“The Noble Houses,” Moe finishes my thought.
I nod. “Exactly.”
“If that’s the case, let’s hope there’s no competition for this Wilka.” She laughs, then continues reading.
“Capturing or killing a Wilka is considered exceptionally difficult. Its heightened perception allows it to detect movement, scent, and intent at significant distances, making direct pursuit largely ineffective. Due to these challenges, confirmed kills remain rare, and the species retains both its ecological significance and its near-mythical status.”
“Anything more?”
She shakes her head.
“All right. Let’s read about the Raffia next.”
She finds the specific passage and begins,“Raffia, Genus:Gigantornithes Asedium. The Raffia is a colossal, prehistoric avian species believed to predate most known ecosystems of Tartareia. Towering above all modern bird species, it possesses a heavy built, muscular frame supported by thick, pillar-like legs and vast, partially feathered wings. Its plumage is sparse and coarse, interspersed with plate-like dermal structures resembling natural armor. The beak is elongated and reinforced, capable of crushing bone and stone alike. Despite its immense size, the Raffia is rarely observed in motion; it is most often encountered in a state of still vigilance near its nesting grounds. Reports consistently describe the adult Raffia as effectively indestructible, its hide resistant to both physical and magical damage, rendering direct confrontation futile.”
She pauses, and we both stare at each other.
“At least it couldn’t have been the bird from earlier,” she adds lightly. “Since it’s mostly stationary.”
“Right,” I mutter drily. “It’s stationaryandindestructible.”
“Well, you need blood from its egg no? You don’t need an adult bird. Here, there’s more information about its eggs,” she says before she begins to read. “The species is best known for its eggs, which are among the largest recorded in any realm. A single Raffia egg can reach the size of a large boulder, encased ina thick, mineral-dense shell that hardens over time. These eggs are typically laid in isolated, hidden nesting sites.”
She stops. Her eyes meet mine.
“Boulders,” we both say at the same time.
“Nyk, did you even read these properly?”
I purse my lips and slowly shake my head. “I skimmed them but I was going to read them thoroughly before reaching the forest.”
“You skimmed them…” she says in disbelief. “And without even realizing the danger you’re heading into, you just decided to go?”
“Well…”
“That’s so irresponsible!”
“Not really,” I mutter. “I suppose I did not want to alarm myself about those dangers before I set out because I knew I would have second thoughts. And since my coming here was out of the question, I might as well not stress too much before I had to.”
She raises a brow at me. “That’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard. But somehow also the most logical.” She keeps shaking her head.
“Imustdo it, regardless of the danger. You must understand, Moe…”
“I do, and that’s the issue. I understand your reasoning far too well. It doesn’t make it less irresponsible. But I suppose so did my following you here with even less information.” A long inhale followed by a sigh and she clicks her tongue against her teeth.
“So we’re both irresponsible.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You implied it.” I smile softly at her.
“Youare the irresponsible one,” she counters, pointing at me. ”I’m merely a collateral victim.”
“A collateral victim?” I repeat, feigning outrage. “You’re saying it as if you had no agency of your own.”
“W-well… It’syourfault! You infected me with your irresponsibility.”
“If you say so…” I nod gravely. “Then I must do my best to provide you with an antidote as well.”
