New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Neve Snowfields
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A path along a perilously narrow cliff. One misstep, and it would mean plunging straight to the bottom. Walking this dangerous trail were two figures cloaked in black.
An icy blizzard lashed at them from the side, numbing their faces to the point they could no longer feel anything. As a result, my face had become frozen stiff, and my lips refused to move properly. The path ahead was obscured by white snow, and it was doubtful whether the intended destination truly lay beyond. But there was no turning back now. We had no choice but to press forward.
Yustin and I had made our way to the snow-covered mountains of the Neve region. This place was an expanse of snowfields and mountains, hardly the kind of area one could enjoy as a tourist. Many had gotten lost here, and the environment was so harsh that only a few giants called it home.
I’d heard that a giant village lay beyond these snow-covered mountains, but the path was so treacherous that adventurers frequently fell to their deaths. The Neve region was far, far north of the labyrinth city of Azarigrad. It had been two weeks since we left town. All this time, it had been just the two of us guys traveling together. Worse yet, my companion was Yustin.
Honestly, I am getting tired of this. I want to hurry back and see Shia again.
“—Ah, I slipped!” (Yustin)
“What?! Again?!” (Lost)
Yustin had lost his footing and nearly tumbled down the cliffside. Actually, he had fallen.
“Yustin!!” (Lost)
“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!” (Yustin)
Yustin unceremoniously dove off the cliff.
But this, too, was just theatrics.
“Eröffnung (Open Up)!” (Yustin)
Yustin deployed a spatial transfer magic spell, Portal Site, in the void below the cliff, and as soon as he entered the dark hole, he reappeared at the top of the cliff. Suddenly, Yustin was right in front of me again.
“—Ugh!” (Yustin)
“Hey…” (Lost)
I sighed deeply as I watched him smile contentedly, even after hitting the ground hard.
“What is it, Lost?” (Yustin)
“Don’t you think it’s disrespectful to people who actually fell and died doing this?” (Lost)
Yustin had been slipping off the trail repeatedly. The first time he slipped and fell, he instinctively used transfer magic to return to the top of the cliff. Since then, he’d been abusing the technique, repeatedly falling on purpose and returning as a game. Hearing my complaint, Yustin seemed to pout a little. His lips jutted out as he showed a frustrated expression.
No, seriously… If you’re going to be a great mage of justice, stop playing such unethical games.
“If you’re going to uphold justice—” (Lost)
“You idiot!” (Yustin)
“Ughfff!!” (Lost)
Yustin gave me a forceful kick. Lately, I’d been teaching him some hand-to-hand combat techniques as a sort of pastime, and he’d been improving steadily. He might even have some talent as a martial artist, in addition to his mage abilities. That aside, I, too, tumbled down the cliff.
As I lost my footing, my body felt the unsettling sensation of free fall, sending a chill up my spine. Though I could fly using the energy in my right arm, I couldn’t completely shake off the discomfort of falling through the air.
Before I could propel myself back up, Yustin’s transfer magic returned me to the top of the cliff, where I landed hard on my back.
“—Ugh!” (Lost)
“So, Lost, now you understand the thrill of it, right?” (Yustin)
“I don’t get it at all!” (Lost)
After three more rounds of falling for fun, Yustin finally seemed to tire of the game. We continued up the mountain trail, chatting idly.
—
The cliffside trail suddenly opened up, revealing our destination. It was the giant village, Gigant Village. The village was blanketed in snow. Stone houses stood in rows, and the faint shadows of fires flickered through the windows now and then. The poor weather and snowstorm made it dim despite being daytime.
The reason Yustin and I had come to Neve Snowfields stemmed from Yustin’s proposal. He wanted to meet the Water Sage, Undine.
Yustin had failed to obtain the Arsenal Volga from the Earth Sage, Gnome, recently, but he hadn’t given up on the Volga series. This time, his target was the Aquaram Volga of the Water Sage, Undine. It felt like he was targeting them indiscriminately at this point.
What a reckless kid.
