STGB Episode 401

Ice Rock(2)

Upon investigation, two individuals had indeed changed their names.

However, those names were “Murjory” and “Dick”—both quite far removed from that cursed name.

In other words, to put it simply, there was no (former) Hans among them.

But then, what is this feeling?

“It’s odd to feel this way… even though he’s not here.”

I was somewhat relieved that (former) Hans wasn’t around, yet a sense of disappointment lingered.

If he actually existed, these series of events could simply be due to mere coincidences…

Even if that’s not the case, the list of suspects would be significantly narrowed down.

“…Wait a minute.”

“Troll.”

“Yes?”

“What are the names of those three summoned trolls?”

I asked on a hunch, but it turned out to be a dead end as well.

The trolls were named in order of height: Peepee, Poppy, and Yeppe. 

As a normal person, I couldn’t understand that naming sense.

“Well, at least this confirms that someone else orchestrated all of this intentionally.”

A mere coincidence?

I couldn’t completely rule out that possibility, but I don’t believe in such coincidences.

At least, not if Hans isn’t involved in the process.

The ground collapse we encountered at Ice Rock was unusual, occurring twice during the expedition.

Moreover…

“I have my suspicions.”

I cautiously put the ring I’d briefly worn back into my coat.

“The cleanup seems nearly done.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What’s the extent of the losses?”

“Fortunately, it’s minimal, though the food supplies took the biggest hit.”

I see

Other exploration supplies are important for survival, but they’re less critical than food.

“…So, what are we going to do now?”

“What else can we do? We resume our journey.”

After confirming the damage, I ordered the expedition to resume.

After all, we don’t have much time to spare.

It’s not like the culprit will emerge if we waste time here; we need to keep thinking as we go.

“How far can you send the ice trolls?”

“…Anywhere within my sight!”

Perhaps worried that I might hold him responsible for this incident, the summoner immediately responded while watching my reaction.

‘…Is it an act?’

In fact, he’s the most suspicious one.

I thought it wasn’t the right time yet, so I didn’t probe deeply.

“From now on, the remaining three sleds will be divided into front, center, and rear.”

In preparation for any unforeseen situations, I changed the formation to move with the sleds separated.

And then…

Shuffle, shuffle.

Continuing the march into the transparent ice cave, I kept thinking without rest.

If there really is someone among us who destroyed the supplies, who could it be?

The problem is that there are too many suspects.

But first, I should consider those whose betrayal would cause the most significant impact.

For example, the team leaders.

“…Schuetz, I’m sorry. This incident is my responsibility. Dividing the sleds was actually something I should have done earlier.”

First, Titana Akuraba.

Her suspiciousness needs no explanation.

She was in charge of managing the supplies, and every time the incidents occurred, she was the closest.

“Lady Akuraba, even if it wasn’t intentional, this is the second time. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept some punishment or everyone will look down on you.

Kaislan was also suspicious. 

I appreciate his kind advice and spirit of sacrifice, but that makes him more suspicious.

He was also the one who was most eager for the position of leader.

“I think this was an accident, not anyone’s fault. But… holding someone accountable might be worth considering.”

He is the least suspicious, but if you look for motives, they’re not nonexistent.

Among us, he held the weakest standing. Perhaps someone in the rear could be manipulating him.

“…Do as you wish. That is both your duty and right as the leader.”

Lastly, Paladin Jun.

He’s just been weirdly nice to me, and it’s starting to get really annoying.

“Schuiz, the members are extremely fatigued.”

The march continued for about two hours longer than the usual schedule.

“We’ll camp!”

We set up camp, and I gathered the team leaders for a meeting.

The first issue raised was this:

“Losing potions and items for maintaining body heat is bad, but tents and sleeping bags are the biggest concern.”

“If people go hungry and can’t sleep properly, complaints are going to skyrocket.”

“Equity is key. If some sleep comfortably while others go without sleeping bags, resentment will inevitably build.”

With only a limited number of tents and sleeping bags available for thirty people, my solution was straightforward.

“And how do you intend to handle this?”

“Increase the number of guards since we’re short on sleeping arrangements.”

“…Guards?”

If the number of people standing guard outside increases, the number of people who can sleep indoors also increases accordingly.

“…That’s quite extreme.”

“It’ll only increase the strain on everyone.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to take turns rotating the tents and sleeping bags?”

The team leaders expressed their concerns, but I pushed forward with my decision.

“Schuiz, such an approach will surely lead to resentment toward you.”

Well, their concerns were understandable.

A solution that eliminates the problem rather than solving it.

From tomorrow, they’ll probably complain that the barbaric human who doesn’t know anything about tactics is making them do strange things.

They’ll say I lack leadership qualities.

However…

“It doesn’t matter. Announce it that way and select the guards from each team and decide the order.”

I had no choice but to increase the number of guards.

Having more people awake at night also boosted our security, and I needed to keep an eye out for a possible traitor among us.

“Ravien“

I stopped the Dragon Tribe woman who was about to enter the tent looking tired.

“What is it?”

I couldn’t shake my suspicions about her either. I was also curious about her relationship with the marquis.

“Just wanted to chat a bit.”

“Is it about what happened earlier?”

“Yes. What do you think?”

“Judging by that question, you suspect someone did it intentionally.”

“It’s only wise to keep all options open.”

After moving together as a team for a long time, the conversation flowed more comfortably than before, but there was no significant gain.

“Even if you say that, I don’t really know. I’m not good at that kind of thing.”

“I see…”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, you must be tired. Go get some rest.”

