Chapter 75

Since the first Maru-iru was a dud, I decided to head to the point where the second Maru-iru had collapsed.

However, the road is sandwiched between the snowfields, so I had to part ways with Kotaro for a moment. I returned Kotaro at the dog rental place and retrieved the horse I had left there.

"Bye-bye, Kotaro! Let's run through the snowfields together again!"

"Woof!"

"Thank you very much!"

***

"Ah! Master!"

"Tart!"

As I was riding my horse along the road towards the next snowfield, I met Tart, Tithia, Roi, Blitz, and Mimosa, who were heading to Snowtia.

"I didn't expect to meet you here."

"I'm glad to see you're doing well, Tithia."

I explained that I was currently on a quest heading to the northwest snowfield. When I mentioned that the healing of the two people was already complete, Tart and Tithia praised me so much that it was becoming a habit...

Then, Blitz and Mimosa looked at me with serious expressions.

"The northwest snowfield has some pretty strong monsters, right...?"

"We've been there a few times for training, but it's a tough place."

It seems they had been there before and were worried about me going alone. However, it would be a waste of time to wait for Tithia and the others to go to Snowtia and then come with me. Besides, I had a plan.

"I was thinking of renting a dog and using the 'Goddess's Protection' while making a strong push!"

"‘That’s too reckless!’"

"What a terrifying plan, Master!!"

Everyone rejected my plan. What a disappointment.

"But, time is precious right now... We don't have the luxury to move as a group."

When I expressed my intention to go alone despite the challenges, Roi spoke up.

"If that's the case, I think it would be better to go with Tart. Fortunately, we have a few spare 'Delay Potions' and it shouldn't be a problem to be apart."

"…That’s true. Besides, if we need materials, I can go to the guild or buy them from the store on your behalf."

Mimosa followed Roi's suggestion, recommending that we go together and even offered to help with purchasing items.

"Thank you! I'll take down Master's enemies with 'Potion Throw'!"

"Tart is so reliable!"

So, Tart decided to go with me to the northwest snowfield.

***

"Wow, so fluffy!"

"Sure, the dog rental place does a great job!"

As soon as we entered the snowfield, Tart and I rented dogs at the dog rental place. This time, we chose a different breed—Huskies. Their black and white bodies were sleek and cool, but they also had a nice fluffy feel, making them perfect.

We each rented one. Tart's Husky, named Hanako, had a gentle expression, while my Husky, named Musashi, had a seasoned and determined look. The name alone sounded strong.

…Maybe they will fight with us?

While racing through the snowfield, Tart called out to me.

"How far are we going?"

"Um... about half a day's ride from here. I think they're at the base of the 'Sleeping Volcano.'"

"Got it!"

Tart's enthusiastic response made me smile.

The monsters in this snowfield are of four types: 'One-Horned Snow Wolf,' 'Snow Hunter,' 'Snowman,' and 'Snow Wolf.' The strongest is the 'One-Horned Snow Wolf,' which sometimes has 'Snow Wolves' with it. This led players to speculate that they might be a family, but there was no clear explanation.

So, when we encountered monsters, Tart would fight them.

"‘Potion Throw,’ nya!"

Tart threw the 'Flame Bottle' with a huff, and it flew in an arc, taking down three 'Snow Wolves' that were running towards us.

I noticed that Tart's throwing had become stronger. The distance had also increased, so I could look forward to her future growth.

As we picked up the dropped items and continued, we found footprints of different dogs.

"It seems there are people nearby, nya."

"Maybe adventurers?"

Beyond this point, there was only the continuous snowfield and the 'Sleeping Volcano' we were aiming for. There were no towns or villages, so it was likely to be adventurers or someone unusual... or a researcher like Maru-iru.

"Maybe, but they could also be bandits, nya."

"Bandits...! I don't want to encounter them."

Indeed, bandits living in the mountains is a classic fantasy scenario. I didn't want to lose easily, but as two weak girls, it would be better to avoid them.

"Musashi, can you lead us away from these footprints?"

"Woof!"

"Hanako, please, nya."

"Woof!"

Both dogs were very smart and obedient. I patted Musashi's head and followed a different path from the footprints.

---

But it seemed we had the same destination.

We reached the base of the 'Sleeping Volcano,' but there were others there. They hadn't started climbing the mountain yet and seemed to be discussing something.

"I can hear people talking, nya."

"Me too."

If they were bandits, I hoped they would quickly enter the mountain. However, what caught my eye was not bandits but the white robes of a bishop and several knights.

"'Cathedral Knights'!? And a young man in robes..."

He was probably in his twenties. I thought it might be Rodney, but according to Roi, Rodney was over sixty, so it must be someone else.

We approached them without being noticed and hid behind a large rock, listening carefully.

"We must dispose of the goddess Flodia while Rodney welcomes Luluyé."

"“Yes, sir!”"

The knights saluted at the bishop's words.

--- Dispose of Flodia?

I was confused. From what I understood, this bishop and Rodney were acting separately, with Rodney welcoming Luluyé and the bishop planning something related to Flodia.

"…Ah!"

Then I remembered.

The new patch I had been looking forward to just before coming to this world—'The Farthest Village Eden'!

The new patch was rumored to be related to the goddess Flodia. So, Rodney might have information about the new patch and was sending his subordinates to find it.

…Perhaps Eden is beyond the volcano.

Since I had reincarnated before the patch was implemented, I had no new information. I needed to investigate, but the volcano's level requirement was higher than that of the 'Eternal Monastery.'

It would probably be impossible for the bishop and his group to conquer the volcano immediately. Without special equipment, it would take them at least a few months.

The plan was concerning, but time was on my side.

"Within a few months, I should be able to become an awakened class..."

As I was thinking, Tart whispered, "They're climbing the mountain, nya!" I had been too absorbed in my thoughts.

Looking up, I saw the bishop and his group forming a line and climbing the mountain. The knights were carrying large bags, indicating they planned to stay for a long time.

After waiting for them to disappear from sight, we emerged from behind the rock.

"Those are enemies of Tithia and the others, nya?"

"Definitely. I think they're Rodney's separate unit."

"…I wish I had the power to take them down, nya."

Feeling regretful, Tart said, and I placed my hand on her head.

"Don't worry. The volcano is difficult, so I don't think they can conquer it easily."

I even thought they might all be wiped out. …I hoped so.

"We'll report this to Tithia and the others and continue pursuing Rodney as planned."

"Got it, nya!"

Nodding at Tart's positive response, I started moving towards my original goal. I had come here to complete the class change quest.

Maru-iru's location was a bit away from here, so he hadn't been found by the bishop's group. I was relieved by this.

Walking along the mountain range, we discovered someone who had collapsed. It was Maru-iru.

"Trouble, nya!"

"Are you okay!? 'Heal'! 'Regeneration'! 'Mana Regeneration'! 'Body Strengthening'!"

Even though I knew someone had collapsed, seeing it in person made my heart race. I used all my recovery skills without hesitation. Fortunately, Maru-iru woke up.

"Huh? Why am I...?"

"It seems you were stranded."

"Oh, right! I came to investigate the 'Sleeping Volcano' but got lost at the entrance."

"I see..."

The entrance was where the bishop's group had been, but since they had moved on, I told him where it was.

"Thank you! You saved me."

"You're welcome."

"Be careful, nya."

As Tart and I saw Maru-iru off, my body glowed faintly.

"! That's the light of blessing for the next class, nya!"

"That was the last quest."

A quest window appeared before me, and a checkmark appeared next to Maru-iru's name. I had successfully changed to the 'Healer' class.