The group could be seen soaring through the sky, riding atop wyverns.
Despite how it looked, the ride was smooth and surprisingly comfortable.
"Wow... amazing."
Lili said in awe as she took in the breathtaking view.
High in the sky, overlooking the land below while the wind brushed against their skin... it felt almost surreal.
Even travelers heading toward Orario couldn't help but look up when the wyverns passed overhead, startled to see people riding them.
After a few moments of admiring the scenery, Lili turned toward Hermes.
"By the way... where exactly are we headed?"
"Our destination is the Elsos Ruins, hidden deep within the great forest at the edge of the continent."
Hermes replied, his gaze fixed ahead.
...
For three days and three nights, they did nothing but travel atop the wyverns...
Only stopping to eat, sleep, or rest in towns and cities they happened to pass by.
Thankfully, since they were flying high above the ground, they encountered little trouble along the way.
Though they did run into a few adventurers who attempted to attack the wyverns, mistaking them for wild monsters...
But after some explanation, the situation was resolved peacefully.
On the fourth day, they found themselves flying over another vast forest.
"What a nice breeze... we could keep flying like this forever."
Hermes said, enjoying the sensation of the wind.
"Jeez... the world might end soon, and yet you sound so relaxed, Lord Hermes."
Lili said, propping her head against her hand.
"If you're still nervous, just think of it like a quest to take down a Monster Rex from the dungeon."
Welf said, holding the reins steady.
"After all, you risk your life in the dungeon almost every day. What's so different this time?"
"This and that are on completely different scales, Mr. Welf."
Just then, Artemis' sharp huntress' eyes caught sight of something below.
"Orion... please descend. I think I see people in trouble."
Hearing her, Judas nodded and guided the wyvern downward.
When the others noticed Judas and Artemis suddenly changing direction, they couldn't help but grow puzzled.
"Huh? Where are they going?"
As they descended, the scene below came into view...
An army of scorpion-like monsters surged forward, chasing a mother and her young daughter.
'Are these new monsters... the spawn of Antares...? This is my first time seeing them...'
Judas thought as Artemis had already drawn her bow.
Despite riding a wyvern and the dense trees obstructing her view... making aiming much harder than usual... she released an arrow,,, and struck a scorpion monster clean through, turning it to ash.
"I'll handle this... you take the reins."
Judas said and without hesitation, he stood up and leapt down.
"Be careful!"
Artemis' worried voice reached him.
Judas landed between the fleeing pair and the approaching swarm.
Facing the charging monsters, their sheer numbers making the ground tremble...
He didn't flinch.
Instead, he calmly cast a spell.
'We're in a forest... better avoid flashy destructive magic that might start a fire.'
『Earth Missiles』
Magic circles flared into existence beside him, launching rotating spikes of earth like cannonballs.
"Kragh!"
The monsters shrieked as the projectiles tore through them effortlessly, punching clean holes through their bodies, dropping them in waves.
"Amazing... he wiped them out in an instant. Having that kind of firepower without chanting is just unfair."
Rethusa said in astonishment as she took control of the wyvern.
'I already knew this... but Orion... he's incredibly strong.'
Artemis thought as her wyvern landed.
"Looks like they've already handled it."
Hermes said as he and the others descended as well.
"I barely did anything... it was all Orion."
Artemis said, looking at Judas with a gentle smile.
"Don't say that... you were the one who spotted them."
Judas replied before turning toward the mother and daughter, who bowed deeply in gratitude.
"Thank you for saving us."
Judas gave a small nod.
"Artemis! Jeez... I know you're a skilled huntress, but don't just rush off like that without telling us."
Hestia said as she approached, her tone half-scolding.
"Ah... thank you for worrying about me, Hestia."
Seeing her expression, Hestia could only sigh and shake her head.
...
"Whoa... this is so cool!"
The child exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she climbed onto a resting wyvern.
"Looks like she's enjoying herself."
Welf commented with a faint smile.
"Are you alright, miss? You and your child aren't hurt anywhere, are you?"
Judas asked.
The mother reassured him by saying that they were fine.
After some time, the pair took their leave, heading back to their village.
"Bye-bye!"
The child waved energetically as they departed.
...
Night fell, and the group decided to set up camp in the forest.
"I was born in Orario and spent most of my life within its walls... so traveling the outside world like this feels nice."
Lili said as she watched Judas stir the pot hanging over the campfire.
"What a surprise... I didn't think you knew how to cook, Judas."
Hermes said, sitting across from him.
"Cooking is a basic skill... everyone should know it."
Judas replied without looking up.
"That smells really good… I can't wait to eat."
Belle said as she leaned in for a sniff.
"Putting everything else aside... the appearance of those scorpion monsters means we're getting close."
Hermes said, folding his arms.
Silence lingered for a few seconds as his words sank in.
"Elsos Ruins... facing Antares... just thinking about it makes me nervous."
Lili admitted, shivering slightly.
The others didn't refute what Lili had said, as they too shared the same thought.
Hermes noticed that Judas showed no reaction at all, continuing to cook without pause.
"Judas... what about you? You'll be the main player in this battle. Even with the spear, Antares won't be easy to defeat. Do you think you might lose?"
Hermes questioned, prompting everyone to look toward Judas.
With everyone's gaze now on him, Judas paused for a moment before meeting Hermes' gaze directly.
"Nah... I'd win."
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