studiobondurri Chapter 401: Ice Rock (2)
Chapter 401: Ice Rock (2)
Chapter 401: Ice Rock (2)
The investigation revealed that two members had changed their names.
But their previous names were 'Muljory' and 'Dick', far from that cursed name.
In other words, there was no (former) Hans among us.
Then why did I feel this way?
'It's strange... I'm not relieved.'
I was glad there was no (former) Hans, but I also felt a sense of disappointment.
If he existed, these incidents might have been just a series of unfortunate coincidences...
And even if he wasn't the culprit, it would have narrowed down the list of suspects.
'...Wait a minute.'
"Troll."
"Yes?"
"What are the names of the three trolls you're using as summons?"
I asked out of a hunch, but it was another dead end.
Their names were Pippi, Poppy, and Yeppi, in order of height.
It was a naming sense that I, as a sane person, couldn't comprehend.
'Well, at least this confirms that someone is intentionally sabotaging us.'
A series of coincidences?
I couldn't completely rule out that possibility, but I didn't believe in such things.
Not unless Hans was involved.
And besides, the ground collapsing in Ice Rock wasn't a common occurrence.
It wasn't something you would experience twice in one expedition.
And...
'I have a hunch.'
I discreetly put the ring back in my pocket after briefly checking it.
"It seems like the cleanup is done."
"Yes."
"What's the damage report?"
"It's not good news, but the loss of food isn't significant."
That's good.
The other supplies were also important, but not as crucial as food.
"...What are we going to do now?"
"We continue our journey."
After confirming the damage, I ordered the expedition force to move again.
We didn't have much time.
Waiting here wouldn't solve anything.
I had to keep thinking while we marched.
"How far can you send the Ice Trolls?"
"...As long as I can see them, sir!"
The summoner answered immediately, as if he was worried I might blame him for the incident.
'...Is he acting?'
He was the most suspicious one.
But it wasn't the right time to interrogate him.
"The remaining three sleds will be divided into front, center, and rear."
I changed the formation, separating the sleds to minimize the risk of another collapse.
And...
Thud, thud.
We continued our march through the icy cave, my mind racing.
If there really was a traitor among us, who was it?
There were too many suspects.
But I had to start with those who would benefit the most from our failure.
The team leaders, for example.
"...Schuitz, I'm sorry. This is my fault. I should have separated the sleds sooner."
Titana Akuraba.
She was the most suspicious one.
She was in charge of supplies, and she was always near the sleds when the incidents happened.
"It wasn't intentional, but this is the second time. Whether you like it or not, you have to punish someone, or everyone will think you're weak."
Kaislan was also suspicious.
His helpful advice and self-sacrificing spirit were too good to be true.
And he was the one who was most eager to be the leader.
"I don't think this was anyone's fault. But... this time, we need to hold someone accountable."
James Kala.
He was the least suspicious, but he still had a motive.
He had the least influence among the team leaders.
His sponsors could easily control him.
"...I'll leave it to your judgment. That's your duty and right as the leader."
Lastly, Jun, the paladin.
He had always been strangely friendly towards me, which made me uneasy.
"Schuitz, the members are exhausted."
The march had been going on for two hours longer than usual.
"We'll set up camp."
I ordered them to set up camp and then called for a meeting with the team leaders.
"Can I shave your beard?"
Erwen smiled and asked as I sat up.
I touched my chin, and a thick beard had grown.
But I didn't mind.
"It's fine. It's not bothering me."
It was actually helpful in this environment.
It was extra insulation.
"But you look much more handsome without it..."
I ignored Erwen's whining and stepped outside.
The frigid air pierced through my skin and lungs.
But the biggest problem was hunger.
Rumble.
My stomach growled as soon as I woke up.
"You're awake."
"Let's take down the tents."
I joined Didi and Ashid and helped them dismantle the tents and load them onto the sleds.
And...
Crunch, crunch.
I chewed on a piece of jerky, rationing my breakfast.
We resumed our journey.
Tenth day in Ice Rock.
The path ahead was simple.
We had to navigate through a maze-like ice cave beneath a giant mountain range.
At the end of the maze, there was a giant sinkhole called the Eye of the Glacier.
And at the bottom of the Eye of the Glacier...
"An essence! An essence!"
We heard a commotion from behind us.
"Is that from Meran? Did someone kill a Meran?"
"What? Wait, then that's a 3rd-grade essence!"
It wasn't just any 3rd-grade essence.
It was a rare essence that could only be obtained in Ice Rock.
"Everyone, step back!"
I had the explorers move away and sent the mage to collect the essence.
It was confirmed to be a Meran essence.
Good news always followed bad news.
Even the high-level explorers were excited by the 3rd-grade essence.
"Everyone, calm down. If anyone is interested in purchasing this essence, they'll be given priority based on the average market price, excluding the cost of the test tube. If there are multiple buyers, we'll hold an auction!"
Kaislan intervened before the excitement could turn into chaos.
"..."
Some explorers looked disappointed, but most were just happy.
We had obtained a few essences during the expedition, but they were all low-grade.
A 3rd-grade essence was in a different league.
Well, even if we split it thirty ways, the individual share wouldn't be that much.
But it was still a profit.
"...We'll also be splitting the loot from Noark."
"And the royal family will reward us based on our achievements. That's not a small sum either."
"Those who want the essence should focus on earning achievements. Otherwise, they won't be able to afford it."
"So we'll be compensated for our efforts."
"If the expedition is successful, that is."
The positive news had lifted the mood, despite the recent incident.
Well, they're probably still complaining about me behind my back.
But I didn't mind.
If that helped them cope with the situation,
It was a good thing for me, as the leader.
'Every group needs a villain.'
Three days passed.
Thankfully, there were no more incidents. No one died, and we didn't lose any more supplies.
But...
「The ring has detected the character's fate.」
The ring's light remained red.
I continued to investigate the traitor, interrogating the summoner and rechecking the members' information.
And finally...
"We're here! The Eye of the Glacier!"
13th day in Ice Rock.
We were nearing the end of the 7th floor.
"What's going on? Why are we setting up camp so early?"
I ordered them to set up camp and called for a meeting with the team leaders.
It was still early, but...
"There's a traitor among us."
I knew who it was.