After I told Valex that I was going to change the plan, he looked at me in surprise.
He asked me what kind of changes I wanted to add.
I told him:
"The first plan is good but risky. Instead of putting your life in danger, all we have to do is put the bird in danger."
He was still looking at me in confusion and asked:
"I still don't exactly understand you. The first plan was that I would lure the bird toward me, then run so you and Flit could check the tree, and after I got far enough away, I'd stop moving until the bird left."
"Yes, that was the plan, but I almost found an alternative for you. Our plan now is—"
Before I could finish my words, I heard Flit angrily say:
"What do you mean by this? Is this even a plan?"
"What's your problem now?"
"Were you planning to risk Valex-sama's life like this?"
"Yes, it was the best plan."
"Why don't you distract the bird yourself?"
"Isn't it obvious? Valex is faster than me. He's the best option."
"Don't you care about his life?"
"If I were the fastest, I would've sent you instead. What matters is getting close to the tree, nothing else."
"Don't you have a heart?"
"Of course I do. Without it, I'd be dead already, wouldn't I?"
She was speaking angrily as if she wanted to attack me.
I replied coldly, wanting this argument to end quickly.
Valex held Flit's shoulder and said:
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. The plan is well thought out."
He was lying. That plan was actually bad.
The risk was high, and I wasn't sure if Valex was fast enough to escape the bird, but it was the best plan—or so it seemed.
I told them to listen to me and explained the new plan:
"Valex, our current plan isn't very different from the old one, but it has some changes. Instead of running randomly from the bird, I want you to lead it toward the Sand Gorilla. The bird will attack it, and they'll start fighting. You can use that chance to return to us."
Valex took a moment to think and said:
"The plan isn't bad, but it's not perfect. How do you know the bird will attack the gorilla?"
"It's written in the book that the gorilla keeps walking in a straight path and only stops to fight or die. And the bird attacks anything that moves. They're basically natural enemies."
Valex thought for a few seconds and said:
"Alright, I agree with the plan. We don't have a better choice."
Flit interrupted and said:
"Can't we find a safer plan? I don't like this one."
I asked her in confusion:
"Why are you worried? This plan doesn't put your life in danger."
"I'm worried about Valex, you idiot."
I was about to respond, but Valex stopped me and moved closer to Flit.
He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and said:
"Flit, I told you not to worry. Everything will be fine. Don't you trust me?"
She answered nervously:
"Of course I trust you."
"Then stop worrying and tell me, who am I?"
"Th-the great Valex-sama."
"Exactly! So trust me, and trust Faril. Go with him to that tree."
"F-fine."
After she stopped complaining, I lay down on the sand with her.
Valex started moving quickly toward the tree.
As soon as he got close, he began screaming and moving strangely.
"Heeey!!! Bird, come and taste me!"
The bird suddenly appeared from the nest and stared down at Valex.
Valex stopped moving for a moment.
Then he started running fast while still shouting:
"Follow me! Come on, if you're a real male bird!"
I didn't know how to tell him it was most likely female.
… Not important.
As soon as they got far enough away, I quickly stood up.
I started running toward the tree and shouted at Flit to get up and follow me.
When I reached the tree, I began checking every inch I could see, searching for some kind of mark.
I turned around and saw Flit standing still, looking upward.
"What are you doing? Help me search!"
She kept staring upward, stammering:
"U-u-up."
I didn't understand what she meant until I looked up.
I found three more birds above.
…
I felt my breathing grow heavy.
The birds were staring at us with eagerness, drool dripping from their beaks.
I tried to move closer to Flit and tell her not to move.
But suddenly she fell to her knees in fear.
Then…
The birds started heading toward us!!
---
To be continued.
Next Chapter: An Unfair Battle