Chapter 302: The Climb Begins
“Flame Cannon!”
“Hah! Ha!”
As the group stepped into the mountains, monsters launched their attacks. Rest shot down a winged serpent-like creature with magic, and Yuri followed up by crushing its head with a swift kick as it fell. The Southern Mountain Range was a patchwork of exposed rock faces, dense forests, and snow-covered peaks, creating a marbled landscape. Each area was home to different types of monsters, resulting in a diverse array of foes to battle.
“This is quite engaging. I’m learning a lot,” Rest remarked.
While an average magician might struggle against these creatures, Rest had no such worries. With an infinite supply of magical power, he could cast spells without restraint, and thanks to his Copying Talent, he had access to a wide variety of magic. No matter what monsters appeared, he could adapt his spells accordingly. As for Yuri, she relied on her innate physical prowess and instincts to handle the threats. Whether it was a snowman-like beast, a large bird monster, or a giant mole bursting from the ground, she dispatched them all with ease.
“It reminds me of the rigorous training I endured when my wife set me impossible tasks… No, compared to that, this is a walk in the park,” Rest chuckled, reminiscing about his days before entering the academy.
Meanwhile, Yuri, thrilled by her recent victory, lifted the slain winged serpent and exclaimed, “Rest, this snake looks edible! Let’s take a break!”
Her penchant for exotic foods was as strong as ever. Without waiting for Rest’s response, she pulled out a knife and began skillfully dismembering the creature. She skinned it, removed the entrails, and, splattered with blood, expertly cut the meat into manageable pieces. By the way, the roasted Rock Lizard she had brought as a packed meal was long gone; Rest had only taken a couple of bites, while most of it had found its way into Yuri’s stomach.
“Your cooking skills have really improved,” Rest complimented.
“Can you tell? I learned a lot from Primula and the chefs of the Rosemary Marquis House! As for this snake… how about we have it as sashimi?”
“Please, no raw food… at least cook it first.”
“Got it! Then let’s make skewered grilled meat. Can you start a fire?”
“Understood.”
Rest gathered some suitable branches and ignited them with magic. Yuri skewered the snake meat and placed it over the campfire.
“…………”
The usual scene unfolded before them, leaving Libery, their mountain guide, speechless in astonishment.
“Is something wrong?” Rest asked.
“No… I heard you were going to hunt a wyvern, but you’re serious about it, aren’t you?”
“Did you think I was joking?”
“No… that’s not it…”
Libery hesitated, clearly taken aback by the display of Rest and Yuri’s abilities. Initially, she had thought they were overestimating themselves and foolishly challenging a wyvern. However, witnessing their effortless defeat of the mountain’s monsters made her reconsider; perhaps targeting a wyvern wasn’t as reckless as she had first thought.
“Would you like some, Miss Guide? It’s deliciously grilled!” Yuri offered, holding up a freshly cooked snake skewer.
Sadly, it did look quite appetizing. The meat glistened with fat, and a juicy aroma wafted through the air.
“Come on, Rest. You can eat it.”
“………… Thank you.”
Yuri pressed the skewer toward him. Rest accepted it, albeit with a grimace.
“…………”
Yuri stared at him intently, as if expecting something. Reluctantly, he took a bite, and the rich flavor spread across his palate.
“……It’s delicious.”
Despite being seasoned only with a light sprinkle of salt, it was surprisingly tasty. If he hadn’t known better, he might have mistaken it for grilled chicken.
“Great! Now, you should try some too, Miss Guide!”
“………………………… Sure.”
Yuri handed a skewer to Libery, who took a bite with a look of delight on her face.
Though Yuri had a taste for the unusual, her palate was undeniably reliable. The three of them enjoyed their meal of monster meat, taking a brief respite amidst their adventure.