Wings Of Deception
Chapter 34: Condition

Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Condition

The two intelligent beasts had already made their decisions. The white lion chose to flee, whereas the black gorilla chose to stay and reenter the game.

Just as the lion began trekking across the vast field of weeds, the ape spotted multiple birds trailing him in the sky. None of them paid any attention to the ape. Their focus was solely on the fleeing prince.

Mario the ape turned toward the ring of flames, his mind set. He walked along the outermost circle, observing the fiery barrier as he searched for a safe passage. He trekked back and forth, studying every detail, yet after several rounds, he came to a grim realization—there was no easy way through the seventh ring of fire.

He halted, frustration evident in his stance. After a few moments of deliberation, he cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, "Oh, great bird! I have decided to reenter your game. Will you grant me a safe passage?"

John the mockingbird let out an amused chirp, his tone dripping with mockery. "Why should I? Where’s the fun in that? Are you that forgetful, Mr. Ape? It was your decision to leave the game. Now it’s your decision to reenter. Do you expect me to make it easy for you?"

Mario clenched his jaw. "But I can’t get in!"

"Not my problem. That’s yours to figure out," John quipped. "But I’d hurry if I were you. Once the scouts return with that big scaredy cat, they won’t be as merciful as I am."

Mario’s ears twitched at those words. He glanced at the sky, where the hunting party had vanished into the distance. He had little time before they returned.

Taking a deep breath, he stared at the flames, determination hardening his gaze. He needed to find a way through.

As the birds took flight, their screeches filled the air, a chorus of predators reveling in the hunt. Prince Anu, despite his bravado, felt the weight of their presence closing in. His muscles burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, but he pushed forward, knowing hesitation meant death.

John watched from above, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Run, little prince," he murmured. "Let’s see how long your pride can carry you."

The mountain air crackled with tension. The game was far from over.

Mario the ape was never particularly bright when it came to wit. Even in his past life as a human, thinking had never been his forte.

But now, he had to come up with a way to get past the outermost ring of flame before the birds returned. He had to.

He knew the mockingbird was toying with him.

Yet, brute force was the only solution that came to mind.

He sighed, regretting his decision to follow the lion in the first place.

"Fine. This is my only choice. I’ll use that skill... but only when those birds come back with that stupid cat."

Resolving himself, he waited.

Amidst the chaos, a silver wolf moved with purpose. Unlike the others, he had already discovered the lone safe passage leading to the innermost and final ring of flames.

"There it is," he muttered. "Now, let’s see what kind of reincarnate you really are, Mr. Singer."

He stepped forward, his paws pressing into the scorched earth. The mountain was cracked and broken, its surface a patchwork of wild grasses and barren wastelands. The few surviving trees had been hacked down, as if the land itself bore scars from a past battle.

His piercing gaze traced upward. At the very peak of the mountain stood a colossal tree, its form strangely unnatural.

"Aha... what an odd tree. The more I look at it, the more it seems to be growing."

Then, his eyes narrowed. There, perched on its highest branches, were three birds.

And in that instant, he understood.

The mockingbird wasn’t just their leader—he was the true master of the so-called Sky Dominating Clan.

Shardah Franca hesitated, his instincts warning him against ascending the mountain. Instead, he stood his ground, lifting his head and calling out in a steady, measured tone.

"Oh great bird, I, Shardah Franca, a humble junior of the Silver Wolf Clan, offer my respects."

Silence.

Only the distant crackling of burning wood filled the air, the scent of charred earth thick and heavy. No response came from above. The flames flickered, casting eerie shadows, as if the mountain itself was watching and waiting.

Shardah remained composed and spoke again, his tone respectful. "Once again, I offer my deepest apologies for trespassing into your territory."

A soft, melodious voice broke the silence. "Do you regret it?"

"Yes, sir. I regret it the most," Shardah replied without hesitation. "I was merely a part of this scouting campaign. The true leader of this expedition is Prince Anu."

"Oh? So you’re pleading for me to spare your young master? Interesting." The mockingbird’s voice carried amusement. "How about this? I’ll let that fluffy cat live... but in exchange, you must give your life to my clan. Can you do that?"

Shardah hesitated, his fur bristling slightly. After a brief pause, he answered, "Sir, I am a selfish and practical person. While I do care for Prince Anu, there is no way I’d sacrifice my life for him. That is not my place."

A wry smile curled his lips as he added, "That said... I have passed your game and stand here before you. What now? A dance performance, perhaps?"

John burst into hearty laughter. "Ha! You’re an amusing one for a wolf." His sharp eyes gleamed with approval. "I like clever beasts who can read the situation well. And your attitude is quite pleasing to my eye."

The air grew heavier as the mockingbird’s tone turned serious. "Very well. I’ll spare your life despite the heinous crime of bringing a beast horde to my mountain... but there’s a price."

He leaned forward, his voice laced with amusement and authority. "Bring your entire wolf clan and station them at the foot of my mountain for a decade. Do that, and I’ll consider us even."

Then, with a knowing smirk, he added, "Can you do that? I believe you hold enough importance within your clan."

Shardah shook his head. "It’s not my place, sir."

John chuckled. "I know." His voice dropped to a near whisper, his sharp eyes glinting. "That’s why I’m waiting for someone important to show up... any moment now."