=I don't get it. Why not just kill them all? It'd be faster.=
<My friend, it's been several centuries since someone has attempted to breach our hallowed halls without permission or qualifications. I'm beyond bored right now and in need of stimulation until you-know-who shows up.>
=Seriously?=
<Yes. Also, it's more fun to break the arrogant than it is to kill. Now help me figure out where to put this tentacle.>
=Fine...=
________________________________________________
Three hours.
Gio spent three straight hours looking up and down the entirety of the Jade Lake, only to find jackshit.
Well, mostly jackshit.
At some point he got attacked by a Giant Indigo Crab while swimming around, shot it in the brain and ended that fight real quick.
"Looks like crab for dinner tonight."
It even came with a 2nd grade aether beast core, a little victory as it were.