Chapter 98: Beyond the Tunnel
{TL: By Creed}
To get to Leafland, we have to cross the southern mountain range.
But, crossing the mountains is reckless.
It's spring now, so it's not as harsh as winter, but still, it will take a considerable toll on our stamina.
Moreover, if you're not used to the mountains, it's easy to get lost. In the worst case, you could lose your life from a fall.
However, there's no problem if you're heading to Leafland. Over ten years ago, a tunnel construction plan was initiated, and it opened about a year ago.
It's no exaggeration to say that thanks to this tunnel, I was able to reunite with Sofia. I am grateful.
And today, we will use that tunnel to cross the mountains.
"Wow."
"What's wrong, Fate?"
"It's my first time in a tunnel, so it's amazing."
The tunnel is wide enough for two carriages to run side by side. The height is about five meters.
Magical lights are installed at regular intervals. Additionally, the walls and floor are well-paved, making it easy to walk.
"Isn't this better maintained than the outside road?"
"I thought the same thing."
"It's easy to walk."
It seems Licorice and Aisha are also experiencing a tunnel for the first time, and they looked a bit excited. I felt like a child again, joining them in their excitement.
"Honestly... you should not let your guard down."
Sofia said, sounding exasperated, but there was a smile on her lips. It seemed she found it heartwarming that we were all having fun together.
"By the way, what do you mean by not letting our guard down?"
"A tunnel is similar to a dungeon. You have to be careful of monsters."
"Monsters appear?"
"Yes. Since it provides shelter from the elements and even has rest areas, monsters can sometimes enter. Regular clean-ups are conducted, but occasionally, they don't manage to get rid of all the monsters, and you might encounter one."
"I see."
Given how well-maintained it is, I didn't think monsters would appear.
But... I guess that makes sense. Since there are no gates at the entrance, monsters can enter.
"We need to be careful then."
"Yes. But encountering monsters is rare. Adventurers patrol every few days, so there aren't many incidents of being attacked."
"Then..."
It's safe. Just as I was about to say that, a scream echoed from the tunnel ahead.
"Huh? What? Was that a scream?"
"Sofia, please take care of Aisha and Licorice!"
"Yes! Fate, be careful!"
"Got it."
I couldn't just ignore it. My body moved on its own, and I dashed forward, sword of snow crystal in hand.
After running for about a minute, I saw a carriage. Judging by the number of goods piled on it, it was probably a merchant's.
A pack of wolves surrounded the carriage.
Although they were low-rank monsters, their numbers were overwhelming, making it impossible to let our guard down.
Two adventurers, presumably the carriage’s escorts, were fighting desperately. However, they were struggling against the sheer number of wolves and seemed to be in serious danger.
"Damn these things...!"
"Axel, don't panic! We can handle them if we stay calm."
"You're right, Lina, but... damn it! There are just too many of them! This is..."
"Axel, watch out!!!"
The female adventurer shouted.
A wolf lunged at the male adventurer's throat. He tried to fend it off, but he noticed it too late and couldn't react in time.
The wolf's fangs were about to...
"Take this!"
Before the wolf could bite into the male adventurer's throat, I stepped in and slashed the wolf's head. The wolf, now headless, fell lifelessly to the ground.
"Who are you...?"
"I'll help you!"
"Oh, thanks a lot!"
"Axel, you can't just accept help from someone you don't even know..."
"We don't have time to be picky in this situation!"
"I suppose you're right... Alright, let's do this!"
It seems the male adventurer is Axel, and the female is Lina.
Axel is a front-line fighter wielding an axe. Lina uses a staff and controls magic from the rear... or so it seems.
Until now, the sheer number of enemies had overwhelmed them, causing their formation to collapse with Lina being exposed to attacks. But with my intervention, the front line stabilized.
The wolves couldn't reach Lina, the rear guard. I blocked them effectively, and Lina used her magic to eliminate multiple wolves at once.
Once the formation stabilized, it was no problem at all... Within about five minutes, we successfully exterminated the pack of wolves.
"Whew... Is it over?"
"Looks like it... Yeah, we're safe. I don't sense any more monsters around."
Lina, using her magic, confirmed this with certainty.
Hearing this, Axel and I both sheathed our weapons.
"Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!"
"You're welcome."
We shook hands, smiling at each other.
"I'm Axel Reiner, an adventurer. Nice to meet you!"
"I'm Lina Integral, also an adventurer. Nice to meet you."
It's our first meeting, but... they seem like good people. I feel like we could become good friends if given the chance.
"I'm Fate Stuart, and I have some companions with me..."
"Fate!"
Just as I was about to introduce my companions, I saw them approaching. Licorice was sitting on Sofia's head, and Aisha was being carried.
"Are you all alright?"
"Yes. We just finished up here. Oh, by the way, Axel, Lina, let me introduce you to these girls..."
"Lady Sofia!?"
As I was about to introduce them, Axel and Lina exclaimed in surprise.
TL Note: New characters nice.
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