Chapter 180: Chapter 179: Lurking in the Snow

Mounds and hills of white over the horizon, the mark of footsteps streaking across the deep snow, only to be blown away by the following winds. A canvas of white could be seen all over no matter where one turns their head.

In such blank canvas, rabbits and foxes of white could be seen running and hopping along as they played chase. There were also bears from time to time, moving about slowly, their eyes searching for prey as their breaths turned white every single time.

But it wasn't only animals and plants, there were also other beings walking on such a desolate, frozen wasteland. Four figures, to be exact. All were wearing coats, scarfs, and boots as they traversed the emptiness, unfazed despite the number of beasts roaming about.

"Hey, how long until we find them?" ［Julius］

"It shouldn't be too long... A couple dozen meters, maybe?" ［Grey］

"Alright! I can finally stretch my arms!!" ［Julius］

Excitement filled the air as Julius beamed a bright smile. Though they had just trained in a dungeon a couple days ago, he was itching to try out his newfound strength in the fields. He was full of confidence with every stride.

Currently, Grey and company are up north of the city. They have just taken an F-rank quest from the Adventurers' Guild and are now on a mission to catch as many snow ferrets as they can within the day.

Snow ferrets, as the name suggests, are H-rank beasts which lurk around the snow fields in the north. Although they are of the ice attribute, they can barely use any magic, making them very weak. Still, they are known to be hard to catch because of their amazing speeds and senses.

Since snow ferrets are always in high demand, their meat and fur always requested by many and also serving as excellent pers, they are a permanent quest in the guild where one can catch as many as they can for as long as they want. A quest many adventurers take.

Squeak Squeak Squeak

A few more steps later, squeaks and whimpers echoed in the air, a number of holes to be seen on the ground and streaks of white bolting across the fields, red eyes glowing along such streaks, one full of curiosity and wariness.

There were snow ferrets all over the place, popping their heads out of their holes from time to time, and then hiding afterwards. After all, there weren't only the snow ferrets, there were also adventurers and hunters along the fields. It was very lively.

"Hey! It's going left! Catch it!"

"What are you doing?! It's escaping already!"

"Watch out! They're coming your way!"

Well, no matter how many of them there were, it was still too hard for the ferrets. Not only were they small and fast, they were also very slick and slippery. Even when one catches them, they always manage to escape with their smooth fur.

And while magic would make catching them much easier, doing so would damage the ferrets themselves. It was a very hard task with high rewards, one which would surely make people's head steam with irritation.

"Ohh～! There sure are a lot of people, huh..." ［Julius］

"It's only natural. Snow ferret quests are popular, after all." ［Grey］

"I've also seen their fur before. It's no wonder people like them. I think they would be popular among noble ladies." ［Amelia］

"Ehh～? I wonder what they taste like..." ［Yuna］

Different comments came flying from everyone as they watched over the fields with Yuna's really standing out amongst them. Even then, not one of them paid it no heed. It wasn't the first time she commented such things, after all.

"Alright! Let's go hunting! See you later when I win!" ［Julius］

"Eh?! Wait a minute Julius, that's cheating!" ［Yuna］

"Well then, I'll also be going ahead, Grey." ［Amelia］

"Alright, see you later." ［Grey］

Smiles afloat their faces, everyone split up in different directions, hunting on their own. Julius headed east, Yuna headed west, and Amelia headed further north, leaving Grey behind, only looking at the others heading their own ways.

"Hmm... They really are excited, huh... Well, I guess it's also time to head out. I don't want to be the loser, after all..." ［Grey］

Mumbled Grey as he slid down the snowy slope, a smile slowly appearing on his face as he hummed to himself. Now that he had joined the fray, there was no way he would be losing the competition. He was full of confidence.

What might this competition be, one might ask? It's nothing too complex, just a simple contest where they compete to see who'll be able to catch the most snow ferrets before lunch. A contest suggested by none other than the mischievous prince, Julius.

Such a thing came to be as they read the quest in the guild. As for the rules, it was pretty simple. They'll only be limiting their strengths to E-rank. It would just be plain broken if Grey and Yuna were to go all out, after all.

Of course, what kind of contest wouldn't be without any prizes and consequences. It was agreed that the loser would do anything the winner wishes as long as it is within their abilities. Neither one of them could afford to lose.

