[Contractor, the atmosphere is strange, isn’t it?]
“I know without being told.”
“Hmmm, did something happen?”
We each muttered something while observing the chaotic atmosphere of the Wendigo.
So much so that it felt natural to say such things, the mood was indeed stagnant.
Dark-faced individuals walking, serious-faced groups chatting, worried gazes cast towards the mountains. The village’s atmosphere was serious to the point that it was impossible not to notice.
What should I do? Should I start with an inquiry investigation? But I came here to find the Phoenix, not to resolve an incident. Even if it’s bothering me, it would be right to check lightly and if there’s no problem, head off to look for the Phoenix.
However, my instinct signaled that this atmosphere was linked to the Phoenix.
“Let’s find out what’s going on first.”
“Is there anyone who knows?”
I didn’t think they would reveal their inner matters to an outsider. Deflecting the sporadic wary glances, we entrusted the horses and carriage to the stable and headed inside.
“What if it really collapses…?”
“If it gets covered in snow like decades ago, it’ll be the end.”
“Why did the explosion happen at the summit…?”
“Did the Wendigo awaken?”
Picking up snippets of murmured conversations from residents dressed in somewhat Eskimo-like outfits, it seemed that something serious was indeed happening.
It appeared they were debating whether a monster named Wendigo had awakened or not.
Well, that wasn’t my concern.
Right now, the most important thing for me was persuading the Phoenix to join the battle against Harpas.
…Still, there’s one thing I need to confirm.
“Tom, do you know anyone in this village?”
“I know of someone, but I’m not sure they’re in the village.”
I received a vague answer to my question. Does Tom not even know if his acquaintance is alive? Well, in a world without mobile phones, it’s hard to know the survival status of acquaintances if you haven’t visited in a long time.
Especially in a world with such a high mortality rate.
I brushed aside my disappointment and looked around. Compared to the previous village, Snowville, the environment was clearly underdeveloped. It felt like a rural village in a remote mountain area.
[Contractor, those people look like they came from outside too, don’t they?]
Were there other outsiders besides us?
I turned my head in the direction Rue was pointing and observed a group of people who appeared to be outsiders. Dressed in thick winter wear with gear resembling climbing equipment. So, they have mountain climbers here too.
Should I talk to them?
“Tom, I’ll go talk to them for a moment.”
“I’ll go look for the White Frost. I’ll see you in the square.”
A clear division of roles. I strode forward to catch up with the group of outsiders. As I approached, the large group glanced at me with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
“You seem to be one of us, an outsider.”
“Oh, you noticed right away.”
“It’s obvious you’re not from around here.”
“That’s right.”
Three men and two women, it seemed.
They looked a bit underwhelming for tackling the rugged mountains, which boasted a crazy environment from a distance. I checked the badges on their chests and pulled out my certification from my pocket.
“Nice to meet fellow Explorer Guild members.”
“Oh, you’re a guild member.”
Their eyes softened significantly. It seems being in the same guild eases their caution a bit. Thanks to that, I could ask the information I wanted.
“Is there a dungeon around here? The village atmosphere seemed chaotic.”
“There isn’t a dungeon. It’s just that… we received a request from this village asking our White Wolf Exploration Team to investigate the Wendigo.”
Ah, so they’re an exploration team.
“The Wendigo… you say?”
“What, weren’t you here to find out about it too? There wouldn’t be any other reason to come to such a remote place otherwise—”
“I’m here for personal reasons.”
“I see. Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
The White Wolf Exploration Team waved goodbye, as if that was the end of the courtesy among associates, and disappeared into the distance.
Tsk. I wanted to gather more information.
But this was still a decent harvest.
I could roughly gauge the village’s situation now.
“…Wendigo.”
[What’s that?]
“Probably a monster.”
Or perhaps a type of ‘phenomenon.’
I looked up at the towering mountain range hidden beneath the clouds.
Though my scattered speculations had no solid basis yet, perhaps some of them could be truth.
“Maybe I’ll cross paths with them again.”
Perhaps we might share the same goals.
————————-
“The White Frost is dead.”
Tom, who had been cheerful the whole way here, sounded gloomy. To arrive at his friend’s village only to hear about death—understandably, it was sad.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“No, it’s been 15 years since we met. It was bound to happen… Did you find the information you wanted?”
“I found some, sort of.”
“I’m glad to hear that. So when do we set off?”
“I’ll head out tomorrow morning.”
“Make sure you prepare well. The weather in the mountains has been really harsh lately… I’ll head up first.”
Best to leave him alone. I took my eyes off Tom as he climbed the inn’s stairs and finished my meal. It certainly wasn’t tasty compared to Snowville’s upscale inn, but it was edible enough.
I stood up and exited the inn. Since I was sharing a room with Tom, it felt a bit awkward to go back in. A man grieving for a lost friend needed his space.
I needed to gather as much information as possible before leaving tomorrow anyway, so I thought I’d take a stroll around the village to digest my food.
[Contractor, what’s that?]
