Ch 210.

  Stepping through the teleportation gate, Matt found himself on a lofty platform nestled atop an enormous tree that dwarfed even the tallest redwoods, with nothing but open space surrounding it for miles. While he could spot similar colossal trees in the distance, they stood at least five miles away, their massive trunks barely visible against the horizon. Peering down from the tree’s height, Matt realized they were perched on a small island in the center of a vast lake that stretched out, filling most of the gap between them and the neighboring forests. As he gazed into the shimmering water, a gigantic serpent surged upward, breaking the surface with a fish that was easily twice his size clamped firmly in its jaws.

  “Is everything in this world oversized?” Matt asked, watching as the serpent sank back beneath the water's surface.

  “Perhaps everything in your world is simply undersized,” the giant bird retorted, its tone laced with indignation at the implication. “So, tell me, how do you intend to cross this lake if I refuse to assist you?”

  Matt paused, his mind racing as he assessed the secure nature of their current location. Even if he devised a way to cross the expansive lake, he knew there would be other measures in place to thwart his escape. He had a few ideas brewing, but none seemed viable. Even with his limited foresight, which allowed him glimpses of potential outcomes, he was acutely aware that his most sensible option was to return through the same teleportation gate that had brought him here.

  “I would leave,” Matt declared, nodding firmly. “Even if I managed to cross this lake, what then? I’d be lost in a world that would likely view me as a fugitive, with no knowledge of the terrain or its inhabitants to help me survive.”

  “What if crossing the lake was all that mattered?” the bird pressed, its tone curious yet challenging.

  “How many of those serpents are lurking beneath the surface, and how formidable are they?”

  “There are thousands,” the bird replied with a flick of its wings. “Most pose only D rank threats, but there are two that are nearly S rank, along with over a hundred more classified as A rank.”

  “Well, swimming is out of the question,” Matt said, shaking his head. “I have to assume that more of your kind would attack if I attempted to fly over. That leaves me with digging as an option.”

  “You would be attempting to burrow under a lake deep enough to harbor those serpents, and it’s long enough that even an A ranked individual would require at least a galactic day to dig straight across,” the bird pointed out, its feathers bristling slightly.

  “You’re right; I’d also be risking cave-ins, not knowing when I was deep enough, and countless other dangers,” Matt conceded, his brow furrowing. “Still, while it might be the slowest route, it’s the only viable path I see for anyone below A rank to succeed. If I were leading a group, however, I would consider alternative strategies. For instance, I could chop down this enormous tree and use it as a makeshift raft and bridge to cross. But that would introduce a whole new set of complications, likely leading to unforeseen problems. However, if I were to bring a group, I would ensure they were capable of conquering this world before ever coming here.”

  The bird offered no reply to Matt; instead, it flapped its powerful wings, lifting into the air and seizing him by the arms. For several heart-pounding moments, Matt dangled above the shimmering lake, his mind racing with the fear of being dropped into its depths. It wasn’t until they reached the far shore that he felt a wave of relief wash over him, allowing him to focus on the intricate details of the towering trees that loomed ahead. Each tree was adorned with platforms that jutted out at various angles, their uses ranging from simple storage to more elaborate structures. Some platforms housed what could be described as homes, though to Matt, they appeared almost primitive, starkly simpler than even his rustic cabin.

  Yet, when viewed from a different perspective, these dwellings revealed a remarkable complexity; they were crafted from woven sticks, expertly interlaced and coated with a mixture of dirt and plant life. This construction not only utilized readily available materials but also provided a degree of weatherproofing, albeit rudimentary. Still, Matt doubted that residing in one of those homes would be particularly comfortable, especially considering that the enormous birds likely weren’t the best housekeepers. As he scanned the area, he noticed more than just the giant avian creatures; at least a dozen featherless humanoids moved about, each engaged in their own activities.

  For a moment, Matt pondered the purpose of this new group, noting the absence of clear pathways between the towering trees. His curiosity piqued as he observed one of them skillfully launch what appeared to be a grappling hook, which snagged onto an adjacent platform. With an effortless grace, the figure began to ascend, pulling themselves up with ease. Another individual leapt from a higher platform, landing nimbly on a lower one, rolling to absorb the impact. It became evident to Matt that they were all at least B rank, if not higher. Yet, despite their agility and strength, their tattered clothing and the way they interacted with the giant birds suggested they were treated as second-class citizens, if not less.

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  Matt soon found himself gently lowered onto a platform resembling an open-air shop. The shopkeeper was a humanoid creature reminiscent of a sasquatch, with shaggy fur and a broad frame. Surrounding him were massive fruits, each roughly the size of Matt’s head, their vibrant colors contrasting sharply with the earthy tones of the wooden platform. There was ample space for four giant birds to land on any side, creating a bustling atmosphere. Just then, the bird that had brought Matt here landed gracefully beside him, producing a handful of silver coins before swiftly devouring one of the oversized fruits in a single gulp.

  The shopkeeper regarded Matt with a mix of curiosity and mild amusement but remained silent as the bird spoke on his behalf. “You expressed a desire to sample the local cuisine, so I’ve covered the cost for you. Enjoy,” the bird declared, its voice carrying a hint of mischief.

