Chapter 470: Traces

From the information Jim provided, Helag learned that the jellyfish demon seemed to be preparing for something.

Initially, it appeared at Thousand Lakes, intending to claim the area as its territory.

It deployed the murlocs to establish control over the surroundings, facilitating its plans.

However, the exorcists’ intervention thwarted the murloc army, and Arrios’s presence made the jellyfish realize the area wasn’t safe, prompting its relocation.

The method of its departure was unknown, but the jellyfish and all the murlocs vanished without a trace.

“Is that all you wanted to tell me?” Helag asked after understanding the situation.

Jim scratched his head, saying, “Actually, there’s more. Lord Arrios assigned me to guard the Alster Mountains this winter, as things have been unsettled there. Due to a manpower shortage, I’m the only exorcist there. I’m not very confident in my abilities, so I was hoping you could join me. The pay is the same as mine, thirty gold coins for three months.”

“Are there many demons there?” Helag inquired.

Jim replied, “There should be quite a few, being near the mountains. Demons often emerge. Plus, Lord Arrios mentioned possible activity from extraterrestrial demons. Finding clues about them would be a significant achievement.”

“Clues about extraterrestrial demons?” Helag feigned confusion.

Jim explained, “Remember when you first came to Amy City, and we saw that man tied to the cross in the plaza? Lord Arrios said they were from another plane, intending to take over ours. There’s suspected activity in the Alster Mountains, as some traces don’t match those left by demons or exorcists.”

He glanced around, lowering his voice, “My main task is to investigate this. Keep it to yourself; only a few of us know. If those demons find out, they’ll flee. I think they’re strong, which is why I need your help.”

Helag hesitated briefly before agreeing, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

“Really? Thank you, my friend!” Jim was thrilled, having not expected Helag to agree.

Most people would avoid danger, not knowingly walk into it.

Jim had been honest, not wanting to deceive Helag, informing him of the potential extraterrestrial demon activity.

To them, these demons were mysterious and powerful, with unknown consequences upon encountering them.

Lacking confidence in his abilities and unable to recruit stronger exorcists, Jim turned to Helag.

Helag replied earnestly, “It’s my duty. It’s an honor to contribute to protecting our world.”

Jim saw Helag as a man bathed in holy light.

“Thank you so much. If we succeed, Lord Arrios will surely appreciate it. Especially someone like you, skilled and promising, he’ll definitely take notice,” Jim said.

Helag replied, “Enough talk. When do we leave?”

“In about three days. I need to prepare supplies. There’s already a base there, so we won’t lack daily necessities. The roads are clear, and we’ll have fresh food even in winter. But they need more exorcists,” Jim explained.

Helag said, “Got it. Come to the inn when you’re ready.”

***

After leaving Jim’s, Helag returned to his inn.

In his room, he recalled Jim’s expressions and actions, finding nothing suspicious.

Initially, Helag wondered if it was a trap for him.

But after considering, he deemed it unlikely, as he hadn’t revealed anything unusual or had much contact with Arrios.

If it were a trap, Arrios would have set it, implying he saw something wrong with Helag.

But if that were the case, Arrios could have apprehended him directly, without such elaborate measures.

Helag decided to visit the Alster Mountains, hoping to find traces of other wizards.

Many things unnoticed by exorcists would be evident to Helag as a wizard.

Three days later, Jim arrived at the inn with a carriage to pick up Helag.

He brought two carriages, the second driven by a coachman named Cobber.

The carriages were loaded with supplies for the winter stay.

Helag carried a large bag filled with various items.

The bag mainly concealed the spatial ring, making it seem more natural to produce items without drawing attention.

Once outside the city, the carriages sped up, heading northwest toward the Alster Mountains.

After five days, they reached a mountain lodge at the base of the Alster Mountains.

The lodge housed a dozen soldiers from Amy City, tasked with monitoring the mountain entrance and reporting any demon activity or disturbances.

The lodge had few buildings, with many soldiers sharing rooms, living in simple conditions.

Helag and Jim each had a small room, modest but well-equipped.

A fireplace and stacked firewood outside ensured warmth in winter.

The coachman stayed with the soldiers, also spending the winter there.

Helag surveyed the surrounding terrain.

They were on a mountainside, surrounded by dense forests, with a clear view of the Alster Mountains’ entrance from the lodge’s courtyard.

The weather grew colder, snowflakes beginning to fall.

Soon, the area would be a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow.