Kays Translations

Chapter 302: Building a Base

The snow mountain investigation team from the Heine Frontier Barony set out the next day. We traveled by horse. Since we would be taking narrow paths and might even have to walk at times, there was no carriage.

Before departing, I had a hot cookie and put the magic stone heater in my pocket. Thanks to that, I wasn’t cold at all.

“Lionel, how long will it take to reach the foot of the Cassius Mountains?”

“We should arrive by early afternoon tomorrow. We’ll set up our investigation base there, so the full-scale investigation will start the day after.”

“Got it. I’ll try to ask the snow spirit to hold off on snow for a while.”

“Thank you.”

Lionel bowed his head. I was currently seated on a horse in front of the knights. Normally, I could ride a horse alone, but I was in this position because of the need for safety. I’m not sure if it’s overprotective or not. This arrangement means one knight can’t be used. It’s better to have more people who can fight.

Whether or not it would reach the snow spirit, I covered the “snow crystal pattern” on the back of my hand with my other hand and prayed for no snow to fall for a while.

It seemed to work, as no snow fell until we finished our investigation.

On the first day, we set up the tent and prepared for camping before dusk. Since both Nero and I were still considered children, it seemed they decided to rest early.

I felt like I was completely holding them back. I felt quite apologetic.

The tent was, of course, for cold protection. With the magic stone heater in my pocket, it wasn’t cold at night. Although the magic stone heater was a spur-of-the-moment creation, it proved to be more useful than expected. The knights also managed to get through the night without freezing, and they moved energetically the next morning.

We continued to move, taking breaks. Along the way, Snow Wolves attacked several times, but the knights took care of all of them. Of course, I didn’t have to take part. Well, that’s how it usually is.

As I watched the knights work with relief, we eventually reached our destination.

“We’ll set up the base from now on, so please rest for a while.”

“That’s fine, but are you only going to set up the tent? The altitude is a bit higher, so won’t it be cold at night?”

“Don’t worry. A mage will create a barrier around the area to protect us from the wind and monster attacks. We’ll also keep a fire burning throughout the night.”

The knight clenched his fist as he said this. I see. As expected of the knights. They seem to make full use of whatever they can. In that case…

“I’ll help too. I don’t want to be told, ‘What was the point of coming along?’”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

The knight looked puzzled. However, perhaps he appreciated my sincerity, as he led me to where Lionel was working.

“Lionel, I’ve come to help.”

“Julius-sama, you don’t need to go out of your way…”

“It’s fine. I just want to do it myself. Well, first, let’s start by cutting down those obstructive trees.”

“Ah, yes.”

Ignoring Lionel’s confusion, I headed to the work site. There, the knights were discussing which trees to cut down, each holding an axe. There didn’t seem to be many axes. Well, that makes sense. It’s easier to move with fewer supplies on an expedition.

“Are we cutting down the trees marked with that symbol?”

“Isn’t it Julius-sama? Yes, that’s right. It’s dangerous, so please stay away.”

“No, I can’t do that. I’m good at cutting trees. Leave it to me. Wind Blade!”

With a gust of wind, the trees fell one after another. The knights stared in astonishment. Lionel hurried over, and Nero began writing something in his notebook. It was all quite busy. But we need to hurry; the sun is going down.

“Julius-sama! Oh, every time I turn my back, it’s like this.”

“Wow, Lionel is actually complaining for once.”

“Please, not now. Someone, move those fallen trees. And call the mages over here.”

“Ha ha ha, there’s no need for that, Lionel. Wind Sword!”

“Stop it already.”

Using a combination of the [Craft] skill and magic, I turned the fallen trees into wooden planks. I then crafted them into doors and windows using a joinery technique. It was my first time combining magic and skill like this, but it went more smoothly than expected. It may not work indoors, but it’s perfectly usable outside.

“Julius, what is this?”

“Cain-niisan! This is what happens when you cut down the trees and then use magic to cut them, followed by processing them with the skill.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Yes! It was easier than I thought. With this, we can… Earth Wall!”

An earth wall appeared surrounding the space created by the Wind Blade. Although it lacked a ceiling, it should be enough to protect us from the wind and monsters. Additionally, it prevents the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from cooking inside.

Since I was creating holes for doors and windows, all that’s left is to fit the parts I made into them. This is perfect for an improvised base. I’m a bit scared of my own talent.

“Come on, stop standing around. Install those doors and windows in the holes I’ve made.”

“Y-yes, right away!”

The knights moved swiftly to begin their work. Watching them, I realized something was missing.

“Lionel, we need a stove, right?”

“Julius-sama…”

“It’s okay. Leave it to me. I’ve seen stoves in the kitchen!”

“Julius-sama! Cain-sama, please stop Julius-sama. He might be possessed by something strange!”

“What are you saying…”

“Gaia Control!”

“What’s going on… wait, the wall is already up!”

Ignoring the astonished mages, I set about making the stove. Three sets should be enough. Next, if they flatten the uneven ground and set up the tent, everything will be perfect. We’ve secured a safe and comfortable sleeping area.

Fabienne, I’m doing my best!

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