Info Gathering

The cockatrice general slumped to the ground, panting heavily.

Smoke curled off its singed feathers, and its once-proud stance was reduced to a trembling mess.

"Alright... What do you want to know?" it finally croaked, its voice weak but laced with reluctant defiance.

Alex stood tall just outside the cage, his expression cool and calm.

His hand rested casually by his side, ready to snap again at a moment's notice.

"How many cockatrices are in the area?" Alex asked, his tone sharp and commanding.

The cockatrice general hesitated, glancing at the glowing ruins of its once-impressive cell.

After a long pause, it grumbled, "About fifty."

Fifty.

Alex's mind raced.

That was fifty more cockatrices standing between him and freedom—fifty more reasons to take this grudge to its bitter end.

He couldn't help the smirk that tugged at his lips.

These birds had caused him too much trouble already.