Chapter 236 Rescue And Contingency Plans, Part Ii
We slowly ascended along the wall.
'Kuu?'
"It's okay. It's not cold. I can see it. We're almost at the top."
'Kuu'
I'm wearing multiple layers, and I've also got a thick outer coat on. I've brought a portable Magic Tool to keep warm, so I think I can handle the cold.
The Dragonkin folks seem to be more resistant to the cold than us, but they're still dressing warmly. Of course, they're wearing outer coats too.
"Maya-chan."
"Yes?"
"How's everyone's condition? Is everyone okay?"
"Yeah. No one's lost any stamina. Maybe it's because Centrena-tan and Wilshion-tan are from a species that's resistant to the cold."
"Yeah, that's probably it."
'Maya-sama's power is amazing, isn't it?'
I heard Neta-san's voice from behind me.
'I'm also surprised, to be honest.'
Berberi-san's voice came from Maya-chan's direction. The sibling's using a way of speaking that's directed only at us, so only we can hear it. It's amazing, those 2 are really something.
Yesterday, we had a conversation about how the Dragonkin folks are resistant to the cold, and it seemed like that wasn't the case.
They're wearing outer coats, but they're not wearing multiple layers like us. They're wearing something light and fluffy that doesn't restrict their wings. I thought maybe they were just being patient because of their wings, but it seems that's not all there is to it. Anyway,
"That's right. Maya-chan has legendary skills, after all."
"Hehehe."
Maya-chan is blushing.
In this world, Appraisal Skills are originally innate abilities, not blessings. They're extremely rare, with only one person per country having them. Even among species, it's rare to find someone with an Appraisal Skill. There aren't any among the Tigerman or Cat-people men, and it seems there aren't any among the Dragonkin either.
It's not just Maya-chan, but Mahiru-chan and Asaya-kun might have it too, you know. Only Hero-sama has it for sure, though. But even if Maya-chan explains it in detail, we still can't figure out where the skill is. That's why it's "might have it" after all.
By the way, only our family and close friends know that Maya-chan has this skill. Jag-san knows too, since he's my disciple. He's tight-lipped about it, though.
As we chat casually like this, we're definitely the only ones heading towards the battlefield. Back in the MMO game days, before a raid event, Maya-chan and I would get so nervous, wondering where our tension would go.
As long as I don't die, the worst-case scenario won't happen. But even so, we can't base our strategy on that. Maya-chan and I both think that way.
"Alright, let's do this!"
We stop ascending when we reach the top. Everyone lands immediately and waits for my instructions.
There's no one here who feels a deep sense of awe, thinking we're at the top of that towering rocky mountain. Everyone recognizes this place as enemy territory, where the Dragonkin's princess and others are being held captive.
From what I can see, there's nothing in my line of sight, and nothing's flying around.
'Centrena, is there anything flying around in the distance?'
'Kuu.'
Centrena's eyes can't detect anything. Her eyes can see far into the distance, even in the dark, just like Rosalier-san's magic. So, there's no one flying towards us.
'Berberi-san, Neta-san'
I jump down from Centrena and wave at the two of them.
'Is there any movement or scent?'
'No, I don't sense anything.'
'That's right. For now, at least'
Maya-chan is petting Wilshion's back.
'Wilshion-tan, can you please take care of these two and lead the rescue team?'
'Guuu.'
Saying that, Maya-chan gets on Centrena's back.
'So, the 2 of you will ride on Wilshion and lead the rescue team, okay?'
'Understood.'
'Got it.'
'Jillietta-san, Failroud-san. Please take care of the princess.'
'Leave it to us.'
'Yes.'
'Jag-san, provide rear support, okay?'
'Yes. Master, I wish Maya-sama good luck too.'
'Thank you.'
'You too.'
'Well, Alverate-san and the others, prioritize your lives. If worst comes to worst, I'll do something about it. But still, be cautious.'
'Understood.'
'Well, let's start the operation. We'll create a big smokescreen, and that'll be the signal to infiltrate.'
'Understood!'
I ride on Centrena's back, in front of Maya-chan. Normally, I'd ride behind her, holding her, but it's different this time. Since I'm going to be her shield, it's better for Maya-chan if I'm on her back.
Centrena starts walking slowly. There shouldn't be anyone walking around here, anyway. We got that information from Bergalide.
'Maya-chan, how far to the outer wall?'
'Let's see... about 2 kilometers (� 1.24 miles).'
'Seriously?'
Is it really that far? Well, we can fly, but we can't just rush in without checking the situation.
Both Maya-chan and I have the "Display Self-Status Mysterious System" screen projected in front of us. The time is 6:30. The sky is still dark, and the horizon I can see from Centrena's back is still pitch black.
For the past few days, the sun has been rising around 7:30, so we still have about an hour. We're running along the right side of the lake. This is the source of the drinking water, right?
'It's big, Maya-chan.'
'It looks pretty deep, too.'
'Seriously?'
'Berberi-san checked it out. Maya hasn't checked it yet, though.'
'Well, even so, this is... those guys are brutal.'
'Yeah, they are.'
Jag-san and the others are following behind us. According to the plan, they'll set up camp with the lake at their backs.
This lake is about 1 kilometer (� 0.62 miles) long, and the outer wall of Radiawise, the Celestial Race's town, is still 1 kilometer away. Even if a battle starts, it shouldn't affect Jag-san's group much.
If one gets hurt, they'll fall back, so Jag-san's magic will be able to heal them to some extent. And with the mana tea that I and mana honey have, I won't run out of mana.
'Well, I can see the end of the lake now.'
'Yeah, just 1 kilometer left, brother.'
I hear Maya-chan's voice from behind me. She's peeking out from my right shoulder, checking ahead.
If I get hurt, I can still make it back with the dragon's speed. The dragon's body is tough, so it won't be easily pierced by spears or arrows. It's the strongest dragon breed, after all.
'Jag-san, I'll leave this to you.'
'We're going.'
'Yes, Master, Maya-sama.'
Jag-san and the rear support team stay behind at the lake's edge. We and the rescue team move forward.
Centrena and the others walk effortlessly on the untouched snow.
'Brother, 500 meters left (� 1640 feet).'
'Alright, almost there.'
I turn around to look back. Jillietta-san and Failroud-san nod.
'Berberi-san, Neta-san, please take care of that side.'
'Ber-san, Dorchune-san, please.'
'Understood.'
'Roger that.'
'Wilshion-tan, please take care of those 2.'
'Guuu.'
Maya-chan gives instructions, and Wilshion also nods to show her agreement.
'Kuu.'
'Guu.'
Centrena is probably saying something like "Do your best" too.
Well, let's go all out then!
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