Ch.29898. In the End, It Has Come (3)

“Is this the right way to go?”

It took a full two months to get here.

The northern region is quite familiar territory to Alesia.

Especially the Seven Mountain Peaks.

Whether you call it a mountain range or peaks, this peculiar place name that insists on combining both terms is familiar, if anything.

The problem is that even she had only lingered around the borders of this place, rarely venturing beyond them into the interior.

She had participated in a few subjugation battles, that’s about it.

Some specific magical beasts specialize in long-range attacks.

Since they cause all sorts of damage to the surrounding areas, she had ventured deep into their territory with select elites to deliberately hunt down their leaders—probably the deepest she had ever gone.

Moreover, even more serious than the magical beasts is the extreme climate.

Since the Magical Beast Kings made their nests here, the climate changes have become even more severe.

According to the natives, before that, blizzards and extreme cold didn’t rage throughout the entire year.

…Though it seems it was still cold and gloomy even then.

As a result, the magical beasts in this area have also specialized in cold resistance.

That’s why mages who specialize in handling cold and water avoid this place.

On the other hand, there were special cases of people who locked themselves at the entrance for so-called training.

Conversely, for mages who handle flames or heat, this place has become an essential area they must experience, even if they have to pay for it.

In fact, the Empire was steadily pushing in talent from that side in a cyclical structure, cooperating with fire-element mages.

“Yes. This is the right way.”

And.

The boy who joined before visiting Dabas.

Adrian, a commoner boy, was a kid with a composure that somehow didn’t match his age.

“Kuhugh!”

Additionally.

Delica and Raymond, who joined after stopping at Dabas.

While Delica was one thing, Raymond’s presence was somewhat unexpected.

The one-armed young man had quite a skill with the sword.

Unbelievably, he claims he had never properly held a sword before meeting Kariel, yet he made it to the finals of the Dabas warrior tournament, which is rather peculiar.

“……”

But that mysteriousness loses its meaning again in front of Delica.

Meeting her again was… how should I put it.

“Adrian. No matter what, entering this place without preparation is suicide. So, we need time to get ready.”

“……”

“Let’s see who’ll come to save us if we go in like this. Right?”

Delica interrupted Alesia’s words.

Despite Delica’s piercing tone flying in with mockery, Adrian just smiled gently.

“Have faith. What makes us hesitate isn’t the extreme cold or the violence of magical beasts. It’s only our hearts that fear and avoid them.”

“…I really don’t understand why you’re not in church instead of wandering around here.”

Delica seemed quite displeased with Adrian’s calmness.

“……”

By the way, would it have been less worrying if Minestra were here?

Having parted ways due to her brother’s situation, she said she would join later, but honestly, Alesia could only tilt her head wondering if she could make it this far.

After all, if Adrian hadn’t guided them here, she wouldn’t have even thought of coming this way.

It’s already been two months since leaving Ardisus.

If they had been financially comfortable enough to use teleportation gates, the journey might have been shortened…

“Still, what Lady Alesia said is valid. Therefore, I recommend thorough preparation.”

It was good that they stopped by a nearby village to gather clothes and equipment.

But once they entered the area where snow was swirling, doubts arose about whether this was enough.

Since they chose a route that didn’t belong to any country or faction, the difficulty of entry was unavoidable.

Alesia even reunited with a native she knew along the way.

Thus, if it were just Alesia alone, there would be no reason to hesitate or worry…

‘Will they be able to make it?’

In Lutesia’s case, assuming Caligula would somehow take care of her.

And when she’s in danger, that black armor mysteriously appears, so that’s not a concern…

“I hope nothing goes wrong.”

Moreover, Alesia hadn’t asked yet.

But when she realized midway that they needed to reach not just the entrance but one of the Seven Mountains, even its center, she was half-stunned.

Kariel. Why on earth… did you set up residence in such a place?

Of course.

With such an insane location, no one would dare track him or invade their territory.

But that applies to us too, doesn’t it?

……

“We’re really going to die at this rate!”

Raymond cried out after barely cutting down a magical beast twice his size.

He said his hair turned white from the mental strain of handling a sword, but that hardship might have been mere play compared to the humiliation he was experiencing here.

……

“I-I w-want to d-die…”

After just a few days, Raymond’s condition looked quite serious.

…While that’s normal, everyone except Raymond seemed to be holding up relatively well.

But if this state continues, even the great Alesia couldn’t guarantee stability.