I thought about talking more, but it seemed nothing would come out, so I let Ravien go.

And then…

“……”

After heading to the back of the tent where no one could see, I took out the ring from my pocket and put it on my finger.

「The character has equipped No.6111 Fate Tracker.」

Just like every other day recently, the ring immediately emitted a bright red light.

「The ring has detected the character’s fate.」

A sharp red glow—intense and unmistakable.

I hurriedly removed the ring before anyone could see.

“Damn.”

Ever since we entered the seventh floor, it had been like this.

***

Some Numbered items cannot be used in the city.

Notably, No. 399, the Silence Cage, and the Fate Tracker.

So the first thing I did upon entering the labyrinth was to put on the ring.

And…

“At that time, there was no red light.”

Even when we encountered other expeditions on the sixth floor or during our voyage, it didn’t change.

However, the moment I arrived at Ice Rock.

Swoosh—!

The ring emitted a red light.

A red light without any positive aspects, indicating that a negative event was nearby.

Until then, I hadn’t thought of a traitor.

But…

“If the timing of the betrayal was set after arriving on the 7th floor, it makes sense that the red light didn’t appear before now.”

Throughout the journey, low-probability misfortunes overlapped, but the ring’s light remained the same.

This meant that everything was not over yet, and that there were still negative events within my range…

“Mister, how long are you going to sleep!”

Suddenly, I opened my eyes to see Erwin standing over me.

The cold had seeped in as our warming stones dwindled, leaving me feeling chilled all night.

“Where’s Old Didi and Ashid?”

“They woke up early and are already preparing.”

“Why didn’t you wake me sooner?”

“You seemed tired.”

Hmm… I’m grateful for the thought, but as a warrior, it’s disgraceful to be worried about stamina by a mage and a support type mage.

“Should I shave you?”

As I sat up, Erwin grinned and offered.

Unconsciously touching my chin, I felt a thick beard.

Of course, I didn’t think it was a problem.

“No need. It’s not uncomfortable.”

In this environment, a beard actually helps.

After all, it’s hair, so it keeps you a bit warmer, right?

“Aw, but you look so much better without it…”

Ignoring Erwin’s grumbling, I went outside, and the cold air wrapped around my skin and lungs.

Well, the biggest problem would be hunger.

Growl—!

As soon as I woke up, I felt hunger in my stomach.

“Are you awake?”

“Let’s hurry and dismantle the tents first.”

Together with Old Didi and Ashid,we packed up and loaded the tents onto the sleds.

And then…

Creak, creak.

After carefully chewing on the pieces of jerky provided for breakfast, we resumed our journey.

Day 10 of entering Ice Rock.

The route we have to cross from now on is simple.

We’ll explore a maze of ice caves that run beneath a massive mountain range in the center of the continent until we reach the massive sinkhole known as the “Glacier Eye”, and from there, you could say we’re in the latter half.

Simply put, there’s a portal underground that leads to the 8th floor.

“An essence… It’s the essence!”

Suddenly, there was a commotion from behind.

“Did it come from the Meran we just defeated?

“What? Wait a minute, then it’s a Level 3 essence?”

To add, it’s not just any Level 3 essence.

It’s a rare essence that can only be obtained here in Ice Rock.

“Everyone, step back!”

First, we moved the members back and sent a mage to collect the essence into a test tube.

As it turned out, it was indeed Meran’s essence.

After yesterday’s bad news, maybe this is the universe’s way of making up.

Even though they are high-ranking explorers, perhaps because they covet the level 3 essence, their eyes shone brightly.

“Everyone, calm down! This essence will, in the future, be offered with priority to those who wish to purchase it, based on the average price, after deducting the cost of the test tube! If there are multiple contenders, we will hold an auction!”

Before it turned into a big commotion, Kaislan hurriedly established discipline within the expedition.

“……”

Some explorers smacked their lips in disappointment, but most didn’t mind and were purely happy.

Because although a few essences had come out during the expedition, they were all low Levels.

A Level 3 essence is different, starting from its price range.

Dividing it among thirty people wouldn’t mean much, but income is income.

“Didn’t they say they’d distribute the loot from those Noark bastards fairly afterward?”

“Moreover, according to our merits, there will be rewards from the royal family, so that can’t be ignored.”

“Those who aim for that essence will have to accumulate a lot of merits. Otherwise, there’s no way they’d have the money.”

“Anyway, it means we’ll be properly rewarded for our hardships.”

“That’s only if the expedition is successful, though.”

Still, perhaps because there was positive news after a long time, despite what happened yesterday, the atmosphere within the expedition was quite bright.

Well, they might be badmouthing me behind my back.

If they can keep their spirits up that way.

As the expedition leader, there’s no reason not to welcome it.

“After all, when people gather, there has to be at least one bad guy, right?”

Three more days passed like this.

Fortunately, we didn’t lose any more supplies or have any casualties in battle.

However…

「The ring has detected the character’s fate.」

The ring continued to emit a red glow.

So, as we moved forward,  I interrogated the summoner or repeatedly checked the information of the expedition members, frantically investigating the traitor.

And finally.

“It’s the Glacier Eye!”

Day 13 of entering Ice Rock.

We were now nearing the final stretch of the seventh floor.

“What’s going on? It’s still early, but you’ve ordered us to set up camp…?”

After giving the order to establish camp, I gathered all the core members.

The reason was simple.

Even though there was still time before nightfall.

“There is a traitor among us.”

Because I think I now know who that bastard is.