Chapter 2

After the war between Demon King Rannu and Demon King Beria had ended and about ten minutes had passed...

I, now free from mental control, was walking in a forest a little away from Demon King Rannu's castle.

The war had just ended, and there were still many of Demon King Beria's troops lingering near the castle.

To avoid getting involved in any trouble, it was better to stay a bit further away.

The castle was still on fire, and even from within the forest, I could see the smoke rising into the sky.

The survivors were probably working to extinguish the flames.

Thank you for your hard work.

Still...

Even though it was a familiar scene, it felt incredibly fresh.

It was just a slightly dark forest, but with a clear mind, it seemed strangely brighter.

(Freedom is truly wonderful.)

I stepped on the wet soil, enjoying its elasticity.

Since I was naked, I could feel the soil directly.

(Whoa~ It's squishy, but... it's not bad.)

I walked with a cheerful mood.

After walking about 200 meters into the forest...

"...Right?"

"Yeah, I think that's the best option."

I heard voices from deeper in the forest, so I went to see where they were coming from.

(Huh? Who are they?)

In the distance, I saw a group of gray figures.

They were a group of gargoyles, my own kind.

They all had serious expressions and seemed to be discussing something.

They hadn't noticed me yet.

(Well... there's no point in just watching.)

Even though they were my own kind, watching them wasn't particularly enjoyable.

I decided to try talking to them.

This is a good opportunity, now that I'm free.

Considering the future, it's important to build connections with other members of my kind.

Also, I could use the chance to improve my communication skills.

I tried to approach them and start a conversation, mustering up some courage.

I was a bit nervous. But they were my juniors, so it should be fine. I just need to be strong.

No... but if I act too much like a senior, they might be wary.

I'll try to be friendly but not too casual.

...That's easier said than done.

Well, let's just go with the flow.

"Hey, what are you guys discussing?"

I stumbled a bit over my words.

Can't help it; I haven't talked to anyone in 1500 years.

The gargoyles noticed my presence and glanced at me.

Then, for some reason, they all frowned.

I tried to start a conversation, but what's with that attitude? It's way too rude.

Is it because I'm an old-type gargoyle that they're wary?

(I didn't say anything strange, right? I stumbled a bit over my words, but just starting a conversation shouldn't warrant such a disapproving look... I'm a bit hurt.)

Still, they all look almost identical.

They're all about the same size and have the same faces.

The gargoyle in front of me was about two meters tall, similar to me, but his body color was a dark gray, and his arms and legs were a bit thicker.

Compared to me, who is slender and more streamlined, with a lighter gray color, the difference was quite noticeable.

Their bodies looked like they were made of black minerals, giving them a rough and rugged appearance.

After a moment of silence, it seemed they realized ignoring me wasn't a good idea, and a gargoyle who looked like a leader responded.

"Ah, we're discussing going to the nearest city, Phara, together. Now that we're free from Demon King Rannu's enslavement magic, there's no point in staying here."

Phara is a city to the south, ruled by a different demon king from Rannu.

It's true we can't stay here forever.

I think going to the city is a reasonable choice.

"We gargoyles can fly, so crossing the Phara Mountains on the way to the city is easy. However, there are wyverns, which are monsters, in the air around the mountains. The chance of encountering them is low, but it's safer to travel in a group just in case."

"I see, so traveling in a group reduces the risk."

Gargoyles aren't weak, but wyverns, even though they're lower-level dragons, are still dragons.

A regular gargoyle probably can't defeat one in a one-on-one fight and might even have trouble escaping.

Traveling in a group would allow us to deal with any encounters by either fleeing or fighting.

Alright! Since I'm free, I might as well join their plan.

It would be nice to have an easier journey.

"So, the more gargoyles we have, the safer the journey will be, right?"

"Well... in theory, yes."

As I was talking to the leader, a few more gargoyles gathered, apparently interested in joining the plan.

Including me, there were seven gargoyles in total.

Seven is a lucky number; may it bring us good fortune...

"Alright, no one else is coming, so let's get going."

"Got it! I'm ready, are you all set?"

I responded to the leader's confirmation, and the gargoyles spread their wings, preparing to fly.

They slowly rose into the air...

Ah... I've been waiting for this day for so long, finally moving forward with my fellow gargoyles.

But then...

"Hey... let go!"

"Huh?"

"Not 'Huh?'! Just let go!"

I was lost in thoughts about the future, feeling good...

Suddenly, the gargoyle leader, who had a scary look on his face, shouted at me.

Surprised by his intensity, I let go.

Of the leader's right leg...

As I let go, the gargoyle leader rose into the air again.

"See ya."

Then he said something unbelievable to me.

Huh? "See ya"... Huh?

Why? Why? Why? Why is he saying goodbye?

You guys aren't seriously leaving me behind, are you? I have a bad feeling...

"Hey! Wait, wait! Please, wait! Why are you leaving me behind? Even if it's a joke, being left out like this really hurts!"

To avoid being left behind, I tried to jump and grab the gargoyle leader's leg with both hands, but he dodged, having been on guard.

I lost my balance and fell.

The gargoyles, now in the air, spoke to me.

"What's he saying?"

"Why does he think he's coming with us? It's unbelievable."

"Sorry, but we don't have the luxury of bringing along junk."

Being called "junk" so soon after meeting them...

This overwhelming sense of being an outsider...

"What the hell! What's going on? Why am I being left out? What did I do to you? Did I hurt any of you? The demon king is dead... we should be working together and supporting each other, not doing this... This is way too much!"

I pleaded with tears in my eyes, but they didn't change their expressions.

I can't believe them. Why are they treating me like this when we're all free and should be working together?

"Why! Why..."

"..."

"Answer me! There must be a good reason!"

"Because you don't have wings, so you can't fly."

The harsh words of betrayal from my own kind hit me hard.

Yes, I can't fly. So what?

My plan to hitch a ride by clinging to the leader's leg...

They could have helped me out of sympathy.

I could have repaid them later for their kindness.

I kind of had a feeling I'd be left behind, since the leader didn't look at me during our conversation...

I guess I couldn't bluff my way through it.

So, in the end...

I was left alone, watching my fellow gargoyles take off (or being abandoned).

I thought about casting a spell at their defenseless backs to steal their bright future, but I decided to be mature and hold back.

(What am I going to do now...)

My high spirits from earlier had taken a hit.

I was suddenly left behind by my fellow gargoyles, but

due to the protagonist's somewhat peculiar personality, it doesn't turn into a completely depressing situation.