Garius sat firmly atop Giddie, the golden Pekko's powerful strides thundering across the ground. Francesca's arms were wrapped around his waist, her cheek resting lightly against his back.
To his left, Hesbeirn urged his own Pekko forward, the bird's legs moving in sharp, rapid bursts.
On the right, Alf rode with his usual precision. Straight-backed, eyes scanning the horizon.
While Erinnette leaned forward slightly on her mount, her expression one of calm readiness.
Garius tilted his head back, catching sight of the sky. A dense formation of battle drones loomed overhead, their mana cores glowing like a constellation of small, unblinking stars.
They moved in perfect formation, shadowing the group's every motion.
"This Javier invention is… really annoying," Garius muttered, exhaling slowly.
"Feels like being stalked by my own son."
Hesbeirn glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening slightly.
