“Have you ever encountered Yetis?”
I nodded in response to Colin’s question.
I had encountered them several times while traveling to Norton Village.
They were only about a meter tall, but their strength was undeniable.
Their unknown origin gave them power strong enough to overwhelm most monsters.
It was easy to understand why Yetis dominated the snowy wilderness.
“Take a look at this.”
The map Colin brought showed the geography near the village.
Numerous red dots were marked around the village. They indicated danger zones.
Apart from the village, there was hardly any safe area.
Yetis and Frost Giants roamed everywhere we went.
“Yetis usually gather in groups. They are not as intelligent as humans, but among monsters, they are clever. And they are strong.”
“How do they compare to the village guards?”
“We can handle about six of them. But beyond that, it gets difficult.”
It seemed like I understood why Norton Village had been neglected.
The terrain was rugged, monsters overflowed in the vicinity, and even the weather was erratic.
Calling it a place unfit for human habitation would not be an exaggeration.
“The number of Yetis has been increasing recently.”
I slowly scanned the red dots marked on the map.
Initially, they clustered around the mountains, but gradually they descended from the mountains and gathered in the nearby forests.
It seemed like a deliberate move to encircle the village.
“It’s getting dangerous if left unchecked.”
“Yes. That’s why I want to ask adventurers for help.”
To drive out the Yetis in the forest and protect the village.
It was a simple yet quite complex request.
The details were vague.
The exact number of monsters was not specified.
Many adventurers wouldn’t even bother considering the request based on its description alone.
But I handed the request to Colin without hesitation.
“All right. We’ll take on the request.”
After all, to reach the summit of Mount Norstel, I had to confront countless monsters.
The area around Mount Norstel was essentially a region where monsters had to be rooted out.
Colin stamped the request with a smile.
It meant that I was officially taking on the request from Norton Village.
“We’ll cover the expenses of the inn during the quest. But if you fail, you’ll have to pay compensation according to the procedure, so please be careful.”
“I understand.”
After the formalities were done, Colin dusted off the map lying on the table.
Then she began tidying up with familiar movements.
She wiped the table with a rag and shook the dust off her hands.
She blew out the candles burning on the table.
As the flames disappeared, the interior of the quest center instantly turned dark.
Colin smiled awkwardly.
“Sorry. We have to save the candles.”
Compared to the capital, Norton Village was miserably poor.
Colin was the only one running the quest center.
‘She’s too young to be in charge of the quest center.’
Without adventurers passing by, Norton Village was gradually declining.
Of course, there was no reason for a quest center to exist, and it had been abandoned until a few months ago.
In that situation, she volunteered to run the quest center.
Someone said it was something that needed to be done and bravely tapped her chest.
“So, are you planning to start the quest tomorrow?”
“Yes. First, we’ll scout the forest and deal with any creatures we encounter.”
There was no reason to dawdle.
We had to finish the quest quickly and prepare to head to Mount Norstel.
I also asked Colin for advice.
I asked her what she thought about climbing the mountain and dealing with the monsters.
Her face, which had been lively, stiffened slightly.
She gave a bitter smile and started to cautiously dissuade me.
“It’s very dangerous. Besides Yetis and Frost Giants, you never know what other monsters might emerge on the summit.”
“That’s true.”
“Moreover, camping won’t be easy. We can lend you a tent, but if you choose a spot carelessly, you could get caught in an avalanche or an attack.”
Everything Colin said was true.
To others, it might have seemed like a risky and reckless attempt.
Yet, I didn’t waver in my decision.
Erina, beside me, was the same.
“In the end, it’ll be the same unless we deal with the monsters in the mountains.”
Ultimately, unless we cleared out the stronghold of Yetis located on Mount Norstel, they would endlessly descend upon the village.
Might as well eliminate as many monsters as possible to make the village safe.
“Erina, you think you can handle it?”
“Yes. Don’t worry.”
Erina’s voice was unwavering.
Colin scratched her head as she looked at us.
It seemed she realized she couldn’t dissuade us.
