Chapter 405: Inevitability (1)

Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠405: Inevitability (1)

The abyss below was shrouded in darkness. The woman looking into it, into a place filled with nothing but the sound of swirling cold, parted her lips to speak. "Six, they've completely entered the lower levels of Glacier Eye."

"The attempt at external intervention had me worried, but I guess they decided to continue the expedition regardless."

"So, what are you going to do now?"

"Everyone will remain on standby except the security team."

The woman nodded silently at the command of the person named Six. Then she asked carefully, in a voice that contained a hint of human emotion, "But, Six?"

"Speak."

"Do you think those people will come back?"

Six didn't answer that question. There was no point. Whether those people came back or not, what did it matter?

Shaaaaaaa!

All they had to do was follow orders.

***

Chew, chew.

I walked forward, chewing on beef jerky. It was specially-made, high-calorie beef jerky made specifically for adventurers that was distributed this morning. If anyone was wondering why I was eating breakfast only now, the answer was simple. This was the last of our supply.

Chew, chew.

As of today, all our food was gone. Put simply, we had no more food until we reached the eighth floor. Was that why?

Chew, chew.

Today's jerky tasted several times better than usual.

What the...? Why did it disappear?

I only had a moment to savor the taste of the beef jerky, and anger came over me when I realized my hand was empty. "I... ate it all already?"

For real? This is our last meal! I'm still starving! Why are we distributing the same amount for each person when everyone consumes different amounts to begin with?

Growwwl!

This is discrimination. Am I wrong? Those pencil-like wizards and priests will have lower metabolisms, and all they have to do is wave their wands in the back, so they consume less energy. Yet we're still enforcing a one-beef-jerky-per-person policy? This is an insult and a hate crime against the warriors who sweat and bleed on the front lines. If our leader was in their right mind, this kind of policy would never—

Ah, I'm the leader.

Yeah, what could you do? Honestly, I didn't want to do this, either. But if I gave the warriors special treatment, people were bound to object, saying I was only doing so out of self-interest. So I took the initiative to implement this policy.

Well, looks like it's a failure.

Through this policy, I'd earned neither gratitude nor hatred from the other classes and the hatred of the warriors. Ah, how did I know the warriors hated me? The source was me. I hated me right now.

"Hehehe."

"Mister, what's wrong?"

"Warriors laugh when times are tough."

"You... call that laughing?" Erwen, who broke formation to walk beside me, shot me a disturbed look before holding something out.

"Beef... jerky...?"

"Yes!"

"You're... giving this... to me?" I asked in disbelief.

Erwen nodded, her expression unchanged. "Yes!"

I took the jerky in a daze before belatedly coming to my senses. "I-It's fine! I'm not hungry, you eat it!"

"If you're going to say that, why don't you get rid of that smile first?"

Uh, smile?

Just as I was wondering what she was talking about, Erwen summoned a water spirit and turned it into a mirror. On the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠other end of the reflection was me, smiling like an idiot. "Look, this is real laughter! Hehe! Come on, eat it. I'm fine. Everyone else is giving their share to others who need it."

"...What?"

At my look of confusion, Amelia chimed in from behind me to provide an answer. "People in the rear, who have enough stamina to spare, have been saving up their food little by little instead of eating it."

"Saving it? How? It would have spoiled fast."

"I'm talking about after we entered the cave. There haven't been any ice storms since then."

"Oh, right..." Was it because I'd been suffering so much from hunger? I couldn't believe I hadn't been able to figure out something so simple right away. Anyway, none of that was important. "But is that true? That people are giving away the little food they have?"

"If you can't believe it, you can see for yourself later."

Hmm, I need to see it right now.

"Halt!" I used my authority as commander to stop the march. It was time for a break anyway.

"Oh, a break!"

"I can catch my breath!"

"Ahhh! Provisions Officer! Give me a blanket! I need to rest my eyes even if it's only for a moment!"

A priest activated Destruction of Evil to turn this spot into a safe zone. The crew immediately took advantage of the opportunity to lie down and recover their stamina.

