Chapter 301: Southern Mountain Range
The next day, Rest promptly visited the Southern Mountain Range. The majestic sight of the mountain range stretched out before him, with several peaks soaring high enough to pierce the clouds, their snowy caps glistening in the sunlight.
“This is… incredible. It’s beyond what I imagined.”
It was reminiscent of the Himalayas. Of course, Rest had never seen them in his previous life.
“Ah, it’s been a while since I came here. The scenery is as beautiful as ever,” Yuri said, peering into Rest’s face with a bright smile.
“I’ll be your guide! Just think of it as riding a grand ship!” she declared enthusiastically.
“…No, thank you,” Rest replied, shaking his head.
While Yuri was bubbling with excitement, clearly enjoying the prospect of mountain climbing, Rest had no intention of relying on her. Trusting a notoriously directionally challenged Yuri for navigation would be akin to sailing on a leaky boat. He could only envision a future of getting lost together.
“I found a guide in the village. Let’s follow her,” Rest said.
“Thank you for having me today. I am your guide, Libery,” the woman hired from the village said with a polite bow.
There were several guides stationed at the base of the mountains, as guiding adventurers through the range had become a thriving business. It was said that some people, in an attempt to save money, ventured into the mountains without a guide, but about twenty percent of them ended up lost and missing.
“The mountains can be quite disorienting, and there are many monsters lurking about. Please refrain from acting recklessly,” Libery cautioned.
Libery was a woman in her mid-twenties, with shoulder-length brown hair and sun-kissed skin, likely from spending time in the mountains. Notably, Rest and Yuri had not mentioned their noble status to her; it would only complicate matters if she treated them with undue reverence.
“Just to confirm… your goal is monster hunting, specifically hunting a wyvern, correct?” Libery asked.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Rest replied.
“Yes, that’s correct,” Yuri added.
“Excuse me, but do you have the strength to defeat a wyvern?” Libery inquired, her tone probing.
That question was quite valid. Rest and Yuri were both teenagers, and they were unarmed. A wyvern was a sub-dragon, a formidable monster, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were perceived as reckless youths challenging something far beyond their capabilities.
“I’m a magician, so it won’t be a problem. As for her… well, let’s just say we’ll be fine,” Rest assured her.
“We’re strong, so there’s nothing to worry about!” Yuri chimed in.
Libery’s expression turned sour at their words. It seemed they were indeed being viewed as reckless and foolhardy youths.
“Well… since I’ve already received my payment, I will guide you. However, I will not participate in any battles. Whatever happens, it’s at your own risk,” Libery stated firmly.
After explaining their goal of defeating a wyvern, she repeatedly emphasized the dangers involved. Although she didn’t refuse their request for guidance, she made it clear that they would be responsible for their own safety. They even had to sign a contract stating that the guide would bear no responsibility for any injuries or fatalities.
(Well, I can’t blame her… If I were in her position, I would think this was reckless too. We’re just kids, and Yuri has zero sense of danger…)
“Understood. If things go south, feel free to leave us behind and escape,” Rest said.
“If you insist, I will guide you. But please, if you want to stay alive, listen to what I say,” Libery warned.
“Got it! Oh, by the way, I made lunch! It’s roasted rock lizard, Rest’s favorite!” Yuri exclaimed.
“I don’t recall ever saying that was my favorite… And you’ve brought back that strange monster again, haven’t you?” Rest replied, bemused.
Yuri fell silent, and once again, Libery wore a bitter expression as she listened to their carefree banter.