"Deep in the woods ahead."
Shadow, who had been there once before, called out a warning.
The woods ahead were lush and verdant, probably because of the kinds of trees growing there. Even though it was already late autumn, they remained extraordinarily thick and green. That was also why Alya had chosen this place for her secluded retreat.
"Boom!"
Gauss faintly heard several rumbles coming from deep in the woods.
Something seemed to be happening there.
Gauss glanced back in the direction of Flute Castle. He had just infused the golden bracelet on his wrist—the "Plaeos Summoning Device"—with magic.
If it worked as the Tiefling Paladin had claimed, Plaeos should have already received his message.
Still, that was only a fallback.
His gaze returned to the woods.
He couldn't just stand here and wait for the other party to arrive. By then, it would be too late.
Never put your hopes in someone else. He could only rely on themselves.
He took a deep breath.
Gauss jumped down from the Land Bird. Their mounts would have trouble entering the woods.
"Be ready to fight at any moment!"
"Move out!"
Everyone checked their gear and tied their mounts to trees at the edge of the woods, then strode into the forest.
"Boom!!!"
A waterfall poured down the hillside, its cool mist moistening the air.
Afternoon sunlight reflected off the surface of the lake.
But the tranquil beauty of the natural landscape was shattered by the arrival of a group of uninvited guests.
"Kehehehe!"
"It really is a Dragon Beast—and a descendant of a Red Dragon, no less."
A man stood some distance away. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his face alight with delight.
A trace of fascination and admiration flickered in his eyes.
It was only a Dragon Beast, nowhere near