“It’s a sled.”
In a place where snow is swirling, it would be much more efficient to use dogs for sledding rather than horses. I thought this and gazed at the dogs tied to the sled.
Or maybe they were wolves?
They were larger than ordinary large dogs.
Yet, despite their size, the way they panted with their tongues out was surprisingly cute. No matter how big they are, a dog is still a dog, huh.
[Contr, Contractor! They’re looking at me!]
“Are my tentacles looking delicious?”
[Noooooo!]
Such an intense reaction to a joke. I glanced at the dog that seemed genuinely curious about me and gave Rue, who was bouncing around my waist, a couple of gentle pats.
“Calm down. They’re tied, so they can’t jump at you.”
[Really? Are you sure?]
“Really. So just stay still.”
Despite their size, it seemed unnecessary to panic like that. I finally managed to calm Rue and moved away from the spot. I hadn’t even walked halfway yet, so I needed to hurry my steps.
…The atmosphere is quite gloomy, huh.
As I ventured further into the village, the expressions of the residents grew darker.
Is the Wendigo such a dangerous presence?
I don’t think I ever heard of it in games?
…It didn’t even appear in the original story, so I had no clue what a Wendigo really was.
While pondering this, I suddenly heard a voice.
“Hey, come here.”
“…Are you calling me?”
The oldest-looking woman I had seen waved me over from her rocking chair. Is she asking me to come over? Curious about why a local was summoning me, I approached her.
“You have a very unique soul.”
…Definitely not an ordinary old lady.
I decided to play it coy.
“Is that so?”
“It’s quite different. However, having lived here for so many years… if you’ve been living here for a decade, you’re virtually a resident by now. Isn’t that right?”
“…That’s impressive.”
I wanted to talk to her a bit longer.
[Huh? What are you talking about?]
“A magic book with a soul… you’re quite distinct as well.”
The old lady locked her blue eyes onto mine. The depth of her gaze was unfathomable. The look that seemed to peer into my very being was strangely comforting rather than unpleasant.
It wasn’t a malicious gaze, but rather a warm one, almost like a grandmother’s.
“Who are you?”
“I’m called the bird that looks down upon things. It may be modest, but I’m the village elder.”
“You certainly don’t seem modest at all.”
“Hoho, you flatter me. It’s cold, come inside.”
I followed the elder, who leaned on a cane next to her chair, as she rose to enter her home. As I stepped inside, a fragrant aroma filled the air.
Are they burning incense or something?
“Take a seat. I’ll bring some tea—”
“Thank you very much.”
“You’re quite polite.”
[What a fascinating person.]
Indeed.
I quietly looked around the elder’s house while she went to prepare the tea. The place was filled with various household items and decorations. Dried meat dangled from a string attached to the ceiling. It was very homely.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had tea with an outsider.”
“I’d expect many visitors around here.”
“It used to be that way. But now I’ve almost stepped down from the elder position. I’m old now, you see. It’s time for me to be buried in the snow.”
Even while speaking of her own death, the elder’s voice remained calm. Is that what age brings? I took a sip of the refreshing tea and opened my mouth.
“You still seem vigorous.”
“Hoho, I’ve taken good care of myself.”
“Is that so?”
“Are you here alone?”
“I have companions.”
“You seem gloomy. Make sure to comfort them well.”
How far can she see? I was in awe of the elder’s insight and asked her.
“Can you see the future as well?”
“That’s a domain not permitted to humans. But I can make some educated guesses.”
“Can you share just a little?”
“I could, but it might not lead to anything good for you. Hasty assumptions can return with dire consequences.”
“That’s a pity.”
“Wise of you.”
With that remark, I felt I shouldn’t probe further. So, what else should I ask? After thinking for a moment, I decided to inquire about the Wendigo, which had become a hot topic in the village.
“Can you tell me about the Wendigo?”
“It’s an old legend that is passed down in this village.
A long time ago, an explorer and a native joined forces to defeat the monster ‘Wendigo,’ and built this village here. It’s said that the defeated Wendigo lurks in the snowy mountains, waiting for a chance to exact revenge.
There are rumors that it has returned recently, but you needn’t worry about it. It’s just a rumor that surfaces every now and then, as this village has grown too dull.”
“Sounds like a fairy tale.”
“Hoho, that it does.”
Is it merely a fictional monster, or does it really exist? Given this is a fantasy world, the latter is certainly a possibility. Though it seems to relate to me little.
“It seems you didn’t come to search for the Wendigo… did you come to meet the one at the summit?”
“…That’s correct.”
She knows about the Phoenix’s existence too. Maybe she had been waiting for me, knowing I would pass by her house.
“Make sure to pack well. It’ll be a challenging journey.”
“Thank you for the advice. Do you have any other advice?”
“Everything that happens from here on out depends on you… I have nothing more to say. Ah, there is one more thing I can tell you.”
A mischievous smile crept across the elder’s lips.
“Beware of the beauty, for it can turn to disaster.”
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