Comment and Coupons Edition – Episode 187
59. Magical Beasts and the Desert City of Cairo #1
With great effort, I lifted my heavy eyelids, stained by deep sleep. Inside the dark underground ruins, sunlight and sand trickled in through the crumbling ceiling, casting a glow on my face.
—Kyuuiing.
The Yingyi that had been resting at my head let out a grumble.
—Alright, alright, I’m getting up now!
I pawed at the Yingyi, fluffing it up like a doll to give it back its volume. Only then did the Yingyi chirp away happily, —Yingyi-yang.
“Today we’ll set off. My front paw and body feel all better now…”
As Azidahaka cleaned up the remnants of our stay in the underground ruins, the wet traces of last night’s hustle and bustle still lingered on the floor, refusing to dry before morning.
Feeling a bit sheepish, I scratched my face with my front paw.
—Yeah, it’s time to move. You know the way? To that place called Cairo or whatever?
“The path is simple; just go where the sun sets. Since we’ve flown quite a distance, we should reach the city in about half a day. There, I’ve prepared some water and breakfast for you, so dig in.”
With a flick of her tail, Azidahaka seemed pleased. The end of her fluffy red tail, now plump and full after receiving a grand dose of magical power, held a rather hefty beast that looked like it might just serve as my breakfast.
‘Is that… a hawk?’
Its brown feathers were sleek, but its plump belly and chest made it look both impressive and adorable. And it was so big that if I fried it up, it could easily feed a small army!
‘Where on earth did she catch something like this in this desolate desert?’
It was quite a luxurious breakfast, but I had never turned down food since becoming a beast, so I accepted Azidahaka’s generosity.
As I clawed off all the feathers from the hawk and started to tear into its wings and legs, I heard a strange cough from somewhere.
Not the kind of cough that stifles your breath, but rather an exaggerated, dry sound that perfectly described my situation.
“Uh, about what I said last night, you know it was all an act, right…?”
—Last night? I don’t even remember what happened.
“Never mind that, just finish your meal.”
Though I hadn’t brought it up first, I too was somewhat concerned about last night. Given my rampage of unpleasantness, it wouldn’t be surprising if Azidahaka was mad at me.
Caught in a dreamlike prison for a hundred years, the accumulating lust, injuries falling from the sky, and the fierce traits bestowed by legendary magical beasts like myself must have all combined to create the chaotic figure I became last night.
‘But since you’re not angry, does that mean you didn’t hate it that much…?’
I recalled reading somewhere that one could gauge their breakfast satisfaction from the previous night’s activities. As a single beast, I brushed it off as a silly notion back then, but as I savored the tender and nutty meat of the bird I was currently devouring, I found myself agreeing with the earnest advice from those who walked the path before me.
‘Truly, a male’s overflowing strength is crucial.’
Despite all the shenanigans from last night, I surprisingly felt refreshed, with no lingering fatigue in my body. The rejuvenation coursed through me like fresh bl**d, swirling hotly from my heart to the tips of my paws.
Even the faint ache from my earlier fall seemed to be all but gone.
Having slept in the warm embrace of a woman who felt like freshly steamed rice cake, I wouldn’t be surprised if I received some therapy during my slumber.
‘Great, at this rate, I can truly say I’m all healed. What on Earth am I made of?’
It astonished me that I not only survived but emerged unscathed after falling several kilometers and ending up buried beneath a pile of rocks, and now all that was left were healed wounds within just a week. Being a legendary magical beast like Behemoth certainly came with its perks!
‘Had I been born something like a Wildling instead, I’d have become potion ingredients by now…’
—Kyuuiing.
As if reading my mind, the Yingyi suddenly chimed in, unimpressed.
—I know, it’s not just about what you were born as; it’s also about how you live afterwards. But I assure you, I’ve lived quite diligently!
It had already been a few months since I was born into this world as a beast.
Though I was merely a baby beast not even a year old in age, my experiences had arguably been as vibrant and extraordinary as decades of a human’s life. Capturing or being captured, tricking and getting tricked, I had truly worked hard to survive.
Only problem was, since all beasts in this magical world live similarly, my efforts often went unnoticed. But that was something I could brush off for now.
As I drifted into recollections of the past, Azidahaka stretched her back and murmured.
“Everything’s ready now. We should start our journey. Cairo is a massive city populated by many creatures, even after the desert took over the west. We will find more information and resources helpful to us there.”
—That sounds promising!
I nodded enthusiastically.
The moment we emerged from the underground ruins to the surface, I quickly realized that Azidahaka’s promise of being close to the city of Cairo was no empty boast.
—Wow, impressive!
Beyond the distant horizon, the tips of three grand pyramids loomed majestically over the sandy dunes.
Though there was quite a distance, obscured by mirages and wafting dust, their enormous presence was impossible to miss—I couldn’t help but gape.
—It’s magnificent!
Perhaps feeling a bit envious of my immense awe, I heard Azidahaka click her tongue.
“It’s just a pile of rocks stacked high. It doesn’t compare to the towers of Sumer.”
Cats convey their feelings with their tails. If they’re agitated, their tails swish around erratically, signaling that they’re not to be touched. Similarly, Azidahaka’s tail, which stirred up dust with every movement, was a gauge of her mood.
