NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12
Chapter 12. Dark Portal
The takeoff was slightly uneasy, but once we gained altitude, the flight stabilized.
The sun is dazzling. About 500 meters above—if we fall from this height, survival would be unlikely, but for dragons, this might be considered low-altitude flying.
Cutting through the wind, the scenery swiftly flowed behind us. Thanks to Platy’s protective spell, the wind pressure was reduced, making it comfortable. I even had the leisure to enjoy the view.
…Unlike last time, there was no desperate need to cling to the rope to avoid being shaken off, I could breathe easily, and I wasn’t freezing…
I couldn’t use the concealment magic alongside other spells back then, so I truly had to rely on willpower and stamina to get through it…
As I reminisced, I heard a cheerful voice from above my head.
“The sky is wonderful. It feels so free.”
Turning my neck to look, I found Platy showing a relaxed expression, a stark contrast to earlier.
She must have been on edge in the Demon Lord Castle, for one reason or another.
Yet, taking away the freedom from dragons while indulging in the freedom of the skies herself? A bit hypocritical, don’t you think? I didn’t miss the fact that a dragon flinched at Platy’s words.
The fact that the dragons harbor potential rebellious feelings might be useful later… Being unable to resist due to being confined to the hatchery means that if I can resolve that…
“Zilbagias is quite calm. It doesn’t seem like it’s their first flight.”
“…Surprisingly, it’s not bumpy at all. I’m enjoying it.”
Platy spoke up, interrupting my thoughts.
This dragon is quite skilled at flying. The takeoff was shaky, but afterward, they expertly caught the wind, maintaining altitude while gliding frequently, making for a smooth ride.
…Realizing how rough the flights had been with the White Dragon from my previous life gives me mixed feelings… No, that was high-altitude flying. Low-altitude flying must be a different matter entirely. I’m sure of it.
“As expected of my child. You’re reliable.”
Seeming satisfied with my response, Platy affectionately patted my head. This was a rare occurrence.
I wonder what kind of face I’m making right now… Thankfully, neither I nor Platy can see it.
To change my mood, I shifted my gaze downward.
Was this area once the land of beastmen? Their distinctive circular wooden homes dotted the landscape, with beastmen cheerfully working in the fields.
Occasionally, I noticed humans as well—but from a distance, it was clear they were dressed in ragged clothing. They were probably slaves… Compared to the beastmen, they seem weaker and were likely tasked with menial chores.
The only other races besides the beastmen and humans appeared to be a few demon-like nobles, which were rather scarce. If a small number of demons tried to manage the vast territories expanded by the invasion wars, this is what would happen.
However, the beastmen themselves seem to be living relatively well, showing no signs of distress. It appears these lands are staunchly part of the Demon Lord’s territory, without the slightest hint of rebellion.
…No one would ever guess that the demon lord’s prince soaring above them is plotting a coup.
After about 30 minutes of flying while lost in such thoughts, the scenery began to change.
The lush green land morphed into barrenness. The houses became sparser until finally, there were no buildings in sight.
A cobblestone road ran straight through the desolation.
“It’s coming into view.”
At Platy’s mutter, I looked ahead—
A shimmering rainbow-like mirage.
It sparkled like a prism. Although it should be an enchanting scene, it left a creepy impression that sent chills down my spine.
It felt as if my instincts were ringing alarm bells to warn me not to approach that.
At the base of that rainbow shimmer, a hodgepodge city formed.
“What is that…?”
“That’s called ‘Cosmo Lodge’. It’s a place for demons and demonic beings.”
The dragon gradually began to lower its altitude.
“It’s a place where relatives waiting to enter the demon world or newly arrived demons can acclimatize. This time, I will also wait there.”
“Mother, are you not entering the demon world?”
“I can no longer enter. I’ve accepted too many demons into my soul’s vessel.”
Platy said this a bit regretfully.
“I’ve been warned by Sophia that entering again might prevent me from returning. So this time, I will only see you off.”
“I see. Well, I’m fine on my own, so no need to worry.”
“…Hehe.”
Platy stroked my head again. I thought it felt overly familiar today… But upon reflection, I realized she’s my mother. A mother and child’s closeness is usually like this.
It’s not usually like that, so it’s a pleasant surprise.
The dragon landed on the outskirts of the city, and we started walking toward the center.
An overwhelmingly strong—no, an eerie magical aura filled the area.
Thus, even the laws of nature seem distorted here. Oddly structured buildings stood in absurdity, which clearly shouldn’t exist. A gigantic house perched on a tiny wooden branch, shops in unstable inverted triangle shapes not budging an inch.
And the residents. Besides the casually dressed demonic beings, the place was bustling with demons. Mischievous imps chattering in groups, muscular mid-level demons glaring at each other until they broke out into a fistfight, and upper-level demons lounging on rooftops, voraciously munching on something that looked like translucent cotton candy with their multiple arms.
“That’s the Dark Portal.”
After walking for a while, we arrived at the city center.
The source of the rainbow shimmer. Just staring at it makes you feel like you could be sucked in—a pitch-black,
hole of the world resembling the darkness of a new moon night.