Part 253: The Migratory Bird's Feather

"Um... what exactly does 'migratory bird's feather' mean?"

I tilt my head.

"Wasn't it the 'Savior' achievement reward? Don't you have it?"

And, Satori-san. Great memory.

Huh

Then, I'll take care of it—since the processing is on hold.

Suddenly, a single feather appeared gracefully before her.

Oh. I've seen this before. I left it at home.

According to Sutari-san, the effect of this is—

"—The migratory bird's feather allows instantaneous movement within a five-kilometer radius. It disappears after use once."

That's what she said.

So, come even if it means using up consumables... Could it be that this is actually a very urgent matter?

"By the way, I've also brought a few other useful items to Avienia."

"Wait, where?"

"The reward item known as the 'Magic Pocket'... Well, let's discuss that after the 'Warrior' regains their memories."

Those casual words wound me in silence.

You didn't have to make it sound like I'm already useless now.

"Anyway, let's head toward Hanakusa's place. Something feels off—unusual, to say the least."

"Got it."

Reluctantly holding the feather, I stood there, utterly unsure how to use it, and paused in confusion.

Even in games like *Dragon Quest*, how exactly do they use the chimera's wings? It's a mystery.

"Anyway, is this even safe to use indoors? What if it smacks right into the ceiling and kills you instantly or something...?"

You'll be fine, don't worry. Besides, with the way you are now, you won't die from just slamming into the ceiling.

Really?

"By the way, is it possible for more than two people to move together?"

"Who knows?"

"If it is, I'll be joining you....I doubt it, but there could still be traps. Ideally, I'd like Asahina-san to come too."

Asahina-san gives a firm thumbs-up,

"No matter what danger awaits, three of us together have nothing to fear. Besides, as a producer, I have a duty to negotiate Asahina-san's appearance..."

Still, Asahina-san, are you just securing the most comfortable position again?

Still, right now wasn't the time to quip or point out every little thing.

"Then..."

I raised my wings high into the sky.

And then,

"Right on the highest roof of the 'Avienia Castle'!"

I shouted out.

As expected, that seemed to be the right way to do it—our three bodies were enveloped in a pale, bluish light.

And slowly, we began to float upward...

"O-oh, o-oh, o-oh, o-oh?"

Once you've experienced it, you'll understand just how unsettling it is to feel your body float upward completely independent of your will.

In the next instant, we burst through the ceiling of the underground passage and soared high into the sky.

"W-waah! Amazing!"

"Yaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"…………………………………………………………………………!"

Honestly, the thrill I felt at that moment was nothing compared to a Disney attraction. Unlike a roller coaster where safety is guaranteed, we were relying on unpredictable magical forces—no idea what might happen next.

Still, it was kind of amusing to see the expressions on people's faces when they realized they might be facing death.

As for Asuka, she was clearly screaming her head off.

Shinri, on the other hand, was biting her lower lip, trying hard to stay calm.

Incidentally, I was surprised at first, but now I'm able to enjoy the situation.

Right now, we're hovering about a hundred meters above the "Unreal Kingdom," able to gaze down at this beautiful theme park from directly above.

Below us stands the 51-meter-tall Cinderella... cough cough, "Avienia Castle," its sky-blue roof clearly visible.

Due to the use of perspective to create a sense of grandeur, the upper levels of the castle are scaled down, giving it, when viewed from above, a faint resemblance to a miniature model.

Twenty-nine spires. Among them, the roof of the tallest tower gleams in brilliant gold.

Surrounding that roof, leisurely soaring through the sky, are—

"Wow, look at that! It's a dragon!"

A fantastical castle and a dragon.

My inner child feels as if it's about to overflow.

Not long ago, I wished for a simple, quiet life spent alone—but now, I'm living day after day of one adventure after another.

Though I'm not someone who enjoys intense stimulation, this kind of thing isn't actually so bad.

Still, that too will likely come to an end soon...

On the golden roof, two women could be seen.

One was the golden-haired, blue-eyed elf girl I'd heard about—Koi-kuchi Hyakka-san.

And the other must be Kurokuro Sasaegi-san, probably.

The two of them are waving enthusiastically at us.

"――! ―――――――! ……!"

Then I noticed Hakka-san shouting something.

I realized she was repeating the same words several times, and I caught fragments of her voice carried away by the wind.

"――! ―――! ―――, ――――!"

I'm sorry, but there's no time. Let's exchange greetings when we meet again.

"――――――, ――――――ッ!"

Once I calm down, I'll explain everything properly.

...I hope.

"――《――……》!"

I couldn't make out the next words.

But by the time I realized it was some kind of incantation, it was already too late.

Trapped by an invisible, colorless wave of energy, I gasp for air.

Without understanding the true meaning behind Hana's words, my consciousness instantly lost control over my body.