Choosing between two deaths

King POV

It will take hours, won't it? Climbing to a place that high without any transport will incapacitate my gentle gamer body. I knew I should've done some running in the morning. Spending time here is much safer than in my world. Yeah, most of you come across weird people, but not a lot of monsters. Besides that tentacled one.

But I had way worse. One time, when they just made me a hero, the hero association invited me to a paid sauna day. With all the S-class. Including Puri Puri Prisoner. Any cosmic horror has nothing on that expirience.

I see a funny mountain over there. Shaped like a shroom. It's got funny faces on its stem.

*Couph*

Damm, did I get sick? It never happened to me before. I thought being closer to nature made you healthier.

------------------------------------------------------------

MOUNT MUSHROOM

The Great Protector, protecting Ballywood Kingdom, has awoken from its deep slumber. This beast's name is Eagle. Just Eagle. Not bald at all. Big body with dark gray gleaming feathers, powerful claws, and eyes full of wisdom from the past and vigor to protect, and a head which is clearly lacking feathers but has a blue wig with pigtails on.

The reason for this is that Eagle witnessed a man who crumbled a couple hills without doing anything specific. King, a man with unknown limits and powers. How advanced is his Haki? What weapons does he use? How did he subdue that Sea King? Is he Poseidon himself?

This Eagle looked at Los Angels from MOUNT MUSHROOM with full confidence that he was the one observing. But it changed. The Eagle just witnessed this "King" politly asking him to come down, as if to make this less embarrassing for him.

Calmly looking straight at the Great Protector and attempting to say 'Will you come or not?'.

After that, the bald Eagle wasted no time.Adjusting its wig just before it swept down from its home.

It is dove into the streets of Los Angels with its massive wings.

------------------------------------------------------------

King POV

You can turn this place into a good Isekai type game starting town. Just add some mage towers over there, maybe make some streets into magic item vendors. I feel like when I come back home, the first thing I'm going to do is write an awesome game story.

A single bird flying? It doesn't look like it's a seagull, much darker. It looks like it's flying directly at me. Maybe it thinks tourists will give it bread?

I think I underestimated how far away it was. It gets bigger and bigger.

No damn way. Isn't it too big? Is this a damn monster? I thought they only had those in the sea! Isn't this the whole gimmick?

Oh hell. It does not stop. The clown dude just turned to look at it. Dude! Pull out a gun or something! Don't tell me you go carrying around nothing.

He mumbled: "No clucking way."

"Are you good?" I asked.

"The Great Protector...." "The Great Protector...." "The Great Protector...." "The Great Protector...." People spoke.

"RETURNED!"

*KABOOOOM*

WHY DID YOU TIME IT SO WELL? My heart!

*RUMBLE* *RUMBLE* *RUMBLE*

"King engine!" said someone. It's not the time!

A large explosion occurred directly in front of me. A dramatic dust cloud obstructs my view.

In this, I could see the outline of a giant bird. This thing is like a two-story building! But why does the outline of its head look so weird?

Suddenly, a powerful gust of air from its wings clears the dust from the area. Revealing a eagle. Huge one. Man, I really need to step back regardless of if that is their protector. It's like playing with lions because they are technically almost cats.

It has a wig. The type of wig you would see at a arcade for a 500 yen.

"Hello there. I'm the Eagle. I'm not bald at all. Please calm down. I mean no harm."

Bird spoke. It doesn't even have lips. What the actual hell.

"My mother told me stories about him..."

"You still tell a story where I saved your little rulers ass that one time? It's a simple thing to do. I'm not bald, by the way, look at my hair. " Eagle replied.

Well, it's not a monster. Monsters don't have a conversation like that. I can relax a little.

"So you are going to that castle? I can offer a ride. Just don't touch my hair."

"It's a great honor, the Great Eagle." said the clown with the deepest bow I have ever seen.

"Climb on then. Be careful, I'm hella fast. " (AN: I'll have to explain since this Eagle saw nothing beyond this island, therefore it's not that afraid of King)

Maybe going on my own isn't this bad of a idea after all. I hate heights.

"I'd rather not." better say it out loud before this Eagle does something stupid.

"It's my treat."

People around me wasted no time climbing on like it was their first time in an amusement park. Eleven people were on and still had a lot of space left. But no saddle or anything providing real safety.

I heard the clown say:

"King, it's a great honor to ride on our Great Protector's back. Please don't think of it as humiliating. "

"I don't know..."

I mean, I was fine when riding the rollercoasters. But this is definitely unsafe.

"King, huh? Good name. I've met a few 'Kings' in my life."

"Ugh, fine."

This is really a gamble. It's really a choice between dying from exhaustion or dying from fall damage. The second is less torturous. I just need a good grip.

I barely climbed the Eagle and got myself into a safe position on its back. I chose the place where there shouldn't be much air coming through, so I can breathe normally.

We lifted off. My god. It's way too fast.

I close my eyes. I cannot take a look anywhere. I would just pass out.

"Is he meditating?"

"Man, this is refreshing."

Are these people for real? Are they fine? How?

Soon, and I mean very soon, we landed. Thank god. I'm dizzy.

Eagle in a wig flew right after saying something to me. I couldn't hear it at all. Surely something unimportant, like "Good luck".

We landed at some overgrown landing place that is also a balcony. I just look at my feet. I want to keep my food in.

We entered the castle through the large doors. Every corner is covered with portraits and weapons. Is this a museum? Overall, it looks pleasant.

"Hello there, King. I'm Joe Bidden's wife's husband. King Ham Burger is ready to meet you. Hope it was uhhh...."

Sure. That made at least some sense.

He opened the huge brown doors. Inside sat a man writing something. He was wearing a funny hat, but besides that, he looked extremely serious. He looked up and said:

"King. You arrived earlier than I could have ever expected. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

"I'm sure you are hungry. Want to play a game of chess while we wait for breakfast to be ready?"

Did someone say games?