Chapter 142. Kaldrach de Adratan (1)

As the night deepened, the temperature of the Blizzard Forest began to drop sharply.

The already cold weather turned so frigid that one's breath would freeze, and outside the window, a snowstorm raged true to its name.

Brrrrrr...

Among us, Felkhor was the most susceptible to the cold. Such a sight...

It must not be easy to look so pitiful and miserable.

Normally, we would have lit a fire to maintain body temperature, but in a situation where we had to avoid pursuit, the principles of "Camouflage and Blackout" were a must.

'Tsk.'

Wasn't it basic of all basics?

Fortunately, I wasn't very prone to the cold.

'Well.'

From the beginning, not feeling the heat and being insensitive to pain seemed to be due to this fellow's inherent disposition, but at times like this, it felt fortunate.

"Felkhor seems to be very sensitive to the cold. Well, having no hair on your head would naturally make you colder."

"You... damn bastard. What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Hehe."

When Felkhor erupted in anger, Zahard chuckled quietly. It was astonishing how a blind man could tease so effectively.

'He seems to enjoy it, surprisingly.'

"You... if we finish this mission, I'll make sure to end your life with my own hands... Grrr."

Whether from the cold or from anger, Felkhor cursed, his face flushed red, trembling as he spewed abuse.

"Anyway, Sir Yulian...?"

"Yes, what is it?"

I turned my attention to the trembling Felkhor who called for me.

"The, the demon... the demon escaped today, didn't it?"

"Yes."

"...... Then, what should we do now?"

What else? We must find it again.

Fortunately, we didn't need to go out of our way to find the 'one-armed demon'.

'Though the schedule has gone off track.'

We knew its exact location.

Normally, encountering the 'one-armed demon' like this was unusual.

Perhaps, because of being in the company of 'Zahard', this mishap occurred.

The reason the creature was in the Blizzard Forest, to begin with, was to devour the witch and absorb 'demonic energy'.

Despite hesitating to resort to cannibalism, demons had a tendency to try to absorb 'demonic energy' in situations where they didn't suffer injuries.

Sometimes, they engaged in fights to devour each other, at times incurring fatal injuries that couldn't be healed.

Of course, they healed using the demonic energy from devouring, but at times the quantity was insufficient, and it wasn't uncommon to gain nothing.

Thus, a 'witch' who could allow absorbing a lot of 'demonic energy' 'easily' would be a great way to gain power without injury.

'Moreover, the witch is currently stuck in the Blizzard Forest for some time.'

Thanks to that, it was possible to pinpoint the location of the one-armed demon.

Undoubtedly, it would be trying to locate the witch, so its position.

At the ridge where it could overlook this 'Blizzard Forest' at a glance.

There, the creature would use its specialty 'propagation' to locate its prey.

'The reason Kaldrach is fervent about capturing the one-armed demon is likely related to the witch.'

I don't know how this situation unfolded, but the two had joined hands.

Furthermore, it's just my guess, but the 'witch' might have demanded the capture of the one-armed demon from Kaldrach for research purposes, disregarding her life.

That much could be understood. However, the most puzzling aspect is...

'How did he meet the witch?'

The barrier within the Blizzard Forest was an awful piece of work. Even seasoned players couldn't navigate it easily.

There was a strategy that existed, but it was one that required banging one's head numerous times to find out.

In other words, it was only possible for players.

'Save Load Mastery.'

In the original, meeting the Blizzard Forest witch and seeking her cooperation required 'Save Load' as an absolute necessity.

So much so that the developers tuned the difficulty targeting that, and even game dialogue scripts would alter accordingly.

Of course, dedicated users who had played the game numerous times could solve it purely with experience without such 'standard methods'.

'I was one of those cases.'

Thinking about it like this, I really did play hard.

Looking back now... Why was I so engrossed in such a game...

"It seems like it's time for you to return..."

Felkhor, who seemed desperate to return to the capital, was still trembling with cold.

But why is he so cold, wasn't he born here?

Oh! Too cold... couldn't live with it.

That's why he ran away, didn't he?

'...... Well, going back is also an option. I'm not particularly connected with the one-armed demon, am I?'

If, after leaving it alone, nothing happens, I would want to just leave.

Such matters are a hassle!

But since I couldn't say that outright,

"Although it is the Northern Front, having witnessed a demon prowling within the Empire, as someone famed for demon hunting, we cannot stand idly by, can we?"

I acted with the same self-loving 'Yulian' style. It came out very naturally.

"Moreover, we know the location of the one-armed demon. Even if we didn't, Sir Zahard?"

Glancing at him, he flinched as if my gaze was grotesque.

"You can find it with your aura, so there's relief, indeed."

Saying so, I looked over at Felkhor and Zahard.

"By the way, it's time to assign the night watch."

In a forest where demons roamed,

Sleeping without a night watch in such a place was nothing short of suicide.

The keen senses of 'Yulian' would alert him to any demonic approach even in sleep.

'...... Although I've never tried it.'

While I know it's 'possible,' I wasn't certain how it would 'apply.'

When you're aware that putting your hand into the fire wouldn't harm you, the first attempt is always met with apprehension, isn't it?

Besides, a sufficient sleep is also for my mental health.

Therefore, you guys will set the night watch.

***

By dawn, the snowstorm had intensified.