I pretended to be on patrol so I could step back and observe. As it turned out, what Erwen said was true.

"Here, take this." A priest was giving her food to some warriors.

"...J-J-Jerky? For me?" The warrior was stunned, a look of deep disbelief on his face.

"Yes. You must be tired."

"A-Are you in love with me? If so, I cannot take this jerky. I have a wife and children in the city—"

"That's not why I'm giving it to you, don't worry."

"What? You're willing to give me beef jerky even though you don't love me...?"

The warriors were shocked but still ate the beef jerky they received, and the same scene played out over the entire group.

"Mmm, this... debt! I will repay my debt to you someday, I swear it on my life!"

Numerous warriors steeled their resolve and made similar declarations, even shedding tears over a single piece of jerky. It was a very moving scene, even for me.

"My policy... was not a failure..."

The squadron had truly become one, helping each other out.

"Mr. Schuitz? Did you just say something to me?"

"Ah, Jun... It's nothing."

"All right. But what brings you here? Is it related to why you suddenly stopped the procession?"

"Yes!"

"You're... giving this... to me?" I asked in disbelief.

Erwen nodded, her expression unchanged. "Yes!"

I took the jerky in a daze before belatedly coming to my senses. "I-It's fine! I'm not hungry, you eat it!"

"If you're going to say that, why don't you get rid of that smile first?"

Uh, smile?

Just as I was wondering what she was talking about, Erwen summoned a water spirit and turned it into a mirror. On the other end of the reflection was me, smiling like an idiot. "Look, this is real laughter! Hehe! Come on, eat it. I'm fine. Everyone else is giving their share to others who need it."

"...What?"

At my look of confusion, Amelia chimed in from behind me to provide an answer. "People in the rear, who have enough stamina to spare, have been saving up their food little by little instead of eating it."

"Saving it? How? It would have spoiled fast."

"I'm talking about after we entered the cave. There haven't been any ice storms since then."

"Oh, right..." Was it because I'd been suffering so much from hunger? I couldn't believe I hadn't been able to figure out something so simple right away. Anyway, none of that was important. "But is that true? That people are giving away the little food they have?"

"If you can't believe it, you can see for yourself later."

Hmm, I need to see it right now.

"Halt!" I used my authority as commander to stop the march. It was time for a break anyway.

"Oh, a break!"

"I can catch my breath!"

"Ahhh! Provisions Officer! Give me a blanket! I need to rest my eyes even if it's only for a moment!"

A priest activated Destruction of Evil to turn this spot into a safe zone. The crew immediately took advantage of the opportunity to lie down and recover their stamina.

I pretended to be on patrol so I could step back and observe. As it turned out, what Erwen said was true.

"Here, take this." A priest was giving her food to some warriors.

"...J-J-Jerky? For me?" The warrior was stunned, a look of deep disbelief on his face.

"Yes. You must be tired."

"A-Are you in love with me? If so, I cannot take this jerky. I have a wife and children in the city—"

"That's not why I'm giving it to you, don't worry."

"What? You're willing to give me beef jerky even though you don't love me...?"

The warriors were shocked but still ate the beef jerky they received, and the same scene played out over the entire group.

"Mmm, this... debt! I will repay my debt to you someday, I swear it on my life!"

Numerous warriors steeled their resolve and made similar declarations, even shedding tears over a single piece of jerky. It was a very moving scene, even for me.

"My policy... was not a failure..."

The squadron had truly become one, helping each other out.

"Mr. Schuitz? Did you just say something to me?"

"Ah, Jun... It's nothing."

"All right. But what brings you here? Is it related to why you suddenly stopped the procession?"

Actually, I was only over here to see what was going on because I felt too guilty to accept Erwen's jerky, but I took it. A commander had to save face, after all. "How is morale today?"

"Today...?"

"The food supply ran out this morning. Has anyone expressed any grievances?"

"Everyone is strong. They've all experienced far worse things than this, so starving for a single day is nothing. Everyone considers it unavoidable."

