Vol 1 Prologue 2

Chapter Prologue 2

The Strongest Wingless Gargoyle Arc 1, Prologue 2: Albert Begins to Move

Ten minutes after the war between Demon Lord Larne and Demon Lord Beria ended….

I walked deep into the forest adjacent to deceased Lord Larne’s Castle. The Slave magic had long dissolved, and I was free.

But although the war had ended, many of Larne’s troops still remained within his lands.

I could tell the troubles that would brew from this. And so I left, escaping while there was still confusion.

Looking back, my gaze piercing through the canopies, I could see the rising smoke. A sign that Larne’s castle was still ablaze.

The survivors would be attempting to fight the fire.

I appreciate your effort.

Taking my eyes off from the distant rising plumes, my eyes raked at the scenery in front of me. The forest should have felt familiar to me, but it wasn’t. Everything seemed so…new? My mind was clear, and the world was brighter than usual, although in actuality, I knew it had to be the same dim and dreary forest it had always been.

Freedom sure is wonderful.

As my feet seeped into the wet soil from this morning’s rain, I could feel the earth cake and wrap around them.

“Uwaah, I’m really doing it! I’m leaving!”

Thinking this, I walked on with a prep in my step.

But just when it seemed as if I had walked nearly two hundred meters deep into the forest, I heard something, and hid behind a tree.

“…right.”

“Ah, I think it’s safe now.”

Whoever it was, was far. I couldn’t fully make out what they were saying, and wanting to see who it was, I crept closer.

Hmm? They are…?

Standing in front of me, were blocks of grey, here and there. With long upper limbs and short, stocky legs. These were my kin. These were gargoyles.

Each and everyone of them had a serious expression. Some were solemn, others a bit more calm. They looked to have been discussing something of import.

It seems they haven’t noticed me, yet. Good.

But kept looking at them at this distance would result in nothing.

Though they were gargoyles, It did not mean it was a good thing, but if they knew something important…how should I approach this?

Well, I guess this is a chance. I long awaited for this freedom. Best to find out what they know. The more I know the better. I may even be able to join them.

And I could polish my communication skills at the same time.

When I meet them, I’m sure I’ll be able to dredge up enough courage to speak. Just jump right in. As I thought about it, my heart began to beat faster, the thump-thump echoing in my ears. The others were Juniors compared to me. If I present myself as such, then it’ll be ok, right?

No, wait. What if they get intimidated? They’ll be too vigilant, and clamp up. I should be more friendly. They’ll underestimate me.

… So many things that can go wrong.

Considering that doing something was better than doing nothing in this situation, I made my move.

“He- hey guys, whatchya talking about?

Tch. Bit my tongue. Couldn’t be helped. It had been so long since I’ve spoke. 1500 hundred years long.

As I walked forward, the gargoyles went on guard. When they saw me, they seemed to ease a bit, but their frowns deepened.

Aren’t they being too impolite to someone who’s obviously doing his best to hold a conversation?

Maybe it’s because I’m an ancient gargoyle. Intimidated?

Or did I say something strange? It has been long since I’ve spoken. And I did mess up my speech a little, but wait, to frown like that, it couldn’t possibly have been that bad

.

As I looked around, I realized they all had the same size and face. It was impossible to tell them apart.

The gargoyle just ahead of me was my height, two meters tall, but unlike me, he had thicker limbs and their skin tone was a darker grey.

It was odd seeing how different we were. I was ashen-grey, closer to a white color, with my body being more slender.

In comparison, they were rugged as a whole, and their grey closer to black coal.

I stared at each and everyone of them. After a long silence, one, seemingly the leader, made a move. It seemed as if he considered the awkward atmosphere, and it was best not to keep the silence going, and began,

“We were just discussing a way to reach the town of Falla. It’s the nearest town from here, and we’re planning to go together. It’s pointless to stay here now that Larne’s slave magic has dissipated.”

Falla town, which was in the south, was not in Larne’s territory. It belonged to another Demon Lord.

I figured they were planning something along those lines though. It was surely not good to stay within Larne’s territory. Once a New Demon Lord comes into power, who knows what will happen? Going to a nearby town outside of Larne’s domain was the better option.

“We can easily fly pa.s.sed through the Falla Mountains that extend through the middle portions of the town of Falla. However, danger exists as their wyverns roaming those skies. Though the possibility of running into one is low, it’s better to travel as a group.”

“Group Mobilization would lower the risk during migration,” I a.s.sented.

Gargoyles were not weak creatures, but wyverns were of the Dragon Bloodline. Though they’re rank were lower than actual dragons, they still had a relation.

Usually, it would be difficult for a lone gargoyle to escape the clutches of a wyvern.

But if they were in a group, the probability that they would be able to get through such an interaction increased exponentially.

Right! This is a chance for me. I’ll go with them then. This journey will be much easier.

“Well, more gargoyles would lead to a safer journey,” I agreed.

“Yeah, I think so too,” said the leader. Those nearby grew closer as they had listened in.

Apparently, they had just a.s.sembled, and were still considering if they would go together, but it looked as if most, if not all, were itching to take this chance.

Aside from me, there were six other gargoyles, making seven in all. A lucky number. I guess from now I’ll have good fortune?

“Well, I think we shouldn’t wait any longer. Looks like no one else is coming. Time for us to depart.”

“Understood,” I spoke out. “I’m all set over here when you’re ready!”

And just like that, the gargoyles spread their wings, and were preparing to launch.

We’re about to go into the sky… Wow, how long have I waited for this? To be with my kin. To have comrades. My adventure, my story; it starts now.

Hm? The leader, he’s…I looked up to see the leader cast in thought before he said,

“You…let go.”

“Eh?”

“Don’t ‘Eh?’ me, and let go!” He roared.

I was shocked, and let go of the leader’s foot unwittingly. I had grabbed it when the leader was starting to fly off.

As I let go, the leader took a stance, and with a quick turn of his head, head said,

“Goodbye.”

My mind whirled. It took a moment to realize what he meant.

“Wait! Wait!  Why are you leaving me?! Is this some kind of sick joke?”

Without thinking, I tried grabbing onto the leader’s foot as he took off, but he just dodged, leaving me to crash into the earth.

The other gargoyles looked down on me, reproach in their eyes.

“What nonsense was this guy spouting?”

“Why are you following us as if you could just tag along?”

“There is no place among us for a trash.”

I had lived a long time, but I never truly lived. I had thought I would soar in the skies among my kin. Tears welled in my yes. I felt lost.

“Why?! Why leave me?! Why just me? I’m not the only one you’ve just met? Did I ever do something to you? Did I ever hurt a single one of you? Now that the demon lord has died…it is now that we should do our best together…it’s during these times that we should support each other, but despite that…you guys….!”

The group looked down on me, their faces impa.s.sive.

“Answer me! Give me a reason!”

“Do you seriously not know?” One sneered. “You have no wings. You’re just baggage.”

I said nothing at that. My mouth closed, and I just looked on. I felt hurt, though I first met them. But they were my kin. I felt so naive.

Because I can’t fly, huh?

So my plan to take advantage of their confused state after the slave magic wore off, didn’t work, huh? Tch. And here it would have been such an easy ride.

Of course I looked slightly pitiful, to spur some sort of compa.s.sion within them.

Didn’t work though.

I should have known though. When the leader was talking, it didn’t seem as if he were looking at me, but through me to the others.

In the end, I was left behind. Kin or not.

These idiots smeared all over my ideal life, one of my goals. I should crush them, but as their senior I should endure…for now.

So, what next?

In that moment, as the forest turned silent once more, an unfeigned sadness took hold.