Kays Translations

Chapter 306: Strategy Meeting in the Snowy Mountains

"How many people here have the 'Magic Detection' skill, Lionel?"

It was a relatively rare skill, but with this many people, surely there had to be at least one. Lionel's dark expression made me wonder whether there were none at all.

"One person."

At Lionel's indication, a single mage raised a hand. So there was only one. With me included, that made two. If we paired with knights who had the 'Search' skill, a thorough investigation should be possible.

The question is whether I can join in.

"Lionel, I also have the 'Magic Detection' skill. I'll join the investigation tomorrow."

"But—"

"Once spring arrives, the Snow Worm will burrow into the ground and wait for next winter, right? Then the same thing will happen again. Next time, the monsters driven from the Cassius Mountains might attack a village at the foot of the mountains. We have to stop that now."

Lionel closed his eyes and considered my words. He had to understand that the more people we had searching, the better. We could remain here only for a limited time, so if we were going to act, it was best to resolve the matter quickly.

"I understand. However, please make sure you don't leave my side."

"Julius, I'll go too."

"No! What if you get dragged into danger, Brother Cain?"

"Then put safety first so that I don't have to intervene."

Lionel did not object, so he apparently agreed with Brother Cain. In other words, they believed I would avoid reckless behaviour if Brother Cain stayed beside me.

Of course, I don’t intend to act recklessly, but I think I can defeat the Snow Worm without too much trouble.

The method I’m considering isn’t something that can be used in the game, but it should work in the real world. The Snow Worm moves quickly through the snow, but it doesn’t move in the same way through the soil.

If it could move through soil as freely as it moved through snow, it would not need to burrow underground from spring until the following winter. It could simply emerge from the ground whenever it pleased. Since it did not, soil must greatly restrict its movement.

If we melted the surrounding snow, we could drastically reduce its mobility. Its enormous body would also be exposed, making it much easier to fight.

Yes. The more I think about it, the more feasible it seems.

"What’s wrong, Julius? Why are you grinning?"

"I just thought of a good plan."

"Oh? I'm curious."

Everyone's attention turned to me again. When I explained the plan, the mages stared in astonishment, but no one objected.

"But there is one issue…"

"An issue?"

"Yes. I’m concerned that melting the surrounding snow might cause an avalanche…"

When I mentioned that concern and looked towards the Snow Spirit, the spirit confidently thumped a fist against the white-masked chest.

"That’s where I come in, right? Leave the snow to me. I’ll make sure the snow doesn’t move."

"Thank you. After the operation is complete, I’d like to have snow piled up at that location, if possible. Can I count on you for that?"

"Leave it to me. Two bags of dried fruit will do."

"Ah, thank you."

The Snow Spirit seemed extremely fond of dried fruit. If two bags were enough, that was a very reasonable price. Everyone's expressions brightened; the operation now seemed feasible.

The following day, the entire investigation team would take part in the search, accompanied by the Snow Spirit. The Snow Spirit was unquestionably the key to the operation.

At dawn, the investigation began. We followed the tracks left by the earlier search teams. If a Snow Worm had passed through an area, those tracks should have vanished, confirming that one was nearby.

While I was investigating beside Lionel, he received a telepathic message and began responding urgently.

"Just as Lord Julius predicted, a Snow Worm appears to be here. One team found tracks that end abruptly."

"I see. It’s good that we discovered this before any damage was done. Let’s head there as well."

"Hold on, Julius. First, we should return everyone to the base and formulate a strategy."

"Lord Cain is right. Advancing without a plan would be too dangerous."

"Got it. We’ll head back right away."

Lionel had already sent the necessary telepathic messages. By the time we returned to the base, the other search teams had also arrived.

I had a tendency to try to solve everything alone. I needed to rely on others more. Even if I could handle most things myself, continuing that way would eventually leave me vulnerable when something unexpected happened.

The strategy meeting began over lunch. We drew a simple map of the surrounding area and marked the relevant locations. The Snow Worm appeared to be hiding in an area with little vegetation.

"I believe melting the snow in this entire area will give us an advantage in the battle."

"I haven’t heard of anyone fighting a Snow Worm on the ground before."

"Normally, battles would be fought on the snow. The idea of melting the snow might not have occurred to them."

The knights exchanged opinions. To prevent the Snow Worm from escaping, we needed to melt as much of the surrounding snow as possible. Fortunately, there were no trees nearby, so the mages could use fire magic without worrying about starting a forest fire.

Once we confirmed the location and strategy, we finished our lunch and headed straight to the site.

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