Chapter 400: Ice Rock (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 400: Ice Rock (1)
The grand procession moved through the eighth floor and headed toward the Dark Continent. According to our schedule, we were meant to cover Ice Rock in twenty days, and we brought about three months' worth of food with us. Our abundant reserves weren't an attempt at preparing for an emergency, though. Ice Rock was not a place that allowed such luxuries as extra supplies. The additional food was essential. Not only did each person consume three times more food in this place due to Starvation, but if you weren't careful, the food could also end up spoiling because of this goddamned thing.
"Ice storm!"
A snowstorm blew through every thirty minutes at the earliest, or every six hours at the latest.
[Field Effect – Festering Chill has activated. The rate of decay of all affected targets accelerates.]
This blasted storm could make even frozen food spoil. There was only one way to stop it: prioritize food over people and protect it with magic. Of course, that had its own problems.
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-four space-time spell Obstruct.]
[McKelly Rayothers has cast the rank-four space-time spell Obstruct.]
[Versyl Gowland has cast the rank-four spacetime spell Obstruct.]
The rank-four Obstruct spell consumed significant mana, and if you had to be prepared to use it at any time, the already large amount it consumed increased even more. Taking shifts even through the night was a given.
"Ashed, go rest by the sleds."
"Sorry? But—"
"Don't worry. I'll call you if there's an emergency."
"...I'm sorry."
What are you sorry for? The wizards from the other teams are already resting on a sled too.
[Field Effect – Festering Chill has been deactivated.]
After the snowstorm ended, we resumed our journey.
Crunch, crunch.
Every time I took a step, the snow came up to my ankles.
Growl.
I felt like I was going to starve to death, but since the food was being distributed as sparingly as possible, we couldn't fill our stomachs all the way. The Obstruct magic had been doing a good job of preserving the food up to this point, but we didn't know what would happen in the future. What if a blizzard blew in and we didn't have enough mana to protect one of the sleds? Then things would get serious.
Well, it's hard to say we're in good condition right now, either.
It was our third day of exploring Ice Rock. Because everyone was exhausted, there were no silly jokes or even chatter from the crew. Everyone just walked at a steady pace, allocating their stamina to moving. The relaxed vibe of our voyage through the sixth floor was nowhere to be found, and a sharp tension settled over the squadron.
I have to take these guys to war with Noark later?
Some say morale is the most important thing in war, but in this state, it wasn't clear whether we'd even accomplish our mission. The only positive was that we were quickly racking up EXP.
[You have defeated a Frozen Soul. EXP +4]
[You have defeated a Contaminated Snow Elemental. EXP +6]
[You have defeated a Frost Guardian. EXP +7]
[You have defeated a Lich. EXP +6]
[You have defeated an Ice Giant. EXP +7]
[You have defeated a Frostfire Turtle...]
Since most of the monsters in Ice Rock were high-ranking, the XP accumulation was astonishing. There was still a long way to go, though. Even if I defeated all the monsters that spawned in Ice Rock, that wouldn't get me to level eight.
Still, I should hunt as much as possible since this place is hard to get to.
I didn't know how many more monsters I fought as I dragged this tired body across the tundra. As the day slowly wound down, we set up camp on the cliffside. We pitched the tents that were stored in the boxes loaded on the sleds, then put our sleeping bags inside.
[You have used an Insulating Stone.]
Then, with the addition of a few magical items, the tents became a cozy home.
"No one on our team is on night watch today, so rest up."
There were a total of two night watches scheduled over the course of the entire expedition. Because our turn was tomorrow, we could rest easy today. This was possible because we had four priests. As long as those guys cast Destruction of Evil in turns, the monsters couldn't even come close. There was also no way a team of plunderers was operating in this barren tundra. And even if they were, they wouldn't have the courage to attack such a large group. At least not if they had brains in their skulls.
"Good night and see you tomorrow, Mister."
The tents were made for three people, and divided into male tents and female tents. Adventurers may not differentiate between men and women, but there were still differences. I also felt more comfortable sleeping with men. Well, I did feel a bit cramped sleeping with the frail old man and wizard, though.
"Ashed, Aldidi. You guys sleep first."
"Are you going on patrol?"
"I am the leader, after all."
Leaving Old Didi and Ashed to go to bed after a hard day's work, I walked around the campsite to check for any issues. Not long after the camp was set up, I could hear people start to snore. I was sure everyone must have been tired.
