STGB Episode 400

Ice Rock(2)

Passing through the 8th floor, the grand expedition headed toward the Dark Continent.

We planned 20 days to traverse Ice Rock on this expedition, so we packed about three months’ worth of provisions.

It’s not that we packed generously to prepare for unforeseen situations.

Because Ice Rock isn’t a place you can pass through leisurely like that.

It’s just that extra provisions are essential here.

In this place, due to [Hunger], food consumption triples per person, and the food can easily spoil.

All because of this damn thing.

“An ice storm!!”

A blizzard that blows every 30 minutes at the earliest, or as late as every six hours.

「Field Effect – ‘Festering Chill’ is applied.」

「The decay rate of affected targets accelerates.」

This damn storm even spoils food that’s frozen solid.

There’s only one way to prevent it.

Prioritize the provisions over people and protect them with magic.

Of course, there’s a problem with this too.

[Riard Ashid has cast Level 4 time-space magic [Block]

 

[Mackelly Leiadas has cast Level 4 time-space magic [Block]

 

[Vercil Gowland has cast Level 4 time-space magic [Block]

The Level 4 [Block] magic consumes a significant amount of mana, and keeping it ready to use at any time increases the already high consumption.

We take turns through the night as well.

“Ashid, go rest by the sled.”

“Pardon? But…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll call if anything comes up.”

“…Understood. Sorry.”

Nothing to apologize for—other mages are all resting comfortably on the sled anyway.

「Field Effect – ‘Festering Chill’ has dissipated.」

After the blizzard calmed, we resumed our journey.

Crunch, crunch.

Snow that sinks up to the ankles with every step.

Grrrrrr~

I felt like I was starving, but we had to ration the food carefully, so eating our fill was out of the question.

So far, the [Block] spell had protected our food well, but we couldn’t predict what might come next.

If a blizzard hit in the middle of a battle, or if we lacked the mana to protect even a single crate?

That would be a critical blow.

‘Though, it’s hard to say we’re exactly fine as it is.’

Three days into Ice Rock.

Everyone was so exhausted that there was no idle chatter or silly jokes among the crew. 

We just silently manage our stamina and move forward.

With no room for ease, tension cut through the expedition.

‘And they want us to fight the Noark bastards after this?’

In war, morale is crucial. In this state, we can’t even be sure we’ll complete the mission.

The only positive thing was that experience points were racking up quickly.

「You defeated a Frozen Soul. EXP +4.」

「You defeated a Tainted Snow Spirit. EXP +6.」

「You defeated a Frost Guardian. EXP +7.」

「You defeated a Lich. EXP +6.」

「You defeated a Glacier Giant. EXP +7.」

「You defeated a Frostfire Turtle…」

“…….”

Most of the creatures in Ice Rock are high-level monsters,  making it an ideal place to gain experience.

Not that it would get me to rank 8 anytime soon, even if I killed every creature here.

‘Still, this is a rare place to reach, so I’d better hunt as much as I can.’

After pushing through countless fights and with our bodies worn to the bone, we finally set up camp by a cliff as dusk settled in.  

We took tents out of the crates loaded on the sleds, set them up, and put sleeping bags inside.

And then…

[Used a Warming Stone]

If we put a few activated magic tools in the tent, a cozy shelter is completed.

“Today, our team doesn’t have guard duty, so everyone sleep well.”

Oh, by the way, throughout the expedition, there are only two guards, and since our turn is tomorrow, we could sleep comfortably tonight.

This was possible because we had four priests.

They cast  [Evil Banishment] in shifts, keeping monsters from approaching, and it’s unlikely any plunderers would target a group this large in such barren land.

If they want their heads on their shoulders, that is.

“Good night, see you tomorrow, Mister.”

We assigned three people to each tent, split by gender. Even among comrades, it’s best to keep some separation between men and women.

I prefer sleeping among the men, anyway.

Though, the mage and Old Didi might find it a bit cramped.

“Ashid, Old Diddy. You two get some sleep.”

“Are you doing the rounds?”

“Well, I am the expedition leader.”

After sending off Old Diddy and Ashid, I looked around the camp to ensure everything was secure.