"Haap! You're not going anywhere!" ［Julius］

Shouts of excitement echoed all over the place as Julius ran back and forth chasing the snow ferrets. With his speed boosted by his lightning attribute, it wasn't a hard task to keep up with them. The problem was timing his grapples.

The snow ferret tried to turn left and right to lose Julius, but its efforts were to no avail. Julius was just as agile as it was, a terrifying smile on his face, one which scared the living hell of the poor snow ferret.

No other choices left, the snow ferret jumped and dove deep towards the snow. It was a tactic which would lose anyone. Unfortunately for it, Julius just wasn't just anyone. He was the second prince praised for his genius during hunts and battles.

"Not so fast!" ［Julius］

Like lightning striking the ground, Julius' foot dug down the snow and with little effort, he quickly lifted it up, digging up the snow. Well, it wasn't only the snow. The snow ferret burrowing within was also lifted up.

Another lightning bolt streaked as Julius' arm reached out towards the snow ferret. The latter's eyes only saw doom and despair as Julius' hands reached out towards it. The game was over.

"Alright! Got you!" ［Julius］

It wasn't even a match. Now, the snow ferret was in Julius' grasp. It tried to wiggle and struggle out, doing everything it could, but it was useless. Julius had locked its limbs in place, making it unable to slip away.

With a wave of his hand, the storage ring opened and a large basket appeared out of thin air. It wasn't just any normal basket either. It was one enchanted especially to restrain snow ferrets as soon as they're put in. Basically, it's a snow ferret cage.

But the ferret wouldn't be going down without a fight. Showing it's little, sharp fangs with confidence, the snow ferret bit down on Julius' hands with vigor, struggling like a rabid dog which hasn't eaten for days.

"Hey, what are you doing?" ［Julius］

Unfortunately for it, Julius' gloves were very tough. No matter how much it struggled, it was useless. All it did was look more pitiful, losing its strength after several seconds of struggling. Its eyes were now lifeless, a certain tranquility in its eyes.

"Sorry, pal. That's just the harsh reality of life." ［Julius］

Wise words came out of Julius' mouth as he placed the ferret in the basket. There were no signs of remorse nor mercy in his eyes. There was only silence as he closed the lid, a depressed ferret now inside of the basket.

The snow ferrets may be cute, but they're also considered pests in the north. Not only do they overhunt other small animals, they also trample crops from time to time and are fast to reproduce. It was the only reason Julius didn't feel anything in particular as he caught the ferret.

"Alright! Let's catch some more!" ［Julius］

The momentary silence was easily and quickly broken with Julius' excited declaration. The very moment he spotted another snow ferret, he quickly put down the basket and chased after it with much vigor.

A few moments later, another depressed snow ferret entered the cage, joining the one before it. With each passing moment, more and more snow ferrets entered the basket, their eyes all void of life and color. They have seen the beginning of the end.

"Amazing... That kid sure is amazing..."

"How many ferrets does that make it? Seven? Eight?"

"Let's just go to another spot, yeah?"

"I agree... It seems like we won't catch anything here..."

It wasn't just the snow ferrets affected by Julius' actions. The surrounding adventurers were also paying attention to him, losing their confidence at the rate Julius caught snow ferrets. It was the first time they saw someone with so many ferrets.

With such things in mind, the adventurers simply headed north with the newfound hopes in their hearts. They chatted so merrily as they traveled together, thinking about what kind of feast they could eat if they could catch one.

"Oh～! The north looks so empty～!"

"That's right. There's only a single person here! What luck!"

"Hahaha! Seems like she's also struggling. Just look at her basketー"

And look at the lady's basket they did, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief as soon as they did. There wasn't just one, nor two, nor three. There were several snow ferrets sitting there, unable to get out.

The adventurers rubbed their eyes over and over again, but not one of the ferrets disappeared. No more words are needed to be said. They simply left and headed towards another direction, their eyes void of colors and their mouths shut closed.

Unfortunately for them, no matter where they went, the same scene played out. Youths of the same age went around the place, their baskets full of snow ferrets. They've never felt defeat so bitter their entire life.

"I think I'll just be going home..."

"Yeah, me too... Snow ferrets are lame anyway..."

"Just what am I doing with my life...?"

Eyes void of life, expressions bitter and empty, and their hearts sunken to the deepest depths of the snow, the adventurers headed home in silence, their baskets as empty as their hearts. It was an unfortunate day.

The sun climbed higher in the horizon with the passing of time. Soon, the sun had reached its Zenith, lunch had come about. With it, the competition was also over. It was time to tally the results.

