"This is the ring I showed you before. It can teleport you above ground," she said.
Lawrend carefully took the ring from her large beak. It was nerve-racking to be face to face with such a large creature. One peck of hers, and he's dead.
Lawrend raised the ring against the moon and examined its details. There was unknown writing inside it with beautiful transparent white gems embedded outside.
"What is this ring called?" Lawrend asked.
It was beautiful, and Lawrend could feel an unknown power inside it. He couldn't put it into words as he never encountered it before. It was different from the usual mana he could sense around him..
"Its name was already lost in time. Even the writings are something I can't understand for I have only lived after that ancient civilization has ended."
"Where did you find it?" Lawrend asked as he put the ring on his ring finger.
"I found it embedded on a stone at the entrance of the ancient temple. There should be records about it deep inside."
"Interesting. Then, how would you read the book you are looking for?"
If she couldn't read the writings on the ring, it would be safe to assume that she also can't read what's written in the book.
"Don't underestimate me. With a whole book, I can decipher the meaning of the writings," she replied.
"Alright. Lead me there," Lawrend said.
He had enough talking to her. He was curious about what the entrance of this ancient temple looked like. Besides, maybe Daisy and Jasmine can give him hints about it.
"Ride on my back. I will fly us there," she replied.
Lawrend climbed on her beautiful white feathers. It was soft and fluffy but strong. He easily reached her back and sat in a small hole he made by parting her feathers.
"Hold tight."
She expanded her wings. It was at least 200 meters from Lawrend's point of view.
*Fwoosh, Fwoosh*
She flapped it and slowly started to ascend. She avoided the trees carefully before finally leaving the forest entirely. She headed towards the northwest. She was significantly much faster than that Fire Wyvern he rode on before.
Lawrend could feel the cool night breeze hitting his skin. It made him feel chilly. As a result, he buried himself inside her warm feathers. It was like he covered himself in goose down. A type of soft goose feather.
They flew till the sun rose on the horizon.
"Wait, it's not inside the Undrasil Monster Forest?" Lawrend asked in surprise.
They had already left the region of the Undrasil Monster Forest. They headed towards the huge mountain shadow far away.
Lawrend was startled as Daisy and Jasmine said that they could feel something in the Undrasil Monster Forest. That means Daisy and Jasmine wouldn't be able to help him this time. He messed up. His calculations were off.
"The ancient temple is located at the peak of the Stargazing Mountain. Legends say that—"
"—The first star appeared at the peak of the mountain," Lawrend interrupted.
Clova grew silent. It took a few seconds before she could finally react.
"Where did you hear about the legend?" she asked.
"From one of my maids."
"There is more to that legend. There were some murals at the entrance of the ancient temple. It shows a bright sun in the center of the sky above the mountain. But there was already a sun in the background of the mural. That can only mean that a second sun descended here in the past," Clova explained.
"Wow. Was that the reason the ancient civilization ended?" Lawrend asked curiously.
"I don't know. That's why you have to find that book. The book with the records of the events back then. As you have the aura of a god, I trust that you can do it. I have already guided many others. All of them had failed," Clova replied.
"Did… they all die?" Lawrend asked.
He was uncomfortable. She guided others before him, and they have all failed. That could only mean that this is harder than it initially seemed to be. It was a good call that he didn't bring Aezel with him.
"None of them died. They used the ring to escape. The very same ring you are using right now," she replied.
Lawrend relaxed his nerves. At least none of them died. That means he has a chance to do this safely.
"What about their companions?" Lawrend asked grimly.
"As for them… they all died. There are many complex traps inside the temple. None of them were able to escape without the ring."
*Gulp*
Lawrend praised Lady Luck. She saved Aezel this time.
"Why are you so curious about the events back then anyway?" Lawrend couldn't help but ask.
She must be doing this for so long now. It wouldn't be hard to imagine how she tried every way. From hiring powerful mages and the like.
"It's a long story. I will tell you once you get the book. Otherwise, there is no point," she replied.
"Then, why don't you ask a Grand Mage human to enter?"
"I already did out of desperation. He said it was impossible to enter it without someone guided by a god which is also why I chose you," she explained.
"How about stronger ones?"
"That's out of the question. They will take the book for themselves. Powerhouses are very prideful. They won't stoop so low to help me."
"I see…"
He must be her last hope. That's more of a reason for him to succeed. He's technically someone guided by a god. The goddess reincarnated him into this world for a reason.
'I can do this. With a Grand Mage-level bird on my side, I can easily take control of the kingdom. After that, I can enjoy an even more lavish life with my maids,' Lawrend thought to himself.
Soon, they arrived at the peak of the mountain. It was covered with white clouds. There was basically no visibility, but Clova still managed to safely land them on the peak.
"We're here," she said as she landed.