Despite the initial unease of takeoff, once we reached cruising altitude, the flight was smooth.
The sun is blinding. We're flying at about 500 meters, high enough that falling would be fatal, but this must be low-altitude flight for a dragon.
We cut through the air, the scenery rapidly shrinking behind us. Platifia had cast a protective spell, reducing the wind pressure and making the flight much more comfortable. I even had the luxury to enjoy the view.
Unlike the last time, when I was clinging desperately to ropes to avoid being thrown off, struggling to breathe, and freezing from the high altitude.
That time, we couldn't even use concealment spells since it would've interfered with our other magic. It was pure willpower and endurance that saw us through.
As I got lost in those distant memories—
"The sky is wonderful. It feels so... free."
Platifia's cheerful voice came from above me. I turned my head slightly to look at her and saw her relaxed expression, starkly different from her usual tense demeanor in the castle.
Even Platifia must have to keep up appearances at the Demon King's castle. It's no wonder she enjoys the rare moments of solitude.
Still, it's ironic for her to talk about freedom while enjoying the very sky she's taken from these dragons. I didn't miss the way the dragon's ear twitched at her comment.
Maybe the fact that dragons harbor hidden resentment toward the demons could be useful in the future. They're bound by the captivity of their eggs at the hatchery, but if I could find a way to break that chain…
"You're calm, Zilvagias. I'm impressed—hard to believe this is your first time flying."
"...It's smoother than I expected. I'm enjoying it."
Platifia's voice broke my chain of thoughts, and I responded accordingly.
I had to admit, this dragon was a skilled flyer. The takeoff had been rough, but now it was riding the wind effortlessly, maintaining a steady altitude with minimal turbulence. It was using a lot of gliding techniques, which made for a smooth, comfortable ride.
...Comparing it to the White Dragons from my previous life, their flying was incredibly rough. Though, to be fair, that was at much higher altitudes, so maybe it's different in low-altitude flying. Yeah, let's go with that.
"As expected of my son. You're reliable."
Platifia seemed satisfied with my answer, gently patting my head in approval. That's... rare.
I wonder what expression I'm wearing right now... Thankfully, Platifia can't see it either.
Shifting my focus to distract myself, I looked down at the land below.
This area must have once been part of the Beastmen's territory. Their distinct circular wooden dwellings dotted the landscape, and I could see Beastmen hard at work in the fields.
There were a few Humans here and there, but even from this distance, I could see their ragged clothes. They were likely slaves, forced to do menial tasks due to their weaker physical abilities compared to the Beastmen.
Aside from Beastmen and Humans, there weren't many other species in sight, save for a few demon lords overseeing their lands. It seemed the vast territories the Demon Kingdom had conquered were too large for the few demons to manage directly.
Still, the Beastmen seemed to live relatively comfortably, with no signs of poverty or rebellion. This area must have been fully assimilated into the Demon Kingdom.
...No one down there would ever suspect that the Demon Prince flying overhead is plotting the downfall of the kingdom.
As we flew for another half hour, the landscape began to change.
The fertile land gave way to barren terrain. Houses became sparse until there were none left.
Cutting through this wasteland was a straight stone-paved road.
"It's coming into view."
At Platifia's words, I looked ahead—
A shimmering, rainbow-like mirage.
It glistened like a prism, but instead of beauty, it exuded an eerie, unsettling aura, sending a shiver down my spine.
It was as if my very instincts were screaming: Don't get closer to that thing.
At the base of the shimmering mirage lay a sprawling, chaotic city.
"What is that?"
"That's 'Cosmo Lodge,' a city for demons and demons alone," Platifia answered as the dragon began its descent.
"It's a place where demon kin wait for their relatives to return from the Demon Realm, or where newly arrived demons from the Demon Realm acclimate themselves to this world. I'll be waiting here this time."
"You're not coming with me into the Demon Realm, Mother?"
"I cannot. I've housed too many demons within my soul."
Platifia's tone was laced with regret.
"Sophia warned me that if I enter the Demon Realm again, I may not be able to return. So, this time, I'll remain here and see you off."
"I see. Well, I can manage on my own, so don't worry."
"...Heh."
Once again, Platifia patted my head. She's unusually touchy today... but then again, she is my mother. Maybe this level of closeness is normal for mothers and sons.
I guess it's been a blessing that it's not normally like this.
The dragon landed on the outskirts of the city, and we began walking toward its center.
The magic here was potent—no, it was downright alien.
Even the laws of physics seemed distorted. Bizarre houses lined the streets, structures that shouldn't be possible. A massive house balanced precariously on a tiny twig. A shop in the shape of an upside-down pyramid stood firm without budging.
And then there were the residents. Demons everywhere. Some rough-looking demons dressed casually. Impish lower demons bickered in groups. Muscular mid-tier demons clashed in the streets, horns locking, followed by a flurry of punches. An upper-tier demon lay sprawled across a roof, munching on some ethereal-looking candy floss with multiple arms.
"There it is—the Dark Portal."
After walking for a while, we reached the city's core, where it stood.
The source of the rainbow shimmer. A hole, darker than the deepest night, drawing you in like a black hole.
A tear in reality itself, so ominous it felt like it could swallow you whole if you stared too long.
It was the gateway to the Demon Realm.