Chapter 13: To Oz – 07
After two days of walking, the mountains that separate the borders came into view in the distance.
However, those mountains loomed like a wall, with an elevation difference of about 1500 meters. If there were well-maintained climbing paths, ordinary people might manage to cross, but it was clear that this mountain range was not something one could simply traverse.
“Soushi-sama, we have to cross that mountain, don’t we?”
Freinir looked up with a hint of anxiety on her face, and it was understandable.
“Apparently, there is a route, so as long as we have enough stamina, I think we’ll be fine. But it might take some time.”
“Yes. I will do my best not to fall behind.”
As we continued our conversation, I noticed Sfenia gazing up at the sky. When I followed her gaze, I saw something flying toward us.
“Sfenia, do you know what that is?”
“Yes, I believe it’s the ‘Sacred Beast’ we helped the other day.”
The ‘Sacred Beast’ referred to the giant moth known as Garuda Moth. Upon closer inspection, it indeed looked like a moth approaching us.
As we walked for a while, it became clear that this moth was about 20 meters wide. The patterns on its wings were familiar, and there was no doubt that it was the Garuda Moth from that time.
Seeing the majestic giant moth fluttering toward us, Lady Shizuna exclaimed, “Wow!”
“Isn’t that the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’? It’s rare for it to appear before people.”
“‘Sacred Spirit Beast’? Do you know about that Garuda Moth?”
“Indeed. It is a grateful messenger of the Spirit Queen that brings blessings to the land. It is said that the abundance of Oz Country is thanks to the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast.’ But why do you know about it, Soushi-dono?”
“We saved it from a giant spider monster!”
When Larni answered, Lady Shizuna looked astonished.
“What!? If that is true, then ‘Soul’s Guidance’ will become a benefactor of Oz!”
“Really? Is it such a grand tale?”
“Of course! The ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ is an irreplaceable and very important existence for Oz Country. This will make for a great story to tell.”
As we spoke, the Garuda Moth was drawing closer, clearly heading our way…
“Soushi-san, it seems like it’s coming down here.”
Just as Sfenia said, the Garuda Moth circled above us and gently landed right in front of us. It was strange that despite its large wings, it didn’t create any wind; perhaps it was using some magical power.
“Oh, the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ is so close!”
Upon closer inspection, the giant moth had a surprisingly charming face. Lady Shizuna, moved by the sight, staggered closer and exaggeratedly bowed, beginning to perform what looked like a prayer.
In the midst of her prayer, Lady Shizuna was saying things like “Oh my!” and “Is this acceptable?” Could she be conversing with the Garuda Moth?
“It seems Lady Shizuna is having a conversation,” Freinir remarked, nodding in agreement.
After her communication seemed to conclude, Lady Shizuna approached us.
“Everyone, the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ has offered to carry us to the capital of Oz. I have never heard of such a thing, but what do you think about accepting the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’s’ power?”
“Lady Shizuna, you can talk to the Garuda Moth… the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’?”
“Of course! Despite my appearance, I am a priestess of Oz.”
Despite her modesty, it was clear she was dressed in priestess attire. I figured that in this world, it was normal to communicate with such beings, but I was surprised by this unexpected ‘repayment’ event.
“So, the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ is offering to take us to the capital as a reward for helping it?”
“Indeed. It seems to be a way to repay the favor. You all are quite remarkable.”
No, we just helped because we happened to see it… but I guess I had no choice but to go along with this flow that someone must have orchestrated.
“Wow, this is amazing! Flying through the sky feels like a dream!”
Larni was bouncing with excitement at the very front of Garuda Moth’s back.
“I am overwhelmed… I never imagined I would touch the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ and be allowed to ride on its back…”
Lady Shizuna was more moved by this than the scenery below.
“All of this wonderful experience is thanks to you, Soushi-sama. You truly are a person destined for greatness.”
Freinir was trying to attribute some strange quality to me while I sat behind her.
The arm wrapped around my waist belonged to Sfenia, who seemed to be afraid of heights, clinging tightly to my back and trembling.
“This is a feat that must be recorded by the guild. Reporting this to the Grand Master will surely cause quite a stir.”
Meanwhile, Mariane, sitting at the back, was diligently thinking about work. I realized for the first time that our group had many bold and easygoing members.
Regardless, we were currently riding on the back of the Garuda Moth, soaring over the mountain range.
I wondered if it was really possible for such a giant moth to carry six people, but it seemed to be no problem at all, as Garuda Moth continued to fly with ease.