Despite it being early, I could already hear snoring here and there.

Everyone must be exhausted.

‘Looks like everything’s in order. Guess I should turn in too.’

As I turned toward my team’s tent, I heard footsteps and turned around.

“Kaislan, you’re still up?”

“I needed a word with you, Commander.”

“What’s on your mind?”

“Mind taking a walk with me?”

Soon, we walked a big circle around the edge of the camp as we talked.

“Recently, discontent is growing among the members.”

Discontent, huh…

It was obvious what kind of complaints they had.

“Mostly complaints about me, I presume?”

At my question, Kaislan nodded with a bitter expression.

“People don’t look for reasons when they’re happy, but when times are tough, they’ll always look for someone to blame.”

An observation grounded in human nature.

“So, is that all?”

Kaislan shook his head.

“If it were just that, I wouldn’t be coming to you at this hour.”

“So, there’s something more?”

“…Someone is spreading malicious rumors within the expedition.”

“Rumors? What kind?”

“They say that while the rest of the crew’s rations have been cut, Team 1 has been hoarding supplies.”

“I see…”

“So, that’s how it is…”

I unconsciously sighed in front of Kaislan.

I couldn’t help it.

Sigh, it’s not like we’re playing children’s games.

And this is supposed to be the elite gathered by the royal family?

“Do you know where the rumor originated?”

“Pike Neldaine.”

“A member of James Carla’s team.”

By the way, this guy was also a warrior like me, and at the last banquet, he’d come over with a big grin to introduce himself.

Tsk, big guy acting so cowardly.

Oh, maybe because he’s big, he’s hungry and can’t think straight?

“What will you do?”

“Well…”

As I trailed off, Kaislan suggested some countermeasures.

“If you plan to discipline him, it’s right to do it through me.”

“To deflect the resentment?”

“If you wish, I’ll make a big scene in front of all the members, so they won’t even think of hating you.”

Haha… I didn’t expect him to say such loyal words.

Feeling curious, I listened to his following words.

“Or you could use Akuraba. Managing supplies was her duty, and regardless of the reason, this mess happened because she didn’t perform her duty properly.”

He wasn’t wrong.

Whether the frontline collapsed or not, Akuraba should have protected the supplies.

But…

“With her reputation as an esteemed explorer, people might hesitate to bring it up, but if it’s brought up, they would all want to blame her.”

So, he doesn’t like her after all.

Before I answered, I had one more question for him.

“Kaislan, why are you willing to take the blame to help me?”

It was a test to gauge any hidden motives.

But Kaislan looked at me with unwavering eyes and answered without hesitation.

“Whether I like it or not, you’re the one leading the expedition.”

That was unexpected.

“In times like these, if you falter, the expedition is doomed.”

Honestly, I thought he’d be the first to seize my position if I looked vulnerable.

Maybe it’s because he’s a former soldier?

Kaislan’s the type who prioritizes the mission over personal ambition.

“So, what’s it going to be?”

Though he presented two options, they both boiled down to the same thing.

Akuraba or Kaislan.

In other words, make someone else the public enemy instead of me.

I appreciated the advice, but I’d already made up my mind.

“Nothing. I’ll do nothing.”

Kaislan frowned in confusion and cautiously asked,

“If you do nothing, the crew will continue to blame you whenever things go wrong.”

Yeah, they will.

But so what?

“I don’t care what they say.”

“…?”

“That’s why they’re the crew, and I’m the commander.”

From the start, I never intended to enjoy all the perks alone.

***

Day 9 in Ice Rock.

Despite the initial hiccups, the expedition trudged on, and we’re now about halfway through.

After the plains ended, we faced a huge ice mountain.

We don’t have to climb this mountain; rather, our direction is beneath it.

“We’ve found the entrance!”

James Carla’s team soon located a passage into the next field, and we followed it down into a massive ice cave.

Thud, thud.

The sound of boots echoed against the hard ground.

But the atmosphere isn’t as gloomy as before.

Isn’t it the same in military boot camps?

When you go through hard times together, you naturally form close bonds.

“The ice here is as clear as glass. It feels almost like stepping into a dream.”

“Haha, I had the same thought.”

