[...]
The winds grow a lot stronger, the closer we get to our destination.
I've already checked-in and paid for a room at the nearest lodging I could find and it's still about forty-five minutes out even if I hurry. Still not as bad as one time when it took about an hour and twenty-seven minutes each way.
Rem and I have been flying over Wutolia; but the exact location where the Fates live, though, is inside a cave.
It's at the side, below the edge of the cliff that's facing the sea. There's no pathway that leads up to it, so it'd make walking there impossible.
We hit some turbulence and Rem tucks his wings in briefly before he resumes flying again. This happens more and more frequently the closer we get to the sea.
After some time, I can finally see the edge of the cliff, which is our target area. All we need to now is get past and fly downwards. It's only about a few seconds out now.
Out of nowhere, we get hit by an incredibly strong gust of wind, but this time, Rem is having too much trouble flying especially with me on his back. My poor boy brays and is doing his best not to thrash about. He's no longer able to keep both of us steady while withstanding such violent currents.
I immediately shout out, "Rem! Let's get out of here for now and go back to the cliff!"
Using the reins, I guide him back to the top and he lands at a relatively safe spot.
It's a bit too difficult to do this with Rem so I've decided to do this by myself. I believe it's the best way.
After unmounting, I cast a spell on Rem so when I give him the signal, I can call him back whenever I need him. Rem will be able to take care of himself until I'm done here.
I put my arms around Rem to give him a hug, then I pat behind his ears three times. He neighs and stomps on the ground with his front hooves. I am not sure if he's trying to either dissuade me from going by myself; or if he's telling me to be REALLY careful, but I smile anyway and try to alleviate his concern.
"I'm sorry, Rem. I have to do this. Thank you for your concern though." He rubs his forehead into the palm of my hand before flying off.
Now that Rem has left, I've already thought of an idea that I'd like to try to be able to somehow manipulate the wind pressure with my powers just enough for me to get into that cave.
When hot air rises upward; cold air sinks; leaving behind an area of low pressure. The gap between these creates what you call, a pressure gradient.
Cooler air will then start to rush towards the low-pressure area in an attempt to start correcting the imbalance.
Judging from how strong the winds are at the moment, it means the amount of cool air it's attracting is not enough to neutralize the pressure gradient.
... Wait, what the heck am I doing?
Screw this! I'm making this WAY more complicated than it should be. Testing out a hypothesis would've been cool, but I'm too impatient to experiment right now.
I first activate the bottle that's on my hip.
From the three-headed winged hydra, I make use of its wings.
A pair of sharp bone tips begin to protrude from my back and something monstrous bursts forth. Blueish green leather-like skin starts to grow outward, while magically not damaging or ripping any part of my armor off.
Tucked wings spring out from my back; I unfold it and stretch it out.
After flapping them several times, the wind starts to pick up; some debris like sand, dead grass, and semi-crushed pebbles start to levitate, fly, and revolve around me.
I still need to make use of the other two emblems to fulfill the requirements of using these powers all at once.
I will use the fire of the phoenix as heat. To cool down, I'll be needing the help of the arctic siren's trait to regulate my inner and outer temperature, while I attempt this daredevil of a stunt.
Using my normal abilities as a war goddess, I strengthen my legs and prepare myself to run as fast as all hell.
Taking a breath, I pull on the sling of my rucksack to make sure it's positioned right on my back. I don't want any of its contents accidentally flying out from being too careless.
I go right up towards the edge and I look straight down. Right below this cliff is the sea.
Violent waves roll in and break as it constantly crashes against solid rock.
It's so intense that I can still feel the sea, spray briny mist on my cheeks, even though I'm several hundred meters high up.
As expected, there are a lot of frighteningly sharp masses down below.
I fling myself down; then I start to angle my wings in a way that gets me closer to the cliff wall.
As soon as the edge of my heel touches the surface, I start to run as fast as possible to gain momentum.
I continue to adjust the angle of my wings, sometimes beating them once or twice at times to correct my balance.
So far so good. It's working in my favor.
Any second now, I should be able to see the opening in view, but that's literally just it, an opening. There's not even a ledge to land on or take advantage of it if I ever somehow need it for any reason at all.
This would've been an extremely easy task if I had Rem. It's been a long time though since I've been feeling even slightly challenged. In the end, I guess I don't mind it all too much.
In my line of vision, I finally see something that may resemble the entrance.
The closer I get to it, the more sure I am that it's probably the one I'm looking for.
I take my halberd and activate the second bottle. I hear loud and joyous laughter break out as I swing my halberd once, turning it into a big club.
As soon as I get enough distance in, I run even faster. Using both of my hands, I smash the head of the club into the ceiling of the cave.
From the force, some pulverized dust, dirt, and smaller pieces of rock are expelled as they break away from the crushed surface.
I dig it deep enough to use it as a way to pull myself into the entrance of the cave.
In well-practiced motions, I let go of the handle and curve my wings for a split second before tucking it in an instant. Without any difficulty, I do a somersault in the air and land perfectly on my feet with my arms spread out for balance.
Whew.
Well, that was quite a trip. I break out into a smile as adrenaline continues to rush through my veins. I breathe out a sigh of relief that everything went according to plan.
Just when I'm about to pat myself on the back for a job well done; I hear inhuman cries echoing throughout the cave, and rumbling from deep within its dark depths.
Whatever it is, it's heading straight for me.