Looks like everything's okay. I should go to sleep now. I turned toward my team's tent and was met with a familiar face.
Crunch.
"Kaislan, you were awake?"
"I had something to say to you."
"What is it?"
"Let's walk for a minute as we talk."
So we took a big lap around the edge of the campsite and talked.
"There's been growing dissatisfaction among the squadron recently."
Dissatisfaction, huh?
It was obvious what kind of dissatisfaction he was talking about. "I'm guessing they're mostly cursing my name?"
Kaislan confirmed this, looking apologetic. "People don't look for a reason to complain when they're happy, but when they're suffering, they always do." His grumbling featured a deep, philosophical contemplation of human nature.
"Is that all?"
At my question, Kaislan shook his head. "If it were, I wouldn't have come looking for you in the middle of the night."
"So there's something more."
"...Someone in the squadron is spreading malicious rumors."
"Rumors? What about?"
"That while everyone else's food supply has been reduced, Team One is secretly prioritizing their own stomachs."
"I see..." I unwittingly sighed in front of Kaislan. I couldn't help it.
Since most of the monsters in Ice Rock were high-ranking, the XP accumulation was astonishing. There was still a long way to go, though. Even if I defeated all the monsters that spawned in Ice Rock, that wouldn't get me to level eight.
Still, I should hunt as much as possible since this place is hard to get to.
I didn't know how many more monsters I fought as I dragged this tired body across the tundra. As the day slowly wound down, we set up camp on the cliffside. We pitched the tents that were stored in the boxes loaded on the sleds, then put our sleeping bags inside.
[You have used an Insulating Stone.]
Then, with the addition of a few magical items, the tents became a cozy home.
"No one on our team is on night watch today, so rest up."
There were a total of two night watches scheduled over the course of the entire expedition. Because our turn was tomorrow, we could rest easy today. This was possible because we had four priests. As long as those guys cast Destruction of Evil in turns, the monsters couldn't even come close. There was also no way a team of plunderers was operating in this barren tundra. And even if they were, they wouldn't have the courage to attack such a large group. At least not if they had brains in their skulls.
"Good night and see you tomorrow, Mister."
The tents were made for three people, and divided into male tents and female tents. Adventurers may not differentiate between men and women, but there were still differences. I also felt more comfortable sleeping with men. Well, I did feel a bit cramped sleeping with the frail old man and wizard, though.
"Ashed, Aldidi. You guys sleep first."
"Are you going on patrol?"
"I am the leader, after all."
Leaving Old Didi and Ashed to go to bed after a hard day's work, I walked around the campsite to check for any issues. Not long after the camp was set up, I could hear people start to snore. I was sure everyone must have been tired.
Looks like everything's okay. I should go to sleep now. I turned toward my team's tent and was met with a familiar face.
Crunch.
"Kaislan, you were awake?"
"I had something to say to you."
"What is it?"
"Let's walk for a minute as we talk."
So we took a big lap around the edge of the campsite and talked.
"There's been growing dissatisfaction among the squadron recently."
Dissatisfaction, huh?
It was obvious what kind of dissatisfaction he was talking about. "I'm guessing they're mostly cursing my name?"
Kaislan confirmed this, looking apologetic. "People don't look for a reason to complain when they're happy, but when they're suffering, they always do." His grumbling featured a deep, philosophical contemplation of human nature.
"Is that all?"
At my question, Kaislan shook his head. "If it were, I wouldn't have come looking for you in the middle of the night."
"So there's something more."
"...Someone in the squadron is spreading malicious rumors."
"Rumors? What about?"
"That while everyone else's food supply has been reduced, Team One is secretly prioritizing their own stomachs."
"I see..." I unwittingly sighed in front of Kaislan. I couldn't help it.
Jeez, we're not a bunch of kids playing around here. This is supposed to be a collection of the kingdom's best and brightest?
"Do you know who the source is?"
"It was Pyke Neldine."
"A member of James Calla's team."
For reference, he was a warrior like me and had been one of the first to greet me at the banquet with a smile.
Jeez, such cowardly behavior for such a big man. Ah, is it because he's so big and hungry that his brain isn't functioning right?
"What are you going to do?"
"Well..."
When I trailed off, Kaislan recommended a few countermeasures. "If you're going to discipline him, the best thing would be to do it through me."
"Because that could make him resent me more?"
"If you want, I'll make a big scene in front of the entire crew. So that he won't even think of hating you."