Of course, the change in mood was largely due to a newfound stamina among the crew.

Half of the members were newcomers, so there were many trials and errors at first…

But now, everyone has more or less adapted.

“Ugh, I’m starving. I now understand why everyone avoids Ice Rock.”

“When times were tough, I endured by looking at my child’s portrait, but I can’t do that here. If I’d known, I would’ve taken it out of subspace before we set off.”

“Oh, you have a child? How old?”

Ah, it wasn’t just the atmosphere that had changed.

This once-disjointed expedition crew was finally moving like a single unit.

Just like this.

“Creatures appearing on the sides and ahead!”

“While Team 1 holds the front, Teams 2 and 3 will take down the side enemies first!”

The crew responded promptly and executed orders without hesitation.

When orders are given, the members swiftly carry them out without fuss.

[You have defeated a Frozen Webtor. EXP +5]

[You have defeated an Unmelting Cocoon. EXP +6]

[You have defeated a Frostfire Goblin. EXP +5]

Battles themselves have become much easier than before.

Should I say they’re finally acting like elites?

Oh, and there was another positive aspect.

“Schuiz, I must say, your combat skills are impressive.”

In the explorer community, strength commands respect. By staying in the front lines, taking on the most dangerous tasks, my reputation naturally improved.

That absurd rumor about me sneaking rations disappeared as well.

Actions speak louder than words—

Crrkk-

Hm?

A sudden noise caught my attention, setting off an alarm in my mind.

“Erwin, did you hear that?”

“I think so. It sounded like it came from behind…”

From behind?

I quickly turned and confirmed with my own eyes.

Crrkk.

Unable to bear the weight, cracks were spreading across the ground like a spider’s web.

‘Damn it!’

Right where the troll pulling the sled stood.

“Unsummon! Unsummon it now!”

The summoner, momentarily stunned, followed my command to unsummon the troll.

But was it already too late?

Crash.

The cracking sound grew even louder than before.

“Everyone, get back!”

Explorers near the center of the crack scrambled to safety, while a few brave ones tried to salvage the supplies.

“The supplies! Secure the supplies!”

“If we lose those, we’re done for!”

The explorers pull the sled as hard as they can, being careful not to add to the load.

But the ground was collapsing faster.

Crack, Crack, Crack!

The ground caved in like a sinkhole.

Two explorers who hadn’t managed to move the sled in time fell into the endless darkness along with it.

And at that moment.

[Riard Ashid has cast Level 5 support magic [Float]

Miraculously, the two explorers floated upward.

As the despair on their faces turned to relief, a sound came from below.

Splash—!

Ha, so there’s water flowing down there?

In that case, we can’t retrieve it.

Setting aside my devastated feelings, I quickly gave orders.

“Everyone, get as far away from the edge as possible! Just in case, don’t stay too close!”

Only after the order was given did the stiffened members start to move.

I cautiously approached the edge and looked down.

Using a mage to shine light, as expected, water was flowing below, and there was no trace of the sled.

“Akuraba!!”

“Y-Yes!”

“What was the proportion of food supplies on that sled?”

“Uh, about half!”

Great, as if we didn’t already have a shortage, now we’re down even more.

“…….”

As I clenched my teeth in frustration, Akuraba started watching my expression nervously.

“Um….”

“Be quiet. I’m thinking.”

“Uh, about half!”

Great, as if we didn’t already have a shortage, now we’re down even more.

“…….”

As I clenched my teeth in frustration, Akuraba started watching my expression nervously.

“Um….”

“Be quiet. I’m thinking.”

“…….”

I couldn’t make sense of it.

‘The ground collapsed before, and now it’s happened again?’

No matter how I looked at it, this didn’t add up.

So…

“Akuraba.”

“Yes, sir. Go ahead.”

“Right now, I want you to check something with all the crew.”

First, I needed to confirm a few things.

“Find out if there’s anyone in the team who’s changed their name, and if that name was Hans.”

After verifying this, things would become clearer.

Whether this was merely an unfortunate series of coincidences…

Or…

“Check as soon as possible. This is important.”

…if this was a disaster caused by someone’s malicious intent.