Sharin was a member of the bandit group that was attacked.
The boss stopped his movements as a member of his crew rushed in, out of breath.
“What?! Why would they attack a Garuda?”
“Well, it seems they went to steal the eggs. It was Kia, Keigo, and Dion.”
He clicked his tongue at his subordinate’s report.
“What are they doing? Hey, let’s withdraw.”
“Wait, I’ll go too.”
Sharin’s statement surprised me.
“Hey, you just quit. Why are you coming along?”
“I may have quit, but they are my companions.”
Nina furrowed her brow, letting out a questioning “Huh?” Garuda, huh? So that’s the race Kyle was talking about. I don’t know what they are, but their panic suggests they’re a pretty dangerous race.
“You’re not coming. You’re no longer a companion.”
“Then, can you save those three? They’re being held hostage. If we attack normally, they’ll all be killed.”
The boss glared at Sharin, but then sighed, turning his back.
“Do as you please.”
“Alright, Arisugawa, let’s go!”
“Huh? Us too?”
Without waiting for a reply, she took off and mounted a large, ostrich-like bird that had been hidden nearby. It was a bipedal bird, but it looked like a rough ride.
“Ah, I see. There wasn’t one for you. I guess we’ll have to walk.”
As the boss and his subordinates ran off, we decided to walk, watching their retreating backs. Nina opened her mouth with a grumpy look.
“So, what kind of creature is a Garuda? Is it bird-like because of the eggs?”
“Yeah, they’re bird-like beastmen with wings. They seem to hatch from eggs. The parents spend nearly three months tending to them diligently. As for the eggs, it seems one can provide enough money to live comfortably for a year.”
It’s understandable that they risk their lives to steal them. But the Garudas probably wouldn’t give up their precious children that easily.
“What will happen to the three who were captured?”
“They’ll be killed immediately. That’s why we’re not supposed to interfere.”
Perhaps they are already dead. I can only hope they’re still keeping them alive. As we were talking, we entered a winding valley road. We turned left and right on a narrow path, and soon saw several tents. So, this is how they hide and ambush their prey.
The bandit group’s hideout was already tense. The boss and the others were discussing what to do.
“They’re here. I’ve decided to personally offer to release my companions.”
“Then please take me with you. I want to repay you for saving me.”
The boss smiled faintly at Sharin’s earnest gaze.
“I suppose so, but Naga, you stay behind. Garudas dislike Nagas.”
“Oh, alright. Then Pyo and I will wait here.”
“No, Pillon will come.”
Nina let out a “Huh?” for the second time that day.
“She’s the messenger. She’ll inform Nina if needed.”
“I see,” Nina said, and sat down by the bonfire.
“Alright, let’s go. Please guide us to the Garuda settlement. Now, Arisugawa, ride this. It’s a Landodo.”
“I knew I had to ride it…” In front of me appeared the same ostrich-like bird from before. It had large legs, brown feathers, and a sharp beak. It had a saddle, but could I ride it? It’s not a horse. With the help of Sharin and the other bandits, I managed to mount it. However, riding a bipedal creature is not easy. The Landodo wobbled precariously.
“Whoa, this is scary! I’m going to fall.”
“Bury your legs in. Come on, Pillon, you ride in front.”
“Huh? Ride in front in this position?” I thought, but Piyo easily hopped on. Was I the only one about to fall? I could hear muffled laughter from behind.
“Wheee! Higher, higher!”
“Alright, be careful, Arisugawa. We’re ready. Let’s go!”
At the boss’s command, the companions set off all at once. This is bad, I’m going to be left behind.
“Hyah! Let’s go! Huh, how do I signal?”
“Depart! Haaah!”
With Piyo’s shout and a kick to the saddle, the Landodo took off at an incredible speed. I almost fell off the back. We sped straight through the narrow valley. There were reins, but I wasn’t holding them. My hands were gripping Piyo tightly.
“Yeehaw, run run! So fast!”
Why could Piyo handle this bird so well? She rode as if she’d ridden one before. We quickly caught up to Sharin and the others who were running ahead.
“You’re quite skilled. You’re light and seem suited to be a Landodo rider.”
“Hehehe, that’s right! Faster!”
Just trying not to be thrown off, I could only pray that we would reach our destination quickly.
