Chapter 57 - Tightening the Reins
The harsh winter has arrived, and the days are filled with snowfall. The icy cold of the morning air sharpens my senses, and I quite enjoy it. After the chill, the warmth of a hot bath feels wonderful.
On one of these bitterly cold winter days, we are conducting our traditional outdoor training, a legacy from our days at the Camp. "Hey, you're lagging behind! Don't slow down!" We run through knee-deep snow, weighed down by ridiculously heavy backpacks. This is basic training, returning to the fundamentals.
I, too, am carrying a backpack that feels like it could sink into the ground. It's so heavy that I can barely suppress a groan, but I won't show any weakness.
Today, we have a mix of the Secretariat Unit and the Second Combat Unit, all giving their all in the training. Lately, I've been acting as a strict instructor, pushing the Kikyo Society members through rigorous training. This snow marathon is just one part of it.
Why am I doing this now? Of course, there's a reason.
"Recently, we've been getting challenged a lot. Not just on Sixth Avenue, but even on Lightning Street, where there aren't many people around."
"Feels like we're being targeted because of the Kikyo emblem. After I beat them, they usually just say it's because we're in the way."
"Come to think of it, there have been more fights lately."
It might be related to all the trouble we've been causing, like the gambling den incident. The impact is probably starting to show.
"At least the attacks are only on our members and not affecting the territory. That's a relief, right?"
"Yes, the reports confirm that."
If innocent shops get caught in the crossfire, it won't just be a simple fight. That's something we want to avoid at all costs.
More fights are fine, but it feels like there's an uneasy atmosphere.
"Josephine, have you found anything out?"
"According to the Intelligence Unit, a lot of delinquent adventurers and fallen knights from Retnark are flooding into Exembra."
"Fallen knights from Retnark are nothing new, but delinquent adventurers?"
"Infamous adventurer teams, for starters, have been entering Exembra one after another recently. We don't know their purpose yet."
Due to the deteriorating situation in Retnark, Exembra has become a haven for miscreants, and their numbers are steadily growing. The Kikyo Society is among the leading organizations, but it's a fact that the number of troublemakers is increasing.
"Delinquent adventurers, huh? Sounds like a fun bunch."
"They operate in parties, so we need to be careful when dealing with them. We don't know where their allies are."
Adventurers are used to fighting in different ways from knights. Especially the bad ones, who might resort to ruthless tactics. We need to warn our members.
"Bring it on, everyone."
"Ha, the Kikyo Society doesn't back down from a challenge. But be careful. Some of these delinquent adventurers are highly skilled and even have a bounty on their heads from the Adventurer Guild."
Even the Adventurer Guild considers them troublemakers. It's only natural that they'd cause problems.
As long as they don't target us, it's not our concern. But we're noticeable, so we might get dragged into things whether we like it or not.
"Alright, if they want a fight, we'll give it to them. But it might be time to tighten up our own ranks."
I mentioned something that had been on my mind recently.
"Yeah, some members are getting too cocky. They've improved, but lately, they're not taking training seriously."
"They meet the quota, but their enthusiasm is lacking. I've tried warning them, but without a sense of urgency, it's hard."
The combat unit leaders understood and agreed.
Of course. We've become strong, but some members are getting complacent. They need to remember that there's always someone stronger out there.
Alright, it's time for me to step in.
"I'll be leading the training this winter. It's the perfect time for snow training. Sound good?"
The Zeiglune members were curious about the winter training we did at the Camp. I gave them a brief overview.
"Hmm, so you did that, Yukari-dono? Sounds interesting."
"It might be a good opportunity for us to get back into shape. Yukari, we're counting on you."
"Wait, does that mean the Secretariat Unit too?"
"You guys are as energetic as ever."
Frederica and April's complaints were ignored, and the decision to implement the training was finalized. Rosabel-san and Colette-san won't have to participate, so they're off the hook.
We're not the only ones getting stronger. We can't afford to be satisfied with the status quo. We need to hone our minds and bodies. I'll lead by example with the toughest training, instilling a sense of urgency. Words alone aren't enough; actions speak louder.
I've always said that the Kikyo Society is a matter of life and death. I doubt anyone has forgotten, but it's worth reminding them. The leaders will set the example, and the rest will follow.
Even compared to larger organizations, we're still small. But individually, we're stronger, if not superior. We can't afford to lose this advantage; we need to grow even stronger. That's the only way to maintain our freedom.
"When we reach the forest, we'll take a break. But if you lag behind, there's extra training. Let's go!"
Even I'm a bit out of breath from the heavy backpack, but I don't slow down. We have a lot more training to do once we reach the forest. The real challenge begins when it gets tough.
Physical and mental fortitude are crucial. When it comes down to the final moments, it's the spirit that decides the outcome. The one with the stronger willpower will prevail.
As soon as we reached the forest, everyone, including me, collapsed on the snow. It was that intense.
We'll recover naturally without using any potions. A short break will be enough for everyone to get back on their feet.
We also have other objectives: collecting materials and slaying monsters. The materials are ice from a lake deep in the forest, which has a subtly sweet flavor, a rare delicacy. We're doing this for the Commercial Guild's Jallens, who offered to buy the ice.
The monsters in the snow don't hibernate and are quite active. Since it's unusual for people to venture into the forest in the snow, we decided to take on the task of culling the monsters while we train.
It's a win-win: we get training and some extra money.
While the others were still catching their breath, I started thinking about our next move. Maybe a longer break would be more efficient.
"Yukari-san, let's take a bit longer. Everyone's still catching their breath."
Even Mary, who's a training enthusiast, looks exhausted. Brittany, the vice-commander, can't even crack a joke, and the other members are in a similar state. We'll take a longer break.