I never thought this guy would be such a loyal subordinate. I honestly felt kind of strange about it, but I made sure to hear what he said next.
"Or you can use Akurava. Supply management is her job and whatever the reason may be, this happened because she failed to carry out her duties properly."
He wasn't wrong. Whether or not the formation broke, Akurava should have protected the supplies.
"Everyone may be keeping quiet for now because she's a renowned adventurer, but if someone brings it up, they'll be eager to place the blame on her."
I didn't like this option either. Before I gave him my answer, I decided to ask Kaislan one question. "Kaislan, why are you willing to become a scapegoat to help me?" I asked this in case he had a hidden agenda.
Kaislan stared at me straight in the eyes and answered without hesitation. "Whether I like it or not, you're the one leading this expedition now." Huh. I didn't expect that. "If we waver now, this mission will not succeed."
To be honest, I thought he'd be the first to gun for my position if it was jeopardized. I guessed a soldier was a soldier after all. Kaislan was the type of person who prioritized the bigger picture over personal greed.
"Now, tell me. What will you do?"
He presented me with two options but when you looked closely, they were actually the same. Whether it was Akurava or this guy, in the end, in both cases I'd be making someone else public enemy number one. I was grateful for the advice he offered but my decision was already set in stone.
"I'm not going to do anything."
Kaislan didn't seem to understand. "If you keep quiet, the crew will hold you responsible every time something goes wrong," he carefully pointed out.
Yeah, I'm sure. But, so what?
"It doesn't matter what they say. That's why they're the crew, and I'm the captain."
After all, it wasn't like I expected to only enjoy the perks of being in charge and not the pitfalls.
***
On day eight after entering Ice Rock, we dragged our misfortune-ridden expedition forward in a white-knuckle grip and eventually reached the midway point. Now that we'd cleared the tundra, we were faced with a massive mountain made of ice. From now on, our objective was not to climb the mountain but rather to go below it.
"The entrance is here!" James Calla's team was in charge of the search and soon discovered the path leading to the next area. We followed them and headed underground through a huge, icy cave.
Jeez, we're not a bunch of kids playing around here. This is supposed to be a collection of the kingdom's best and brightest?
"Do you know who the source is?"
"It was Pyke Neldine."
"A member of James Calla's team."
For reference, he was a warrior like me and had been one of the first to greet me at the banquet with a smile.
Jeez, such cowardly behavior for such a big man. Ah, is it because he's so big and hungry that his brain isn't functioning right?
"What are you going to do?"
"Well..."
When I trailed off, Kaislan recommended a few countermeasures. "If you're going to discipline him, the best thing would be to do it through me."
"Because that could make him resent me more?"
"If you want, I'll make a big scene in front of the entire crew. So that he won't even think of hating you."
I never thought this guy would be such a loyal subordinate. I honestly felt kind of strange about it, but I made sure to hear what he said next.
"Or you can use Akurava. Supply management is her job and whatever the reason may be, this happened because she failed to carry out her duties properly."
He wasn't wrong. Whether or not the formation broke, Akurava should have protected the supplies.
"Everyone may be keeping quiet for now because she's a renowned adventurer, but if someone brings it up, they'll be eager to place the blame on her."
I didn't like this option either. Before I gave him my answer, I decided to ask Kaislan one question. "Kaislan, why are you willing to become a scapegoat to help me?" I asked this in case he had a hidden agenda.
Kaislan stared at me straight in the eyes and answered without hesitation. "Whether I like it or not, you're the one leading this expedition now." Huh. I didn't expect that. "If we waver now, this mission will not succeed."
To be honest, I thought he'd be the first to gun for my position if it was jeopardized. I guessed a soldier was a soldier after all. Kaislan was the type of person who prioritized the bigger picture over personal greed.
"Now, tell me. What will you do?"
He presented me with two options but when you looked closely, they were actually the same. Whether it was Akurava or this guy, in the end, in both cases I'd be making someone else public enemy number one. I was grateful for the advice he offered but my decision was already set in stone.
"I'm not going to do anything."
Kaislan didn't seem to understand. "If you keep quiet, the crew will hold you responsible every time something goes wrong," he carefully pointed out.
Yeah, I'm sure. But, so what?
"It doesn't matter what they say. That's why they're the crew, and I'm the captain."
After all, it wasn't like I expected to only enjoy the perks of being in charge and not the pitfalls.