  Matt felt a chuckle bubbling up inside him, sensing he was being openly mocked. Nevertheless, he stepped forward, scrutinizing the fruits before turning his attention to the shopkeeper. “Can you pick a good one for me?” he asked, his tone light yet hopeful.

  “That’s simple—none of them,” the beast-man replied with a smirk. “Our tastes are so drastically different that even if I were starving, I wouldn’t touch one of these. But you don’t have a choice now that it’s been bought for you. All I can say is, I hope it isn't poison to you.”

  Matt grimaced at the shopkeeper’s words, a sense of foreboding creeping in as he contemplated his future. It was clear he wasn’t about to enjoy this culinary adventure, though at least it wasn’t sure to be toxic. With a resigned sigh, he selected a smaller fruit from the pile and sank his teeth into its deep purple flesh. The moment he bit down, an overwhelming wave of flavors assaulted his senses—a bizarre blend of sweetness and bitterness that felt like someone had mixed a cup of sugar with a cup of stomach acid. He fought against the urge to spit it out, catching a glimmer of satisfaction in the bird's keen eyes. Wiping the juice from his chin, he managed to swallow the revolting morsel and spoke.

  “Yeah, that isn’t something I want to eat again. What should I do with the rest?”

  “I’ll eat it,” the bird replied, snatching the remaining fruit with its beak and swallowing it whole. “Now, the real question is how to keep you occupied while you wait, as I doubt you would enjoy staying in my home.”

  “Is it like the ones I see around us?” Matt asked, gesturing toward the nearest massive, nest-like structure. “Because honestly, that doesn’t look like it would offer much in terms of entertainment. I’d much rather head to an area where I can gain some levels; I’m already falling behind where I should be.”

  “I may be able to secure you permission for that,” the bird agreed, its eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “There are always pests that need to be cleared out. I assume you’re not too picky about your opponents?”

  “Nothing in a sewer,” Matt replied, shuddering at the thought of what their sewers might contain, if they even existed. “And definitely nothing that could be interpreted as me fighting your organization’s battles.”

  “I hadn’t intended to have you do either of those things,” the bird said, its tone shifting slightly. “However, I think it would be wise for you to consider aiding us if you wish to receive a positive response.”

  “Perhaps, but it would be improper for me to do so until I have received a favorable response,” Matt countered, crossing his arms.

  “Very well, let us be off then, so we can find you a way to occupy your time.”

  With that, Matt once more found himself being carried off, this time navigating through a dense cluster of towering trees. Each tree was adorned with an array of platforms, some resembling houses, others shops, and a few that Matt speculated might serve as venues for entertainment. The sheer variety intrigued him, though he didn’t dwell on it for long. His attention was drawn instead to the ground below, where he caught unsettling glimpses near the bases of the massive trunks. There, he encountered what appeared to be endless mounds of bird droppings, with humanoid figures scattered throughout the mess. This sight confirmed what he suspected: this was the equivalent of a sewer for the giant birds. It didn’t particularly shock him, especially when he noticed the lowest platform encircling each tree. Birds flitted in and out, casually relieving themselves in the open as if it were the most natural act in the world—something Matt reluctantly accepted it likely was.

  When they finally landed again, Matt found himself at the edge of the woods, where a formidable wall loomed in the distance, standing several miles away from the nearest trees. This sight puzzled him; it was evident that there had once been a vast forest here, as the stumps of felled trees stretched out like sentinels, disappearing into the horizon. He couldn't help but wonder why a world dominated by birds would feature such a stark barrier, prompting the creature who had brought him here to elaborate.

  “What you see before you is one of many fields lost in our struggle to rule this world,” the bird explained, its voice rich with history. “You mentioned our enemies—well, in this realm, we no longer face any threats. However, that hasn’t always been the case. Like most worlds, our integration witnessed multiple powers rising, each vying for control. The one who sold those fruits is a descendant of those who sought to strip our world of resources in the name of industry. Their kind is prevalent throughout the universe, and when I look at you, I see the same essence. So tell me, what do you perceive when you gaze upon the field before you?”

  “I see greed and something much worse. I would expect the trees to regrow, but it seems they aren’t.”

  “Their roots run too deep, and it takes complete decay before new life can take root. There are places where groups focus on speeding the process up, but it will take a thousand years before a tree reaches a size suitable for habitation. So, is your race the kind to carry out such acts, or can they be trusted to leave our woods alone?”

  “They can’t be trusted, as greed is something my kind knows too well,” Matt replied, shaking his head slowly. “If my kind were to come here, they should be left in the middle of a field like the one that lies before us. Simply tell them they can do as they wish with what surrounds them, but never cross that wall. It is then that you may just glimpse the good side of greed.”

  “How can there be a good side of greed?”

  “Innovation,” Matt stated with a wry chuckle. “As much as I dislike dealing with my kind, I know we can adapt to almost anything as we strive for a better life for ourselves and our children.”

  “I see,” the bird replied, its tone contemplative. It fell silent, and Matt felt himself being carried once more, this time over the imposing wall and into the desolate field of stumps.