"I see..." Since I didn't come over here because I was actually curious, I just nodded and left. I was heading back to the front line, where my team was.

"Oh, Schuitz! Thanks for last time!"

"Why do you look like you're getting thinner by the day?"

"I was eating this, but do you want some?"

Familiar warriors greeted me. This may have been the biggest change since Pyke Neldine's execution. Regardless of party affiliation, we all had to take out our shields and run out together whenever a major battle broke out, so we inevitably developed a sense of camaraderie. It wasn't just my relationship with my fellow warriors that had improved, either. Although not as friendly as the warriors who joked around with me, everyone else's eyes were warmer. It was deeply moving, because just a while ago, they were busy eyeing me and whispering every time I walked by.

This is probably thanks to Neldine.

An outside enemy had brought the group together. When his betrayal was revealed, all the resentment directed at me turned to him. I had been the one to discover the traitor too. My reputation had naturally improved as a result.

"Schuitz, that man... I can't tell if he's a genius or a moron."

"I heard he was scolded by his teammate the other day for suggesting we eat monster meat..."

"He's kind of slow, but I don't think he's foolish. Seeing as he tracked down the traitor."

"Ah, that? But... I heard he only took credit after his wizard figured it all out."

Haha, to think there were more traitors here.

I wondered if I should beat them down right away, but I changed my mind at the conversation that followed.

"But having capable subordinates is also a reflection of one's abilities. Besides, he seems like a good one."

"That's... true. I haven't spoken to him much but he seemed kind."

"Having the title of commander means he could just yell out orders if he wanted, but instead he ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠always takes on the tough jobs."

"Mm-hmm, people like that are the most reliable allies in tough situations."

What the—? They were just ordinary comrades.

Step, step.

When I finally returned to my position, pretending not to hear their conversation on the way, our twenty-minute break—as per unspoken rule—was almost over.

"Mister! How did it go? I was right, right?"

"You were."

"Okay, then eat. Okay? Don't feel bad, everyone's doing it."

"Ah, that... I already ate it on the way back over here."

"Hehe, good job! I'm the best, right?"

"Yeah, you're the best," I said benevolently.

With that, I leaned against the wall and fiddled with the ring for the remainder of the break. While I was doing so, Amelia approached me.

"Are you wondering why the light disappeared?"

Actually, I was only over here to see what was going on because I felt too guilty to accept Erwen's jerky, but I took it. A commander had to save face, after all. "How is morale today?"

"Today...?"

"The food supply ran out this morning. Has anyone expressed any grievances?"

"Everyone is strong. They've all experienced far worse things than this, so starving for a single day is nothing. Everyone considers it unavoidable."

"I see..." Since I didn't come over here because I was actually curious, I just nodded and left. I was heading back to the front line, where my team was.

"Oh, Schuitz! Thanks for last time!"

"Why do you look like you're getting thinner by the day?"

"I was eating this, but do you want some?"

Familiar warriors greeted me. This may have been the biggest change since Pyke Neldine's execution. Regardless of party affiliation, we all had to take out our shields and run out together whenever a major battle broke out, so we inevitably developed a sense of camaraderie. It wasn't just my relationship with my fellow warriors that had improved, either. Although not as friendly as the warriors who joked around with me, everyone else's eyes were warmer. It was deeply moving, because just a while ago, they were busy eyeing me and whispering every time I walked by.

This is probably thanks to Neldine.

An outside enemy had brought the group together. When his betrayal was revealed, all the resentment ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠directed at me turned to him. I had been the one to discover the traitor too. My reputation had naturally improved as a result.

"Schuitz, that man... I can't tell if he's a genius or a moron."

"I heard he was scolded by his teammate the other day for suggesting we eat monster meat..."

"He's kind of slow, but I don't think he's foolish. Seeing as he tracked down the traitor."

"Ah, that? But... I heard he only took credit after his wizard figured it all out."

Haha, to think there were more traitors here.