"Hahaha! It seems like you've also caught quite a lot." ［Julius］

"Fufufu! Who do you think we are?" ［Yuna］

"I'm happy whatever the results may be." ［Amelia］

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Such words were thrown around as soon as the four met up. Well, it wasn't only them. The ferrets had also met their kin, their expressions differing from basket to basket as if they were different kinds.

There were Julius' depressed ferrets, Amelia's scared ferrets, Yuna's confused ferrets, and Grey's sleeping ferrets. Even though they were the same species, they all acted totally different. It was an interesting sight to see.

"Well, since I'm obviously the winner. How about you all go first? How many snow ferrets did you get?" ［Julius］

There were no bounds in Julius' confidence. He was puffing his chest as he said his declaration. No, it wasn't just simple confidence. It was hubris, one which a prince like him naturally possessed. He was boasting naturally as if he was just breathing air.

"Haah... So cocky... Well, since His Highness has said so, I'll be going first. I got 84 snow ferrets." ［Grey］

"Amazing... That's so many...! I only got 56..." ［Amelia］

"Hehehe, then it seems like I won! I got 107!" ［Yuna］

Numbers came flying left and right as everyone revealed their score. And with each revelation, Julius' heart only sank deeper in regret. The confidence he once had was now burnt to ashes.

Well, it was only natural. While they mentioned limiting their powers, abilities weren't banned. With Amelia's "Detection", it was easy to locate the snow ferrets. As for Yuna, "Nihility" was basically a broken cheat. She caught the ferrets easily without them noticing anything.

As for Grey, rather than abilities, he only used curse magic. He simply casted "Sleep" all over the place, picking up the ferrets which had fallen asleep while humming ever so calmly. If he had hurried up, he could have beaten Yuna.

"Alright, since we already revealed our catches, could you perhaps enlighten us about your feats, Your Highness?" ［Grey］

There was only silence along with Grey's question. Julius couldn't even look him in the eye, his attention drifting away as he remembered his previous words. He was so embarrassed he could die.

"Your Highness...?" ［Amelia］

"Uh... Umm... I-It's 87..." ［Julius］

"Your bastardness, please tell the truth." ［Grey］

"B-But that's the truth though..." ［Julius］

"I said the truth. Don't make me repeat myself." ［Grey］

Julius tried to lie his way out, but with Grey possessing "Judgement", it was useless. While Grey normally doesn't use his abilities in such petty situations, this time is an exception. He just wanted to mess with Julius.

"Umm... It's 52..." ［Julius］

"Your Highness..." ［Amelia］

Well, it wasn't long before Julius admitted to his lies. Now, eyes of pity were directed at him. Even Amelia who would usually console him in such times couldn't help but shake her head. Julius was just too pitiful.

After all, Julius was the one who made such a suggestion and was also the one to make the rules. To think he'd be the one to lose.... Not to mention his confidence from before. It was just plain embarrassing. A dark memory was engraved in his heart.

"Okay, since we're friends... I'll only be asking for a week's worth of snacks from you. Cheer up, okay?" ［Yuna］

"Hey, a week's worth is too much! Make it two days!" ［Julius］

"Ehh?! Two days is too little! I'm even being generous!" ［Yuna］

"Generous, my ass! Do you know how much your daily intake of snacks is?! A week's worth will make me go broke!" ［Julius］

Well, such sympathy only lasted for a short time. The atmosphere has returned to normal as the sound of two people bickering echoed in the air. The only difference was that rather than Grey, it was Yuna who was arguing with Julius.

"Honestly, with how much you're eating, I'm surprised why you haven't gottenー Oww!!" ［Julius］

"Don't talk about a lady's weight so lightly!" ［Yuna］

"Oww! Stop hitting! I haven't even said anything yet!" ［Julius］

As Julius' screams of pain echoed aloud towards the sky, the snow started falling once again, painting the world white. The wind blew ever so gently and the clouds moved slowly like turtles, drifting by the freezing winds. It was yet another snowy day.

And along the snowy landscape, there weren't a lot of snow ferrets to be seen, only footsteps of the adventurers who chased before them. There were only desolate and snow-filled fields across the blank horizon, freezing winds caressing Grey's face.

'Hmm... Looks like there'll be a blizzard tonight..." ［Grey］

Such thoughts crossed Grey's mind, drifting along the howling winds, soon to be forgotten. Minutes passed and the footsteps were nowhere to be seen, buried in deep, white snow like a bitter memory which has been burnt away.