***
On day eight after entering Ice Rock, we dragged our misfortune-ridden expedition forward in a white-knuckle grip and eventually reached the midway point. Now that we'd cleared the tundra, we were faced with a massive mountain made of ice. From now on, our objective was not to climb the mountain but rather to go below it.
"The entrance is here!" James Calla's team was in charge of the search and soon discovered the path leading to the next area. We followed them and headed underground through a huge, icy cave.
Step, step.
The sound of boots echoed on the hard ground but the mood within the group wasn't as somber as before. It had been like this back when I was going through training too. When you went through difficult times together, relationships were bound to get stronger.
"With ice as transparent as glass on all sides, it feels like we're in some kind of dream."
"Haha, I feel the same way."
Of course, the mood was able to change in large part thanks to an improvement in the team's stamina. Half of the crew were Ice Rock first-timers so there was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, but now, everyone had adjusted to it to some extent.
"Ugh, I'm starving. I see why everyone stays away from Ice Rock now."
"I usually look at a portrait of my kid when times are tough but I can't even do that here. If I knew in advance how this place worked, I would've taken it out of sub-space before getting off the ship."
"Oh, you have kids? How old?"
It wasn't just the atmosphere that had changed, either. The squadron, which had been out of step up to this point, now moved smoothly as one—just like now.
"Monsters from the side and front!"
"While Team One fights them from the front, Teams Two and Three will take out the enemies on the flanks!"
When orders were given, the crew carried them out quickly and without any fuss.
[You have defeated a Frozen Webter. EXP +5]
[You have defeated an Unmelting Cocoon. EXP +6]
[You have defeated a Frostfire Goblin. EXP +5]
Battles were much easier than before. We were finally fighting like a team of elites now. As our teamwork started to come together, everyone was able to demonstrate their usual fighting skill. And there was another positive.
"Schuitz, that man... the way he fights is mind-boggling."
Since the adventuring industry respected the strong, people's evaluations of me naturally began to improve as I took on the most dangerous jobs at the forefront of our team. The strange rumor that I was digging into the food supply in the middle of the night disappeared before I knew it. After all, one needed to prove themselves with actions, not words.
Crackkk...
My instincts sounded the alarm as a sudden creaking filled my ear. "Erwen, what was that sound just now?"
"I don't know. I think it came from the back..."
From the back?
I hurriedly turned around and was soon able to see for myself what was going on.
Crackkk.
Perhaps unable to withstand our weight, cracks were beginning to spread across the floor like spider webs.
God damn it!
And they happened to be in the exact spot where the sled-pulling Trolls were. "The summons! Cancel the summons, now!" I bellowed.
The startled summoner reverse-summoned the Trolls as per my orders. But it was already too late.
Crackkk!
Another crack, this one even louder than the last.
"...Everyone, get out of the way!"
The adventurers in the vicinity of the cracks hurriedly fled, though a few courageous ones prioritized the supplies over their own safety.
"Supplies! Get the supplies!"
"We're dead without them!"
"Move it!"
Being careful not to add more weight, the adventurers pulled on the sleds with all their might, but the floor collapsed faster than they could get clear.
Rummmble!
As if a sinkhole had formed, the ground sagged in and collapsed. One of the sleds and the two adventurers pushing it promptly plummeted into the abyss below.
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-four support spell Float.]
Right at that moment, the two adventurers miraculously floated back upward. Their expressions went from despair to relief, and at the same moment, a sound rang out from below.
Splash!
Ha, there was water flowing under the ice? That means we can't even rescue the sled.
Despite my misery, I quickly doled out orders. "Everyone, get as far away from the hole as possible! Just in case, don't stick too close together!"
The frozen crew only got moving after I commanded them to. I carefully approached the edge and looked down. Using a light spell from a wizard, I was able to see the water flowing beneath us. There was no trace of the sled anywhere in sight.
"Akurava!"
"Y-Yes!"
"What proportion of the supplies on that sled was food?"
"A-About half!"
So, our already insufficient food supply was reduced yet again. When my jaw clenched, Akurava carefully studied me.
"Um..."
"Be quiet. I'm thinking."
I just couldn't understand it.
The ground collapsed the first time too, and now it's happened again here?
No matter how I looked at it, it didn't make any sense. Which was why...
"Akurava."
"Yes. I'm listening."
"Go around and ask every member of the crew right now whether any of them has ever changed their name, and if their original name happened to be Hans."
I decided to run through the important checks first. Once they were done, it'd be easier to determine whether this was a series of unfortunate coincidences...