As for why I was tagging along, it was partly because Yustin had dragged me along, but also because I was after a magic tool called Cold Sculpture (Ice Rose). It was said to be sold in the giant village of Gigant and nowhere else. As its name implied, it was an ice sculpture in the shape of a rose. You might think it would melt, but thanks to ice magic imbued within, it wouldn’t melt even in the heat of Azarigrad. On top of that, it had a cooling effect that kept rooms pleasantly cool. A stylish magic tool that combined practicality and aesthetic appeal. However, because most adventurers in Azarigrad were rough and careless, and due to the harsh journey to Gigant village, merchants rarely stocked it for sale in the labyrinth city.
Needless to say, I intended to buy it as a gift for Shia.
“Lost, this way!” (Yustin)
“Yeah, yeah.” (Lost)
Yustin quickly spotted a tavern in Gigant Village and waved me over with urgency.
Well, since he is letting me travel light, I couldn’t complain too much. In terms of hierarchy, Yustin is like the master, and I am his muscle-bound subordinate.
—
The village tavern. Being a tavern of the giants, the doorway was enormous, and the interior was incredibly spacious. Yustin and I were still growing kids. Lately, I’d felt a growth spurt, but even so, opening the door was a struggle.
“Excuse us!” (Yustin)
“What’s with the way you’re saying that, like you’re challenging a dojo?!” (Lost)
Yustin flung the door open and cheerfully announced our arrival. Four or five patrons and a staff member glanced over indifferently. They were enormous.
As expected of giants, they are massive. I would have to stand on a table to be at eye level with them. Giants are rare even in Azarigrad, so this is quite a sight. They aren’t entirely absent, but compared to humans, elves, beastkin, or demons, they were a distinct minority. Whenever one appears, people couldn’t help but stare out of curiosity. And now, here they are, drinking together in a group. It is a little intimidating.
“…” (Giants)
The giants gave us a glance and then returned to sipping their ales or liquors. The shopkeeper didn’t even offer a greeting.
What kind of place was this…? It is unbelievably gloomy. The tavern was dark, and no one spoke a word. There isn’t an ounce of liveliness.
“Huh, didn’t they hear me?” (Yustin)
Yustin seemed annoyed at the lack of response.
“Excuse us!” (Yustin)
This time, not a single head turned. It was as if they were deliberately ignoring him.
“Excuse—” (Yustin)
“Shut up… You’re noisy…” (Giant)
As Yustin began his third attempt to call out, one of the giants muttered in a low voice. The speaker was a male, no doubt, with long black hair tied back in a braid and dark skin. He was muscular, with a scarred face that screamed seasoned warrior.
What battles had he seen?
His dull green eyes carried a vacant expression.
“If you can hear me, you should respond. Returning a greeting is common courtesy and a part of justice one must uphold.” (Yustin)
“……” (Giant)
Once again, no response. Yustin had a habit of tying everything back to justice.
“Hmm… I’d heard giants were more cheerful, boisterous, and friendly.” (Yustin)
While Yustin’s condescending tone didn’t help, the atmosphere was indeed stifling. The village outside had been deathly silent, too.
Had something happened? It feels like a funeral.
“What’s your name? I am the great mage of justice, Yustin E…! No, just Yustin!” (Yustin)
Yustin addressed the giant who had spoken earlier. The giant, still staring at the table, didn’t move a muscle. He simply muttered again, almost inaudibly.
“…Argos.” (Yustin)
“Oh, the same name as the legendary sleepless giant?” (Lost)
“…” (Argos)
The reaction is too weak. For Yustin, I think he’s putting in a good effort to approach. But the utter lack of response seems to have hurt his pride, and his face is twitching awkwardly, with tears welling up slightly.
“…Lost, I leave it to you.” (Yustin)
“What do you mean?” (Lost)
“The negotiation.” (Yustin)
“Negotiation?” (Lost)
“I’ve been saying to ask for directions to Undine!” (Yustin)
I wasn’t listening at all. Was that the reason we came to this tavern? I wasn’t informed about any of this. Most of the time, Yustin just drags me along, pointing out directions as he goes, leaving me to figure out things on the spot. He’s definitely not suited to be a leader or master.
“Undine…-sama…?” (Argos)
At our words, Argos turned to look at us. For the first time, our eyes met. His expression was not of surprise, but rather closer to despair. Perhaps fear.
“That’s right. Undine, the Water Sage. I heard she’s based not far from this village. Guide us there, and we’ll pay you handsomely.” (Yustin)
Yustin snapped his fingers, and a sack made of burlap appeared out of thin air, landing with a thud on the table in front of Argos. From the sound, it seemed to be a pouch full of gold coins.
