Although we've already started our journey, I still can't help but say something unrelated to the main topic.
Rod's dark circles were drawn on by himself.
This guy is absolutely amazing.
Although I knew from the beginning that what he said was just out of habit, I still didn't expect it to be such an unpredictable situation.
Who could possibly turn themselves into someone with aged smoky eyes just from staying up all night?! Especially a mage who runs a prop shop. Even the alchemy students next door, who work themselves to the bone for experimental data, barely seeing each other for a whole month and averaging less than three hours of sleep a night, couldn't do that! Not to mention how many energy boosters and fatigue relievers Rhodes probably has on hand!
Although the supply is plentiful and the prices are affordable, with discounts for acquaintances, there's still a lingering sense of being cheated.
It's like punching a piece of soft candy with all your might. Although you will definitely receive a rebound force, it just doesn't feel right because it's soft and slippery.
I feel so stupid to have actually believed him yesterday and hesitate for even a second.
As for what happened in the domed hall this morning, which is the [Hires House]... there's not much to say about it.
In short: We arrived at the dome early in the morning, and were then surrounded by a large group of mercenaries who had been lying in wait for a long time. Then, Miss [Frost Sword] Shenxue happened to be passing by and slashed down the entire wall of people with the back of her sword, and then she took us away.
...It sounds pretty complicated.
But that's just how it is.
We had barely exchanged two words when the conflict broke out. I was still hesitating about whether I should run away again when I saw a bright, frosty white mist rapidly spreading from outside. Half of the people present were covered in frost, and most of those who weren't shivering were stuck in place by the freezing air that permeated the ground, almost unable to move.
Of course, Hikari, that clueless little idiot, even tried asking them if anyone wanted to come with us, but the question ended with everyone's shoes being glued even tighter.
[Frost Sword] coldly declared that this was merely a simple test, and those who couldn't complete it weren't qualified to be her companions. After a moment's thought, I realized that since my magical control wasn't enough to melt the freezing air beneath my feet, the simplest solution was to take off my shoes. But stepping barefoot into the freezing air… just thinking about it made me cringe.
In short, we have now left the transit hub.
Despite the guards' repeated warnings as usual before leaving, saying that monster activity in the vicinity was becoming increasingly active due to the approaching end of winter, even after deviating from the usual main road for a long time, they could not find a trace of monster activity. On the contrary, the path that was originally hidden under the bushes became wider and wider, and they could even catch a glimpse of the backs of some travelers in the distance.
“Ah, I know, that’s what they call ‘There was no road in the world, but as more people walk on it, it becomes a road,’” Hikari added, shaking her head.
"This is the shortest path to the Sacred Tree Fortress, specially developed by small groups of mercenaries who travel alone year-round to save time." Shen Xue walked a short distance ahead, occasionally kicking aside layers of fallen leaves to inspect the path, and then looked around. "Going forward from here can save a lot of distance, and since it's not far from the main road, we can get to the nearest help in time if anything happens."
"The only danger is that, because the tangent is closer to the dark zone than the safe main road, it will be the first place to be affected if any dangerous monsters or groups appear. Therefore, the cities at both ends of the path have not adopted it as the official route, but are only observing and have not made any statements."
She remained vigilant as she spoke, her right hand resting on the hilt of her sword. The longsword, which had remained unsheathed, was no longer hanging behind her waist, but had been moved half an angle to the left for easier access.
"Miyuki, I have some questions about the bladed weapon you use. I wonder if it would be convenient for you?"
I tried to strike up a conversation, and then I saw the other person turn their head to observe their surroundings while glancing at me: "I noticed when we met yesterday that you seemed to only use a longsword and never drew your sword. And as far as I know, you've always been known as [Frost Sword]. This makes me suspicious."
“There’s no particular reason,” Miyuki shook her head, and at the same time cleaved the dark shadow that darted down from the branch with a single stroke of her sword. It was a black ape-like creature with thick fur on its back, and it deliberately concealed its sharp teeth as it fell, making it look like a rather large ball of fluff at first glance. “It’s just that it’s more suitable, and I want to do it that way.”
What would be more suitable?
Hikari peeked at the ice lump on the ground, picked up a twig and poked it lightly. She saw that it had broken in two at the waist, the cut surface was smooth and flat, and there was even blood that had not yet congealed scalding out.
Shen Xue then cleared away the two or three monkeys that had gathered around, her expression calm and composed, as if she were strolling in a garden: "Those fools never know that there is no difference in techniques. Whether it is a knife or a sword, an axe or a hammer, they are all used to kill. Even if there is a difference, it is only in speed."
"The reason you're using a knife now is because it's faster?"
"A sword can be very fast."
"Is that because it can cut down the most enemies in an instant?"
Hikari looked up in amazement at the falling blood.
"That's nothing but crude use."
As Shen Xue spoke, the blade suddenly vanished under the influence of magic, only to reappear a short distance away in an instant, leaving frost-covered cuts in the air and swiftly and accurately slaying four monkeys in different positions.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
