Chapter 2: Footprints in the Snow

“We should have brick buildings. Log cabins are fine, but they get too cold.”

“Yeah, maybe something this size will do.”

“If it’s too big, there won’t be any space left outside for camping.”

Inside the log cabin set up at the “Deep Surveillance Outpost,” we finally arrived and found ourselves somewhat troubled by the lack of facilities.

Well, we can’t really complain since we had it made as we pleased.

“First, we need a fireplace. And let’s make it two stories.”

“Good idea. We should make the ground floor spacious with a reception area and a rest area.”

“Yeah. And the staff quarters will be on the second floor. It would be good to have faucet magic artifacts in case there are no mages available.”

We jot down the necessary items on parchment. Over the past six months, I’ve become quite proficient in reading and writing Kingdom script, thanks to the patient teachings of Rolo and Fimia.

“What about food?”

“It’ll mainly be preserved food, but we could also ask adventurers to share monster game. The guild can bear that expense.”

“It seems quite challenging to have a manned surveillance outpost.”

Rolo sighs, and I respond with a light laugh.

“Well, it’s like building a house right in the middle of a dungeon.”

“Now that you mention it, it does seem like that. I wonder if anyone would be willing to stay here.”

“What, you think I wouldn’t? I’ll be the first to take up residence.”

Rolo furrows his brow at my words.

Hey now, don’t ruin the moment, handsome.

“Jurg, you always…”

“It’s not like I’m saying it out of consideration for the villagers. It just seems interesting.”

“Interesting?”

“Yeah. Living right in the heart of the unexplored region, with the entrance to the dungeon right nearby. It’s the perfect location for adventurers.”

As I talk, Rolo opens his mouth in surprise, then immediately bursts into laughter.

“You’re unbelievable! Well, I understand. Then maybe I’ll join you.”

“Oh, that’s great. It’ll be the most fun with you, Rolo.”

“For the sake of practice, we should also think about today’s preparations.”

Rolo smiles slightly, gesturing to the empty log cabin.

It’s not exactly the most comfortable, but it’s better than a tent. Still, there’s really nothing here. While it’s not inconvenient for camping, setting up a resident here would indeed require quite a bit of maintenance.

I should consult with Saran and Kati.

“For now, sleeping bags will do. Should we start a fire outside for cooking?”

“Yeah, let’s do it before it gets dark.”

Nodding, Rolo takes out some tools from our luggage.

Is it just my imagination, or does he seem a little happy?

Well, I’m looking forward to camping with my best friend too.

Although we’re not here just for fun, it’s been a while since we’ve had the chance.

It wouldn’t be bad to have some idle chatter in a place where no one can hear us.

“Alright, I’ll go pick up some firewood.”

“I’ll prepare the fire. Leave it to me.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

I nod to Rolo and step outside. The snow isn’t too thick, but it reaches up to my ankles, covering the forest in a blanket of white.

It’s hard to spot camouflaged monsters.

Even though I’m here to pick up firewood, I can’t let my guard down.

◆◆◆

“Hmm…?”

After walking through the forest for a while collecting firewood, I notice something odd.

Footprints on the snow—human footprints.

They’re somewhat faded, but there’s no mistaking it.

Even as a scout, I can distinguish between monster and human footprints.

Well, with how faint they are, it could also be the possibility of Borgul.

Either way, I should share this with Rolo when I get back.

If it’s Borguls, we can just eliminate them. If it’s humans, they might come to the “Deep Surveillance Outpost.”

The sun is starting to set.

Navigating through the chilling snowstorm in the unexplored region with poor visibility back to Malhas… that’s practically suicidal.

From the stride, the person’s stature doesn’t seem to be that tall. If anything, they’re rather small. However, what’s puzzling is that their direction isn’t consistent. It’s almost like they’re observing the “Deep Surveillance Outpost.”

“Well, this seems fishy.”

I quicken my pace and hurry back to where Rolo is waiting at the outpost. The footprints are no longer visible, but they’re bothering me.

If someone is at the “Deep Surveillance Outpost,” that’s fine. But if not, we need to be cautious.

“Rolo!”

“Welcome back, Jurg. …What’s wrong? You look worried.”

“Did someone come?”

“No, I haven’t seen anyone?”

After his response, Rolo’s expression suddenly turns serious.

“Something happened, didn’t it?”

“There were footprints. Probably human.”

“…! This is the deep part, you know? Besides us, there shouldn’t be anyone…”

“Yeah. That’s why we might need to be cautious. It was clumsy enough to leave footprints, but their movements seemed like they were checking us out.”

Nodding to my words, Rolo points his finger. A small red light spreads faintly around and quietly disappears.

“Just in case, I cast the ‘Warning Alert’ spell. I’ll let you know if anything happens.”

“Yeah, I appreciate it. Seriously, whoever it is, they’re interrupting our date.”

Rolo chuckles at my complaint.

“If it’s a human, they’ll show themselves, for sure. The unexplored region in winter is too dangerous.”

“Yeah. Starving to death is a real possibility there.”

As night falls, the temperature drops, snow falls, and in some cases, it turns into a blizzard. Plus, the movements of monsters become more active, making it quite dangerous.

Even I don’t want to leave the “Deep Surveillance Outpost” during winter nights.

“Anyway, let’s have dinner. I brought some sake.”

“Oh, nice. Sake in a quiet place with a view of the snow is quite charming.”

“Even though we can sense the presence of monsters around.”

I smile back at Rolo’s wry expression.

“That’s what makes it even better, isn’t it? It’s quite rare, you know? Such opportunities.”

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