Episode 188
Episode 188
Lee Han wondered why he had to summon a mass of water but listened quietly.
Since it was Professor Thunderstep's instruction, there must be some reasoning behind it.
"Usually, mages who have an affinity with the water element also tend to have an affinity with the ice element. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to practice the ice element under normal circumstances."
Among the elements, while some were relatively easy to handle, others were more difficult.
Elements like fire, water, and earth were generally considered easier to control (though some mages still struggled with fire), while elements like lightning, darkness, and ice were notoriously tricky.
"Lightning is hard to control, darkness is hard to manifest, and ice is hard to sustain."
As he spoke, Professor Thunderstep conjured a snowflake in the air.
The snowflake that appeared inside the warm cabin instantly melted into a water droplet.
"Unlike water or earth, the ice element tends to lose its power and dissipate if the mage doesn't maintain constant focus. You have to keep channeling mana into it."
"I see. Just like how summoning dozens of water orbs and keeping them afloat is difficult, the ice element must also—"
"—No, not to that extent."
Professor Thunderstep looked slightly exasperated as he cut him off.
While the ice element was challenging, it wasn't that bad.
"But in this environment, sustaining the ice element becomes much easier. Don't you think it's the perfect setting for novice mages to train and get a feel for it?"
"That makes sense."
Lee Han nodded, then paused.
'Oh no. For a second, I genuinely thought this might be good luck.'
It was just a fleeting moment, but it was a terrifying realization.
This was absolutely not good luck!
"And as I mentioned earlier, since the Spirit World has drawn closer, ice spirits have likely been summoned all over the place... So you might even get a chance to interact with them and receive teachings or blessings."
"Last time I went to the Spirit World, the spirits avoided me. Is there any chance this environment might make them less wary and more friendly?"
"No chance."
"......"
Lee Han's expression darkened slightly.
So some things just couldn't be helped, huh?
"Thank you for the advice, Professor."
"Right. Take care. It probably won't last too long."
"A day?"
"Longer than a day."
"Two days?"
"I shouldn't have said anything. Just assume you don't know when it'll end."
Professor Thunderstep shook his head at his persistent student and pulled out a small chest, handing it over.
Inside the round glass bottles, a brown liquid sloshed around, filling them to the brim.
"This is a gift. It'll help with the cold."
"Is it a potion?"
"No. It's brandy."
"...Thanks anyway."
Lee Han took the chest and stepped out of the cabin.
Then he tilted his head in confusion.
'Wait. So why did I have to summon water again?'
Whoooosh—
"Light a fire!"
"No! We're out of oil!"
"Push it away with brute force before it hardens!"
"I'll strike it with an earthen wall!"
The students of the Black Turtle Tower struggled desperately as they cleared the snow piled in front of their tower.
While the Blue Dragon Tower had a madman with endless mana who blasted a path open with flames, the other towers couldn't use the same method.
Instead, the Black Turtle Tower students relied on their wits, slowly clearing the snow bit by bit.
Every possible method was being employed.
"Emilg, push it back with your strength! I'll make a wall!"
"Wait! Someone's coming!"
"Is it a professor?"
"No way..."
The Black Turtle Tower students already knew better.
A professor wouldn't come to help them!
Of course, the one who arrived was Lee Han.
"It's Wardanaz!? How did you make it through this blizzard—"
"Wardanaz! How'd you get here!?"
The students of the Black Turtle Tower shouted at the top of their lungs.
With the blizzard raging so fiercely, they had to strain their voices to be heard.
Whoooosh!
"...came to help!"
"What?"
"I said I came to help!"
"You came to help us?"
"No! I came to barter!"
Thud!
Lee Han set down the crate.
It was packed full of thick fabrics.
He had gone so overboard with his purchases that even after making various winter gear, he still had plenty left.
"Where did you get all this?!"
"There are ways. So... shall we trade?"
"If we keep talking out here, we'll freeze to death. Come this way! Let's talk inside!"
Where the Black Market used to be in front of the tower, there were now several temporary snow shelters.
The Black Turtle Tower students had built them as emergency shelters while clearing snow outside.
The students examined the fabrics Lee Han had brought and looked astonished.
'Where the hell did he get this stuff?'
'How is this Wardanaz bastard more resourceful than someone from the Thieves' Guild?'
"We... we want to trade. Wardanaz."
"Good. That's why I came."
Lee Han glanced at his friends with a hint of expectation in his eyes.
"How much food do you have left?"
"......"
"......"
The Black Turtle Tower students hesitated, exchanging glances. Finally, someone spoke up.
"None."
"What kind of nonsense is that? I know you've been stockpiling steadily."
While the Blue Dragon Tower was surviving comfortably mainly because Lee Han single-handedly kept supplies coming, left to their own devices, they'd likely be starving.
In contrast, most Black Turtle Tower students could fend for themselves even if dumped in the mountains.
If the Blue Dragon Tower relied on purchases...
And the White Tiger Tower on hunting...
The Black Turtle Tower used every method—foraging, farming, bartering, hunting—you name it!
They might not have luxuries like the Blue Dragon Tower, but shouldn't their food reserves be larger?
"Our storage got blown away by the blizzard..."
"......"
