Chapter 146: The Winter Without End
Chapter 146: The Winter Without End
Lin Sai embarked on a journey from the Hidden Frontier Town, heading towards the Border Mountains in search of meteorites.
The winter of this year was drawing to a close.
As Lin Sai climbed the peaks, wielding his meteorite pickaxe to excavate meteorites and prepare for a confrontation with elemental creatures, spring should have already returned to the land.
But it didn't.
While Lin Sai toiled in the scorching meteorite crater, the Hidden Frontier Town did not welcome the familiar spring goddess as expected.
Instead, the cold monsoon continued to ravage the land.
The forest was covered in snow that showed no signs of melting, frozen rivers no longer gurgled, and even the animals active during winter became increasingly scarce.
This winter showed no signs of abating.
At any other time or place, this situation might have been considered a mere abnormal seasonal phenomenon.
But for the residents of the Hidden Frontier Town, who were already aware of the crisis brought by the Draconoids, the abnormality of the season held a different meaning.
The winter's lingering presence was not a mere coincidence.
Instead, the encroaching cold was spreading at an alarming rate, engulfing the world they inhabited.
It was at this moment that Jiu, who had accompanied his mother on a hunting trip, caught sight of two rabbits in his hands, and couldn't help but feel a sense of concern:
"Mom, when will this winter finally come to an end?"
Dan, walking ahead, shrugged.
The female hunter, once an adventure enthusiast in her youth, had her own perspective on various situations:
"In the worst-case scenario, this might be the last winter we experience. But if there's any good news, the sun might warm up tomorrow."
Jiu glanced at the two rabbits in his hands:
"The prey in the forest is also becoming scarce."
Dan replied nonchalantly:
"If this winter continues, there will be even less prey."
Jiu's eyes showed a hint of reluctance:
"Can't we do something instead of just passively waiting here?"
Dan stopped and turned to her son:
"Didn't Somkin want to gather strength and break out with others?"
"That was an opportunity for us to take action."
"But you know that after that counterattack against the magical beasts, the town's opinion no longer supported such adventurous attempts."
After her response, Dan turned and continued walking.
She calculated the food stored in their home and the meat distributed to the townspeople. Through that counterattack against the magical beasts, the town had obtained a significant amount of game, and they were not yet at the point of worrying about food.
However, this didn't mean they could rest easy.
Within a month, some families would run out of food.
Dan couldn't help but sigh:
"Who knows what that fool An Rui was thinking, coming up with this idea."
"I hope he has the same wit when we're short on food later."
Behind the female hunter, Jiu remained silent.
As they returned to town from the south, passing by the fields, Jiu spotted a figure in a black robe.
It was Anna.
Jiu recognized her immediately and understood why Anna had come here.
A few days ago, Lin Sai had left the town alone once again.
He said he was going to find something crucial for the town, which was why he entrusted the care of the plants and chicken coop to Anna.
This scene wouldn't have been significant under normal circumstances.
But for Jiu, trapped in the town's dire situation, it was different.
He recalled the experience of killing the Treant with his mother, Arland, and Lin Sai a few months ago. He thought about Lin Sai's solo expedition to the edge of the world and An Rui's actions with Lin Sai.
A strong desire surged within Jiu.
Despite being able to act together not long ago, why has he been completely useless in the subsequent adventures?
In particular, in Ju's eyes, Lin Sai is the best friend he has in town.
Three years ago, the other party even risked his life for him, almost like an elder brother.
Immediately after, although they have never met.
But the female hunter's father, who is often mentioned, also appears in Ju's mind as a vague figure.
In the mother's loving and nostalgic gaze, Ju learns that his father is a brave adventurer, and he also admires his father's adventurous spirit.
The last figure to appear in Ju's mind is Somkin.
When the mother led the hunting team out and encountered danger, this merchant once came to him and discussed his views on the town.
"One's destiny should be in one's own hands."
"To be complacent when danger approaches is no different from selling one's life to death."
"I've prepared supplies in the warehouse in the east of town, enough to handle the consumption of crossing the Black Mountain world."
Ju looked up at his mother in front of him:
"Mom, we should try to break through the Black Mountain."
But the female hunter shook her head, as if mocking herself:
"Silly child, don't even think about it."
"Now, An Rui's control over the town far surpasses the past. Unless you defeat him head-on, those ideas are impossible to achieve."
Ju tried to ask:
"What if we don't tell Uncle An Rui and sneak out?"
"Don't say such foolish things!" Dan scolded without hesitation, "How can one person possibly do such a thing!"
"..."
This time, Ju did not argue with his mother.
He seemed to stop talking, but the figure of his brother-like Lin Sai appeared in his mind, along with the other party's experiences of acting alone and achieving results.
Ju muttered softly, his voice only audible to himself:
"Sorry, Mom, I have to give it a try."
"I won't tie everyone to this chariot like Mr. Somkin, but I also refuse to accept the choice of cowardly survival here."
"..."
That night, everything was as usual in the female hunter's home.
After the day's hunt, Dan returned to her usual routine and had a good sleep.
The next day, the sun was high in the sky.
She crawled out of bed, then lay down two or three times before groaning:
"Ju, wake up!"
"Didn't we catch two rabbits yesterday? Let's slaughter one today and have some fresh meat!"
"..."
"Hey, get up!"
"............"
"Ju? Where are you?"
Dan called out several times in a row.
She didn't know how long it had been, but Ju never responded.
The female hunter had no choice but to get up herself. She saw that Ju's bed was empty, and the blanket was neatly folded.
"This kid is quite diligent today."
Naturally, Dan thought that Ju had left early.
Her child is a kind young man who even takes the initiative to help the town's elders, so leaving early in the morning isn't unusual.
Yawning, Dan prepared breakfast alone.
It was during this process that she noticed several of Ju's clothes were missing, and his bow and weapons were also gone.
"..."
In an instant, the conversation from the previous day's hunt returned to this mother's mind.
She suddenly understood what her child was up to!
The female hunter didn't even bring her bow and arrow, and rushed out of the house. At that moment, it was snowing outside.
However, Dan hadn't walked far when she heard Somkin's voice.
The merchant waved to her: "Dan, I have something to discuss with you."
Dan: "Get out of my way!"
(End of Chapter)
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