[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical-":3,"chapter-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-260":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1326711,1762,"Chapter 260 260: Departure III","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-260",260,"\u003Cp>Damien sat across from Queen Lareen, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp as he asked, \"You mentioned a place that could help me get back faster. What city are you referring to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the queen opened her mouth to respond, the doors to the chamber swung open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella stepped inside, her breath slightly uneven as if she had rushed to get there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately greeted her mother and Damien, before moving to take a seat nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen raised a brow. \"And what brings you here this early?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella folded her arms, smiling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I couldn't miss out on Damien's departure,\" she said, her voice light but firm. \"If I did, I'd probably curse myself until my dying breath. Or at least until fate decided to bring us together again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Queen Lareen and Damien chuckled at her dramatic words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How poetic,\" Damien mused, smirking. \"But you do know we'll probably meet again, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella shrugged, pretending to be unconvinced. \"Maybe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen shook her head in amusement before turning her attention back to Damien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, about the city I mentioned earlier…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen leaned back slightly, her expression thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This city is known as Velhast, and it is one of the most well-connected places in this region,\" she explained. \"It has multiple Teleportation Arrays, some of which are registered with the largest kingdoms and territories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She folded her hands together before adding, \"Even though I do not know the exact location of Westmont, I am certain Velhast has knowledge of it. If you ask the right people, you will find a way back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien nodded. It was a solid lead—one that could save him weeks of travel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen then described the route to the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you go on foot, it will take you three full days to get there. The terrain isn't too difficult, but it is not without dangers. However, if you ride a flying mana beast like your Griffin, you can cut that time down to just a few hours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien smirked slightly. \"Then I guess I won't be walking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen smiled knowingly. \"I assumed as much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gestured toward one of the nearby attendants, who nodded before leaving the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have also asked my people to prepare some souvenirs for you,\" she continued. \"Consider them gifts for the road.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien raised a brow. \"I don't need—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I insist,\" she interrupted smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien sighed but didn't argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the conversation concluded, Damien stood and bowed slightly toward Queen Lareen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" he said sincerely. \"For everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen returned the bow slightly. \"And thank you, Damien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes softened. \"For saving my daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien nodded, then turned toward Lizella, gesturing for her to follow him a short distance away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they were a bit more secluded, he spoke in a quiet but firm tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get stronger,\" he told her. \"It'll increase our chances of meeting again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella blinked at him before chuckling. \"So I have to train just to see you again? Sounds exhausting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien smirked. \"Then you better not slack off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella sighed dramatically but then grinned. \"Fine, fine. I'll train.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned more serious. \"Watch out for yourself, Lizella. Be diligent in your training. You have potential, but you need to push yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella studied him quietly before nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will,\" she promised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, neither of them spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Damien turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's time for me to go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien was escorted to the edge of the town, where the protective dome shimmered softly around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reached the boundary, the dome began to part, creating an opening just wide enough for him to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned back one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Queen Lareen stood tall, her expression unreadable but her gaze filled with something that felt like pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside her, Lizella watched him intently, her hands clasped behind her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien met her gaze briefly, smirking slightly before raising a hand in a casual wave. \"See you soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella rolled her eyes but smiled in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned toward Aquila, who had been summoned earlier to say goodbye to Lizella one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Griffin lowered its head slightly, allowing Damien to easily climb onto its back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella reached forward, brushing her fingers gently over Aquila's golden feathers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You better take care of him,\" she whispered to the beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aquila let out a low chirp, as if in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It spread its wings wide, the air shifting around them as it prepared for flight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien glanced at Lizella one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See you around,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a powerful beat of its wings, Aquila took off into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind rushed past Damien's face, the town below growing smaller and smaller with each passing second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lizella watched until he disappeared from view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did she whisper, \"See you soon, Damien.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast sky stretched endlessly above Damien, painted in hues of soft red and blues as Aquila's powerful wings carried them forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind howled past him, brushing against his skin with a mix of warmth and coolness, depending on the altitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seven continuous hours of flight, even at Aquila's top speed, had been an endurance test of its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Griffin had only taken two short glides to rest its wings momentarily, but it never faltered—never slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien sat comfortably against Aquila's back, one hand resting on the beast's smooth feathers while his sharp eyes scanned the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts drifted. 'Queen Lareen was right to recommend Velhast.