Recently, this kid has gotten more and more arrogant in his actions. He’s always had a habit of showing off, but it feels like it’s getting worse.
Argos glared at the sight, trembling as if holding back something. Then suddenly, he smashed the pouch of coins with the back of his hand, scattering them across the floor.
“Humans…always the same!!” (Argos)
The deep, resonating voice made my heart feel like it was about to stop. The other customers started to look in our direction, though none of them dared to speak. Even Yustin had gone pale, clearly realizing he’d messed up.
Ah, he’s made him angry. This is what happens when you try to show off without considering others.
“I’m sorry, Argos-san. If we’ve offended you, I sincerely apologize.” (Lost)
For now, I bowed my head in Yustin’s place. Argos-san, who had been breathing heavily at first, calmed down as he saw me bow and sat back in his chair with a sigh. From that reaction, I judged that the issue wasn’t just Yustin’s behavior but that this village itself was under some kind of stress.
This is where my intuition skill comes in.
“Is something wrong?” (Lost)
I tried to speak from the other person’s perspective, putting myself in their shoes.
“If there’s something troubling you, we’d like to help—” (Lost)
“Humans…children…powerless.” (Argos)
Argos-san’s voice gradually softened as he calmed down.
As I thought, there’s something bothering him.
“If it’s about Undine-sama, we can ask one of our sage acquaintances to relay a message—” (Lost)
It’s not a lie. I know both Gnome-sama and Sylphid-sama. Sylphid-sama is kind but uninterested in anything outside the Lucur Great Forest. But Gnome-sama might agree if I give a good reason. She’d probably understand if I explain I want to help the giants.
At my words, Argos-san widened his eyes slightly and looked at me. It was the first time I’d seen a human-like expression from him.
“Really?” (Argos)
“Yes.” (Lost)
“…” (Argos)
“If we can just meet Undine-sama, that’s enough for us. We won’t trouble the giants.” (Lost)
Well, there’s always the chance we’ll cause indirect trouble, but that’s another matter. Also, I want to buy the magic tool, Cold Sculpture (Ice Rose). As long as I can do that, I don’t even mind if we don’t get to meet Undine-sama.
“…Humans…sit.” (Argos)
Argos-san gestured for Yustin and me to sit at the table. With effort akin to mounting a horse, we climbed onto a tall chair.
—
To summarize, the giants’ problem was this blizzard. Neve had always been a cold region, but it had never experienced a blizzard lasting this long. The rivers had frozen over, making fishing impossible. Hunting monsters had also become difficult, plunging the village into financial trouble. The source of this blizzard was Undine-sama. Undine-sama, the Water Sage, had the power to control not only water and rivers but even rain and snow.
According to Argos-san, adventurers from the Adventurer Guild visited a few months ago, hoping to meet Undine-sama. The giants generously guided them, but afterward, Undine-sama was inexplicably displeased. The adventurers quickly left, and the giants never figured out what caused Undine-sama’s mood shift. Their relationship with Undine-sama had always been one of loyalty, so they couldn’t ask her directly.
On top of that, due to the situation in the village, Cold Sculpture (Ice Rose) was no longer being produced. In other words, to achieve my goal, I needed to lift Undine-sama’s mood and stop the blizzard. As a result, Yustin and I were allowed to visit Undine-sama’s ‘castle’. The plan was for us, as adventurers, to hear the details and possibly mediate with the Adventurer Guild.
Before reaching the castle, we passed through an ice cave. The cave was filled with ice sculptures resembling animals, which were actually monsters. Fortunately, they wouldn’t attack unless provoked.
Exiting the ice cave, the view was breathtaking. A floating ice castle, suspended in the air. It was supported by icy pillars and appeared to hover from a distance. A single ice bridge connected the castle to the cave’s exit, spanning across a range of sheer cliffs.
“…Go.” (Argos)
Argos-san stopped at the cave’s exit and motioned for Yustin and me to proceed.
“What about you, Argos-san?” (Lost)
“I won’t…meet her. The queen is angry…not wise to approach.” (Argos)
I see. Makes sense. Who knows what kind of wrath might descend? The Ice Queen, huh. I wonder what kind of person she is. So, she’s a woman. I thought from the name she’d be a man. I hope she’s not as troublesome as Gnome-sama. On the other hand, someone like Sylphid-sama throwing a tantrum would be terrifying too.