I wondered if I should beat them down right away, but I changed my mind at the conversation that followed.

"But having capable subordinates is also a reflection of one's abilities. Besides, he seems like a good one."

"That's... true. I haven't spoken to him much but he seemed kind."

"Having the title of commander means he could just yell out orders if he wanted, but instead he always takes on the tough jobs."

"Mm-hmm, people like that are the most reliable allies in tough situations."

What the—? They were just ordinary comrades.

Step, step.

When I finally returned to my position, pretending not to hear their conversation on the way, our twenty-minute break—as per unspoken rule—was almost over.

"Mister! How did it go? I was right, right?"

"You were."

"Okay, then eat. Okay? Don't feel bad, everyone's doing it."

"Ah, that... I already ate it on the way back over here."

"Hehe, good job! I'm the best, right?"

"Yeah, you're the best," I said benevolently.

With that, I leaned against the wall and fiddled with the ring for the remainder of the break. While I was doing so, Amelia approached me.

"Are you wondering why the light disappeared?"

"Ah, yeah, I guess..."

No. 6111: Destiny Seeker, the ring I called the Traffic Light Ring, had suddenly lost its light. It happened about four days ago.

"That definitely is strange," said Amelia with a frown. "A fate once sensed wouldn't disappear for no reason."

"That's what I'm saying."

No matter how I looked at it, it was extremely weird. I didn't recall anything bad happening...

***

On Day Twenty of our trip through Ice Rock, we finally reached the end.

I didn't think we'd really arrive on the twentieth day.

In the planning stages, we'd allocated ourselves twenty days to cover Ice Rock. Despite several unfortunate events on the one hand and moving as fast as we could on the other, we still arrived on the exact date.

Maybe the timeline was too tight from the start.

I wasn't sure, but I got the sense that if we had tried to follow the original schedule, we would have arrived here two or three days late. I had also attended the royal meetings as the commander, so if I had to explain it, it was that there were too many unexpected variables.

The fact that most of the crew were first-timers to Ice Rock had been taken into consideration during the planning stages, of course. But that was only on paper. I hadn't known their exact capabilities back then. Although their hunting speed was exceptional, the squadron was a bit lacking when it came to speed. I guessed that was only natural considering this team was created for the purpose of war, not adventuring.

"Mister, what are you thinking so hard about?"

"...Nothing."

I ended my musings there and glanced around. The lowest part of Glacier Eye had a symbol reminiscent of a human eye on the ground.

"Now, now, everyone calm down and wait your turn! We'll draw lots in order!"

All we had to do now was take the portal to the eighth floor, but the squadron was currently in a state of chaos. The reason for that was rather simple. Because this was Ice Rock, a rough terrain that no one ever came to, we were of course the first to arrive at its portal.

"How are we going to decide the order?"

"I don't care who gets it, so can't we just go through? I'm starving."

"What? Then you're out!"

"What? Out? I never wanted in from the start! I'm a wizard!"

The maximum number of people who could be connected by a single Bind spell was six. As such, the number of people who could claim the experience points for opening a portal was six as well. We decided to do a fair draw to determine who these people would be regardless of position or merit, based purely on luck.

"Ahh! Damn it! Why is it blank?!"

"Hey! Don't even think about using your skill to look inside the box! I have my eye on you!"

"Woohoo! Eighth-Floor Portal Opening! I live to see the day!"

The long line shrank person by person, and cheers and sighs rang out periodically.

While I was watching this all from the very back, Ravien, who was standing next to me, spoke. "Aren't you upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are the commander of this mission. No one would have been able to argue if you used your position to claim a spot."

"Ah, that."

This had actually been discussed among the team leaders, that we should take the experience points for ourselves and draw lots for the remaining spot. Kaislan added that the remaining spot should be awarded to the person who contributed the most, rather than by draw. That was how you were supposed to treat subordinates.

"...Um, you are listening to me, right?"

"Ah, I'm listening."

