Araegon's mood had totally shifted compared to the first trial. He wasn't smiling or laughing; he gazed directly into the eyes of the half-human, half-bird.
The creature maintained a steady pace in its flapping, controlling the height of its flight seamlessly.
It tilted its head toward the sky and let out a piercing cry:
(Kuuuuuuu!!!!)
A loud, screeching shriek made a second hole in our eardrums. Everyone present covered their ears in discomfort.
I didn't particularly feel anything. The noise was loud, but not unpleasant to the ears.
"Slave Araegon, it's an honor to be fighting you in this battle. Seeing your last two fights, you have proven that you are capable of facing any warrior from my tribe."
Araegon, who had been deep in thought, finally processed what the bird-man was saying. A look of shock crossed his face when he heard his own name paired with such words.
Araegon nodded his head in appreciation as he signaled his chain-dog.
The chain-dog leaped up toward Araegon and changed shape mid-air, transforming into a hand-sized gauntlet that locked over his forearm.
Suddenly, the pace at which the bird-man flapped his wings increased as he dived straight toward Araegon.
The wind whipped Araegon's long hair as he adjusted his grip on the chains.
The gale grew stronger with every second, pushing Araegon down.
Araegon desperately tried to swing the chains toward the bird, but the violent winds deflected them each time. It was like watching a bird mercilessly toy with a worm from the sky.
The gusts became heavier and heavier until Araegon struggled just to keep his footing. His vision must have been blurring as sand and dust blew all over him.
The bird crossed its arms in the air, beating its wings in a tremendous, rhythmic motion.
In a last, desperate attempt, Araegon let go of his primary grip.
He lifted his hand, and the chains levitated from the ground. Forming a tight fist, he signaled to them.
The chains moved in a rapid, circular motion around his entire body, weaving layer upon layer along a spherical path.
The heavy winds were suddenly deflected as the chains wove an impenetrable, rotating dome all around Araegon, shielding him from the deadly tempests of the half-bird warrior.