novelraw Chapter 749
Chapter 749
“Lord Ridd, we have demonstrated our capability. So now, you can entrust the subjugation to us, can you not?”
Not long after Ibi said this, a blast of wind, likely originating from the explosion point, swept through, kicking up sand.
Her crimson hair, flowing in the wind as she smiled fearlessly, radiated an eerie pressure.
I gulped and held my breath.
The Guardian Ten Wings possessed power that rivaled or surpassed the Clan Chiefs… Even given their confidence and pride, wasn't that perhaps an overstatement? Such a thought had crossed my mind too, but the scene visible in the distance starkly demonstrated that their pride was indeed truth.
“Incidentally, there is no more time for hesitation.”
“What do you mean?”
When I asked back, puzzled, she looked towards the area where the black, distorted magical power, presumably the monster horde, was rising.
“Due to Leus's strike, that horde should now recognize an enemy here. Nearly half were likely annihilated, but the remainder will probably head this way.”
“That horde will…?!”
At Ibi's words, the knights around us stirred, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Yet, she showed no sign of remorse or agitation as she returned her gaze to us.
“Unfortunately, there is no longer time to retreat to the checkpoint. Lord Ridd, please, leave the response to us.”
“…Understood. We shall leave it to you. However, you must return safely.”
“Naturally. We are not ones to be bested by such rabble.”
Ibi bowed, raised her head, then turned her back to us and soared into the sky.
“You all, permission has finally been granted.”
As her spirited voice boomed from the sky, the members of the Guardian Ten Wings converged from seemingly nowhere. Perhaps they had been hidden high in the sky or within the clouds.
“As per Lord Horst's orders, do not let a single finger be laid upon Lord Ridd and his party. We stake the name of the Guardian Ten Wings on this.”
Nodding at Ibi's words, they each flew off towards the black, distorted magical power.
Confirming the Ten Wings had flown off, Ibi flew after them, bringing up the rear.
Each time they took flight, blasts of wind swept down to the ground, stirring up sand and fallen leaves.
Watching them depart, Capella spoke up. “Lord Ridd.”
“I believe it would be prudent for us to assume a defensive formation as well.”
“…You're right. Could I leave the instructions to you, Capella?”
“As you command.”
He bowed and immediately began issuing orders to the knights nearby, forming a defensive formation in preparation for a monster assault.
As I gazed at the distant, black, distorted magic, Aria, wearing a worried expression, approached my side.
“…Onii-chan. Will Ibi-nee be okay?”
“Yeah, I'm sure she will be. Judging by Leus's technique, I believe their claim of matching the Clan Chiefs is true. I would have liked to see that power up close, though.”
As I answered, I noticed the ‘binoculars’ she was carrying and had a flash of insight. “Ah…!”
If Aria helped me get high into the sky, I could use the binoculars to witness their battle.
“Onii-chan, what is it?”
As Aria tilted her head, puzzled, I placed my hands on her shoulders.
“Aria, could you help me a bit? I want to use the binoculars to watch Ibi and the others' battle with the monsters from the sky.”
“Eh, but, by myself, carrying Onii-chan while flying would be tough.”
“It's okay. If I activate Body Enhancement: Gale Array, I can fly for a short time. Combined with your Beast Transformation, we should be able to observe their battle from the sky with binoculars.”
Body Enhancement: Gale Array combines ‘Wind Attribute Aptitude’ and ‘Body Enhancement: Second Form.’
By enveloping the caster's body in wind magic, it enhances wind attribute magic and movement speed, and allows them to influence surrounding air currents, enabling short-distance, short-duration flight.
However, its magic consumption exceeds even Blazing Fire, making it unsuitable for prolonged combat.
“Lord Ridd, you are considering something dangerous again, aren't you?”
Tink, standing nearby, let out a deep sigh and shook her head.
“But, the power of the Avian tribespeople… especially their elite. It's a chance to understand the strength of the Guardian Ten Wings. Neglecting intelligence gathering would be more dangerous, wouldn't you agree?”
“I understand that. However, we cannot predict what may happen. As we cannot accompany you into the sky, I must implore you not to push yourself.”
“I understand. I'll just use the binoculars from the sky to gather information.”
“Ridd, in that case, I have one request as well.”
Amon interjected with a serious expression during my exchange with Tink.
“What is it?”
“Please ascertain whether any of them possess Foxman characteristics when they Beast Transform. This could be a serious matter for the Foxman tribe, or perhaps for all beastmen.”
The Padgry family's bloodline enhancement may have unknowingly involved each tribe, resulting in an organization with strength rivaling other Clan Chiefs.
This fact could potentially undermine the entire beastman system and its balance.
Beast King Sekmetos and the other Clan Chiefs might have had an inkling of the Ten Wings' existence, but they may not grasp their true strength.
“Understood. I'll watch carefully for that point too.”
“Thank you, Ridd.”
As Amon bowed, I turned my gaze to Aria.
“So, can I ask for your help?”
“Yeah, okay.”
Not long after Aria nodded with a smile, her body was covered in gray feathers as a wave of magical energy swirled around her. Next, the wings on her back grew slightly larger, tail feathers appeared, her face shape changed, and a small beak formed.
No matter how many times I see it, it's adorable.
Once her transformation was complete, she firmly grasped my back with both hands.
“Onii-chan, is this okay?”
“Yes. Now, I'll also…”
Closing my eyes to concentrate, I mentally whispered ‘Body Enhancement: Gale Array.’
Instantly, a shimmering pale green magical energy enveloped my entire body.
“Alright, ready. Aria.”
“Okay, here we go—!”
With her bright reply, she flapped her large wings vigorously, and I released wind magic towards the ground to create an updraft.
Amidst the swirling sand kicked up by the sudden gust, Aria and I soared high into the sky in one swift motion.
“Whoa, amazing! Onii-chan, you're much lighter than usual!”
“Thank you. But I'm still far from matching you and your people.”
As I thanked her, she blinked behind me. At that moment, multiple pillars of fire erupted within the mass of black, distorted magic, accompanied by a series of thunderous roars.
Startled, I looked and saw monsters caught in the pillars being blasted into the air and dissipating.
Looking down at the ground where the pillars rose, I could see several flashes of light from the ongoing battle.
“…It seems things have started. Aria, can we get a little closer?”
“Eh, but Tink-san will get mad…”
“Just close enough to see clearly with the binoculars. It's still a bit far from here.”
“Okay. But I'm scared too, so just a little bit.”
At Aria's anxious words, I nodded.
“Yeah, I'm scared too. Let's not get too close.”
“Oh? Onii-chan gets scared sometimes too?”
“Of course. My legs are practically shaking right now.”
I forced a wry smile and looked down.
Even with Aria supporting me and using Body Enhancement: Gale Array, the figures of Tink and the others on the ground were now as small as beans.
If I were to fall now, it would surely be fatal.
Whether it was the cold air or not, a chilling shiver ran down my spine.
“…I doubt Ibi and the others in the Ten Wings expect us to be watching their fight. To peek without being noticed, being a little scared is just right.”
“Okay. Then, let's hide in the clouds from a slightly higher position and get closer.”
“Y-yeah. Please.”
Aria flapped her wings again and, still holding onto my back, soared even higher into the sky.