According to Miss Margaret, there were no monsters from the forest in the village, only creatures like wild rabbits and field mice. So, now that we had come this far, she was relieved.
However, it’s just during times like these that you end up encountering dangerous foes that are usually nowhere to be seen. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.
“Ah! I haven’t seen such a bright and open place since the first time I logged in!” Ruby said.
“Indeed, a grassy plain in the daylight is certainly a first for us,” Genjuro added.
Yet my companions were completely relaxed. In fact, they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the serene environment of the meadow and the blue sky.
“This is my first time too, ” Jigoro said.
“It’s the same for me too, and Isam is as well, right?” Iris asked.
“That’s right.”
Now that they mentioned it, the places I had visited until now were places like the sewers, catacombs, forests, mountains, lakes, and the surrounding wetlands. Everywhere had that dim atmosphere! Mostly because of my [Light Weakness] that used to trouble me!
Rather, it was only Ruby among us who had experienced a daytime meadow start. Iris and Genjuro had ventured into the nighttime meadow during the “Trial of the Azure Moon.”
Amidst such discussions, the village had drawn considerably closer. They probably realized it on their end as well. You could sense the rush the villagers were in even from this distance.
“Miss Margaret, it seems like we shouldn’t get any closer,” I said.
“Yes… It appears so.”
“That’s why we should turn back here. Could you share the information you know?”
While we were interested in the village, it would be foolish to recklessly approach and risk an attack. This time, we should give up.
Margaret hesitated a bit at my suggestion but eventually nodded in agreement.
“…Understood. To the northwest from here, there’s a rocky hill where the Birdian race resides.”
“Eh!?”
The one who showed the most significant reaction to Margaret’s words was, of course, Ruby. It was only natural, considering that the race her friend was about to choose was none other than the Birdians.
Margaret was surprised by Ruby’s response. It was only natural since she was unaware of our circumstances.
“I apologize, please continue,” I said.
“Y-yesl… Birdians are a communicating species, and they occasionally come to this village for trade. So, I thought that Sir Isam and the others might be welcomed…” Margaret explained.
“I see. How far is their place?”
“For Birdians, it’s about a little over an hour’s journey, but I haven’t been there myself… I’m sorry. I don’t know the exact time.”
Different continents meant different distances between humans and creatures. And since we hadn’t needlessly attacked humans, I predicted that we could establish a good relationship with the Birdians as well.
So, it would take one over an hour while flying. I looked to the northwest. There stood a rocky hill with sheer cliffs, its summit obscured by clouds. It seemed like it would be quite the hard journey.
However, that’s precisely why it’s worth going. While I certainly wanted to play the role of a villain, I also enjoyed the adventure itself. A town of Birdians nestled in an uncharted region… I definitely wanted to see it for myself!
“Have you all heard the plan? We’re setting our destination for the Birdian town. If anyone has objections, speak up.”
I said, looking back to confirm with everyone. … It seemed that no one was opposed.
“Alright, then. Miss Margaret, we appreciate the information.”
“Don’t go doing anything reckless from here on out!”
“Goodbye!”
“Take care.”
“Bye-bye!”
“Kyuu!”
To avoid further disturbing the villagers, we should leave here. Besides, even though it’s Friday, pulling an all-nighter isn’t healthy. For now, let’s make reaching the base of the rocky hill our goal.
“W-wait a moment!”
As we turned on our heels to start heading northwest, Margaret suddenly shouted loudly. We turned around, wondering what was going on.
“Truly, truly thank you! I’ll try to convince everyone in the village! So, please come to visit the village next time!”
Margaret expressed her gratitude to us in a loud voice. Surely, she had the intention of letting the villagers know that we weren’t their enemies. I lightly waved one of my four arms to show approval before we moved on from the spot.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
Yes, I logged back in. After that, we continued steadfastly northwest from the village, and without any incidents, we reached the front of the rocky hill. No, it was nothing but a continuation of the grassy plains all the way to the rocky hill. It was incredibly calm, indeed.
