Then, the Black Landstrider bowed its head slightly, saluting the Sergeants and the Hero.
"I am the Water Mirror Crane King you were just discussing, debating whether to strike first. I am now communicating with you from afar through this child."
1. I harbor no malice
[The requests of the Water Mirror Crane King are——]
1. The waters have been polluted
2. The eggs are on the brink of death
3. The eggs have been stolen by Goblins
4. Nightmare has brought an abnormal cold wave
9. Magic Creatures are stimulating the Highland Volcano♛
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Has it penetrated the city's Barrier?!"
"How can it be effective over such a vast distance!?"
Those present were battle-hardened soldiers; although initially stunned by the strange situation, they quickly came to their senses as soon as the Chocobo spoke.
The Military Mages rapidly retreated, beginning their chanting, while the warriors stepped forward, releasing powerful Magic Power from their well-trained bodies.
The soldiers who had followed the Chocobo here looked completely spooked, as if waking from a Nightmare, retreating in large strides, almost stumbling and falling.
The people around sprang into action like a released spring, but amidst the chaos, there were a few who stood out by remaining still.
One was the Black Landstrider, which had only its head inside the window while its body remained outside.
Another was a young girl with snow-white hair that waved in the chilly wind outside the window, who stood next to the Landstrider, diligently observing her notes.
Even the black Familiar, Big Snake, was on full alert in front of her, but the girl seemed to have heard none of the preceding conversation, looking down at her notebook and then up at the Chocobo again.
'Friendly natured Magic Creatures'
'Their activity range doesn't overlap much with human habitats, so mutual killings are rare'
'Extremely high Wisdom, but low threat level, instances of interaction with humankind exist'
Like a bookworm who only follows what's written, the Hero once again confirmed the information on the notebook, then relaxed, and turned her puzzled gaze towards the alert Sergeants.
She had written these notes while listening to their discussion, after all.
Noticing the girl's puzzled look, several Military Mages paused in their chanting.
"Please, do not be alarmed, human warriors, I pose no threat to you. The Magic I am using now is akin to your spiritual contracts; aside from communication, it cannot do anything else.
"Even if you attack, the only one who would be hurt is this innocent Chocobo."
Saying this, the feathers of the Black Landstrider stood on end, as it seemed to sense the danger itself.
The Scout, who had already drawn his weapon, squinted his eyes hesitantly and looked to the Sergeant for guidance.
In the army, a Black Landstrider is treated nearly as well as an Elite Soldier.
Moreover, it was after all his old companion...
After speaking, the Landstrider nodded slightly to the only one who wasn't on guard, the Hero, as if to thank her.
"Young human girl, first, thank you for opening the window for me, and it seems you possess extraordinary courage and a kind willingness to listen.
"So without hiding anything — I seek your aid.
"There are Magic Creatures, stimulating the Highland Volcano."
The words spoken by the Water Mirror Crane King immediately made the Sergeants' expressions solemn.
"Everyone, please sit down; let's talk this over."
Then, the Sergeant, who also hadn't moved, tapped on the table, issuing such an order.
The commotion had now subsided, and within the conference room at this moment, a bizarre scene unfolded.
On one side, where all the chairs had been moved away, sat a large black Chocobo on the floor.
Its immense size, which didn't seem apparent outdoors, was now starkly noticeable within the confines of the limited space indoors; even huddled on the floor, its risen head was taller than the humans opposite it.
And on its opposite side sat the Sergeants, who, after calming down, had complex expressions as they sat upright in their chairs.
Humankind and Magic Creatures — even though the Chocobo wasn't categorized among Magic Creatures — were thus seated face to face.
"The check is complete; it's indeed just a Communication Array. It could influence the Chocobo's actions, but it can be undone at any time."
A Military Mage left the side of the Black Landstrider, face full of admiration.
A Communication Array is an Engraving Array that Mages use on their Familiars, allowing them to make use of the Perception of the Familiar to see what it sees and hear what it hears.
Although not complex in itself, being able to mark the Chocobo without the Elite Scout's notice, and to activate it across such a distance...
This Spellcasting proficiency had already Transcended the skills of most human Mages.
As if to affirm what he said, the black Chocobo didn't speak human words but made its natural call.
"I am truly sorry, Sir." Hearing his partner's familiar sound, the Scout lowered his head in shame.
A Scout, whose job was to reconnoiter, had failed to notice that the mount beneath him was marked and had brought it inside their camp, and this was undoubtedly a grave negligence.
"Ah well, it's not like it's your fault... I will record this event truthfully, be prepared to accept your punishment."
The Sergeant shook his head in resignation.