TTIGRAAS: Predator

Chapter 13

The cool night air felt nice flowing through my hair as I flew high in the sky, headed for Blumund. It was refreshing after being in that crowded city all day and the stars were visible with the cloud cover only being sparse.

While enjoying the sensation, I noticed something: another monster flying nearby, higher in the air than even I am. Curious about who else might be soaring through the sky, I raised my altitude to approach them. But, as soon as I made a move to get closer, they darted off in another direction, seemingly trying to avoid me.

What was that about?

I wondered for a moment if it had to do with my aura, but I'd been wearing my mask, so that's not the reason. Something spooked them, but I'm not sure what. I was just trying to strike up a friendly conversation, man!

I didn't get much of an idea of who they were since they flew off so fast, and they also seemed to be hiding their presence somewhat. But, I still grabbed a glimpse of the mysterious fellow flier.

Still, I couldn't help but question how long they'd been near me; part of my mind felt like I might've been being spied on by whoever that was, considering their strange reaction to my noticing them.

[[Notice. That individual has been within [Magic Sense] range for the period of 16 days, 15 hours, and 32 seconds.]]

Wait, what!? That's news to me!

Creeped out was an understatement for how I was feeling now as I hovered far above the ground. Now I was certain I was being spied on by whoever that was. But why would someone wanna keep an eye on a silly little slime like me?

I'll have to keep a closer eye out for creeps like that one from now on, I concluded before continuing toward my destination.

Hey, uh, Great Sage... Could you tell me if someone follows me for more than a few hours from now on?

[[Notice: Affirmative.]]

Thanks. I could at least fly a bit safer with that in mind.

_____

To be safe, I'd landed miles away from Blumund, because unlike Dwargon, getting outed as a monster there would lead to me getting attacked. It took me a long time to reach the entrance on foot this way since running would also be suspicious behavior, so I kept my pace casual as I approached the gate.

Also, unlike Dwargon, there wasn't a huge line–more like a security checkpoint with a flow of people passing through, the same as the last time I came here. The security wasn't as strict, but I was still worried that I'd possibly have a hard time. My previous attempt to enter was less than successful, and a small part of me was concerned that might happen again.

As I walked up to the guards, I got quizzical looks. I guess it is strange for what looks like a little kid to be alone in a situation like this. I just had to play it cool and they'd let me through, is what I told myself.

"ID please." The guard held out his hand.

Crap.

I didn't have one of those, of course. Time to smooth-talk my way out of this.

"I don't have one, sir." I politely explained and pulled my mask off of my face.

His stern expression softened a little.

What? I'm exploiting Shizu's face to get away with something shady again? No, I'm just being polite. Talking to someone with your face covered isn't the best manners, I thought.

The guard gave his fellow guard a hesitant look, possibly grasping for some kind of advice on what to do while I continued staring at him. Not with begging eyes, of course; don't get the wrong idea!