The First Dragon God-Chapter 149: Behemoth-Sized Monster (3)

A wave of raw power rippled through the forest, shaking the very ground beneath them.

The colossal beast, which had been rampaging moments ago, froze mid-movement, its muscles locking under the weight of her overwhelming aura.

Leo could feel it too. The suffocating, undeniable pressure of a predator above all others. It wasn't just about strength. It was authority, the kind that came from standing at the top of the food chain.

The monster, despite its size, despite it being at the Evolved Rank and on the brink of attaining Exalted Rank, hesitated.

And for the first time, it felt fear.

Tatiana stood atop its massive head, her crimson aura swirling around her, her blood energy forming razor-thin threads that wrapped around its horns and neck like a hunter controlling its prey.

Leo could see it in her stance that she could end this monster right now.

The battle was already won. And yet… Tatiana let go.

The energy around her dissipated as she stepped off the monster's head, landing on the ground with effortless grace.

The beast remained completely still, its entire body trembling, eyes wide with confusion and terror.

Tatiana turned toward Leo and the others, and smiled.

Leo let out a slow breath, as his heart still pounded from the battle.

Ves coughed, pushing herself up from the ground, wiping blood from her lip.

"You… could have done that earlier, you know."

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Tatiana smirked, brushing some dirt off her sleeve.

"And rob you all of the experience? Now you all understand just how strong an Evolved Rank entity is."

Miguel, who had just managed to stand, gave her a half-exhausted, half-irritated look.

"So you were just going let us almost die for a damn lesson?"

Tatiana tilted her head. "If you died, you weren't strong enough to survive anyway."

Mia groaned. "I really, really hate you sometimes."

Leo ignored their bickering, his focus still on the monster.

Despite the immense strength it had displayed, despite how it had nearly crushed them underfoot, it was just staying still, refusing to move.

He knew that Tatiana had broken its will to fight. And that was what true power looked like.

Leo clenched his fist when he realised this. This… this was the difference between him and Tatiana.

Even though he had managed to hold his own better than the others, even though he had been the only one truly standing his ground. It still wasn't enough.

Against this level of strength, he still wasn't enough.

Tatiana turned back toward the massive creature.

"You're free to leave," she said casually. "Or you can stay and be food for the weak."

The monster flinched at her words.

Then, as if making a desperate decision, it let out a low, defeated growl and turned, disappearing into the shadows of the forest.

Mia let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding.

"Good. I was not looking forward to another round of getting tossed around like a ragdoll."

Miguel rolled his shoulders, still sore.

"We weren't ready for that fight."

Ves exhaled, her claws retracting. "We were not."

Leo looked down at his own hands, his body still buzzing from the fight.

'We are not. But we will soon be.'

Tatiana turned back toward them, crossing her arms.

"Well, what do you all think?." She asked.

"We'll do better next time," Leo replied, as he met her gaze.

Tatiana smirked. "You'd better. Because next time, I won't step in."

Leo nodded. He didn't want her help. He wanted to be strong enough to never need it.

He turned to the rest of the group. "We're done for today. Let's head back."

No one argued.

They had all reached their limit. The fight against that massive monster had drained them, and going forward like this would be extremely difficult.

They decided to return back to the capital. The journey back was quieter than usual.

The capital gates were a welcome sight when they finally reached them. The city was just as lively as before, beastkin moving through the streets, the marketplace buzzing with activity. It was almost too normal especially after what they had just been through.

As they entered The Burrow's Rest, the familiar scent of roasted meat and warm tea filled the air. The rabbit beastkin innkeeper glanced up from behind the counter, her sharp eyes taking in their battered state.

She sighed. "Another rough day, huh?"

The group simply nodded in response.

The innkeeper huffed, setting down the cloth she was using to clean a mug.

"Your rooms are waiting. And again, don't track too much blood inside."

Leo didn't bother responding. He just climbed the stairs, making his way to his room.

The moment he shut the door, he collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, with a lot of thoughts occupying his head.

Tatiana's overwhelming strength. Their failure against the beast. The bounty on his head. The Order possibly hunting him.

And worst of all, the nagging feeling that no matter how much he trained, he still wasn't getting strong fast enough.

He exhaled, rubbing a hand down his face.

Beside him, Fiona curled up on the floor, her breathing slow and steady.

Leo let out a slow breath.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, he'd get stronger.

And he wouldn't stop until he never had to feel this weak again.

Sleep claimed him before he could think any further.

The next morning, Leo woke up early, his muscles still sore from the previous day's battle.

He washed up quickly and headed downstairs.

The others were already there, gathered around their usual table in the main hall of the inn, their plates filled with warm food.

Tatiana sat with her usual calm presence, sipping a cup of tea. Miguel was already halfway through his meal, while Mia picked at her food absently. Ves was quiet, sporting an unreadable expression on her face.

Leo took his seat and they all ate their food, while discussing of what they were going to do afterwards.