Chapter 303: The Bird Monster, and…?
“By the way… how far do we need to go to find a Wyvern?”
As they resumed their ascent after a break, Rest asked Libery, their guide. Libery walked ahead, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings, and answered Rest without turning around.
“The Wyvern’s habitat is near the summit of Alpha Mountain.”
“Alpha Mountain?”
“This mountain here… The Southern Mountain Range is made up of several peaks, each with its own name. Each mountain has its own territory for monsters, and Alpha Mountain is home to a Wyvern’s nest. Oh, be careful there; the ground can be slippery.”
She explained while occasionally warning them to watch their step.
“Wyverns are particularly adept at flying among the monsters known as Sub-dragons. There are many of them, but individually, they aren’t particularly strong. That said, that’s only in comparison to other Dragon species. They are not opponents that an average warrior or magician can handle, so please, don’t take any unnecessary risks.”
“Yeah, I get it. If things get dangerous, I’ll run. So don’t worry.”
Rest wasn’t underestimating the Wyverns, but he had definitely defeated stronger monsters before. He wanted to believe that there was no need for excessive concern.
“So, there are Wyverns on this mountain, huh? Does that mean there are different monsters on the other mountains?”
Yuri twirled a skewer in her hand, her tone innocent and curious.
“Yes… for example, the neighboring Beta Mountain has a large wolf den. Gamma Mountain is home to monkey monsters, and Delta Mountain is ruled by gigantic frog monsters.”
“Among those, the frogs sound delicious! Rest, should we check it out if we have time?”
“…Yeah, let’s hold off on that for today.”
He didn’t want to fill their stomachs with strange things. After hunting a Wyvern, their load would increase, so he firmly declined the idea.
“Oh, Rest. Another monster has appeared!”
“Jaaaan!”
A bird monster emerged with a shrill, piercing cry. It had vividly colored feathers that stood out, and instead of flying, it hopped along the rocky ground as it approached.
“That’s a big bird… Did its wings evolve into legs like a chicken or an ostrich?”
“It looks tasty. Should we try to eat it too?”
Rest and Yuri braced themselves. The bird monster, standing about two meters tall, hopped swiftly along the rocky surface and launched a powerful kick with its large legs.
“Earth Shield!“
A wall of earth erupted from the ground to absorb the kick. The bird monster was knocked back but quickly regained its footing, turning to launch another attack. However, before it could, Yuri kicked its body.
“Haah!”
“Jaaaan!?”
The bird monster let out a short cry as it bounced and rolled across the rocky surface. It must have taken a heavy hit, yet it quickly stood up, glaring at Rest and Yuri with malice.
“Jaaaan!”
“Wow… it’s surprisingly tough.”
Yuri’s kick had enough power to crush a human skull. Despite landing a clean hit, the bird monster was still moving without issue.
“Looks like it might be a bigger deal than it seems… Yuri, don’t let your guard down!”
“I know! Now, let’s get tonight’s dinner…”
Just as they prepared to hunt their prey again, a large shadow loomed overhead. At the same moment, their Life Search spell reacted, sensing the presence of a monster above them.
“Hide!”
“Get down!”
“Hyah…!”
Libery, their guide, shouted, and Rest immediately pressed Yuri’s head down to the ground. He conjured an earth wall with magic to conceal their bodies.
“Jaaaan!?”
“Gyaow! Gyaow!”
A massive monster landed before them. It was a gigantic creature with outstretched wings… resembling a lizard, but with arms that transformed into wings like a bat.
“A Wyvern…!”
The creature was about five meters long. That was a Wyvern. It sank its fierce fangs into the bird monster and flew off into the sky. The whole event transpired in an instant. Just imagining if it had attacked them sent a chill down Rest’s spine.
“I see… even if it’s rotten, it’s still a Dragon species. Quite the pressure.”
It had the same intimidating presence as a Worm or a Sea Serpent. Rest didn’t think he would lose in a fight, but it was clear that this was not an opponent to be taken lightly. He dispelled the magic and emerged from the earth.
“That was impressive, Rest!”
“Yeah, as expected of the mountain’s master. That nest of theirs… wait?”
He turned to check on Libery, but she was nowhere to be seen. Looking around, he confirmed that she had indeed vanished.
“Could it be… she ran away?”
It seemed that Libery had fled. They had agreed that it was acceptable to escape if things got dangerous, but her decision had been too swift. They hadn’t even engaged in battle yet.
“Rest, our guide has disappeared!”
“…Yeah.”
Left stranded on the mountainside, Rest gazed up at the sky in despair.