---
Final stat review before departure:
[Level 33
HP 3000 / 3000
Aura 1600 / 3300 (after claim)
Strength 257
Speed 210
Stamina 200
Subordinate Slots 4 / 10]
"Plenty room to grow."
He knelt by the egg, stroking the warm shell. "Little Miryam, I'll be gone for several days. My subordinates will watch you. Eat your fill. I will be back soon."
A sad pulse wove through the bond. Kai soothed: "We'll hunt starlight together soon." He stood, cinched cloak.
The exit waterfall roared like applause as he stepped through. Cool spray washed dust from his body, desert sun greeted him outside. He left the beasts' roars echoing behind, promising they'd keep the egg safe.
He set out at bounding pace, cloak whipping, silver hair streaming like comet tail, an ant monarch on the road to look for future legions.
Behind him, the mountain kept its secrets, but now bore a crimson crest over hearthstone, the mark of a new lord coming into power.