“Got it. Still, be careful. Mount Norstel is really dangerous. Even the villagers avoid going there recklessly.”
“Don’t worry. It doesn’t mean we’re climbing Mount Norstel without a plan.”
Though we were only three, we were stronger than most.
Though unexpectedly, Kayla’s weakness to cold had been revealed, it wasn’t a big issue for the plan.
Within a month, we expected to finish the quest and conquer Mount Norstel.
“I’ll inform the capital’s quest center that we can receive additional payment for clearing out more monsters.”
Colin made a proposal that boosted our morale.
If this quest ended successfully, we could step away from living paycheck to paycheck.
“Maybe we can settle outside of inn life after this.”
Living in the inn had been tough.
We often got into arguments and had to eat in noisy places.
We couldn’t live like that forever.
Once we had enough money, we had decided to buy a house without hesitation.
Moreover, as time went on, it became harder to earn money.
Inns became more expensive, and items in shops became pricier.
In that sense, we needed to find a house as soon as possible for our future.
Suddenly, Erina’s eyes sparkled with interest.
Excitedly, she asked me a question.
“After completing this quest, can we buy a big mansion…?”
“Well, maybe if we manage to wipe out all the monsters on Mount Norstel?”
Of course, it was a joke.
To call it a mansion, we’d probably need tens of thousands of gold.
We’d have to succeed in several more quests like this to even have a chance.
However, Erina seemed to genuinely believe my words.
“If we kill every last one of them?”
She held the sword at her waist.
With a cold metallic sound, the blade rose.
Her eyes burned with determination.
Did she dislike inn life that much?
Though it was a joke, I didn’t say anything else.
Boosting a comrade’s morale was always good.
“Ahaha…”
Colin chuckled as she looked at us.
***
“Kayla, how are you holding up?”
“I’m fine. The clothes are a bit uncomfortable, but I don’t feel cold.”
Kayla was bundled up in thick clothing, which made her movements sluggish.
So, we had to avoid situations where she had to directly engage the enemy.
I positioned myself to protect Kayla and provide magical support from behind.
“What about me?”
Erina looked at me expectantly, waiting for orders.
Her eyes were blazing with determination, as if she was ready to take on anything.
I had thought a lot about how to maximize Erina’s efficiency in hunting.
My conclusion was simple.
“Erina, do as you please.”
“What…?”
“Just that. Kill the monsters as you wish.”
After the last expedition against the orcs, I realized something.
Erina was much stronger than us anyway.
No matter what position we assigned, Erina would likely charge ahead and sweep away the enemies.
It was better to allow her to move freely rather than restrict her position.
“Just know this.”
We decided to divide into teams from now on.
Kayla and I would move together as a team, while Erina would hunt monsters alone.
In other words, Erina and I would be separated.
As soon as I finished speaking, Erina’s face stiffened in an instant.
“W-Why…?”
Of course, she wouldn’t accept my words.
She always prioritized my safety above all else.
“No! Absolutely not! Why are you leaving me behind?”
“Erina, just listen for now.”
But this method was the most efficient.
From the start, we were no different from baggage to her.
It was better to let her fight alone in that case.
Above all, there was a most important reason.
The longer Erina stuck around, the fewer opportunities I had to get stronger.
“But what if you get hurt?”
“I’ve thought about everything. Look at this.”
I took out an illumination magic scroll I had packed in my bag.
As I pulled out the fuse, flames erupted into the sky.
With a roar, fireworks burst in the sky.
The surrounding conifers were not dense enough to obscure the sky.
There would be no trouble seeing the illumination behind the trees.
“I’ll shoot this flare in dangerous situations. Then come help.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if we all went together? I’ll just stay by your side…!”
“No, the plan remains unchanged. You’ll act separately.”
“Then I’ll protect you! I’ll make sure that person moves separately…!”
“Erina, please. Please listen to me.”
She continued to plead to be taken along.
But I pushed her away firmly, though the struggle continued, I didn’t relent.
Finally, Erina even started to shed tears.
But I remained unmoved and resolute.
