Chapter 1177

After swallowing the antidote, Zarian bounced back instantly, returning to its fiery temperament. It pointed a claw at Wyatt and roared, "Ryatt, you better watch your back! Your bad day is coming!" With that, it bolted—but Wyatt's calm words stopped it dead in its tracks as if it had been rooted to the ground. "That was just the first dose. It'll last two hours. If you try to run, you'll need the second antidote," Wyatt said with a sly grin. "You son of a—" Zarian froze, its face darkening as it realized it was still trapped. Its brief hope of freedom had been shattered. "One more insult and you can forget about the second antidote," Wyatt added with a smirk. "Fine..." Zarian deflated, slumping to the ground. Its head drooped into its paws, the picture of defeat. "Let's go." Wyatt grabbed the pot of stew and motioned for Estelle and Linus to follow. They moved away quickly—Zarian's lingering stench was too much to bear. Wyatt scooped a piece of golden meat from the pot, bit into it, and let out a satisfied groan. The meat melted in his mouth, and crimson juices burst forth, radiating a glow like flames. "This is incredible! The essence in this meat is insane!" Estelle exclaimed after her first bite. She could feel surging power coursing through her, almost like her body was on fire. "Eat up while it's hot. It's always best fresh," Wyatt said, digging in with gusto. The rich aroma and vibrant flavors were enough to make anyone's knees weak. Linus stood to the side, drooling but hesitant. "Go on, eat!" Wyatt said, gesturing with a chunk of dripping meat. "Can I really join you guys?" Linus asked, uncertain. He wasn't sure if it was appropriate to partake in something so valuable. Wyatt had already given him the Carnelian Bloodfruit earlier—was it right to accept more? "Of course. Dig in." Wyatt grinned, his mouth full. "Wow. You're so generous! It's like I just hit the jackpot and found my guardian angel," Linus muttered tearfully before diving in, grabbing a large chunk of meat and devouring it. "What are you eating? I sense a familiar aura… like a beast I know!" it said, narrowing its eyes. "A beast you know?" Linus asked, confused. "Yes! A Dual-Horned Power Pig! This area is its territory," the lion said, pointing toward the nearby mountain range. Estelle and Linus froze, nearly choking. They had just stewed and eaten the lion's sworn brother. "Wait a minute… those skulls…" Zarian's gaze landed on two pig skulls nearby, still bearing the scent of the pig's blood. Its eyes widened in horror before its entire body began to shake. "You... you cooked it!" Zarian's roar of fury shook the air. Its golden fur stood on end like steel needles, glowing fiercely as a blazing aura erupted around it. The ground trembled as stones shattered under the sheer force of its rage. "Traitors! You'll pay for this with your lives!" it roared, launching itself upward, its golden light blazing like a mini sun. Estelle and Linus paled, stepping back in fear. Zarian's power was terrifying. Eating its friend had clearly pushed it over the edge. "You two, stand back. I'll handle this," Wyatt said, wiping his mouth as he stepped forward. Facing the enraged Zarian, Wyatt's voice turned cold. "If you don't submit or cooperate, you'll end up just like your friend—on my dinner plate." Zarian howled mournfully, its rage and grief spilling over. Its fury didn't seem staged—it was genuinely heartbroken. "This is bad. Their bond must've been deep. This lion's gone berserk," Linus muttered in alarm. "My friend, your death was tragic! But don't worry. I'll avenge you! I'll make them pay!" Zarian wailed, charging forward with a roar that shook the heavens.