Damien’s eyes scanned Cerbe’s new human form with interest. The transformation had worked perfectly.
Cerbe stood tall and muscular, his body exuding an aura of strength, dominance, and raw authority.
There was something about this refined energy that made Damien grin from ear to ear. He had been curious about the results of the transformation, and they had exceeded his expectations.
“Well, you’re definitely something else,” Damien said, his grin widening. “Can you speak?”
To his surprise, Cerbe nodded and replied, his voice deep and commanding. “Yes, Master. I can speak.”
Damien chuckled at the response. Hearing the once-silent Three-Headed Hound speak was amusing, but it also confirmed that Cerbe’s new form wasn’t just for show—it brought new abilities to the table.
The hound’s aura felt sharper, more focused, and Damien couldn’t help but appreciate this added level of control.
“You’re impressive,” Damien said, nodding approvingly. He then turned his gaze to Fenrir, the Monstrous Wolf. The wolf’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, its eagerness for transformation evident.
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However, Damien’s smile faded slightly as he considered the cost of Cerbe’s transformation. It had already consumed a significant portion of his life force and magic essence.
Transforming Fenrir, who was undoubtedly stronger than Cerbe, would require even more resources—resources he didn’t have to spare at the moment.
Damien approached the wolf, placing a hand on its thick fur. “Not today, Fenrir,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Your transformation will have to wait. If I tried it now, I’d be wiped out completely, and we wouldn’t be able to explore these tunnels. But don’t worry, your time will come.”
Fenrir let out a low growl, a sound that was both guttural and mournful. It was clear the wolf wasn’t thrilled by the decision, but it eventually shook itself and lowered its head in acknowledgment.
Damien smirked at Fenrir, patting its head affectionately. “I know you’re ready. You’ll get your chance soon.”
Fenrir lifted its gaze, its golden eyes locking with Damien’s, and then the wolf bared its teeth in a wolfish grin. Damien chuckled. “That’s the spirit.”
With the team set, Damien turned his attention to the first tunnel. “Alright,” he said, pointing forward. “Let’s get moving. Fenrir, take the second tunnel. Cerbe, the third.”
Before sending Cerbe off, Damien gestured for him to hold back for a moment. “I want to see what you’re capable of now,” he said, crossing his arms. “Let’s see one of those fireballs you’re famous for.”
Cerbe nodded and turned to the ceiling. The air around him grew hotter as he opened his mouth, flames beginning to gather. Damien immediately noticed a difference.
The fireball forming wasn’t like the usual blasts Cerbe had fired before. This one was far more intense—a culmination of the combined power of his three original heads.
“Wait, stop!” Damien commanded, realizing the destructive potential of the attack. But it was too late.
The fireball shot upward, tearing through the cavern’s ceiling with a deafening roar. The explosion sent debris flying as the searing heat dissipated into the air.
When the dust settled, Damien glanced upward to find a massive hole in the cavern’s roof. Through it, the starry night sky was visible, the stars twinkling innocently as if mocking the chaos below.
Damien sighed, rubbing his temples. “Cerbe,” he said sternly, “don’t use that attack unless it’s a life-or-death situation. Understood?”
Cerbe bowed his head slightly. “Understood, Master.”
“Good,” Damien said, pointing toward the third tunnel. “Now, get moving.”
Although he didn’t say it, Damien had noticed something else. He didn’t essence points for the attack just now. Damien was guessing it had been deducted from the essence point he’d given out to the human Cerbe.
However, it was still just speculation so he kept silent about it.
With their instructions clear, the three of them split up, each heading into their assigned tunnels. The air grew colder as Damien ventured deeper into the first tunnel.
The walls were jagged, and the occasional drip of water echoed faintly in the distance. His senses remained sharp, his magic ready to respond to any threat that might emerge.
Twenty minutes later, Damien reached the end of the tunnel. It was a dead end, just a narrow, empty chamber with no signs of life or activity.
He sighed and retraced his steps, meeting Fenrir back at the central cavern. The wolf also shook its head, signaling that the second tunnel was just as fruitless.
“Dead ends,” Damien muttered. “Where’s Cerbe?”
He turned toward the third tunnel, expecting Cerbe to emerge any moment. But before he could call out, a low rumble shook the cavern.
Wooooonggg~
The ground quivered beneath his feet, and a distant explosion echoed from the third tunnel.
Damien’s eyes narrowed as he turned to Fenrir. “Let’s go.”
Together, they sprinted toward the source of the commotion. The closer they got, the more intense the vibrations became.
The walls trembled, small rocks dislodging and falling as the tunnel shook with the force of whatever had occurred.
When Damien finally reached the scene, he found Cerbe standing in the middle of a ruined chamber, his human form surrounded by the scorched remains of what looked like demonic creatures.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt flesh, and the walls were blackened from the heat of Cerbe’s attack.
“What happened?” Damien asked, his voice sharp.
Cerbe turned to him, his expression calm but firm. “Ambush,” he replied simply. “They were waiting.”
Damien’s gaze swept the chamber. The bodies of at least five demons lay scattered across the ground, their grotesque forms barely recognizable.
Cerbe’s power had clearly overwhelmed them, but the damage to the chamber made it clear that the fight had been intense.
“You handled it well,” Damien said, nodding. “But next time, call for backup. We’re not splitting up again.”
Cerbe nodded in acknowledgment. “Understood, Master.”
Damien sighed, glancing around the chamber once more. There was no sign of additional threats, but the explosion had left the area unstable. He motioned for Fenrir and Cerbe to follow him back to the central cavern.
“We’ll check the other tunnels together,” Damien said, his tone resolute. “No more splitting up. If they’re setting traps, we’re better off as a team.”
Fenrir growled in agreement, and Cerbe followed silently. Together, they returned to the center of the cavern, ready to tackle the remaining tunnels as a unified force.