( The Three Northern Mountains: Originally the lands of dwarves until the birth of the empire over 890 years ago, these vast forests are perpetually blanketed in snow, even on the hottest days of summer. The harsh landscape is home to numerous beasts, from Horned Rabbits to massive Ice Bears.)
"The region is considered extremely dangerous and largely expendable," Cain recalled reading. "Even hunting a single Horned Rabbit requires a two-star mage due to its incredible speed. And that's not to mention the Ice Bears, creatures with the strength of a seven-star warrior." The land yields little in terms of economic or social resources, further solidifying its reputation as a wasteland. For this reason, the Count deems it expendable, imposing only a 10% tax due to the minimal value it adds to his territory."
Cain watched the birds as they flew westward, their feathers a striking red with touches of black, standing out against the sky.
Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a commotion in the distance. A variety of birds, startled and frantic, burst from the treetops, fleeing the forest that was now fading from view as the carriage moved further away. Cain's eyes narrowed when he spotted the source of the disturbance: a pack of black wolves emerging from the underbrush. Their eyes gleamed with hunger as they stalked through the snow, clearly on the hunt—and their target seemed to be the very carriage Cain rode in.
Cain observed the wolves with indifference, as if they were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He remained calm, barely acknowledging them, while the wolves charged with terrifying speed. The sight of the approaching pack caused the driver to panic, his voice breaking in fear.
"Stop! Those are three-star wolves! They're dangerous!" the driver shouted, pulling on the reins in a desperate attempt to halt the carriage. He watched in disbelief as Cain calmly stepped down from the vehicle, walking directly toward the advancing wolves.
"…Just wait here. I won't take long," Cain said over his shoulder, his voice steady and assured. He planted his feet in the snow, standing completely still, waiting for the wolves to come to him.
The wolves rushed at him, their powerful legs tearing across the frozen ground, fangs bared and ready to strike. But Cain remained unfazed. As the first wolf lunged toward him with deadly speed, Cain's eyes flickered with cold focus.
"Winter Steps: Second Step—Crescent Moon Slash."
In an instant, Cain moved. His blade flashed through the air, the arc of his strike cutting through the falling snow as he executed the technique with precision.
A wolf leapt at Cain, but in a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and cut it cleanly in half, the blade slicing through the creature with ease. Without missing a beat, he dispatched the rest of the pack, their bodies falling to the ground, lifeless.
"Hmm?" Cain muttered, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something strange—chains around the wolves' necks. Chains that weren't natural for wild animals.
"Hey, boy, please, get back on the carriage quickly. It's freezing out here, and it's dangerous," the driver called out, his voice laced with urgency.
"No..." Cain responded in a low, cold voice.
"We need to leave, now!" the driver insisted.
"I told you no," Cain snapped, his tone sharp and filled with displeasure. "Do you take me for a fool?"
"W-what are you talking about, boy? I don't know what you mean..."
"Don't play dumb. Aren't you at least curious? Didn't you wonder why the horses didn't panic when the wolves approached? Or why those wolves had chains similar to the ones on your horses? And why are you so desperate for me to get back on that worthless carriage?"
The driver froze, his eyes widening. "!!!..."
Cain smirked, the confirmation he needed. "Ah, so I was right. Come out!" he called, his voice echoing through the forest.
"Who are you talking to, boy?" the driver asked, feigning ignorance.
"Stop pretending. I know you're here, so I'll say it one more time—come out!"
A tense silence fell over the area, and then, from the shadows of the forest, several figures emerged—bandits, their faces hard and menacing.
"You should've kept your mouth shut, boy," one of the bandits sneered, drawing a blade.
"Oh, really? That might be true for you. But as for me, I don't feel threatened in the slightest." Cain's eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "After all, what are ten bandits... eleven if I include you, driver, right?"
"!!! How did you figure it out?" the driver stammered, his facade cracking.
"Oh, that?" Cain chuckled softly. "It was simple, actually. The red bird I saw earlier—it hates the presence of humans. Plus, the wolves I just killed are incredibly easy to tame. And then, there's the matter of the three scars on your forearm—clear signs of someone who's been in many fights. It was obvious you're a bandit."
The driver cursed under his breath, realizing his cover had been blown. "I see... Boys, get him!"
As the bandits circled around him, weapons drawn, Cain's eyes sharpened, his hand resting calmly on the hilt of his sheathed katana. "Well then... let the hunt begin," he said, his gaze unwavering as th
e thieves closed in from all sides.
End of chapter 16