Lucien returned to the Obsidian Tower.
He went deeper, toward the area where he had placed the caged ancient beasts.
Then—
The cages roared. Curses poured out from the monsters contained inside.
"Defiler—"
"Release us and we will flay your soul—"
"You dare look upon us again—!"
The ancient beasts strained against their bindings. Chains rattled as titanic bodies shifted.
Lucien stopped.
He simply stood there and listened.
Their hatred was absolute.
Lucien exhaled slowly.
"…That settles it."
There would be no cooperation here. And he was not foolish enough to force it.
These beings were sealed, not broken. Even bound, they were still Eternals. He did not know what contingencies still slept within them or what reflexive laws might awaken if their blood was taken by force.
And right now—
He was not at full strength.
