Knowledge on the mysterious continent of Sothoryos was incredibly limited, since many who ventured in never made it out. The jungles were abundant with rain, heat, mud, diseases, and wildlife that could easily rip humans within seconds. Slavers and pirates would stalk the coasts but even they would not dare to set foot on the jungles. What was perhaps Sothoryos's greatest enigma was the ruined city of Yeen, which was built entirely with oily black stone. The blocks of the city were so huge that moving them would require a dozen elephants or something a lot larger. What caused the desolation of Yeen was never certain, though theories ranged from war to an epidemic to a magical curse.
Dr. Houston Brooks of MONARCH had pondered about Yeen at times, but the very reason he was in Sothoryos was something entirely else. There had been tales of something colossal in the jungles. Scarce sources described it as a giant ape with arms that could effortlessly kill elephants. Observation drones managed to record glimpses of it before something inexplicably destroyed them. Houston was determined to gain a closer look at this elusive Titan and isolated himself from his colleagues for over a month. His results were far from pleasing.
Fate seemed to change at dawn when Houston was filling his flask from a river. Something caused the water to ripple with the sound of footsteps. Birds took flight as a towering shadow was cast over their former perches. The brightness of the sun prevented Houston from gaining a clear look, but when he shielded his forehead, his view changed. Striding from through the trees was an ape, far larger than any known species, with deep brown fur and an upright stance akin to that of a human. Houston froze with astonishment for he found what he came for. As the Titan pounded His chest, rolling booms resonated across Sothoryos. The brindled natives called Him the Mountain who Thunders Death, but they also named Him…
"Kong."
"HRAAAAAAH-AAH!"
Messina and Munazza emerged from the shadows towards the light that illuminated the chamber. A plethora of flowers and vines decorated the walls as butterflies lingered around them with content. The real centerpiece, however, was the plump silk-wrapped object in the center of said chamber. It was the size of a war galley and radiated with consistent greenish-blue glows. Without distractions, ears could listen a faint chitter serenading within. Both twin sisters smiled at the sight, relieved that the cycle could never be broken.
"I could tell from the way you clothe and speak that you are a man of excellent business."
Salladhor Saan led the way as the torch in his hand brightened the crude walls of the cavernous tunnel.
"Everything and everyone has been talking crazy about the world ending and monsters rising from the earth. But this world is already fucking mad. When my men and I salvaged it from the Narrow Sea, I knew it would be something the two of us can make a profit from."
The narrow tunnel soon gave way to a much more spacious environment, though the darkness still prevailed. Salladhor passed the torch to his associate who was draped in a black cloak. He strode into the cave and allowed the torch to reveal what the shadows concealed. If the putrid oil-like stench did not keep plunderers at bay, then its lifeless red eyes and bared teeth should. Days had passed yet it showed no signs of decay. Its golden scales gleamed with the flames of the torch and Salladhor Saan smirked with confidence, knowing that it would yield great value to both parties.
"Name your price," said Alexander.