Even seeing an inch ahead was challenging, and sounds were often buried by the fierce blizzard.

"Gruuhhh..."

Above the noise of such a raging blizzard, Felkhor's loud snoring resounded vibrantly.

If a demon approached drawn by that noise,

'That guy's life, heh. I couldn't guarantee it.'

"With a snowstorm like this, the demon wouldn't be able to move, either."

While strongly tempted to just throw a blanket over his face, Zahard initiated the conversation.

"If you don't rest now, tomorrow you might err as you did today."

"That won't happen. I've steadied my mind."

Good, then.

If such a misunderstanding happened again, demon or not, my sword might find its way toward Zahard.

"I am fine, so how about you take a rest instead? That seems wiser."

"Regrettably, I require little sleep. Unlike you folks, my body isn't frail."

"Hehe."

My answer prompted a chuckle from Zahard.

"Still, getting some sleep is advisable. No one seems to be approaching, so there's no need to stay awake, is there?"

"No one, huh...."

I murmured to myself.

At first, Zahard seemed unable to understand what that meant.

"...... Hm?"

Soon after, understanding dawned, and he laid a hand on the staff lying beside him.

"...... To have come through this blizzard, how?"

There was the presence of two individuals approaching the decrepit house.

Contrary to Zahard's sentiment, they were coming as if the snowstorm meant nothing.

As if the storm was casually being cleared for them.

"The witch, it seems."

"...... The witch? You mean the 'Blizzard Forest Witch'?"

"If not her, then who could it be, in this place, in this weather?"

The issue now was the individual accompanying the witch.

'Seems he's stepping in personally?'

Ever since releasing the Wedge Knights and stationing them throughout the Blizzard Forest, not to mention having academy students participate in the search, I had foreseen this occurrence.

'Kaldrach de Adratan.'

The 3rd prince himself had arrived here.

Creak.

The door opened.

Contrary to Prince Eulsis, a robust man with a solid physique entered, accompanied by a petite woman.

"I greet the noble sun."

Upon seeing the prince, etiquette was mandatory.

As an Imperial citizen, I kneeled to pay respects to Kaldrach.

At the same time, I noted how he managed to come through this harsh cold without a change in complexion.

I noticed a familiar styled ring.

'Snow Rabbit's Ring.'

Was it him who took it?

"I've come to confirm the identity of the intruders in Blizzard Forest, but I see familiar faces."

Kaldrach began, his tone surprisingly composed, contrary to his sturdy build.

Hearing his voice, unlike me showing respect, Zahard's expression crumpled.

"...... Prince Kaldrach."

Huh, perhaps there's some history between the two?

Little respect was shown, hinting their relationship might not be amicable.

"Zahard and Sir Yulian. It's been quite a while."

"Why has Your Highness come here...?"

"Do not be alarmed. Although it was unexpected to see old comrades under such circumstances, I haven't come to capture you."

Kaldrach displayed a kind smile.

However, being aware of the sharp sword hidden beneath that gentleness.

"...... Then, is Your Highness here to converse?"

"Yes."

"To say anything through such a blizzard?"

Once initially taken aback, Zahard started calming down, as his tone gradually became tempered.

Soon he began measuring distance with the opponent and being cautious to prepare for unexpected occurrences.

"The Wedge Knights aren't with you, it seems."

Using his aura to scan the surroundings, Zahard barely whispered to me.

Someone without the caliber of the Witch would find it difficult moving through such a blizzard. It'd be harder without relics like the 'Snow Rabbit's Ring', indeed.

"I have something simple to say."

As previously mentioned by Kaldrach, it appeared he didn't come with the intention of fighting.

Taking a brief glance at the woman beside him, the 'Witch,' he returned his gaze to us before speaking.

"Once the day breaks, I wish for your departure from Blizzard Forest. We will handle the demon."

Handling it, huh? If it entails 'slaying' the demon, I too wouldn't mind leaving.

"That's not feasible, Your Highness."

Zahard flatly rejected.

Kaldrach's intent was the 'capture' of the demon. I knew that through what Rinne had conveyed.

Our ultimate objective was the eradication of the 'one-armed demon'. No room for negotiation involving mere capture.

"Zahard, it seems you misunderstand."

"What do you mean?"

"This isn't a negotiation, dear Zahard. Merely a notice, something akin to heeding our old connections,"

Kaldrach offered a relaxed smile.

"The location being exposed means retreat is necessary, dear friends. I doubt any could evade the pursuit within the harrowing snowstorm to slay the demon."

...... It'd indeed be laborious.

An impossible feat perhaps.

"That is......"

"Zahard, dear comrade from the northern frontlines. It's enough now. Sir Yulian, I won't pursue the matter further; why not retreat?"

Faced repeatedly with such pleas, Zahard appeared conflicted.

Unyielding in eliminating the one-armed demon, yet concerned about what might unfold should he refuse Kaldrach's words now.

'Given the Witch's cooperation, progressing undetected was indeed an impossibility.'

The Northern Front was undoubtedly under his sway, and he'd likely claim ownership of this Blizzard Forest too.

Worst-case scenario.

"Your Imperial Sun, though impertinent, may I speak?"

"Go ahead, Sir Yulian."

"Was it due unforeseen matters that Your Highness must halt the search of Blizzard Forest?"

Fortunately, even in the face of such an unfavorable situation, a path seemed to unveil.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.