We'll discard the heavy backpacks here and continue on lightly, targeting the lake for the ice. We'll only keep the valuable monster materials and discard the rest. The ice is our priority, and it fetches a higher price.
We'll return carrying the giant ice blocks, which will be lighter than the backpacks.
After a much longer break than planned, we finally set off for the lake. To make the most of our efforts, we'll spread out and head there individually.
I'll stay with the apprentices, along with Mary and Brittany, while the regular members, including the secretariat, can handle the forest's monsters alone. If needed, they can signal for help with light magic.
When we reached the lake, the entire surface was frozen, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.
"Wow, amazing!"
"So beautiful..."
" Incredible. I didn't know such a place existed."
I understand the apprentices' amazement. The icy world in the forest is a surreal, beautiful sight.
But we don't have time to admire the view. The members who arrived earlier were already at work.
Breaking the ice into manageable chunks and transporting the massive blocks to the shore, they were hard at work. Without them, the scene would have been even more magical.
The sweet ice was being cut and shaped using magic, progressing smoothly. It seemed I wouldn't need to lend a hand.
But how thick is the ice on this lake? It can't be completely frozen, but it's quite thick. Even when the ice is broken, the water underneath doesn't show.
We assigned blocks of ice to each member based on their strength. I created makeshift backpacks with magic to carry the ice, securing it with wire. This should make it easier to transport.
With the ice preparations almost done, I was about to start the return journey when something unusual happened.
"Run!"
"Evacuate! Get to the shore!"
I didn't understand what was happening, but I could see the members who were working on the lake running for their lives.
A low rumbling sound came from the lake, breaking the silence.
"What's going on?"
It wasn't just the ice breaking. I joined the others in watching the lake, which was rumbling ominously.
The ice started to rise, forming a massive structure. It grew taller and taller, reaching the size of a small building.
Chunks of ice fell off the bulky mass, and it took on a distinct shape.
It was an ice giant, an Ice Golem. I wasn't expecting to see one here, but it's perfect for training. Let's see how everyone handles it.
The Ice Golem had locked onto us as its target and was slowly advancing, breaking the ice as it went.
None of us had encountered an Ice Golem before, and everyone was still in shock.
"Hey, what are you standing around for? It's an enemy!"
The members snapped into action, grabbing their weapons.
"Yukari-san, is that an Ice Golem!?"
Education pays off. Kikyo Society members are well-versed in various monsters and their characteristics and countermeasures.
Golems are tricky. In this case, the Ice Golem's body can regenerate from the surrounding ice. To defeat it, we need to melt all the ice or destroy its core.
The Ice Golem's body is just ice, so it's not very strong, but its core is protected deep within its thick torso. Breaking through the ice without giving it a chance to regenerate is challenging.
Fire magic users would make it easier, but we don't have any here. We'll have to use other magic and weapons to destroy the core.
Golems are slow, so if we can't beat it, we can always run. This is training, so we'll fight. I believe we can win.
The members started to take action without waiting for my orders.
"Let's take it apart before it regenerates!"
"I'll destroy the legs to stop its movement!"
"We'll cut off the arms!"
Each member used their weapon to take on a specific role, determined to succeed.
Mary and Brittany took a step back to assist and command as needed. I watched from the shore.
The Ice Golem's attacks are powerful but slow and predictable. Without much intelligence, it doesn't use magic or long-range attacks. Our members should be able to avoid it.
Watching the battle, I felt confident they wouldn't be hurt, but they lacked the decisive blow.
Even with the arms and legs destroyed, the Ice Golem kept regenerating and advancing. Hitting the chest where the core is located was difficult, and minor damage was quickly repaired. At this rate, it would be a never-ending cycle.
The Ice Golem continued to advance, and it seemed to be heading towards me.
"Breaking the limbs is useless! Focus on the chest and destroy the core in one go!" Mary's orders were clear. It was our only option.
Following the orders, the members concentrated their attacks on the chest, gradually breaking through the ice. We were making progress.
But.
"If this keeps up, it'll reach me before it's defeated..."
I could move, but I decided to watch it like a competition. Mary and Brittany monitored my position, the Ice Golem's speed, and the progress of the chest's destruction, urging the members to speed up. It was a race.
I watched the impromptu competition with interest.
The chest was almost destroyed, and the core was about to be destroyed.
Yes, almost, but...
"Close, but no cigar."
Just a little more, and the Ice Golem was in front of me, raising its massive ice arm.
"Yukari-san!"
There was no need to worry. I knew what to do.
A heavy impact echoed across the ice. The ice arm was stopped by my slender left hand. This is the kind of strength the president has.
Gripping the ice arm with my powerful grip, I snapped it off and flung it behind me. The Ice Golem began to collapse, turning into a pile of ice.
The core was destroyed just in time.
"President, why didn't you run?"
"It was dangerous!"
I didn't mean to worry anyone, but it's fine. The encounter with the Ice Golem was handled well, considering it was a new monster.
Without a fire magic user, they managed to defeat it without casualties in a reasonable time. It was a good performance.
After a brief evaluation led by Mary, we took a short break. We still had to carry the ice back.
We trudged back to Exembra, carrying the giant ice blocks, despite our exhaustion. We delivered the ice to the Commercial Guild and received our reward.
Half the reward went to the Kikyo Society, and the rest was divided among the members. We kept some of the sweet ice for ourselves. The cafeteria lady will make shaved ice, which is perfect for tired bodies.
Even in winter, this is a seasonal treat.
Thus, the Kikyo Society continues to level up, taking on challenges and solidifying our reputation. Our territory in Exembra is still small, but our infamy is spreading far and wide, making us stand out in the underground world.
While reviewing the objective reports from the Intelligence Unit, I felt a slight concern.