When it suddenly ascended, I feared altitude sickness, but it appeared that adventurers’ bodies were unaffected, as we flew at an altitude of about 2000 meters without any particular issues. Well, I did feel a bit cold.
After effortlessly crossing the mountain range, we found ourselves over a vast plain… or rather, a cultivated land. Rich forests surrounded us, and rivers meandered through the area, making it clear that this was very suitable for agriculture.
“Oz Country is quite prosperous in agriculture.”
“Indeed. Oz has always prioritized farming, and its people have never known hunger. However, in exchange, our magical tools and technology are somewhat lacking compared to other nations.”
Lady Shizuna spoke with a hint of pride, but ensuring that the people do not go hungry is undoubtedly the most important thing for a nation.
“From what I can see, there seem to be fewer houses despite the vast fields. It must be quite a challenge to cultivate such a large area.”
“That’s our little secret… or perhaps not so much. In truth, we rely on the power of the ‘Spirits.'”
“You mean you have the ‘Spirits’ help with farming?”
“Yes. The ‘Spirits’ are tireless workers. There’s no better labor force than them.”
“I see. That sounds ideal for labor.”
“However, it is a bit frustrating that the vessels for the ‘Spirits’ are often mistaken for Undead. I didn’t even know we were called a cursed nation until I became an adventurer.”
Putting aside the issue of the cursed nation, the idea of having ‘Spirits’ assist with agriculture felt very much like a fantasy. If people from modern Japan were to visit Oz Country, they would surely be in high demand.
As we enjoyed our aerial journey, a large city came into view in the distance. Unlike the fortified cities we had seen so far, this one gradually increased in buildings from the suburbs, with larger and denser structures in the center—an urban layout I was quite familiar with.
The only difference was that there were watchtowers built at equal intervals along the outskirts of the city. It seemed to be a defensive measure in place of walls, creating a somewhat peculiar sight.
“That is the capital of Oz, Gal-Oz. In Oz, when one refers to the capital, it means Gal-Oz, and there are fundamentally no other capitals. There are many small villages, though.”
“So, the scale of the country isn’t that large?”
“It’s probably less than a quarter of the Kingdom of Vermillion. However, the population of Gal-Oz is likely greater than that of the royal capital of Vermillion.”
“I see.”
As we conversed, Garuda Moth entered the airspace above the capital, approaching a large temple in the center of the city… which resembled a shrine in some way. Surrounding the building was a vast garden, and it seemed we were about to land there.
“Ah, that is the center of Oz Country, the Great Spirit Shrine. It is where the High Priestess who governs Oz resides.”
I understood that it was akin to a royal castle, but I couldn’t help but worry that we might suddenly intrude upon such a place. Moreover, arriving on the back of a ‘Sacred Spirit Beast’ seemed to present numerous issues… I should have asked to be let off outside the city first.
As I pondered this, Garuda Moth began its landing procedure.
Slowing its forward speed, it gently descended.
With a soft thud, the floating sensation we had been feeling vanished. Garuda Moth landed in the middle of the expansive garden filled with grass.
Looking around, I saw that over a hundred people had gathered around Garuda Moth. I had noticed many people emerging from the Great Spirit Shrine as we approached, so they were likely officials and guards of Oz Country.
As we dismounted from Garuda Moth, a murmur arose among the crowd. It was only natural; after all, it was expected to react when people descended from a being that resembled a divine messenger.
Once we had all gotten off, Garuda Moth flapped its wings powerfully and took off, circling above us before swiftly flying away. There hadn’t even been time to express our gratitude, but I had a feeling we would meet again.
“Are you perhaps Shizuna?”
From among the gathered crowd, a woman stepped forward. With long, beautiful black hair cascading down her back and adorned in an ornate priestess robe, she appeared to be of high status. She looked to be in her thirties, but her aura suggested she might be a bit older. She was a fair-skinned beauty, resembling an adult version of Lady Shizuna.
Upon hearing her name, Lady Shizuna stepped forward.
“High Priestess, I, Shizuna, have returned in this manner due to certain circumstances. The people behind me are those who brought me here, so I ask that you treat them as guests.”
“Hmm…”
The woman referred to as the High Priestess turned her gaze toward us. Her piercing eyes were as strong as those of the King of Vermillion, but as the High Priestess of Oz, that was to be expected.
“I perceive that you are adventurers. What circumstances led you to escort my daughter Shizuna? Please explain, along with the fact that you rode upon the ‘Sacred Spirit Beast.'”
“Understood. I will explain everything, of course… Huh? Did you just say ‘my daughter’?”
“I did. Shizuna is my daughter, the priestess who is to become the next High Priestess.”