"So that literal flaming bird monster wants to help us? Get us out of the forest? That's…" Before Kaval could finish his sentence, Elyun interrupted him.
"Nice? He seems nice. And well… he hasn't burnt us to a crisp yet?"
The three-man adventuring team huddled together, whispering loud enough to almost echo off the trees.
[ Well, not to butt in, but I don't have all day. ]
The trio quickly turned their attention back to me.
[ Don't worry, I won't be the one guiding you. These wolves will. Wait— that doesn't sound right. They won't hurt you, trust me. Direwolves are loyal to their leaders, and the strongest leads the pack. So it's fine... okay, okay, I know I don't exactly sound like the most trustworthy bird. ]
Their expressions flattened, a few beads of sweat rolling down their faces.
[ Hey, hey, Slicen, I'm not doing this because I'm some good guy. It's just that the one who named me doesn't really like unnecessary killing of humans. In fact, he quite likes humans. He tells all his subordinates not to kill humans. Haha. ]
Even with this communication, I couldn't make myself sound any less awkward. Diplomacy had never been my strongest skill— or any skill of mine, really. Hey, you can't blame a guy for being a bit socially awkward, can you?
"The one that named you?" Gido questioned.
[ Well, yes. Though I'm not exactly a subordinate… but yeah. My master wants to make a world where everyone has the ability and access to a comfortable life, where unnecessary violence is non-existent. And well, his words carry some weight. He's blessed by Veldora. ]
I just pulled absolute bullshit out of my ass. Well, not all of it — just that last part.
"Blessed?" Elyun eyed me, if I may say so, in my majestic avian form.
[ Yes. It's not something I expect humans to know, but for us monsters, there's a process similar to naming— yet far, far more potent. It's akin to being granted a blessing from a god. I believe you humans have a god— Luminacs? Something like that. But yes, my lord is a blessed man of righteous character. ]
"Ahh… I see." The three spoke in unison, their faces still blank with confusion.
Taking flight, I said my farewells.
[ Well, a few of the Green Fangs will guide you out. With Veldora gone, the Great Jura Forest is a bit unstable. So stay safe, humans. And remember, this grace of I, Valravn, has aided you — in the name of Rimuru Tempest. ]
I flew upward, the adventuring group growing smaller as I rose into the evening dusky sky.
Simultaneously, I issued commands to the wolves.
[ Four of you, guide these humans out. And don't even think of harming a single hair on their heads, or I will make your deaths insufferably miserable. The rest of you, scout the Jura Forest. If you find any injured, starving, or needy monsters with intelligence, try to convince them to join us. Also, search for a small area near Veldora's cave to set up a base. If you encounter any hobgoblins with a name, tell them you're under my command, okay? Cool. See ya. ]
Flap. Flap. Flap.
With each beat of my wings, I moved further and further into the night. Soon, the sky blanketed itself under the quiet glow of stars.
"Ahh man, I wasted too much time talking with Kaval's team. And just my luck — no monster worth my time appeared. Only small rabbits." I let out an apathetic sigh as I glided across the sky.
As I flew, something caught my eye — a cave.
The surrounding forest looked withered and decayed, as if nature itself was recoiling from it.
Slowly and gracefully descending, I stood before the cave. It felt oddly familiar… but then again, don't all caves look the same?