Kays Translations

Chapter 204: Eve of the Storm

Lutz was awakened by the piercing cold of a winter morning seeping through the gaps in the shed. Opening the door to check outside, he found it was just before dawn. It didn't seem like a time for going back to sleep.

Turning at the sound of cloth rubbing, Lutz saw Ricardo getting up.

"Sorry, did I wake you?"

"No, I've been awake for a while. Just lying down and tossing around."

Rubbing his eyes sleepily, Ricardo frowned as he looked at the flickering fire.

"What's this? It's almost out. No wonder it's cold."

Throwing a piece of wood into the fire to adjust the heat, Ricardo adjusted the flames. Lutz closed the door and sat in front of the fire.

"Fire is a good thing."

Watching the dancing flames, Lutz murmured.

"Fire warms us like this. Whether it's cooking or forging a sword, fire is necessary. Humans have lived alongside fire. On the other hand..."

After glancing around the empty shed, he continued.

"Fire also harmed the people in this village. Fire is a dangerous thing. But without fire, people would freeze to death, get sick from raw food, and die anyway. Human wisdom or civilization, in the end, it all comes down to how to control fire."

A brief silence. Eventually, Lutz shook his head as if embarrassed by what he said.

"Sorry, there's no conclusion to this story."

"Small talk is like that."

"Yeah, I know, but without a conclusion, it somehow feels unsatisfying."

"That sounds like the opinion of a truly awkward man. And yet, you manage to get along well with your wife somehow."

"Clau is more inclined towards debates than small talk. Besides, when the conversation runs out, you can switch to body language."

"This mature newlywed couple..."

"While the term is unclear, it's not wrong."

Laughing, Lutz tossed a piece of wood, and Ricardo caught it, putting it into the fire. Black smoke rose, licking the ceiling and heading towards the vent. The two of them watched it absentmindedly, and eventually, Ricardo spoke almost in a whisper.

"...Honestly, right now, there would have been a lot of customers looking for firewood and charcoal."

During autumn, they would have stockpiled plenty of firewood cut from the forest and processed it into charcoal. Selling it for cash to endure the winter—this had been the way of life for the lumberjacks.

Everything was disrupted by the attack of the Flame Demon. Stockpiles were burned, many workers were killed, and they were currently in a situation where they barely managed to secure enough firewood and charcoal for themselves.

People were filled with anxiety about how to survive this winter, even if they managed to get through it.

Lutz was a blacksmith, and Ricardo was an adventurer. Originally, they were individuals who didn't care about anything other than their own lives. However, lately, due to being taken to various places, they had developed an interest in the flow of money.

While Lutz and the others didn't voice it, there were those who thought it was irresponsible to be preoccupied with revenge at this time. At the same time, they felt that as men, there were things they had to do.

Which is truly the right path: going to defeat the demon or fulfilling the role of the leader? I can't assert with arrogance that it's definitely one way.

"It would be good if killing the Flame Demon could be everyone's hope."

"Yeah, there's nothing else to believe in."

As the outside brightened a bit, Kevin got up with his massive body.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, did you sleep well?"

"Who knows, at least I should be able to sleep well starting tomorrow."

Kevin stood up with a stiff smile and went out of the shed to have breakfast.

Kasim, who was supposed to have gone to bed earliest, woke up the latest.

"Good day, morning wood!"

"...Are you still half-asleep?"

"I'm enlightened! Sleeping soundly is pleasure. Just being able to sleep soundly makes you happy."

"If you say that while in your right mind, it's even more concerning."

Looking exasperated, Lutz and Ricardo tried to calm Kasim down.

"I've reached enlightenment. Sleeping is a joy. Just being able to sleep soundly is happiness."

"I don't quite get it, but..."

"To protect this happiness, I'll do anything. I'll do it. I, Kasim, today marks the beginning of a legend!"

After a long, peaceful sleep, Kasim was in high spirits. Lutz and Ricardo were bewildered about what to do with this idiot. Just then, Kevin returned, reheating the remaining soup from last night. For a moment, this rugged man seemed like a savior.

"Sorry for the poor meal."

"It's fine. You're not planning to make this the last supper, are you?"

To the apologetic Kevin, Lutz responded with a romantic tone.

...I really like this guy.

Smiling, Kevin gulped down the hot soup poured into a wooden bowl. The thin soup, with only vegetable scraps floating in it, strangely tasted delicious now.

After making sure everyone finished their meal, Kevin stood up.

"Alright, let's go."

As if saying, "Just going for a quick pee."

No, it couldn't be casual. The place they were about to head to was a labyrinth of darkness reeking of death, and their target was the strongest and most evil Flame Demon that had destroyed the village.

There was no guarantee they would return alive. Fear of death? Of course, it was frightening.

But it was fine like this. This was how a man's journey should start.

Perhaps sensing Kevin's determination, the remaining three also stood up without saying a word.

"Shall we go?"

"Yeah."

"Sure."

It was as if they were saying, "Are we going to take a leak together?" Even Kasim, who seemed the most uncertain among the four, now had the face of a resolute man.

In front of the labyrinth, there were several groups of adventurers who had set up camp. It didn't matter if it was winter or if a fearsome Flame Demon had taken residence deep within; they had to earn a living.

Adventurers were individuals who risked their lives to make a living. They wouldn't be surprised or interested in minor matters. Yet, all these adventurers turned their attention to the four men.

A blacksmith, a hero, a lumberjack, and an adventurer. Spectators wouldn't know their roles, but the atmosphere alone made it clear that these men were different.

"Something is going to happen tonight..."

Someone muttered.

"What do you mean, something?"

"Don't know, can't say anything other than something."

Adventurers nodded, understanding without really understanding. Something was going to happen; that was certain. And other than that, they knew nothing.

With the gazes of anticipation and anxiety from the adventurers behind them, the men walked boldly into the labyrinth.

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