...

Harsh, cold winds bellowed aggressively as the snow swept away all there is to be seen. A veil of white hid everything there was as the heavy snow continued piling up higher and higher with the passing of time.

Two figures traversed such harsh weather, their cloaks fluttering in the wind and their steps sinking deep into the snow. Their bodies were trembling, hands were shaking, and hearts were quaking. Still, they continued to push through.

Clang

A resonant sound echoed all of the sudden. With it, the two figures stopped on their tracks. They then dug the snow below them, soon revealing a metal trapdoor beneath, cold as ice and freezing to the touch.

Clank Clank Creakkkk

Such sounds followed soon after as the trapdoor was opened. The two figures then turned their heads left and right, caution traced in their eyes. It was only after they saw nothing that they jumped down without any hesitation.

"Whoo～! We're finally back! Damn, that was a cold journey!" ［???］

"Ijas, lower your voice. We're on the sacred grounds right now. You should mind your manners and reflect on yourself." ［???］

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do just that. You're just too stiff, Arklen." ［Ijas］

"Hmph." ［Arklen］

It was a short-lived conversation, yet despite being ignored so nonchalantly, Ijas didn't mind the other's expression. He only whistled playfully to himself as they traversed the dark and gloomy corridors.

Clack Clack Clack

Each and every step redounded clearly as they walked down the corridors, only Ijas' whistling to accompany it. They met a lot of people, but they only nodded, not uttering a single word to them. It was silent. So silent that it was deafening.

Such silence continued with the monotony of the dimly-lit corridors. The lights on the walls, the squeaking rats from time to time, and the dripping of water droplets from the pipes. Such an ominous symphony echoed ever so clearly.

Then, the footsteps halted. The two figures stopped by a metal door, decorated by a pair of torchstones by the side. It was located in the deepest depths of the corridor, a vile and ominous aura looming over it.

"Come in." ［???］

There isn't even a need to knock. As soon as the footsteps halted, the one on the other side of the door knew that his awaited guests had arrived, his raspy and olden voice resounding across the metal door as he opened his mouth.

Clank Clank Creakkkk

Like the trapdoor from before, heavy metallic sounds echoed as soon as the door was opened. Inside, an aged man, beard reaching his chest, was revealed. He was holding an orb by his hand, looking at it with curious eyes.

"High Priest, I see that you're looking at that orb again." ［Arklen］

"How could I not? It's such a fascinating creation... To be able to control beasts and have them at your command. Isn't it a fantastic creation?" ［High Priest］

"Hahaha! Well, no matter how amazing it is, it still can't save their asses! Man, I really pity Iblis!" ［Ijas］

"Ijas, mind your words in front of the High Priest!" ［Arklen］

"No, it's alright." ［High Priest］

The raspy voice echoed once again as the aged man continued to look at the orb in his hands. It was an "Enslavement Orb". The very same orb Iblis used to take control of the beasts a few months ago. An orb of disaster.

"Ijas is right... Ratok was a smart man, but... he wasn't smart enough. If only he accepted our hand, he could have lived longer and saved his organization... It's a pity. It truly is..." ［High Priest］

As the aged man ended his words, he then placed down the orb atop a certain table. And as he turned around, his eyes pierced towards the two figures before them, full of authority and blooming with darkness.

"Well, enough about the past... What of the tasks I gave you?" ［High Priest］

"Everything is as you wish, High Priest. We have captured dozens of sacrifices as you have ordered. We only await your further instructions." ［Arklen］

"I see, I see... That's good to hear..." ［High Priest］

His raspy voice echoing throughout the room once again, the aged man once again turned around. He then raised his head, looking at the stone-cold statue before him, his eyes unclouded and full of conviction,

It wasn't a statue of an angel nor a saint. What lay before him was an ominous figure adorned with three pairs of horns, two sets of eyes and arms, a pair of ruptured wings on its back, and a distorted face which could send chills down one's spine as soon as they saw it. It was the statue of a devil.

"The day of judgement is nigh... We must prepare..." ［High Priest］

""By your will.""

Three voices echoed in the room, darkness creeping into each and every corner. The statue of the devil unmoving yet domineering, its eyes only carved in, made of nothing but mere stone, yet exuding an ominous and heart-devouring feeling. The day of destruction is drawing near.

CHAPTER 179 END

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