Chapter 306: Strategy Meeting on the Snowy Mountain

“How many people here can sense magical power, Lionel?”

It’s a somewhat rare skill, but with this many people, there shouldn’t be zero. However, Lionel’s expression is dark. Could it be that there are none?

“One person.”

When Lionel glanced in the direction he indicated, a single mage raised their hand. It seems that it’s just him. With me, that makes two of us. It seems like it might be possible if we pair up with people who have the ‘Search’ skill and conduct the search.

The question is whether I can join in.

“Lionel, actually, I can also sense magical power. I’ll join the investigation starting tomorrow.”

“But—”

“By spring, the Snow Worm will be waiting in the ground for the next winter, right? It’ll just repeat the same thing. Next time, the monsters living in the Cassius Mountains might attack a village at the foot of the mountain. We can only prevent that now.”

Lionel closes his eyes and begins to think. He should understand that having more people for the investigation is better. The time we can stay here is limited. It’s better to settle this quickly if we’re going to do it.

“I understand. However, please make sure you don’t leave my side.”

“Julius, I’ll go too.”

“No! What if you get involved, Cain-niisan?”

“In that case, make sure to act with safety first so that I don’t get involved.”

Seeing that Lionel doesn’t argue, it seems he shares the same thoughts as Cain-niisan. In other words, if Cain-niisan is nearby, I won’t do anything reckless.

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 the soil like it does through the snow, it wouldn’t need to wait in the soil from spring to winter. It could just pop out from the ground. If it can’t do that, then that’s probably the case.

So, if we melt the surrounding snow, I think we can significantly reduce its mobility. Additionally, its giant body will be exposed, making the battle easier.

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 turns to me again. When I shared the plan I had come up with, the mages were stunned. However, no one argued against it.

“But there is one issue…”

“An issue?”

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

As I said this and looked at the snow spirit, it thumped its chest confidently.

“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.”

It seems that the snow spirit is very fond of dried fruit. If two bags are enough, that’s quite reasonable. Everyone’s expressions brightened. With this, things should go smoothly.

Starting tomorrow, the entire investigation team will head out for the search, and of course, the snow spirit will join as well. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s the key to this operation.

As dawn breaks, the investigation begins. Today, we are to follow the tracks left by the search team up until recently. If the Snow Worm has passed through, the tracks should be gone. Finding them will confirm whether the Snow Worm is indeed in this area.

While investigating with Lionel, it seems he received a telepathic message. He appears to be discussing something urgently.

“Just as Julius-sama predicted, the Snow Worm seems to be here. They’ve found broken tracks.”

“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.”

“Cain-sama is right. Heading out without a plan is too dangerous.”

“Got it. We’ll head back right away.”

It seems Lionel had already sent out the necessary communications. By the time we returned to the base, the other search teams had also come back.

It seems I have a tendency to want to solve everything on my own. I need to be careful about this. I should rely on others more. Even if I can do everything by myself, if I continue to do so, I will eventually be caught off guard somewhere along the way.

The strategy meeting began over lunch. A simple map of the surrounding area was created, and general markings were made. It seems the Snow Worm is 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 were exchanging various opinions. To prevent the Snow Worm from escaping, it would be best to melt as much of the surrounding snow as possible. It’s fortunate that there are no trees around. This way, the mages should be able to use fire-based magic without worrying about the surroundings.

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

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