"We're almost there!"
The Hero, her long hair dyed white by the winter wind, fluttered in the breeze as she excitedly shouted at the silver-white horizon.
If the last journey on the highland was an uncertain pilgrimage, this time it was almost a leisurely and enjoyable outing.
Unlike the arduous journey of taking one step at a time before, this time she comfortably sat on the Chocobo-drawn carriage, humming songs along the way. She only needed to wave at the Magic Creatures and didn't even need to expend Magic Power. At most, she asked the Gleaming Scale Serpent to lay an ice road ahead, waiting for the Chocobo to dash on it.
Even the well-trained Black Feathered Land Bird had likely never traversed such a smooth path in its life, as it was accustomed to performing high-difficulty tasks rather than pulling a coachman's land bird.
So, having such an opportunity, it eagerly pulled the bird carriage, speeding joyfully along the ice road the Gleaming Scale Serpent created.
In less than half a day, the carriage crossed several regions unobstructed.
The previously perilous highland now seemed like the Hero's backyard, open for her exploration. Even the Stone Forest shrouded in thick fog all year round had its mist thin out upon the Hero's arrival, making visibility bright and allowing the Chocobo to keep its pace.
As the sun prepared to set, the group had already arrived in the Central Volcano Region, with snow-capped mountains and an endless silver-white snowfield visible on the horizon.
[Are the Snow Women here?]
However, upon revisiting the Snow Woman Clan's settlement after a long time, the expected warm welcome did not materialize.
In the biting cold wind, the Hero tightened the scarf around her neck and widened her eyes, peering at the small ice house village, which was devoid of people.
She wasn't surprised that Sister White Snake was absent, but she didn't expect even the Snow Women had departed.
She continued along the path; the sacred site of the Snow Domain, Ice Heaven Lake, was not far away.
The weather was clear today, and from the highest peak of this mountain range, if one looked up, they could see an exceptionally brilliant starry sky.
Despite the brisk wind, the lake surface was as still as a mirror, reflecting the sparkling light of the stars in the night sky, where the water's glow met the heavens, making it hard to distinguish between reflection and reality.
The Hero's hair color turned black as ink under starlight and icy wind, gently fluttering.
After such a long time, during which there were various high-intensity battles, the hair paste given by the cruising bishop could no longer present its once-vibrant colors.
However, despite its weakened effect, its lasting power was enough to make the Hero sincerely admire the skills of the unknown alchemist.
Behind her, the campfire crackled as the Gleaming Scale Serpent retrieved a portable high-altitude Arcane Furnace from the bird carriage's supplies, lit the flame, and began preparing dinner.
He multitasked, effortlessly using Magic Power to set up a small igloo while cooking. The soft snow formed a bed, feeling not a bit cold but instead wrapped in a warmth akin to cotton, providing great comfort.
In any case, this was the time to set up camp for a rest, even if the Hero wanted to keep moving to find the Snow Women, but a whole day of travel had already exhausted the Chocobo.
So, with the Hero's nod, the Gleaming Scale Serpent swiftly prepared the resting place for the night.
The Fantasy Species' Magic Power combined with the maid supervisor's serving skills made a perfect match; even at the high-altitude snowy mountain top where life seemed extinct, the living environment felt particularly cozy and comfortable, making her eagerly look forward to the night's rest.
The Hero accepted the hot tea handed by the Gleaming Scale Serpent, taking a small sip. The warm flow spread through her body, dispelling the cold.
"Mmm, thank you, it tastes great."
"You're welcome, Your Majesty." The Gleaming Scale Serpent smiled as he bowed, his movements impeccable.
Holding the steaming tea cup, the young woman by the lake showed a blissful smile, but moments later, she blinked and murmured to herself, "But wasn't I here for camping?"
Her gaze turned to the large demon corpse box, sealed layer upon layer on the bird carriage, and confusion appeared on the Hero's face.
Snow Woman Sister, Sister White Snake, and the Clan Leader… where did they all go?
[The location of White Snake and the Snow Women]
4. Devil Cloud Tributary
9. Moon Overhead Tide
10. Critical Success♛/Extreme Failure
[The location of White Snake and Snow Women, Critical Success~]
1. Origin Cave (where the Phoenix was once born)
2. Reverse Flow Sea (visits by the Sirens)
3. Devil Cloud Tributary (Saintess's SOS signal)
4. Ice Abyss Prayer House (a sanctuary that once offered Ancient Hero, the resting place of comrades)♛
9. Mirror Moon Pond (path to the reflection of the White Moon)
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
The campfire fueled by Magic Stones was still burning, although the flames had lost their initial vigor, a wisp of smoke swaying into the star-filled night sky.
The Hero sat on a soft blanket, gazing at the lake's surface reflecting the night sky as if she were at the intersection of two starry skies.
Being able to eat a hot meal in such an environment, one could say it was a life-fulfilling experience.
Although as a servant, Gleaming Scale Serpent's cooking skills still needed improvement, this time the dinner consisted of pre-made items preserved and dehydrated with Water Magic, which, once slightly heated, would become a passable delicacy.