Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree

"Old man Gilkunis, where are we going now?" High in the sky, Sordil sat on Gilkunis's back, watching the scenery rush backward as he asked the swiftly flying Gilkunis.

"Based on your description, Wind Chant needs a wind-element Magic Array carved into it, so the best material would be the Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree that grows in Windcall Valley! So, we'll make a trip to Windcall Valley first and collect some Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree." As a competent driver and secretary, Gilkunis maintained the proper course while informing Sordil of their next destination. He also told him and Zeref to prepare for battle. This time, neither he nor Wattster would intervene; the two of them would have to handle everything themselves.

Sordil knew that Gilkunis and Wattster intended to train his and Zeref's practical combat abilities. After all, the two of them had performed far too disgracefully last time. One had been frightened into flying around in a panic, while the other had abandoned his specialty and wildly stabbed with a dagger like an assassin, utterly failing to display the strength they should have possessed. If Gilkunis had not arrived in time, the two of them would likely have fallen to the ground and died once Sordil was exhausted.

Thinking of the battle ahead, Zeref closed his eyes and meditated, restoring his magic power and ensuring he was in peak condition. In comparison, Sordil was much more relaxed. He adjusted his body to the size of an adult, then silently recalled the various spells he had learned at Mildian Magic Academy, repeatedly working through battle strategies in his mind.

Whoosh!

At a certain moment, Gilkunis suddenly came to a stop, his body hovering in midair. The three standing on Gilkunis's back looked down and saw a gourd-shaped valley below. Red plants covered the valley like blazing flames, while the tree at its center was like an enormous umbrella that blotted out the sky, completely obstructing their view. Vaguely, they could make out a gigantic fiery-red bird hopping and playing atop the great tree.

"That largest red tree is the Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree we're after this time. The Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree is the home of the Phoenix Perching Birds, as well as their sacred ground. Therefore, they will never allow any outsider to damage it. You'll have to deal with them before you can harvest the Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree." Just as Sordil and Zeref were puzzled, Gilkunis offered a timely reminder.

"I see. Thanks for the reminder, Old man Gilkunis!" Sordil first thanked Gilkunis, then exchanged a glance with Zeref. They nodded to each other. Sordil then flew high into the air, with Zeref following closely behind. As they neared the ground, Sordil caught the falling Zeref, and the two began stealthily making their way toward the center of the valley.

"Zeref, in a moment, I'll use Wind Sickle to draw the Phoenix Perching Birds' attention. Then, use Sleep on the ones in the air. That should let us get the Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree!" As they advanced, Sordil's telepathic voice appeared in Zeref's mind. Hearing Sordil's plan, Zeref's thoughts momentarily failed to catch up. Could such a meticulous battle plan really have been devised by the Sordil who had once been scared into flying around in panic by him? Or had Sordil discovered him long ago and merely put on an act because he had not wanted to hurt him? In that instant, Zeref felt that perhaps he was the most naïve one after all, securely protected beneath Sordil's wings.

"Zeref? Zeref, did you hear me?" The telepathic voice that rang out in his mind again pulled Zeref back to reality. He hurriedly replied in his mind, "I heard you, Sordil. I'll start preparing now!"

No matter what really happened back then, I, Zeref, owe you a great debt of gratitude. That will never change. Even if it does, it will only change from owing you once to owing you twice; nothing else will change. I will do everything in my power to help you. No matter what happens in the future, you will always be Zeref's best friend. Zeref stared at Sordil as he flew into the air and thought to himself.

Wind Sickle!

Sordil had no time to think about such things. He stretched out both hands, gathering wind-element magic power in his palms before swinging it toward the valley. Azure sickles of wind swept wildly through the valley, startling flock after flock of Phoenix Perching Birds awake. The birds beat their wings and launched attacks at Sordil.

Accelerate!

The moment Sordil saw the Phoenix Perching Birds flying toward him, he turned and fled. As he escaped, he cast a violet glow over himself, instantly doubling his speed. At the same time, as he flew over the valley, he scattered one Wind Sickle after another below, startling even more flocks while keeping them trailing far behind him.

Sleep!

As the bird flocks pursued Sordil, another dark violet glow shot from within the valley toward the birds in the air. In an instant, countless fiery-red giant birds fell into the valley. Meanwhile, Sordil and Zeref continued advancing toward the center, gradually closing in on the largest Phoenix Blood Parasol Tree in the valley.

"The two of them are cooperating quite well. Their use of magic power is reasonable, and their tactics are extremely steady. At least so far, there are no major problems!" Wattster said as she watched the two slowly advance through the valley. Looking at such an outstanding son, she truly could not imagine that just over a month ago, Sordil had been left flustered and helpless by Zeref's sudden attack. She therefore fixed Gilkunis beside her with a suspicious gaze.

"Hey, Wattster, what kind of look is that? Are you suspecting me of lying to you?" Gilkunis asked loudly, feeling uncomfortable all over under Wattster's stare.

"It's not that I doubt you. It's just that the Sordil you described is completely different from the one I'm seeing, okay?" Wattster replied haughtily to Gilkunis's question.

Chirp!

Just as the two dragons argued endlessly over Sordil's performance, a high and piercing bird cry rang out from the valley below, filled with anger and warning. The two dragons hurriedly looked down and saw a fiery-red giant bird far larger than the others flying through the sky, continuously spraying flames at Zeref in the valley and Sordil in the air.

Sleep!

From within the valley, Zeref fired the prepared spell at the giant bird while instantly changing position to evade its attack. However, the method that had succeeded countless times before failed this time. Not only did the giant bird dodge the Sleep spell, but its flame attack remained firmly locked onto Zeref.

Barrier!

Just as Zeref was about to be hit, a transparent barrier appeared before him, blocking the giant bird's flames. After casting Space Magic, Sordil flew to Zeref's side and brought him into the air. By then, Sordil's body had fully recovered. His purple-gold eyes were fixed on the giant bird in the distance as he considered a countermeasure.

"Zeref, in a moment, I'll lock it firmly in place. Take the chance to prepare your strongest offensive spell and try to take it out in one go!"

"Understood!"