Chapter 199: Chapter 199 - The Sky Guest
Atlas looked up, narrowing his eyes as he spotted something circling high above, just beyond the protective dome of the island.
A shadow against the sky, wings wide, gliding effortlessly.
He squinted, trying to get a clearer look.
"It’s your friend," Edrik said beside him.
Atlas’ lips curved into a small smile. Without hesitation, he lifted a hand, deactivating a section of the dome to grant access.
The massive bird-like monster seemed intelligent enough to recognize the change, and almost immediately, it dived downward, slipping through the opening before soaring high above the island.
Down below, others began to take notice.
Excited whispers filled the air, and soon, several people called out, pointing up at the creature.
Atlas, keeping his gaze on the sky, stepped toward a more open area where the bird would have space to land.
With a powerful flap of its wings, the creature began its descent. The force of its landing sent strong gusts of wind rushing across the area, making Atlas’ hair whip wildly around him.
The bird settled, folding its massive wings close to its body.
It let out a low, guttural sound, a warning. One that made it clear to the onlookers that it didn’t want anyone getting too close.
Still, Atlas took a step forward.
"Hey," he greeted. "Thanks for coming."
The bird didn’t respond. It barely acknowledged him, instead turning its sharp eyes toward various spots across the island as if it had little interest in his words.
Atlas frowned slightly. Was it ignoring him?
Just then, a familiar presence approached from behind. Kurogasa, the ninja rat, stepped up beside him.
"It wants to say thank you," Kurogasa said.
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Was it because I let it have its revenge against Kaelzar?
Atlas glanced back at the bird, watching its sharp gaze roam the area.
He exhaled slowly, then tried again. "You should stay here. This place is safe."
Still, no response.
Atlas hesitated before reaching out toward its beak.
But the moment his fingers got too close, the bird let out a low, uneasy cry, shifting slightly as if uncomfortable.
Atlas smirked.
At the very least, they were more connected now than before.
That was progress.
Mira skipped toward them, her usual bright, innocent expression lighting up the atmosphere.
With a cheerful voice, she looked up at the massive bird and said, "Hi, Mr. Bird... do you want a carrot?"
She held up a fresh carrot, offering it toward the creature.
The bird tilted its head, eyeing the carrot for a moment before finally taking it in its beak and eating it.
Atlas raised an eyebrow, amused. "Wow, it actually responded to you. You’re surprisingly good at communication, Mira."
Mira giggled, her eyes sparkling. "That’s because he’s cute! Right, Mr. Bird?"
She leaned closer, playfully attempting to strike up a conversation. "You should stay here! I’ll give you a carrot every day!"
Atlas chuckled. "Mira, I don’t think this bird actually likes carrots."
Before Mira could protest, the bird flapped its massive wings, sending a gust of wind that knocked her off balance.
With a small yelp, Mira tumbled backward, landing on the ground with a laugh.
Atlas sighed, offering her a hand and helping her back up.
Just then, another presence stepped forward, it was Lyrassa.
She stood beside Atlas, a soft, knowing smile on her lips as she gazed at the bird.
The moment their eyes met, the bird let out a sharp cry, flapping its wings again.
Atlas raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh? So you’re friendly with women, huh?"
The bird squawked loudly, as if offended, flapping its wings with enough force to push back some of the people standing nearby.
Mira, still giggling, reached out and placed her hands on the bird’s beak.
Surprisingly, the creature lowered its head slightly, allowing her to touch it.
Atlas crossed his arms, shaking his head. "What a pervert. Maybe we should roast him and eat him instead?"
The bird immediately snapped its head to the side, glaring at Atlas as if it actually understood the joke.
Mira burst into laughter. "He’s so cute!"
The crowd gathers, and the chaotic bird interview begins.
Then Kaida, stepped forward. With a playful smirk, she blew a small burst of fire in the bird’s direction.
The bird immediately screeched, flaring its wings in irritation.
Kaida laughed, unfazed. "Oh? You don’t like that? What are you gonna do about it?"
The onlookers burst into laughter at her audacity.
Then came Garen, the massive tank of their group. Without hesitation, he walked up to the bird and gave it a solid pat on the shoulder.
The bird let out a sharp squawk, snapping its beak slightly as if to warn him.
By now, more people had gathered, throwing out random, ridiculous questions as if they were interviewing the bird.
"What’s your favorite food?"
"Can you understand human speech?"
"What’s your biggest regret in life?"
"How does it feel to fly?" Kaida grinned. "Wanna trade for my fire powers?"
The bird visibly twitched, its gaze darting from one person to another as the questions kept coming.
Finally, it had enough. With a loud, piercing screech, it spread its wings wide, flapping them with enough force to send a powerful gust of wind through the area.
Everyone was pushed back, some nearly stumbling from the force.
Then, without hesitation, the bird took off, its wings beating strongly as it soared into the sky once more.
Atlas watched as it circled above them, gliding effortlessly through the air.
Beside him, Kurogasa stepped forward. "My Lord, it seems the bird does not wish to stay."
Atlas let out a small chuckle. "Then let him be free. He’ll come back if he wants to."
Mira cupped her hands around her mouth, shouting up at the sky.
"Come back next time, okay?!"
The bird didn’t respond.
But as it disappeared beyond the horizon, Atlas had a feeling, this wouldn’t be the last time they saw it.
As the bird disappeared into the horizon, the excitement slowly settled, and people began to spread out again.
There was still much to prepare. Tonight would be a celebration.
And on top of that, guests were expected to arrive.
In the center of the island, the area had already been set up beautifully. A mini stage stood brightly lit, surrounded by carefully arranged seating areas and relaxation spots, seamlessly blending nature with the well-maintained gardens. All tended to by Mira’s careful hands.
As the sun began to set, casting the sky into hues of orange and violet, something emerged in the distance.
A silver carriage, floating effortlessly, approached the island. It moved without any visible steeds, gliding smoothly through the air.
Mira’s eyes widened, and in an instant, she dashed toward Atlas, grabbing his hand.
"My Lord! They’re here!" she exclaimed, pulling him excitedly.
Atlas chuckled, letting her drag him along, his steps falling in sync with her enthusiasm.
As the flying carriage drew closer, he raised his gaze. Four figures sat atop it.
One of them, a short-haired girl with fiery red hair, leaned forward and waved energetically.
"Hi, Mira! Hi, Atlas! We’ve brought gifts, hahaha!" she called out, her voice carrying over the evening breeze.