So, we decided to use Saturdays and Sundays starting today to climb. Well, I could fly using the power of my robe, and Genjuro could do the same for short periods. Of course, Karl could fly without any issues, and Ruby could simply cling to the rock walls, so there was no problem there.
Thus, the three of us needed to assist Iris and Jigoro. Especially Iris, as the journey ahead might become quite challenging.
“Now, shall we begin the climb? Are both of you prepared?”
I inquired of the two who faced the highest risk of danger on this climbing adventure.
“This is my first rock climbing experience in the game!”
Oh, isn’t this guy enthusiastic? Yeah, seems like everything should be alright.
“Fufufufu! Anticipating something like this, I came prepared!” Iris exclaimed.
“Prepared?”
“Check this out!”
With those words, I was handed metal fittings of various shapes. What they had in common was a hole with a diameter of about 5 cm. What are these? I’m not quite sure, but let’s try appraising them for now.
――――――――――
Climbing Harness – Quality: Superior, Rarity: R (Rare)
Metal equipment used for threading ropes and such during mountain climbing.
It comes in various shapes to be driven into cracks in the rock surface.
――――――――――
Ah! It’s those things used to thread ropes on mountain trails, right? Mountain climbing isn’t my hobby, so this is the first time I’ve heard the term “harness”. And, as expected, the quality is top-notch.
“Isam, please drive this into a suitable spot! I’ll use it to climb!”
“Ahh, I see.”
In other words, the steps for climbing are like this:
1. I search for cracks at just the right height while flying.
2. I drive the harness into the crack.
3. Iris climbs using it.
4. I retrieve the harness that’s positioned below her feet after she uses it.
This needs to be repeated. Wait, it’s quite the heavy work, isn’t it?
“Counting on you, Isam!” Ruby said.
“Umu, we’ll leave it to you!” Genjuro added.
Whoa! Did that old man and his granddaughter sense the heavy work and run off?! Well, can’t be helped. I guess I’ll do it.
“Oh, there’s a rope for Jigoro too. Do you want to use it?”
“Nah, I’m gonna keep climbing like normal!”
Huh? Are you out of your mind? Climbing without any equipment when a fall would mean death?!
However, it seemed like Jigoro’s determination was unyielding, and he even grinned while stretching. Ah, it’s pointless to say anything at this point.
“Iris, looks like he doesn’t need this.”
“Y-Yes, you’re right.”
“But, just in case of an emergency, I’ll hold onto it.”
“Oh! Sure! Please!”
With enthusiasm, Iris moved to tidy up the ropes and handed one over to me. Honestly, Jigoro… Iris went through the trouble of preparing it, so you could have at least accepted it to be polite.
In reality, as I received the rope, she wriggled her tentacles with a very pleased expression. Well, her easygoing nature is nothing new, so it’s fine.
“Alright, preparations are complete. Now, let’s head to the town of the Birdians!”
“”””Ohh!””””
“Kyuu!”
◆◇◆◇◆◇
“Fununununu!”
“Iris…! D-do your best; y-you’re so close!
“Kyuuu!”
Rock climbing went smoothly at first. The nearly vertical rock wall continued on, and with flying abilities, both Genjuro and I, along with Karl and, of course, Ruby, who could easily progress by sticking to the rocks, were climbing effortlessly.
Jigoro seemed to relish the challenge of scaling the sheer cliffs, so we left him to it. As for Iris, she was skillfully using the harness she had set up herself. Passing her tentacles through the holes in the harness, she lifted her body upward, using them for support. It took a bit more time due to her meticulous care, but we were making steady progress.
However, the trouble arose around the point where we surpassed the clouds. The interior of the clouds impaired our visibility, which was a bit of a hassle in itself, but that was the extent of it.
Yet, above the clouds, the rock wall had transformed from being vertical to a shallow angle. In other words, it had taken on the shape akin to a sloping roof.
In this situation, given Iris’s physical structure, even with the use of a harness, she would end up suspended in mid-air. As a result, Iris found herself essentially creating a high-altitude “cloud ladder”.
