Sphinx took advantage of the respite offered by the Earl to rest. Her body was durable, but the lion's claws were extrely sharp. His strength was also formidable, and six minutes into the fight, Sphinx could feel her body suffering from multiple internal injuries.
But worst of all, the lion imdiately understood that Sphinx's power required the enemy to be aware of the riddle. Without this, her power had no hold on the Earl. Sphinx had tried to find a way around this by writing her riddles on the tree trunk. Unfortunately, the Earl was either illiterate or too clever to read a text written by his enemy in the middle of a fight. Sphinx would have bet on the first solution: the lion's mane was too ugly for him to be intelligent.
As she hesitated to attack, Sphinx beca aware of Priam's presence. A few ters away, he was looking toward the Earl. Without seeing him, Sphinx knew that her friend had a determined expression on his face. She was proud to be fighting alongside him.
Unfortunately, despite the progress she sensed in him, Priam was wounded. The Earl would easily sweep him away if he interfered.
"If I feel your skill activate, I'll block my hearing again," warned the Earl. Sphinx nodded as she saw the gusts of wind surrounding the lion.
"I don't understand you, sphinx. You're weaker than , and you know it. Accept your defeat and join . I'll cherish you, and together we'll dominate this Moon. At the next Reunion, we'll descend to Earth to regain control of the lands where I was born."
As Sphinx prepared to retort with a scathing reply, a voice cut her off.
"Noble Earl, the fake humans are coming. They intend to pollute the Jubokko and your Spring. I beg you to reconsider your priorities."
"What?!" The Earl roared as he heard Priam. Sphinx was ready to defend his friend. The lion glanced at her before montarily calming down.
"If what you say is true, this is indeed a priority. Bala, go and check this out," he ordered. A bird of prey took flight after waving to its master. The Earl turned to Sphinx.
"We'll talk about my proposal again," said the lion, looking at Sphinx. Sphinx nodded, grinning inwardly. She knew that for a warrior like the Earl, his Tribulations ca before a marriage. Well done Priam!
The Earl then addressed a Baron-rank monkey, previously hidden behind a branch. "Gather the nobility. I've decided to exterminate the polluters."
"Of course, Your Majesty. When must we gather?"
"NOW!"
The sycophant gasped before scurrying off. The various Barons and Viscounts approached, and the Earl climbed onto his promontory before turning to Priam.
"What do you know about these false humans?"
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