Kays Translations

Chapter 307: Snow Worm Subjugation Battle

The place where the tracks disappeared was covered in pristine white snow. Only a few scattered trees stood nearby, and there were no signs of any living creature.

"Indeed, the tracks in that area have disappeared."

In the direction Brother Cain indicated, several sets of tracks ended abruptly. The Snow Worm's passage beneath the surface must have churned the snow and erased them.

"But there’s no sign of the Snow Worm anywhere."

"Over there, Brother Cain. That patch of snow is slightly more raised than the area around it. Can't you see it?"

"Really? I can’t tell at all."

I could distinguish it clearly thanks to my 'Magic Detection' skill. The Snow Worm seemed to be lying in wait for us to approach.

Whenever the Snow Worm moved, the snow around it would shift and reveal its position. The creature apparently understood that and was remaining motionless.

Lionel checked the location with the mage who possessed 'Magic Detection'. Knights with the 'Search' skill joined them, and together they carefully pinpointed the target.

"We'll melt the snow around that point with fire magic. The mages will then remain on standby. Once the Snow Worm is exposed, the knights will attack. It may move more slowly on bare ground, but do not let your guard down."

"Understood."

The knights answered in unison, and I heard Brother Cain among them. I turned towards him in shock.

"Brother Cain is fighting too!?"

"What are you talking about? Of course I am."

"Lord Cain… It seems there is no point trying to stop you."

"Of course. I also want to show Julius what I can do."

I already knew how capable Brother Cain was, so I would rather he did nothing reckless. Still, it might be a bit of a problem if he returned home without doing anything at all.

He probably needed some kind of achievement to his name. In the future, when Brother Cain became the one to lead the knights, having fought alongside them here would build a strong bond of trust.

That left one thing for me to do. I would quietly cast defensive magic to keep Brother Cain from being injured. 'Magic Armour' increased a person's defence with mana and was normally invisible.

Or so I thought. The instant I cast it, the mage with 'Magic Detection' flinched. Of course—they could see it. I quickly drew the mage away from the others.

"You didn't see anything. Understood?"

"Of course. I saw nothing. Um… that was 'Magic Armour', wasn't it?"

"Yes. Since you've already noticed, I might as well cast it on everyone."

I cast 'Magic Armour' on everyone present. The mage gave a small gasp, then wisely covered their mouth with both hands.

"Lord Julius, is something wrong?"

Lionel approached with a smile that did not reach his eyes. His expression plainly asked whether I had done something again. This seemed like a good opportunity to bring him into the secret before matters became worse.

"Lionel, can I have a word with you?"

I explained that I had cast 'Magic Armour' on everyone. Lionel was surprised, but eventually accepted it with a sigh.

"Why not use it openly instead of sneaking around?"

"Well, I thought standing out too much might not be good."

"Isn’t that judgement a bit too late?"

Was he perhaps a little angry? Ahaha. Lately, even I’d started thinking that my judgement might be a little slow. Lionel said nothing more and returned to the others. We followed him back.

By the time we rejoined the group, the operation was ready to begin. Because the mages needed a clear line for their fire magic, we could not completely surround the Snow Worm. The knights would have to prevent it from escaping through the open side.

It seemed best to melt as much snow as possible.

"Start the operation."

At Lionel's ringing command, the mages began their incantations. I timed my spell to theirs. The moment their chants ended, they released their magic together, and I quietly added my own.

"Overheat!"

Fire magic struck the target area and began melting the snow. Then, not merely the targeted patch, but all the snow as far as the eye could see melted in an instant. The Snow Worm would no longer be able to escape so easily beneath the snow.

Maybe I got a little too carried away? Teehee. Ah, Lionel was staring at me with a deep crease between his brows. That look said he was completely convinced I was the one responsible.

"The Snow Worm is coming out. All units, engage in combat! Charge!"

At Lionel's command, the knights charged with a roar. Exposed on the bare ground, the bewildered Snow Worm had stopped moving.

Its body was roughly two metres thick and perhaps thirty metres long. Frankly, it was revolting. I could hardly believe the knights were willing to face it directly; I certainly was not.

A sinister liquid gushed from each wound. Ugh. Fortunately, 'Magic Armour' repelled it before it could touch the knights.

Several knights tilted their heads in confusion. Focus on the battle! Focus! Lionel noticed and roared at them angrily. I was definitely going to be scolded later. Heaven help me.

As for Brother Cain… he was carving into the Snow Worm with a delighted smile. He had completely abandoned any concern about getting dirty, which was worrying in its own way.

The Snow Worm was defeated with surprising speed. Once deprived of the snow that protected its body and movement, it was far less formidable. No wonder it remained dormant underground until winter.

When the knights recovered the magic stones, snow began to fall in the area where the ground was exposed.

"Thank you, Snow Spirit."

"Think nothing of it. My power was hardly needed, was it?"

"…"

There was magic capable of producing snow, but if I used it, everyone would start saying that Julius could control the weather. Whether the Snow Spirit understood my predicament or not, the spirit laughed heartily.

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