“Good for you, Yustin. You’ll finally get to meet Undine-sama… huh?” (Lost)
Yustin’s face was pale, and he was trembling.
“Are you feeling unwell, Yustin?” (Lost)
“No.” (Yustin)
“Then, what?” (Lost)
“…Nothing!” (Yustin)
Yustin is so high-maintenance. This behavior… I can guess what’s going on. Don’t underestimate my intuition skill. He’s been like this ever since Argos-san yelled at him earlier. He’s scared after being scolded for the first time in ages, and now he’s nervous about meeting the also-angry Undine-sama. Should I tease him?
“Yustin, you’re not used to being scolded, are you?” (Lost)
“Wha-what?!” (Yustin)
“Are you scared? Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” (Lost)
“Don’t be ridiculous! You’re getting cocky, Lost!” (Yustin)
He’s obviously flustered. Poor pampered Yustin isn’t used to being yelled at. But what about me? Did I grow up being properly scolded? Seeing Yustin and Shia sometimes makes me wonder about my own family.
—
We walked across the ice bridge. The transparent ice offered a perfect view of the cliffs below. For someone afraid of heights, the combination of ice and the drop would be terrifying. But Yustin and I had already fallen off countless cliffs to get here, so it didn’t faze us.
It’s too late to be afraid of heights now.
“By the way, you intend to ask Undine-sama for Aquaram Volga, right?” (Lost)
“Yes.” (Yustin)
“How do you intend to ask?” (Lost)
I voiced a sudden doubt. When it was Gnome-sama, I just tagged along and asked, but this time, it’s my first time meeting the Water Sage.
“I’ll bow my head.” (Yustin)
“And then?” (Lost)
“That’s it.” (Yustin)
Eh?! No preparation at all?!
“Yustin, are you good at negotiation or something?” (Lost)
“What are you saying? I’ll be the one bowing my head.” (Yustin)
“Who are you to say ‘I’?” (Lost)
“The righteous grand magician Yustin.” (Yustin)
“…” (Lost)
I see. Even though he’s smart, his pride is way too high. He probably thinks everything will go his way just because he asks. Not good. Maybe I’ve been spoiling Yustin too much. I’ll have to follow the situation and support him somehow. For the sake of the Ice Rose! And for Shia too!
—
The wind suddenly changed direction. As we passed through the gates of the ice castle, the falling blizzard gathered in one place, forming a white crystal in front of us. The white crystal grew as large as a snowman, and then it gradually became more delicately carved and transformed into a human shape.
“———What do you want?” (Undine)
The snowman spoke. The snowman was shaved by the surrounding wind, and gradually, from inside, transparent skin like ice was exposed. The one who appeared was the blue, blue Ice Queen. Blue skin, blue hair, blue dress. Everything about her was blue, but her eyes were bright red and gleaming. She was beautiful, but there was a hint of coldness in her expression. It looked like she was glaring at us.
So, this is the Water Sage Undine-sama. She’s more sage-like than the other sages, mostly in the way she speaks.
“Ah, um, we are—” (Lost)
“Are you adventurers?” (Undine)
Her cold, ruthless gaze fixed on Yustin and me.
“Ugh…” (Yustin)
Yustin was completely terrified.
Where did his earlier bravado go? But we didn’t provoke her. If we maintain a firm attitude, we should be fine.
“Yes, we’re adventurers, I suppose.” (Lost)
“Ho… You didn’t come back here to return it before I reach the peak of my anger, did you?” (Undine)
Return it before her? What is she talking about?
“Um… what exactly are you angry about?” (Lost)
“Hmm? Are you not messengers from the Adventurer’s Guild?” (Undine)
“Well, not really. We’re just adventurers. I don’t know anything about the Guild.” (Lost)
Upon hearing this, Undine-sama’s irritated expression softened slightly.
“…I thought they sent a ‘toy’ to apologize. My apologies.” (Undine)
Undine-sama gave us a slightly embarrassed expression.
But I have no idea what she was talking about. A toy? This is scary. What is she saying?
—
Undine-sama led us inside the castle. It was a large castle made of ice sculptures. Though the inside was cold, it was still better than being outside since the blizzard didn’t reach us here. In the throne room of the castle, Undine-sama sat on a large throne made of ice, crossing her legs.
