Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 186

186. Side Gilnandio 3 (Part 2)

“Haaaaah…”

“How many times have you sighed, Eugene? Well, I understand how you feel.”

We’re currently on our way to the central capital of the country, Tortiga. This kind of exchange is happening often, but because I feel the same, I have nothing to say.

“Well, I guess this is what happens when our only option is a carriage…”

“It really makes you realize how much we rely on magic… Haa, I’d love to just have Gil and Ash turn into their beast forms, and fly there.”

“…Hmm, should we just do that?”

“Please don’t! If a Shadow Eagle and a dragon were seen flying over this continent, it would cause a huge commotion, it might even lead to war! And how many times have we had this exchange!?”

Adol’s meticulous personality shows in how he always chimes in to stop them. But if it wasn’t for him, they really might fly off. It’s a huge help.

But I’ll only be using this mode of transportation on the way there. I’ve been placing Shadow Birds at various locations along the way, after all. As long as there are shadows, I can leave one, and it doesn’t consume magic power to do so. Well, it does use a bit to create them, but it’s not a significant amount.

So basically, I can now travel instantaneously to any place where I’ve placed a Shadow Bird. In case Meg’s managed to make her way to the mines, so we can get there immediately. And if it senses her, it’ll let me know right away. It’s frustrating, how this is the limit to our magic-based search here.

“You’re lucky, Gil. Easy trip back… I wish I could also travel through shadows…”

The Don was giving me resentful looks as I released the Shadow Birds. Even if you say that…

“…The inside is a shadow. If you want to go insane, I’ll take you.”

“…I’ll pass.”

“Hmm? You gave up quickly. That’s rare for you, Eugene.”

“…I already took a peek once, out of curiosity.”

That’s right, the Don had once said the same thing and entered my shadow. Or rather, just stuck his face in. It was just for a few seconds, but he apparently turned pale, saying it was a nightmare, like being trapped in the shadows for days.

“You could probably take down any enemy if you trapped them in your shadow…”

“E-Even me!? You’re a terrifying man…”

“No, just having someone else enter my shadow would damage me too.”

That’s right, even when he just stuck his face in, I felt an unprecedented dizziness. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if I put a whole person in there. I’d done it that time because I was also curious, but I’ll never do it again.

But I have heard that you can travel with your “mate”. I have no intention of trying it though. In the first place, I don’t think I’ll ever find my mate. I gave up on that a long time ago.

“Haa. Well, it’s pointless to complain. Adol, you’ll be fine even in your beast form, right? I need you to transform for a bit.”

“Eh? I don’t mind…”

It’s true, Adol’s beast form is just a large, black bird. It’s unusual, but if we just insist that it’s that kind of bird, no one will think it’s a monster. Adol transformed as instructed, and the Don tucked him under his arm.

“Alright, you guys are running.”

“Oh, I see. It’s been a while, how about we have a race, Eugene?”

“Oh, great idea! A race to that village up ahead!”

『W-Wait a minute! Do you even know how far it is to the next village…!? And if people see us, it’ll be a disaster!?』

I see, if he can carry Adol, then running will be faster. Adol was flapping his wings, protesting, but… it’s probably pointless.

“You… you really think we’ll run at a speed that’s visible to humans?”

“Fwahahaha! I’ve been a bit out of shape lately! …I need to get some exercise, before beating the crap out of those guys!”

『N-No… I’m sure we won’t be seen, but if the ground suddenly caves in, or trees start falling, and a strong gust of wind suddenly appears, they’ll definitely notice!?』

“Ah, that’s… a sudden natural phenomenon.”

“Mmm, an unfortunate natural disaster. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure no humans get hurt.”

“That’s not the issue,” Adol exclaimed, still not giving up, but honestly, I agree. Every second is precious.

“Gil, you’re okay with this, right?”

“No problem.”

“How reliable. Can you keep up with us?”

The Demon King said this provocatively, looking at me with an expectant expression. I’m not sure if he’s being sarcastic or trying to motivate me.

“…You should be more worried about falling behind.”

“Oh, look who’s talking, Gil! Well, we’re getting old, you know? We might not be able to keep up with you youngsters.”

“What did you say!? You’ll regret those words later!”

『Ah, even Gil-san… I guess I have no choice but to give up… Haa.』

It seems like Adol’s finally given up. And so, we exchanged glances and then started running simultaneously. There’s a large hole where we were standing, because of that explosive start, but it can’t be helped. Let’s try to not cause any destruction along the way.

We ran at a speed that’s invisible to humans. We’re not using any magic, just running with our physical abilities. This is largely due to our racial characteristics. The Don’s an exception, since he’s a normal human.

Of course, there are demi-humans who aren’t good at running. It just so happens that this group, aside from Adol, are those who are good at it. …I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with the Don, who’s supposed to be a human. Oops, I need to make sure I don’t forget to release Shadow Birds every now and then.

And so, we arrived at a village, which would normally take a day to reach, before noon. As the village came into view, we gradually slowed down and came to a stop. We could stop abruptly, but we need to be considerate of the wind and the impact on the ground. Things are complicated on the human continent.

“Alright, let’s eat lunch in that village. We have supplies, but I’d also like to hear what the villagers have to say.”

So we’re stopping at a village. Hearing that, I put on the hood and mask I’d removed. I don’t want people seeing my face.

“…It’ll be fine. We have the incredibly noticeable Ash.”

“Hey, Eugene, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s better if I’m less noticeable.”

“I see, thorough as always, Gil.”

“Why am I the noticeable one!?”

The Demon King’s incredibly handsome. So much so that people avoid him. I think it’s a good thing, because no one will approach us. But, sorry, Demon King, you’re the perfect cover.

『Well then, I’ll return to my human form. Don, thank you for carrying me.』

Adol said this and transformed back. His color had returned, so it seems like he’s recovered.

“Alright, let’s go. …I’m feeling nostalgic. I wonder if everyone’s doing well.”

“Hmm? You’ve been here before?”

“Relatively recently. When we were searching for Yenna.”

I see, so this is the Don’s second time traveling on the human continent. That explains how he knows the way. And if he has acquaintances here, it’ll be easier to get information. As expected.

And so, we headed for a human village, for the first time, except for the Don.