The next morning, the snowstorm still hadn't let up.
Ren and Kraft left Grayat and headed north toward Tohl.
The wind howled past their ears as they trudged through snow that rose nearly to their calves.
Kraft walked in front to break the path, a layer of snow piled on his head. His breath steamed, frosting over his eyebrows.
"Ren… how much farther?"
Kraft stopped, tugged his monk's robe collar open a little, showing off a solid chest.
This guy's physical conditioning was honestly absurd. He could actually sweat in a weather like this.
Ren brushed the snow off his shoulder and glanced at the map.
"Over this ridge, and we're there."
The road had been too peaceful. Other than a few snow wolves poking their heads out like half-grown pups, there hadn't been a single monster worth warming up on.
Before long, thin strands of cooking smoke appeared in the mountain hollow ahead.
Several low stone houses huddled in a sheltered spot, looking like they might get swallowed by the snow at any moment.
"That's Lem Village. Let's warm up first," Ren said, folding away the map.
Before they even reached the entrance, a bright yet slightly unsteady voice drifted over with the wind.
"Recruiting mages! Recruiting warriors!"
"As long as you've got courage! And strength! You can join the greatest adventuring party of the century!"
"Our goal is to slay the Red Mirror Dragon! And the reward is… my autograph!"
Ren dug a finger in his ear and looked over.
Standing atop a big boulder at the village entrance was a purple-haired girl.
She couldn't have been more than fifteen or sixteen. She wore armor that was obviously too large for her, and she swung a wooden sword with plenty of enthusiasm—just with absolutely no technique.
When Ren and Kraft got closer, the girl spotted them.
She hopped down from the rock, moved a bit too boldly, and nearly twisted her ankle.
"Two travelers!"
She steadied herself, struck what she clearly believed was a dashing pose, and pointed her wooden sword at the sky.
"I'm Airiri, the future Great Hero! You two look strong! Want to join my party?"
Ren glanced at the wooden sword.
Carved into the hilt in crooked letters were the words: Himmel II.
"No thanks," Kraft said.
Hands tucked into his sleeves like an old man out for a stroll, he simply walked around her and headed into the village.
"W-Wait!"
Airiri chased after them and blocked their path.
"The Red Mirror Dragon is a menace around here! It burned down a cowshed and ate an entire flock of snow sheep! As men, don't you want to fight for justice?!"
"Nope," Ren answered, flat as stone.
"I have money!"
Airiri gritted her teeth, yanked out a shriveled coin pouch, and slapped it into her palm.
"This is the advance payment!"
The pouch jiggled.
From the sound, there were probably three copper coins inside. At most.
Ren sighed, wondering what Himmel would do in a situation like this.
Just then, an elderly man with a cane came hurrying over in a panic.
"Airiri! Stop causing trouble!"
He grabbed her arm. "Apologize to these travelers right now!"
"Grandpa! I'm recruiting teammates!"
Airiri struggled. "The Red Mirror Dragon is still asleep up on the mountain. This is the best chance to strike!"
"With your pathetic little tricks, you wouldn't even fill the gap between its teeth!"
After scolding his granddaughter, the village chief turned to Ren and Kraft and bowed deeply.
"I'm truly sorry. My granddaughter's read too many hero stories and gone a bit… silly. I'm the chief of Lem Village. If you don't mind, please come inside and have some hot tea to warm up."
...
Inside, the fire in the hearth was roaring.
Airiri was locked outside, still pounding the door stubbornly with her wooden sword.
"There really is a Red Mirror Dragon around here?" Ren asked with a teasing smile.
"Yes…" The chief fed a log into the fire, his face heavy with worry.
"It flew here about a month ago and settled near the northern cliffs. Every few days it comes down to snatch livestock. It even burned a neighboring village to the ground. Our hunters tried to drive it off, but none returned. Even when we posted a request, hardly anyone dared challenge that dragon."
Kraft held his teacup with both hands, expression serious.
"So that's why your granddaughter wants to slay it."
"She's obsessed," the chief sighed.
"She grew up on stories about Hero Himmel, always yelling that she'll become a hero too. A few days ago she even tried sneaking off with our kitchen knife to sharpen it—said she was forging a legendary weapon."
Ren set his teacup down.
"Where's the Red Mirror Dragon's nest?"
The chief froze. "You… you're taking the request?"
"Since we're passing by, we'll clean it up," Ren said, standing. "And we could use the travel money."
Kraft stood as well, rolling his neck.
"Good. My body's getting stiff just from walking."
...
Outside the door, Airiri had been pressing her ear to the wood the whole time.
When she heard that, she slammed the door open with a bang.
"I knew it!"
She rushed in, cheeks flushed with excitement. "I knew I had a good eye! You really are brave warriors!"
"Don't misunderstand," Ren said, giving her a sidelong look. "We're doing it for money."
"Doesn't matter, doesn't matter!"
Airiri waved grandly. "As long as we defeat the Red Mirror Dragon, the reason isn't important! I'm the captain, you two are my party members—no objections, right?"
"Whatever," Ren said, indifferent.
Kraft actually chuckled. This ancient elf folded his hands into his sleeves, smiling like a grandfather watching an unruly great-grandkid.
"Sure, Captain. Then when we fight, you'd better be the first one charging in."
"Leave it to me!"
Airiri pounded her chest, her oversized armor clanging loudly.
---
At the North Mountain...
The snow rose past their ankles. Every step took effort.
Airiri walked at the very front.
She'd switched weapons, now carrying an iron sword that had belonged to her grandfather in his youth. It was rusty, and the blade even had a notch.
"Alright, listen up! Here's the battle plan!"
Airiri wheezed as she climbed, still trying to sound commanding.
"I'll handle the front and draw its fire! The big guy attacks the left flank! And the dual-sword guy takes the right! If we coordinate perfectly, we'll win!"
Ren and Kraft followed behind at a distance of five meters.
"She's energetic," Kraft said, watching her nearly-mismatched marching rhythm.
"She can barely hold her sword," Ren said, rubbing his forehead. "If things actually start, keep an eye on her."
Kraft nodded. The feeling of watching over a rookie tugged at memories from a very long time ago.
Red Mirror Dragons weren't exactly rare in the northern plateau.
Hard scales, the ability to breathe searing flames, for ordinary people, they were a natural disaster.
"We're here!"
Airiri suddenly stopped, lowered her body, and hid behind a huge boulder.
Ahead was a wind-sheltered platform.
A massive, dark-red shape lay curled up there, dozing. Hot breath poured from its nostrils, melting the surrounding snow.
"Ghk…"
Airiri swallowed hard. The hand gripping her sword started to tremble.
"Scared?" Ren leaned over.
"W-Who's scared?!"
Airiri straightened up. "This is… tactical trembling! It keeps my muscles excited and ready!"
Then she sprang out of cover in one sharp motion.
If someone played dramatic music behind her, it might've looked almost heroic.
Almost.