Shivering from cold while forcing oneself to rest is practically an ascetic practice.

At least they managed to find places to stay thanks to Alesia and Adrian alternately guiding the way (well).

The campfire they lit only gave off heat momentarily.

After some time, it was reduced to just embers, providing barely any warmth.

“……”

At this rate, rather than problems from magical beasts, frostbite or exhaustion might be the bigger issue.

At least they had procured heating stones as an emergency measure, so they could somehow endure for a day or two…

‘Is this right?’

Doubt welled up in Alesia’s heart.

Having experienced all sorts of situations, she had developed a realistic perspective.

……

“I-I really thought I was going to die this time!”

Raymond whined.

“……”

Meanwhile, Delica, covered in magical beast blood, seemed rather calm.

“At least the blood is warm, right?”

“……”

Of course, Alesia quickly noticed what was going on inside.

She too was shivering from the cold, just not showing it.

“……”

That’s why Adrian seemed so suspicious.

What is he, that he only sniffles a little in this cold?

“Hehehe!”

Lutesia was still laughing, oblivious to the world.

…Even if we all die, those two might be fine.

I wish my head was a flower garden too.

……

As soon as they passed the entrance area, the size and quality of the magical beasts completely changed.

This area is a demonic realm where magical beasts engage in endless competition.

The entrance area is where those pushed out of this competition are driven, hence the difference.

However…

‘It’s… warmer here?’

Perhaps there was a good reason why creatures struggled to make nests and coils in this area.

But at this rate, even Alesia’s grandfather might have a hard time.

Especially.

…When that huge, scaled black snake appeared, they thought it was the end.

Is that the rumored Magical Beast King?

Or one of their vassals?

-There must be a reason for stepping into such a place without purpose. On what grounds have you come this far?

…It can talk?

Is this really a Magical Beast King?

Then Adrian stepped forward as if he had been waiting.

“My master told me to come here, so I was on my way.”

-Master?

As it turned out…

That giant black snake claimed to be Kariel’s disciple.

What? Did I hear that wrong?

By this point, confusion was inevitable.

“Hahaha! Humans! Do not worry! With me here, your lives safe and sound! Has been!”

…He still seemed unfamiliar with our language.

He spoke the Imperial language fluently, but for other languages… he seemed to be learning them as he went along.

The snake transformed into a human.

Following the guidance of the young man with black hair and black eyes, they traveled for two days.

“……”

But a snake of that size could have carried all of us with room to spare, so why did we need to walk through this treacherous terrain?

To this, the being said:

“Isn’t it perfect for a stroll?”

…Good grief.

Anyway, after many twists and turns, Alesia and her party were able to reach the area where Kariel had settled.

It took two days even with a forced march.

Originally… without a guide, and if the magical beasts had attacked in earnest, it would have taken several weeks.

“Where is this?”

After entering one of the Seven Mountains, specifically the fourth mountain, climbing up slopes and hills for a long time.

Having reached a high altitude, breathing became difficult.

Perhaps due to the relatively milder climate, sweat poured down like rain.

No matter how special her armor was, supposedly maintaining comfort under most conditions…

Climbing mountains, hills, and slopes in armor is not an easy task.

…She was accustomed to travel and wandering, specialized in walking, but if it had been other fellow saints, they would have all complained about dying.

Ah, would Tronel be different?

“Hmm, something…”

As they got closer to where Kariel might be staying, signs of human presence and traces of habitation began to appear in the distance.

Vegetable gardens became visible, as well as clumsily built wooden and stone buildings.

…But the main reason for Alesia’s surprise was:

“You came?”

“……”

That ice princess known for her coldness, the iron wall princess, was expressing joy toward us with an expression and gaze like a cat or dog familiar with people.

“Why? Like you’ve seen a ghost?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Even though they had been comrades for a while… fellow warriors if you will.

But why does it feel so unfamiliar?

More importantly, why is the princess here?!

“Would it be too much to put you to work right after arriving?”

What?

“If you have time, give us a hand?”

As she gestured in a direction…

“……”

Just then, in the distance, Kariel could be seen dragging several logs tied with something.

No, to be precise.

Not a rope but that… darkness? Shadow? Anyway, he was using that strange thing as a rope to drag the logs.

“…Oh.”

Alesia, too tired for her brain to function properly, decided to just give up on everything and rest.

Of course, before that… she needed to wash up, rehydrate, and above all, fill her empty, growling stomach.