Javier was riding on Buddy's back, wind rushing past his face as the giant bird dashed through the rugged terrain. In the distance, the towering black-stone walls of the Dwarven Kingdom's capital loomed ever closer.
"Buddy… we're not far now," he muttered under his breath.
Cuquawked.
Buddy responded with a sharp cry, his pace never faltering.
As they moved, Javier's expression turned serious. The weight of his mission pressed on his mind—Garius's final instructions echoing clearly.
"Kill if you have to. If the Celestial inside Gumarak goes berserk, and you're left with no choice—end him."
"Or, capture and drag him to the Beastkin Kingdom border. Our shadow unit will take over from there."
"Remember, Javier—kill only if you have no other option."
His hands tightened slightly on Buddy's reins.
"You'll either face heavy resistance… or none at all. Complete your mission under your own judgment."
Javier exhaled slowly.