“I’ve told you multiple times. Listen to me.”
Dealing with Erina had become somewhat familiar now.
The firmer I stood, the more she seemed to shrink.
“If you kill one more person, I’ll exile you.”
Erina remembered my words.
For her, the worst scenario was being rejected by me.
The fear of being expelled if she didn’t listen to me was instilled in her heart.
As I persisted in my opinion, Erina’s voice diminished.
In the end, she was the one to yield first.
“You just have to return to the village before sunset.”
“Do we really have to stay separated for that long?! Can’t we just meet again in 10 minutes…?”
Suddenly, Erina began biting her nails anxiously.
I felt the return of her previous symptoms of anxiety.
Then it was time to throw the bait.
“If we kill all the monsters, you can come back quickly.”
“Really…?”
“Yes. Just eliminate all the Yetis to the east of the village.”
Erina’s expression changed at my words.
It seemed like she found a breakthrough as the atmosphere shifted drastically.
“If we finish quickly, can I come back right away…?”
“Yes. Once there are no more demons in sight, come join me.”
Even if that was the case, it was logically impossible to deal with all the monsters in the snowfield in just a day.
Fortunately, Erina either didn’t know that fact or happily accepted my suggestion.
“Got it! I’ll handle it as fast as I can and join you!”
Among all the Erinas I’ve seen so far, this was the most enthusiastic.
Her eyes wide open, stroking the hilt of her sword, she even looked a little scary.
“Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Don’t worry. And,”
Erina approached Kayla and tapped her shoulder with a cold expression.
“If it gets even slightly dangerous, use the flare immediately.”
“Yes, yes…!”
“You must protect Seo-Hyun. If he gets injured,”
Her grip on Kayla’s shoulder tightened, eliciting a faint groan as Kayla’s face wrinkled.
Erina whispered quietly to her, standing in front.
“I won’t stand idly by then.”
Her tone was calm, but each word was pointed.
With that, Erina lowered her hand from Kayla’s shoulder.
Under the pressure, Kayla staggered back, distancing herself from Erina.
But she nodded, showing she wouldn’t yield either.
“…Even if it costs me my life, I’ll protect Seo-Hyun.”
“Of course. Seo-Hyun is more important than you.”
It felt like sparks flew between them as they exchanged looks.
A chilling wind blew between them.
Tension mounted. They didn’t back down, locking eyes with each other.
“Alright, that’s enough.”
Finally, I intervened between Erina and Kayla.
Only then did they turn away and return to their positions.
“It’s time to depart. Everyone, get ready.”
I lifted the sword and shield I had on my back.
It was new equipment I obtained from the capital before entering the quest.
I lightly tapped the shield adorned with an eagle motif.
It was lighter than my previous one yet much sturdier.
The two of them also prepared for battle following me.
Kayla conjured a small flame in her hand.
And in front of her stood Erina.
If she reached out her hand, she could fly forward.
Erina drew her longsword.
With a menacing metallic sound, the sharp blade sprang from its sheath.
She swung the sword experimentally.
Coincidentally, the direction was where Kayla stood.
If the sword was just a bit longer, it might have reached her.
Watching their childish standoff gave me a headache.
Thankfully, I was there to observe; if they were alone, it would’ve been chaos.
I imagined them rushing at each other, neither giving way.
We must never let the two of them stick together.
“Let’s go. Erina, head straight to the east.”
“I beg you. Please don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t get hurt.”
“Yeah. You be careful too.”
With that, Erina drew her sword and headed east toward the village.
Kayla and I went in the opposite direction.
We planned to eliminate demons from west to south.
“Then let’s go.”
“Yes, understood.”
We left the village and stepped into the snowfield. Kayla followed behind me slowly.
A cold wind blew over the snow-covered ground.
As we approached the nearest coniferous forest from the village, its outline began to emerge gradually.
The Yetis’ stronghold. It was a crude fortification made of wooden fences and stakes.
There, the yetis we would face repeatedly throughout the day had gathered.
“Alright, let’s get ready.”
It was time to get down to the real grind.