Recognizing the immense danger, both Karl and I connected ourselves and Iris with ropes to alleviate as much of her perceived weight as possible. Iris seemed to be struggling considerably, but we were almost through the sloping rock wall. Hang in there!
“I-Isam! This is bad! Something’s approaching!”
Wh-What?! An enemy now? At a time like this? Ruby sensing it is definitely appreciated, but dealing with this on top of the already perilous situation is nothing short of troublesome!
The enemy that Ruby had sensed soon came into view, even to my eyes. Birds. A whole flock of them. A rather unpleasant sight reminiscent of the vultures we encountered on that mountain. First, let’s use [Appraisal]!
――――――――――
Race: Rock Ptarmigan Lv12～16
Job: None
Skills:
[Sharp Claw]
[Sharp Beak]
[Agility Enhancement]
[Flight]
[Water Resistance]
[Lightning Resistance]
――――――――――
Oh? They don’t seem that strong, do they? There doesn’t appear to be any dominant individual among them, commanding the flock like the vultures.
However, the Rock Ptarmigans… If my memory serves me right, they were designated as an endangered species for over several decades. To think they would be introduced as enemies.
But, for now, I’ll set aside any lingering sense of guilt. Instead, I should feel relieved that they are opponents I can easily handle with my magic.
“Magic circle remote activation, spell adjustment, Dark Wave!”
With the [Black Magic] skill, my specialty, the flock of Rock Ptarmigans, far beneath me in strength, crashed down without much resistance. It seemed like the immediate crisis had passed.
Yet there was no guarantee that the next attack wouldn’t come. Moreover, at that time, there might be foes of equal or greater strength. It’s best to hurry!
“Oh, the enhancements are about to expire. Strength boost, Strength Boost, Strength Boost, Agility Boost, Agility Boost.”
“T-thank you very much~!”
While Iris struggled to support her own weight, I applied a combination of [Enchantment] spells to maximize her speed and support her weight. Iris desperately extended her tentacles, gradually but surely making progress. Karl and I did our best to assist her by pulling her along as much as possible.
“Keep going!”
“Just a little further!”
Ruby and Genjuro cheered us on from near the end of the upside-down slope. They must have realized that all they could do was provide encouragement.
“…this kinda reminds me of those old energy drink commercials.”
“”””Pftt?!””””
Jigoro, who had climbed the upside-down part without safety ropes and was making it look easy, suddenly said that. Fight on! …Oops, I shouldn’t say that!
Jigoro, you idiot! You say whatever comes to your mind! I’ve been thinking the same thing for a while now!
Anyway, never mind that! Iris, just a little further, give it your all!
“Uuuuuuuuuaaaaah!”
With sheer determination, Iris finally conquered the upside-down slope, propelled by her determination. Well done! There’s not much distance left from here!
“I’ve got the harness set!”
“The final stretch of the climb!”
While my attention had been wholly devoted to aiding Iris, it appeared that Genjuro and Ruby had been making preparations. The long rock wall was nearly conquered!
◆◇◆◇◆◇
“Heave…. ho.”
“Finally arrived.”
About ten minutes later, we finally completed the arduous climb up the steep, rocky mountain and reached the summit. It didn’t take too much time in terms of duration, but it left us quite fatigued mentally…
“Oh! What a feeling!”
“Yes, the breeze is quite pleasant.”
Due to the mountain’s nature, everyone was expecting a summit covered in exposed rocky ground, but we were surprised to find the entire area covered in soft grass. The distinctively refreshing high-altitude breeze gently blew, causing the grass to sway leisurely.
“This is a wonderful spot.”
“Isn’t this where the town of Birdians is located?”
“Yes, it should be. And most likely, it’s right over there.”
I pointed to a single towering giant tree amidst the meadow. It might not compare to the giant tree we had seen near the entrance of the “Ancient Travel Tower”, but it was impressive enough. The presence of such a tree at the summit of the rocky mountain was a genuinely surprising sight.
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