Chapter 110: "MILFs, Maps, and Mayhem"

The group stood at the edge of the arena, Cluckles perched smugly on Kazuya's shoulder with the Golden Feather now shining like a trophy pinned to his breastplate. Lady Plume followed, her regal presence making the rugged terrain feel like a royal promenade.

"So, where to next?" Kazuya asked, glancing at the enchanted map.

The parchment flickered with light, its glowing trails twisting into a new path that seemed to lead into the heart of the mountain range.

Sylvara peered over his shoulder. "Looks like the Nest of Eternal Embarrassment is our next stop."

Kazuya groaned. "Why do these places always sound like bad theme parks?"

"Because fate hates you," Ravynne said with a smirk, twirling one of her daggers.

"Maybe it's because the chosen one keeps complaining," Lady Plume added with a sly smile.

The Path of Peril

The journey to the Nest of Eternal Embarrassment was anything but straightforward. The path twisted and turned, crossing narrow ledges and precarious bridges that looked like they'd been built by someone with a grudge against adventurers.

At one particularly sketchy crossing, Kazuya paused to test the wooden planks. "Do we really have to—"

Before he could finish, Ravynne gave him a playful shove. He stumbled forward, flailing his arms before catching himself on the ropes.

"Not funny!" he shouted, glaring at her.

"It's a little funny," Sylvara said, biting back a laugh.

Even Lady Plume chuckled. "Consider it a test of your reflexes, chosen one."

Kazuya muttered something about "revenge" as Cluckles let out an amused squawk.

The Nest of Eternal Embarrassment

When they finally arrived at their destination, the group was greeted by an enormous nest made entirely of oversized twigs, feathers, and what appeared to be old laundry.

"Is that... underwear?" Kazuya asked, pointing at a particularly large pair of bloomers draped over a branch.

Sylvara tilted her head. "It seems the nest collects whatever it can find."

Lady Plume frowned. "This is a sacred place. Show some respect."

Ravynne snorted. "Sacred? It looks like a giant thrift store."

Before Lady Plume could respond, the ground beneath them rumbled, and the nest began to shake. A massive bird-like creature with glittering scales and glowing eyes emerged from the center, its beak curved into what could only be described as a smug grin.

"Oh great, another smug bird," Kazuya muttered.

The creature let out a deafening screech, and the group scattered as it launched itself into the air, its enormous wings sending gusts of wind that knocked Kazuya flat on his back.

"This is your fault, Cluckles," he said, glaring at the chicken, who simply puffed out his feathers and strutted away.

A Ridiculous Battle

The fight that followed was nothing short of chaotic. Sylvara cast a spell that accidentally turned the bird's feathers into glitter, blinding everyone in the process. Ravynne tried to lasso the creature with a rope, only to get tangled up and dragged around like a ragdoll.

Meanwhile, Lady Plume engaged the bird in a graceful duel, her movements fluid and precise as she dodged its attacks. Kazuya, on the other hand, was less elegant.

"Why do I always end up being the bait?!" he shouted, narrowly avoiding the bird's beak.

"Because you're the chosen one!" Ravynne called back, laughing as she tried to untangle herself.

Cluckles, of course, remained unbothered, pecking at the ground as if he were the true mastermind of the operation.

The Power of the Golden Feather

In a moment of desperation, Kazuya held up the Golden Feather, hoping it would do something—anything—to help. To his surprise, the feather began to glow, emitting a brilliant light that engulfed the entire nest.

The bird screeched in protest, its form dissolving into a flurry of golden sparkles that rained down on the group.

"What just happened?" Kazuya asked, blinking in confusion.

"The Feathered Spirit recognized your bravery," Lady Plume said, her voice filled with admiration.

"Bravery?" Ravynne snorted. "He waved a feather around and got lucky."

"Details," Kazuya muttered, tucking the feather back into his cloak.

A New Companion

As the light faded, a smaller, friendlier-looking bird emerged from the nest. It chirped softly, hopping over to Kazuya and tilting its head.

"Is this... a baby Skycluck?" Sylvara asked, her eyes wide.

Lady Plume nodded. "It seems you've earned its trust. This little one will aid you on your journey."

Kazuya sighed. "Great, another bird. Just what I needed."

The baby Skycluck chirped happily, perching on his other shoulder and nipping affectionately at Cluckles.

Ravynne smirked. "Looks like you're building your own poultry army."

"Don't give them ideas," Kazuya muttered.