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of the most well-connected cities in the region, rumored to have multiple Teleportation Arrays, each linked to different territories and kingdoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would save him weeks of exhausting travel, allowing him to return to Westmont far sooner than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, the landscape changed as the hours passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lush green fields turned into barren hills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barren hills turned into dense woodlands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woodlands eventually opened into a sprawling valley, dotted with small villages and winding rivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And finally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the distance, a massive city emerged, its towering walls and sprawling building structures clearly visible even from high above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien narrowed his eyes. 'Velhast.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden glow of the evening sun bathed the city in a warm radiance, its stone buildings and bustling streets creating a striking contrast against the approaching twilight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they neared, the city's watchtowers came into view, their guards stationed attentively atop the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien could already sense their wary eyes following him as he and Aquila approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs began to spread among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of a Griffin was not something common—not even in a city like Velhast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That mythical hybrid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A Griffin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gates, normally guarded with suspicion, were now filled with whispers of awe and excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Aquila landed just outside the city's towering gates, a small crowd had already gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes flickered between Damien and the majestic creature beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could hear their hushed voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A tamer? No… that beast isn't bound by any obvious contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be a summoned creature?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regardless, it's a beauty… Look at those golden feathers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien ignored the crowd, focusing instead on the guards blocking the entrance. However, his mind raced. 'How did they know it's a Griffin?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of them, a tall man clad in dark steel armor, stepped forward. His eyes were filled with hesitation, as if unsure whether to stop Damien or simply let him through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You…\" the guard began, glancing at Aquila before returning his gaze to Damien. \"State your purpose in Velhast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien remained calm. \"I need to use a Teleportation Array. I won't be staying long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards exchanged looks, their wariness still present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before any further questioning could occur, Aquila let out a sharp cry, causing many of them to flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The armored guard took a deep breath and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" he said, stepping aside. \"You may enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien gave him a small nod of acknowledgment before walking through the massive city gates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aquila, ever obedient, followed closely behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping into Velhast was like stepping into an entirely different world for Damien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The streets were alive, even as the sun began its descent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merchants shouted their wares from decorated stalls, their voices merging into a chaotic yet familiar rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Street performers juggled flaming torches, and skilled musicians played enchanting melodies near large fountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced drinks lingered in the air, tempting even the most disciplined of travelers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the grandeur, Damien had no time to admire the city's beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His objective was clear—find the nearest Teleportation Array.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before that, he needed a moment to rest and regroup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't take long before Damien spotted a tavern, nestled between a weapons shop and a potion merchant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sign above the entrance read as, \"The Broken Fang Tavern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushing open the heavy wooden doors, Damien was met with the scent of ale and grilled meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively, with groups of mercenaries, travelers, and traders occupying the many wooden tables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of clinking mugs and boisterous laughter filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien walked straight to the counter, ignoring the curious glances sent his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender, a middle-aged man with a thick beard and a moustache and sharp brown eyes, looked him over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A traveler?\" he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something like that,\" Damien replied. \"A meal. And a drink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender smirked. \"Easy enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within moments, a plate of seasoned meat and bread was placed before him, along with a tankard of dark ale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien took a bite, barely paying attention to the conversations around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't until he was halfway through his meal that he finally spoke up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where's the nearest Teleportation Array?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender, who had been wiping down the counter, paused for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Straight to the point, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien simply waited for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender shrugged, setting the mug aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Head straight down this road,\" he gestured. \"When you reach the merchant district, take a left at the second alley. You'll find the array there. Just look for the 'Silver-robed Talent Users' as they're called..\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien nodded. \"Appreciated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached into his coat and pulled out a small pouch of gold coins, tossing a few onto the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bartender's eyes gleamed as he caught them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pleasure doing business,\" he said with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, Damien stood and left the bar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night began to set in, the streets took on a different kind of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lanterns flickered to life, casting warm, golden glows across the cobblestone pathways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadows stretched along the buildings, and the hum of night markets and taverns became the dominant sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien moved with purpose, following the bartender's directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aquila walked beside him, its sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they approached the merchant district, Damien could already see the alleyway leading toward the Teleportation Arrays. \"Soon. We'll see Arielle soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1830,"2026-06-05T19:28:51.148Z",1,"novelbin.me","992a4135b2ab35765fb27df4309dc248ebcffb5d15dd8dcd8671001964b7763f","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-261","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-259",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--cover.jpg"]