"Why did you give it up so easily?" Ravien asked, and I simply shrugged in answer. What kind of response was she looking for in the first place? She clearly knew why I did it.

"Tsk, blank," Amelia, who had pulled a ticket before me, tutted. When she came back, she patted me on the shoulder. "Schuitz, it's your turn now."

"How many tickets are left?"

"One."

One, huh...

I turned my head as discreetly as possible to check the number of people still left in line. Including me, there were four. Put simply, the probability was 25 percent.

There are no Hanses among them.

With good fortune on my back, I stepped forward.

Shaaaaaa!

A cold wind descended from above and swept the ground before rising up again.

Slide.

I took off the ring on my finger. There was no need for it now.

Step, step.

Destiny was something you carved on your own.

"Good luck." When I stopped in front of the box, Kaislan spoke words of encouragement.

It was now time to see the payoff.

"Ahhh!" I let out a manly roar and drew a ticket.

"That's too bad. It's blank."

Of course it didn't work. Ha, is it because there's no background music? It's a rule of thumb that you have to let the cool soundtrack play during big moments.

Step, step.

As I spiritlessly turned around to make room for the next person, Ravien passed me. Ah, so it was her turn next.

She's not going to pull it, right?

"It's the one with the round mark, right? This one?"

"That's right. Congratulations."

Man, she did? I should've waited one more turn...

I was starting to turn green with envy.

"Can this ticket be transferred to someone else?"

"I guess you didn't hear the explanation earlier. After a long discussion, we agreed to allow it."

"Really?" After that brief exchange with Kaislan, Ravien turned around without hesitation and approached me. "Here, take it." She suddenly handed me the ticket.

I couldn't understand. This was the same person who entered the labyrinth on her own and only met up with us on the sixth floor so that she could do a speedrun. I had been sure it was because she was in a hurry to gain XP.

"Why are you giving this to me...?"

"I just don't think this should be mine."

"...What?"

When I tilted my head in confusion, Ravien stiltedly and awkwardly replied. "I've been by your side this whole time, so I know for a fact that you suffered the most."

What is this...?

Whistle!

"Yeah, yeah! You're the one who brought us all the way here, so you should get to open it!"

"What a shame. I was going to give him mine if no one else did."

"Liar! You were so happy earlier!"

"I-It's true! During the discussion earlier, I was one of the people arguing that we should allow transfers!"

"Whatever, hurry up and take it! An adventurer should look after their own interests where they can!"

In this deep underground place where the wind was so cold it froze your nose, I felt like I was going to cry.

It's warm...

"Ah, yeah, I guess..."

No. 6111: Destiny Seeker, the ring I called the Traffic Light Ring, had suddenly lost its light. It happened about four days ago.

"That definitely is strange," said Amelia with a frown. "A fate once sensed wouldn't disappear for no reason."

"That's what I'm saying."

No matter how I looked at it, it was extremely weird. I didn't recall anything bad happening...

***

On Day Twenty of our trip through Ice Rock, we finally reached the end.

I didn't think we'd really arrive on the twentieth day.

In the planning stages, we'd allocated ourselves twenty days to cover Ice Rock. Despite several unfortunate events on the one hand and moving as fast as we could on the other, we still arrived on the exact date.

Maybe the timeline was too tight from the start.

I wasn't sure, but I got the sense that if we had tried to follow the original schedule, we would have arrived here two or three days late. I had also attended the royal meetings as the commander, so if I had to explain it, it was that there were too many unexpected variables.

The fact that most of the crew were first-timers to Ice Rock had been taken into consideration during the planning stages, of course. But that was only on paper. I hadn't known their exact capabilities back then. Although their hunting speed was exceptional, the squadron was a bit lacking when it came to speed. I guessed that was only natural considering this team was created for the purpose of war, not adventuring.

"Mister, what are you thinking so hard about?"

"...Nothing."

I ended my musings there and glanced around. The lowest part of Glacier Eye had a symbol reminiscent of a human eye on the ground.

"Now, now, everyone calm down and wait your turn! We'll draw lots in order!"