The way she crossed her legs reminded me of Gnome-sama. Gnome-sama had a childlike body, and when she crossed her legs, she always sat on a dusty, dirty sofa.
“Now, you are Lost and Yustin, correct? What business do you have?” (Undine)
“We came here to ask Undine-sama to stop this blizzard.” (Lost)
Undine-sama didn’t react at all to my words and just let them pass.
“It seems that the giants are having trouble because of this blizzard. Life is hard for them.” (Lost)
“…That’s a request I can’t fulfill.” (Undine)
“Why?” (Lost)
“The blizzard is something I intentionally caused.” (Undine)
So, stop it already!
“If it’s the prank of someone else, I would stop it, but why should I stop something I personally caused?” (Undine)
“Well, that logic doesn’t make sense…” (Lost)
I guess it’s something like “Don’t stop me on my path to dominance”. This is the third sage I’ve met, and while each one has their own personality, they all have a similar temperament.
“Why did you create the blizzard?” (Lost)
“To prevent people like you humans from getting too close to the Neve Mountains.” (Undine-sama)
“Does that have something to do with the Adventurer Guild people you mentioned earlier?” (Lost)
At my question, Undine-sama raised her eyebrows, showing a reaction.
Right on target. Earlier, she had mentioned “return it”, so it seems like the Adventurer Guild people took something from Undine-sama.
“Humans are such greedy creatures. They will never admit their own sins. Of course, neither will I…” (Undine-sama)
Undine-sama stopped mid-sentence, then suddenly blushed a little. She cleared her throat and resumed her composed attitude.
“If you like, I can get it back for you.” (Lost)
“What?!?” (Undine)
For the first time, Undine-sama raised her voice.
“Well, if Undine-sama will stop the blizzard after I get it back, I’ll go get it.” (Lost)
Upon hearing this, Undine-sama placed her hand on her mouth and seemed to think about it.
Such a sexy gesture.
After a moment, she seemed to make up her mind and looked at me to speak.
“Fine… In about three months, the Adventurer Guild will hold an event. It seems they will offer a magic tool I personally created as a prize.” (Undine)
“Undine-sama’s magic tool will be the grand prize?” (Lost)
“Yes. I want you to win the event and bring the magic tool back to me.” (Undine)
An event… that sounds familiar.Ah, I remember. Recently, Taurus has been training day and night. He said he was participating in an event hosted by the Adventurer Guild. A three-person team tournament where the winning team gets a prize and a cash reward.
“Could that be Aquaram Volga?!” (Yustin)
Yustin, who had been silent until now, suddenly shouted out loud.
Indeed, Aquaram Volga is a known magic tool created by Undine-sama. It’s part of the Volga series.
“Do you want Aquaram Volga?” (Undine)
“Of course! I am going to become the righteous grand magician!” (Yustin)
“Grand… magician…” (Undine)
Undine-sama showed a negative reaction to that term. Her eyes widened, and her blue face turned even paler.
“……Heh… Heh heh heh…” (Undine)
Then, she lowered her face and began to laugh sinisterly.
I’ve been getting the feeling that she’s a little unhinged. I wonder if it’s just my imagination.
“Sorry, but that magic tool isn’t Aquaram Volga. However…” (Undine)
She raised her face, showing a mad smile. Her red eyes and blue-white skin. I suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu, like I was seeing a witch.
“If you retrieve that magic tool for me, I’ll give you Aquaram Volga.” (Undine)
“Eh?! Really?!” (Lost)
I was the one who was surprised.
What could be more important than the legendary Volga series magic tool?
“What is this more important magic tool than the Volga series?” (Lost)
“…” (Undine-sama)
What could it be? For someone like me, who has become a magic tool collector, I’m incredibly curious.
“……It’s my dark history.” (Undine)
“Eh?” (Lost)
“My dark history!” (Undine)
A painful, almost scream-like cry echoed through the ice castle.
“Dark history…?” (Lost)
“Yes… my dark history.” (Undine)
Dark history. Everyone has things they want to keep secret or things they regret doing. Even sages are no exception. Undine-sama’s dark history, huh… I wonder what it could be. I have to win this event no matter what. Otherwise, the giants will continue to suffer, and we won’t get the item we need.
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