Nodding along with her tail’s dance, I agreed.
—True, the labyrinth city of Sumer was impressive too.
The towering Babel of Sumer reached into the sky like a marvel—a grand version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The inner workings thrummed with magical mechanisms and a city overflowing with gold, creating an impression akin to a work of art.
But the sheer force and grandeur radiating from the massive pyramid before me expressed a different kind of power.
If the Leaning Tower of Pisa was a well-crafted dessert, beautifully layered, then the pyramid exuded the raw, unprocessed strength of a whole roasted pig.
In summary, both were wonderful in their own right, making comparison rather difficult.
—And so, my days in this sandy desert are numbered…!
I stretched, feeling liberated as I reflected on how little longer I would be walking in this sea of sand and gravel.
“This is also a crucial time before we attend to the most important task.”
At Azidahaka’s calm warning, I yawned, wiping away tears accumulating in my eyes with a paw, chuckling at the situation.
—Hmph, I know that. There are surely strange creatures lurking over there.
Through my misty vision, I spotted small sand-colored walls and various structures beneath the massive pyramids.
The city of Cairo, said to be built near the Valley of the Royal Family, was likely situated beyond those walls.
Rumor had it that the embodiment of Satan and the leader of the Gryphons, Jupiter, resided there, making it quite the hub for foes.
My bleary eyes could just make out little feathered creatures flitting about the walls. Looking a tad closer, I could see they were Gryphons, their size making them appear like small birds or mere dots from such a vast distance.
—There are a lot of Gryphons flying above the city.
“Cairo was originally built on their territory. Most Gryphons living in this desert nest there.”
—So Chino should be there too, right?
I couldn’t help but reminisce about our departure from the human city of Jerusalem, where the Gryphon Chino had lent me support. If I remembered correctly, she was Jupiter’s only daughter.
Having released her into this desert, she must have returned home, so she would surely be somewhere over there.
‘It’d be nice to have connections. Being the daughter of an influential figure and a local might get me some help around here.’
“You’re speaking about that little Gryphon who gave you a ride. She’s likely over there.”
Through the red tiara that covered Azidahaka’s face, her red glare sparkled somehow.
—Ugh, this is ridiculous. How much longer must we walk?
Having seen the massive pyramids, I had thought we were close, but no matter how long we walked, the distance to Cairo only seemed to stretch further.
“I told you, it’s at least half a day’s walk.”
—It feels like I’ve already walked for half a day extra!
The unyielding distance to the city and the pyramids, along with the unchanged scenery and the blazing sun were all beginning to test my patience.
—And my body feels incredibly heavy. Is it just me?
—Ying…
Even Yingyi was feeling the heat under the relentless sun. Usually soaring at a decent altitude, but now if I released her into the air, she’d drop like a deflated balloon!
With a relaxed smile, Azidahaka, unaffected by the heat, muttered softly.
“This place is known as the Desert of Endurance. The land draws everything in more strongly, and the scorching sunlight feels hot enough to burn. Some strange magical force is at play here.”
—Desert of Endurance… Just saying it scratches my nerves. Why would anyone build a city here?
Azidahaka, seemingly in agreement, nodded.
“The Stone Dwarves must have thought so too. They likely built a city here, difficult for others to intrude, to strengthen their own security.”
—So they aimed to keep people away from the sacred artifact the Dwarf King hid, right?
“That could be one reason, but there might be others…”
—Whatever it is, it seems certain they’ve made access to the city quite difficult. With nobody visiting, it’s probably all self-sufficient.
“Oh no, a city is like water. Stagnant water evaporates or festers. Cairo also has its own stream of resources.”
Azidahaka pointed above, and a sharp cry sounded, splitting the air.
From afar, Gryphons with massive wings began to arrive from various directions toward the visible city of Cairo.
Saddled on their backs were structures resembling horse saddles or litters, carrying a few people and beasts along with them.
—So there is a way to travel!
“They only allow select individuals into the city aboard those Gryphons. Those riding them are guests who have experienced trekking through the Desert of Endurance, just like us.”
—So this desert acts as a sort of trial, separating those who can get along with them from those who cannot. How primitive!
I couldn’t help but glance down at the skulls of beasts and humans strewn across the ground. I wondered if they were among the many who trod this Desert of Endurance before us, just like Azidahaka and me.
—And your magical power is replenished too. Can’t we just fly like those Gryphons?
“Dragons aren’t allowed to fly over this land. If they did, they’d be met with a barrage of arrows and attacks from the Gryphons and crash to the ground. That’s why we have no choice but to sneak in like this.”
—They really must have a grudge!
The dragons, Gryphons, desert fairies, and stone dwarves shared a long-standing animosity. Their rivalry and animosity towards each other were legendary!
—It’s a shame we can’t fly. I was hoping we could enjoy a nice dinner as night falls, but I guess sand is the only meal I’ll get!
As I mourned the loss of a decent meal…
Rustle.
Something poked its head through the sand at my feet.
—Hehehe, looking for food? Want to give it a try?
—Whoa! What the heck are you?
