Kays Translations

Chapter 305: Snow Worm

The exchange of information among the knights continued. While individual squads might not grasp the whole picture, combining information from all the teams might reveal something.

“There must be a reason for the absence of monsters.”

“However, no abnormalities were observed in the mountains.”

“There were no fallen trees or suspicious footprints. Though, footprints might be quickly covered by snow.”

“That possibility is low.”

The Snow Spirit spoke up. Attention shifted towards them.

“I’ve ensured that no snow has fallen in this area for a while. If there were footprints, they should remain.”

A small murmur of amazement arose. As expected from a spirit, the ability to control natural phenomena is impressive. It would be a mistake to make an enemy of such a being. They must be treated with respect.

“Then, could it be that the monsters have all moved from the mountain to the foothills?”

“That would imply a major migration. If that’s the case, there should already be some reports of damage somewhere.”

Lionel looked grim. It seems they haven’t received such a report yet, but hearing the investigation team’s accounts, he probably thinks it’s only a matter of time.

“Then, what if they moved to the other side of the mountain? That way, there wouldn’t be any monster damage on this side.”

Cain-niisan’s suggestion does have some merit. If the monsters moved to the other side of the mountain, it would mean they are now appearing within the domain. But there are still uncertainties. The reason for such movement is unclear. One possibility is that a powerful monster has appeared in the Cassius Mountains.

If such a monster existed, there should be some traces of it.

“There might be a strong monster somewhere in the Cassius Mountains.”

“That’s a high possibility. The investigation starting tomorrow will need to be conducted more cautiously. However, this means it will take more time.”

Lionel pondered deeply. Although the base was well-fortified, food supplies were limited. As a new directive, it was decided that even if traces were found, no single squad would follow them alone.

Fortunately, we had the Snow Spirit-sama’s telepathy. There was no need to overexert ourselves. Besides, provoking the monsters and causing them to head towards the village at the foothill would be disastrous. The monsters driven away could swarm the village.

The next day, the search range was expanded further, but still, no traces were found. Everyone was at a loss.

“Could it be that the moved monsters went over to the other side of the Cassius Mountains?”

“That would be troublesome. If they return to this area, similar issues could arise repeatedly, and who knows how many times.”

“There’s also the option of halting the current investigation and conducting a new one after the snow melts.”

A person in a strategical position within the investigation team suggested this. It makes sense; if there are no targets, staying too long is unnecessary. It’s better to wrap things up early and conserve resources. Supplies are not free.

“Even so, the fact that there are no footprints is strange. Could that really happen?”

Cain-niisan furrowed his brow. Even if monsters are not visible, it seems unlikely for there to be absolutely zero traces. I agree with him.

“It certainly feels odd.”

“The footprints from yesterday’s search, they should have remained, right?”

The investigation team members pondered my question. It seems they hadn’t paid much attention to their own footprints. A bad feeling began to creep in.

“Julius, do you have any ideas?”

“Yes, I’ve thought of one frightening possibility…”

“W-what is it?”

All eyes were on me, and a silence fell over the base. I didn’t expect such intense attention. But this was an issue that needed to be addressed.

“Perhaps, there might be a Snow Worm around.”

“A Snow Worm…”

The faces of everyone present visibly paled at the mention of the Snow Worm. It seems everyone is familiar with it. I’m relieved no one questioned why I knew about such a monster. If they had, I would have explained that I researched it as it could be used as a material for magical potions.

“You really think of frightening things, Julius.”

“Yes, but… there is a considerable possibility. The thickness of the snow. It would be even deeper in the Cassius Mountains.”

“That’s right, leader. Compared to the snow around here, it’s about three times thicker.”

Three times! That would make walking on the snow quite a challenge. I should have prepared a magical potion that allows easy walking on snow.

“This is terrible. Everyone, tomorrow, first check the footprints you made. If they are gone, it’s highly likely that Snow Worms are present. Contact us immediately and return to the base as soon as possible.”

Things are getting urgent. Snow Worms are massive, worm-like monsters that move through the snow. After a Snow Worm passes, the snow is violently disturbed, leaving no traces on the surface.

They open their large mouths to feed, leaving nothing behind on the snow. The absence of any monster or living creature until now might be due to this.

“Lionel, it seems there were no reports of Snow Worms in this area before.”

“Yes. I have never received such reports.”

“Then, did they come from the other side of the Cassius Mountains?”

“There is a high possibility.”

Lionel’s expression darkened. It makes sense; the investigation team might have been swallowed if they had encountered one. Snow Worms require a significant snow thickness to move freely beneath the snow. The larger the individual, the thicker the snow needed.

The thickness here is manageable. If they are present, they are likely not very large, so being swallowed whole is unlikely. However, with three times the thickness, being swallowed whole is a real possibility. If they are lurking beneath the snow, discovery would be extremely difficult. Even with the ‘Detection’ skill, it would require careful observation.

However, if someone has the ‘Magic Detection’ skill, it’s a different story. This skill specializes in locating living beings, whether above ground or underground. We just need to find out if anyone here possesses this skill.

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