"Find out as soon as possible. This is important."
...or if this was a man-made disaster caused by someone with malicious intent.
Step, step.
The sound of boots echoed on the hard ground but the mood within the group wasn't as somber as before. It had been like this back when I was going through training too. When you went through difficult times together, relationships were bound to get stronger.
"With ice as transparent as glass on all sides, it feels like we're in some kind of dream."
"Haha, I feel the same way."
Of course, the mood was able to change in large part thanks to an improvement in the team's stamina. Half of the crew were Ice Rock first-timers so there was a lot of trial and error in the beginning, but now, everyone had adjusted to it to some extent.
"Ugh, I'm starving. I see why everyone stays away from Ice Rock now."
"I usually look at a portrait of my kid when times are tough but I can't even do that here. If I knew in advance how this place worked, I would've taken it out of sub-space before getting off the ship."
"Oh, you have kids? How old?"
It wasn't just the atmosphere that had changed, either. The squadron, which had been out of step up to this point, now moved smoothly as one—just like now.
"Monsters from the side and front!"
"While Team One fights them from the front, Teams Two and Three will take out the enemies on the flanks!"
When orders were given, the crew carried them out quickly and without any fuss.
[You have defeated a Frozen Webter. EXP +5]
[You have defeated an Unmelting Cocoon. EXP +6]
[You have defeated a Frostfire Goblin. EXP +5]
Battles were much easier than before. We were finally fighting like a team of elites now. As our teamwork started to come together, everyone was able to demonstrate their usual fighting skill. And there was another positive.
"Schuitz, that man... the way he fights is mind-boggling."
Since the adventuring industry respected the strong, people's evaluations of me naturally began to improve as I took on the most dangerous jobs at the forefront of our team. The strange rumor that I was digging into the food supply in the middle of the night disappeared before I knew it. After all, one needed to prove themselves with actions, not words.
Crackkk...
My instincts sounded the alarm as a sudden creaking filled my ear. "Erwen, what was that sound just now?"
"I don't know. I think it came from the back..."
From the back?
I hurriedly turned around and was soon able to see for myself what was going on.
Crackkk.
Perhaps unable to withstand our weight, cracks were beginning to spread across the floor like spider webs.
God damn it!
And they happened to be in the exact spot where the sled-pulling Trolls were. "The summons! Cancel the summons, now!" I bellowed.
The startled summoner reverse-summoned the Trolls as per my orders. But it was already too late.
Crackkk!
Another crack, this one even louder than the last.
"...Everyone, get out of the way!"
The adventurers in the vicinity of the cracks hurriedly fled, though a few courageous ones prioritized the supplies over their own safety.
"Supplies! Get the supplies!"
"We're dead without them!"
"Move it!"
Being careful not to add more weight, the adventurers pulled on the sleds with all their might, but the floor collapsed faster than they could get clear.
Rummmble!
As if a sinkhole had formed, the ground sagged in and collapsed. One of the sleds and the two adventurers pushing it promptly plummeted into the abyss below.
[Riard Ashed has cast the rank-four support spell Float.]
Right at that moment, the two adventurers miraculously floated back upward. Their expressions went from despair to relief, and at the same moment, a sound rang out from below.
Splash!
Ha, there was water flowing under the ice? That means we can't even rescue the sled.
Despite my misery, I quickly doled out orders. "Everyone, get as far away from the hole as possible! Just in case, don't stick too close together!"
The frozen crew only got moving after I commanded them to. I carefully approached the edge and looked down. Using a light spell from a wizard, I was able to see the water flowing beneath us. There was no trace of the sled anywhere in sight.
"Akurava!"
"Y-Yes!"
"What proportion of the supplies on that sled was food?"
"A-About half!"
So, our already insufficient food supply was reduced yet again. When my jaw clenched, Akurava carefully studied me.
"Um..."
"Be quiet. I'm thinking."
I just couldn't understand it.
The ground collapsed the first time too, and now it's happened again here?
No matter how I looked at it, it didn't make any sense. Which was why...
"Akurava."
"Yes. I'm listening."
"Go around and ask every member of the crew right now whether any of them has ever changed their name, and if their original name happened to be Hans."
I decided to run through the important checks first. Once they were done, it'd be easier to determine whether this was a series of unfortunate coincidences...
"Find out as soon as possible. This is important."
...or if this was a man-made disaster caused by someone with malicious intent.