Unlike Lee Han, who could store most of his compact preserved foods, spices, and seasonings in the lounge, the Black Turtle Tower students heavily relied on external storage for tasks like smoking and pickling—things they couldn't do indoors.
Of course, those storages were vulnerable in situations like this.
"You should've prepared for this."
'How the hell were we supposed to prepare for this...'
"Anyway, I get it."
Lee Han picked up the crate and stood.
Coming all this way had been a waste, but there was nothing he could do.
"Wait! Wait, Wardanaz!"
"Don't go!"
The Black Turtle Tower students grabbed Lee Han's sleeves desperately.
Right now, they needed winter supplies more than anyone.
"Why are you being so pathetic?"
Lee Han's tone was colder than the blizzard outside.
"C-can't we do it on credit? We'll pay in silver once we can go outside—"
"Hey. Don't talk nonsense. Do you really think that would work? No matter how rich your family is, you're dealing with the Wardanaz family. What would they gain from accepting such an offer?"
Another student scolded the Black Turtle Tower's vice-president, who had been standing next to Salko when they last met.
Lee Han paused.
"Which family are you from?"
"The Richmond Family..."
Shyles of the Richmond Family spoke up with an awkward expression.
Though the Richmonds had built considerable wealth through the empire's carriage transport business, a family's prestige wasn't determined by gold but by the history they'd built.
From that perspective, the Wardanaz family—a great noble house and a renowned magical lineage—held a reputation Shyles wouldn't dare compare to.
'This guy...'
Lee Han was speechless.
If your family's rich, why not say so instead of making things awkward for everyone?
"You come from a truly distinguished family."
"Are you joking right now, Wardanaz?"
"Does my face look like it's joking?"
Lee Han's cold, statue-like face had an intimidating effect even when perfectly still.
Shyles looked slightly flustered.
"I'll give you credit. You can pay me back during vacation."
"What? Really? Is that okay?"
"Of course. If it's the Richmond Family, I can trust you."
"Wardanaz..."
Shyles looked at Lee Han with a moved expression.
There was no way Lee Han of the Wardanaz family would act like this out of greed for silver coins—he was clearly being considerate of Shyles' feelings.
Such heartwarming respect shown in front of their friends...
Was this the dignity only a great noble family could possess?
"Thank you so mu—"
"Just sign here."
"Ah, right."
Lee Han handed over the crate.
Though he hadn't obtained food supplies, selling it at such a high price warmed his heart.
"Wardanaz, are you here?"
Nilia peeked her head in through the snow hut's entrance.
"Help me convince them!"
"Nilia... I told you it's too dangerous."
"Ugh, I keep saying it's not dangerous at all!"
"?"
Frustrated, Nilia slapped her chest and stepped inside.
Draped in multiple animal hides for warmth and wearing snowshoes made of vines and branches beneath her boots, Nilia exuded the aura of a true professional.
"What exactly are you trying to convince them about?"
"They're all trying to stop me from going hunting now."
"Nilia... Even so, going hunting in this weather..."
"Excellent idea. Let's go."
"See? Look! Even Wardanaz agrees!"
"......"
The other friends stared at Lee Han in shock.
Why are you encouraging her instead of stopping her!?
"Food won't fall from the sky just because we stay put."
"That's exactly what I've been saying, Wardanaz. Non-hunters really think meat drops from the clouds! By the way, Wardanaz, can you move that fire to the side?"
"Ah. Sorry."
Nilia stepped back from the heat. The flames Lee Han had conjured around them were far too intense.
Lee Han marveled at Nilia's movements as she lightly tread across the thick snow.
No wonder she was from the Shadow Patrol.
"Even this blizzard must be nothing for the Shadow Patrol, right?"
"No. It's definitely something. Storms this severe are rare."
"I see. And yet you're still blazing a trail—impressive. Especially without any other Shadow Patrol members in such harsh conditions."
Lee Han was genuinely impressed.
True to her skills as an experienced hunter and ranger, Nilia was guiding them flawlessly.
The mountain, buried under heavy snow, had become an entirely different space—lose focus for even a moment, and you'd lose all sense of direction.
But Nilia found and carved paths without hesitation.
Truly remarkable skill...
"No. This is way more comfortable."
Nilia gave Lee Han a look as if he'd said something absurd.
With floating flames lighting their path and warming them as they walked, what "harsh conditions" was he talking about?
Any other hunter would've said, "Wow, this is easy mode."
"By the way, I thought you'd try to stop me, Wardanaz."
"Ah. I did want to wait until the snow let up a bit, but there was no choice."
"?"
"We have lectures starting tomorrow. Need to stock up on weekends."
"......"
Nilia flinched.
Honestly, with midterms over and a blizzard raging, she'd been thinking it wouldn't hurt to skip a lecture or two.
"Lectures... Wouldn't it be okay to miss one in an emergency like this?"
"What kind of ridiculous joke is that, Nilia?"
"......"
Nilia turned her head away and pouted where he couldn't see.
This is why he's the top student!
Suddenly, Nilia's long ears twitched.
"There's something. Either a spirit or a monster..."
"Can you tell which?"
"Not easily."
With visibility shortened by the blizzard and the wild surge of natural mana, distinguishing spirits from monsters was difficult.
Thud!
"Huh? Why's it running?!"
"...It's a spirit."