Kays Translations

Chapter 304: The Snow Spirit Appears!

The next morning dawned clear, and warm light poured through the open roof. The mountain investigation should proceed smoothly in this weather. I wanted to join it as well; with the ‘Exploration’ skill, I could help find anomalies more quickly.

Some knights also possessed the ‘Exploration’ skill, and one of them had joined this expedition. Even so, having another person search the surroundings could only help.

“Lionel.”

“No.”

He refused before I had even finished speaking. How did he know what I meant to ask? Beside me, Brother Cain wore a similarly frustrated expression. He had probably intended to make the same request. As expected of brothers.

When the final equipment check for the investigation team was completed and it was time to set off, it happened.

“L-Lord Julius, someone has come to see you… They are waiting outside.”

“What? In such a remote mountain?”

“Yes.”

The knight looked extremely reluctant. Lionel’s face tightened as though he had sensed something unusual, while Brother Cain tilted his head in confusion. There was no point remaining inside, so I headed for the entrance with Lionel, Brother Cain and Nero behind me.

“Oh, my friend. You have grown stronger.”

“Snow Spirit, it has only been half a year since we last met. People do not change that quickly.”

“Is that so? Ha ha ha.”

The knights’ faces turned pale when they heard me address the visitor as the Snow Spirit. That was understandable: a bipedal turtle wearing a white mask looked thoroughly suspicious. Come to think of it, none of the knights had been present when the River Spirit visited House Heine either.

And it seems that none of the knights who escorted us from the capital to the domain are among us. Could it be that they’ve been dismissed? If that’s the case, it’s partly my fault as well.

Oh, but I need to focus on the Snow Spirit in front of me right now. I can worry about that later.

“Please come in. It must be cold outside.”

“Thank you. Are you heading out for an investigation?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Hm.”

The Snow Spirit seemed to be deep in thought. Perhaps they know the cause of the anomaly? If so, it would make things quicker. With hope in my heart, I looked at the Snow Spirit. They really do look like a perverted old man, though.

“How do you plan to keep in contact?”

The Snow Spirit turned their gaze towards Lionel, who stepped forward from behind me.

“We are supposed to return here and report before dusk.”

“I see. So if something happens on the way, there will be no way to contact you?”

“That’s correct.”

“Then I shall connect several of you.”

The Snow Spirit indicated Lionel and the investigation units preparing to depart. The knights looked thoroughly confused. They had no concept of telephones or group communication, so their reaction was understandable. In the game, parties could communicate through group chat; I was curious how the Snow Spirit’s power would work here.

“Snow Spirit, could you explain a bit more?”

“I possess telepathy—the ability to communicate with people at a distance. I can temporarily share that ability with several people here.”

“Oh!”

Excitement swept through the base, and everyone soon gathered around. The mages were especially interested, no doubt wondering whether the effect could be reproduced through magic. Such a spell would be extremely useful.

“But it’s impossible to include everyone. Please select a few.”

“Understood. Then, this person, and this person…”

Lionel selected himself and the leaders of the four investigation units. It was the safest choice and should prevent any problems. I was a little disappointed not to be chosen, and Brother Cain looked equally dissatisfied.

The Snow Spirit temporarily granted them telepathy and taught them how to use it. The mages experimented eagerly, but it appeared to be a power unique to spirits and unlikely to be reproduced through human magic.

“Thanks to the Snow Spirit, our preparations are complete. This will be a difficult mission, but carry it out carefully.”

“Understood!”

The four investigation units headed into the snowy mountains one after another. Those remaining at the base watched until they disappeared from view.

Back at the base, we gathered around the fire.

“Snow Spirit, do you have any idea about the anomaly?”

“Well, I’ve considered it, but I have no clue. My responsibility covers all areas where snow falls. It’s not just here; the range is too vast. Avalanches and such are happening everywhere.”

I see. The range is so broad that it’s hard to pinpoint what’s abnormal. If I were to ask, I should have inquired with the spirit of the Cassius Mountains. Though, I’m not sure if such a spirit exists.

The first day ended without any significant discoveries. I was relieved that everyone returned safely, but their reports contained one unsettling detail.

“Have you not seen any monsters? That’s certainly odd.”

Lionel frowned as he considered the reports. The Cassius Mountains were home to many kinds of monsters besides Snow Wolves, so seeing none at all was highly unusual.

“Yes. But it’s also true that we were able to return without having to engage in combat, thanks to that.”

One of the unit leaders pointed this out. The obvious possibility was that the Snow Spirit had driven the monsters away. Since everyone else seemed reluctant to ask, I did so without hesitation.

“Snow Spirit, have you done something?”

“No, nothing. All I can do is manage the snow. Unless it’s something significant, I don’t deal with monsters.”

That was an unsettling remark. The Snow Spirit normally avoided interfering with monsters, but might act if something serious occurred. Such power could cause tremendous damage, so relying on it had to remain a last resort—and preferably one we never used.

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