LEVEL EVERYTHING UP in my Eldritch Tribe

Lyerin's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight. He had heard tales of this creature, of the guardian beast that bore the symbol of the Borgias Family. But to see it in person was another matter entirely.

The panther was a creature of legend, a manifestation of the ancient magic that had kept the Borgias Family at the pinnacle of power for generations.

Forcing himself to remain steady, Lyerin spoke to himself in his mind. 'I didn't expect they would send the Borgias Family's symbol animal. But aren't they a fool? Do they really want to make things easier for me?'

The panther didn't move, didn't even blink, but its voice resonated in the air, deep and resonant, as though coming from the very shadows that surrounded them. "Where do you intend to take these hooved creatures?"

Its question hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Lyerin knew he had to choose his words carefully.

"I will send them to the dungeons," Lyerin replied, his voice calm, measured.

The panther's gaze didn't waver, its expression unreadable. "And do you have permission to do that?"

Without missing a beat, Lyerin reached into his pocket and produced a small, golden coin.

It shimmered with a soft glow, the intricate symbol of a panther embossed on its surface, gleaming in the dim light. Holding it up for the panther to see, Lyerin spoke with quiet authority.

"This is the highest-ranking coin," he said, his voice steady. As he held the coin aloft, it suddenly vanished from his grasp, reappearing a moment later in front of the panther.

The creature's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing its otherwise stoic features.

The panther examined the coin for a moment before speaking again, its voice now carrying a hint of something akin to respect. "This is indeed the highest-ranking coin... and it is Level Three. It grants you authority over all affairs within the Borgias Family, little halfling Borgias. But I must ask—where did you obtain such a token?"

Lyerin met the panther's gaze unflinchingly. "From Lord Victor himself."

The panther's eyes widened in shock, a rare display of emotion from the creature of shadows. For a moment, the air seemed to freeze, the silence between them growing heavier. But then the panther nodded, as if accepting Lyerin's answer.

"Twelve o'clock," the panther said, its voice returning to its usual calm, resonant tone. "I will return to take you to the main territory of the Borgias Family."

Lyerin nodded in acknowledgment, watching as the panther turned and, with a swift, silent movement, vanished into the shadows from which it had emerged.

The oppressive presence immediately lifted, and the air around them returned to normal, the silence broken by the faint rustling of leaves in the wind.

As soon as the panther was gone, Lyerin let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the tension to drain from his body. 'That was close... I didn't expect one of the guardian animal would come to me.'

But there was no time to dwell on what had just transpired. Lyerin opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and focused. He looked up at the magic circles, which were still frozen in place, and a determined smile crossed his face.

"I can still make it," he murmured to himself.

With a wave of his hand, the magical energy that had been paused suddenly roared back to life.

Swoosh!

The circles flared brightly, their intricate patterns glowing with renewed vigor.

The newly recruited Mana Beasts and the girls were enveloped in light, their forms shimmering as the magic took hold.

Swoosh!

In an instant, they were gone, transported to the dungeons, their figures fading into the light as the teleportation completed.

Lyerin watched the process intently, making sure that everything went smoothly.

Once the magic circles had fully activated and the teleportation was complete, he raised his hand into the air. With a subtle twist of his fingers, a hologram formed from the surrounding air, a projection made of swirling winds and faint light.

The hologram showed the interior of the dungeon, where the girls and the Mana Beasts had just arrived.

They were understandably disoriented, their eyes wide as they took in the new environment.

The dungeon was a vast, labyrinthine space filled with dark stone corridors, eerie glowing runes, and the distant sounds of unknown creatures echoing through the halls.

Lyerin could see the fear in their eyes, the uncertainty of what lay ahead. But he also saw the determination, the resolve to face whatever challenges awaited them. He knew they were ready, but they needed reassurance, guidance.

His voice echoed through the hologram, reaching them across the distance. "Don't worry too much," he said, his tone calm and reassuring. "Let the Mana Beasts handle the initial waves of dungeon monsters. Watch, learn, and prepare yourselves. Once I believe you're ready, I will give you the signal to join the fight."

The girls, though still tense, seemed to take comfort in his words. They nodded, their expressions becoming more focused, more determined.

Lyerin allowed the hologram to dissipate, the winds scattering into the air as he lowered his hand. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, to consider his next move. The girls and the Mana Beasts would be safe for now, but he needed to ensure they would succeed in the long run.

Turning his attention back to the remaining members of the Stonehooves Clan—the ones who hadn't been sent to the dungeon—Lyerin felt a sense of pride and responsibility swell within him. These were his people, his warriors, and they were about to embark on a journey that would shape their futures, and his as well.

He smiled at them, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "It's time for all of you to level up."

The remaining Mana Beasts, sensing the shift in his tone, straightened their postures, their eyes locking onto him with renewed intensity.

They knew what was coming, and they were ready for it.