looked especially mysterious amid the interplay of darkness and dim light, her unfathomable eyes watching the meteor crash reflected in the mirror.

A tremendous explosion shook the battlefield. Flames and dust filled the air, and even the creatures she had meticulously cultivated were reduced to ashes in an instant.

"How interesting..."

The corners of Imu's lips curled slightly, revealing an amused smile.

Her fingertips lightly tapped the throne's armrest, her gaze darkening slightly as though she were considering something.

She did not seem angry, nor did she show even the slightest dissatisfaction.

Those creatures—her so-called "little pets"—had never been anything more than pieces in her hand. Perhaps they did not even qualify as pieces, merely tools meant to wear down her enemies' stamina.

If a tool broke, she could simply replace it.

"I truly didn't expect the toys I'd just released to be completely destroyed so quickly."

She spoke softly, with a trace of casual regret in her tone. Yet that regret seemed more like annoyance at a toy suddenly breaking than concern for the battle.

She raised her hand and lightly traced a line through the air with her index finger. The gesture was elegant and casual, as though she were teasing the air itself.

Then she rose to her feet, her long robe dragging over the floor with a faint rustling sound.

"Still, it doesn't matter."

Her voice was low and gentle, carrying a strangely bewitching rhythm.

"Since the appetizer is gone, it's time for the next course."

Her gaze turned toward one side of the hall, where an even more concealed door stood. Its surface was covered in dense runes that emitted a dark crimson glow, slowly flowing as though alive.

That