All we had to do now was take the portal to the eighth floor, but the squadron was currently in a state of chaos. The reason for that was rather simple. Because this was Ice Rock, a rough terrain that no one ever came to, we were of course the first to arrive at its portal.

"How are we going to decide the order?"

"I don't care who gets it, so can't we just go through? I'm starving."

"What? Then you're out!"

"What? Out? I never wanted in from the start! I'm a wizard!"

The maximum number of people who could be connected by a single Bind spell was six. As such, the number of people who could claim the experience points for opening a portal was six as well. We decided to do a fair draw to determine who these people would be regardless of position or merit, based purely on luck.

"Ahh! Damn it! Why is it blank?!"

"Hey! Don't even think about using your skill to look inside the box! I have my eye on you!"

"Woohoo! Eighth-Floor Portal Opening! I live to see the day!"

The long line shrank person by person, and cheers and sighs rang out periodically.

While I was watching this all from the very back, Ravien, who was standing next to me, spoke. "Aren't you upset?"

"What do you mean?"

"You are the commander of this mission. No one would have been able to argue if you used your position to claim a spot."

"Ah, that."

This had actually been discussed among the team leaders, that we should take the experience points for ourselves and draw lots for the remaining spot. Kaislan added that the remaining spot should be awarded to the person who contributed the most, rather than by draw. That was how you were supposed to treat subordinates.

"...Um, you are listening to me, right?"

"Ah, I'm listening."

"Why did you give it up so easily?" Ravien asked, and I simply shrugged in answer. What kind of response was she looking for in the first place? She clearly knew why I did it.

"Tsk, blank," Amelia, who had pulled a ticket before me, tutted. When she came back, she patted me on the shoulder. "Schuitz, it's your turn now."

"How many tickets are left?"

"One."

One, huh...

I turned my head as discreetly as possible to check the number of people still left in line. Including me, there were four. Put simply, the probability was 25 percent.

There are no Hanses among them.

With good fortune on my back, I stepped forward.

Shaaaaaa!

A cold wind descended from above and swept the ground before rising up again.

Slide.

I took off the ring on my finger. There was no need for it now.

Step, step.

Destiny was something you carved on your own.

"Good luck." When I stopped in front of the box, Kaislan spoke words of encouragement.

It was now time to see the payoff.

"Ahhh!" I let out a manly roar and drew a ticket.

"That's too bad. It's blank."

Of course it didn't work. Ha, is it because there's no background music? It's a rule of thumb that you have to let the cool soundtrack play during big moments.

Step, step.

As I spiritlessly turned around to make room for the next person, Ravien passed me. Ah, so it was her turn next.

She's not going to pull it, right?

"It's the one with the round mark, right? This one?"

"That's right. Congratulations."

Man, she did? I should've waited one more turn...

I was starting to turn green with envy.

"Can this ticket be transferred to someone else?"

"I guess you didn't hear the explanation earlier. After a long discussion, we agreed to allow it."

"Really?" After that brief exchange with Kaislan, Ravien turned around without hesitation and approached me. "Here, take it." She suddenly handed me the ticket.

I couldn't understand. This was the same person who entered the labyrinth on her own and only met up with us on the sixth floor so that she could do a speedrun. I had been sure it was because she was in a hurry to gain XP.

"Why are you giving this to me...?"

"I just don't think this should be mine."

"...What?"

When I tilted my head in confusion, Ravien stiltedly and awkwardly replied. "I've been by your side this whole time, so I know for a fact that you suffered the most."

What is this...?

Whistle!

"Yeah, yeah! You're the one who brought us all the way here, so you should get to open it!"

"What a shame. I was going to give him mine if no one else did."

"Liar! You were so happy earlier!"

"I-It's true! During the discussion earlier, I was one of the people arguing that we should allow transfers!"

"Whatever, hurry up and take it! An adventurer should look after their own interests where they can!"

In this deep underground place where the wind was so cold it froze your nose, I felt like I was going to cry.

It's warm...