Hunting the Wendigo
...Is that really true?
I'm telling you, it is.
Even the back road we took yesterday got completely buried in the snow overnight.
Ha...! I've been driving carriages for twenty years, and I've never seen that road get blocked before.
This blizzard really is something else...
*...Sigh* Understood. It can't be helped.
Until the roads reopen, I suppose I'll do as Claire suggested and conduct reconnaissance at the hot springs...
Hmm! Then I'll take everything from here to here!
Hmm?
My, what excellent taste you have.
Hahaha! Of course.
The way of the hunter...! One glance is all you need to tell what's good!
Then how about this charm?
As for this particular item...
I acquired it from a sage who lived near an oasis in the midwestern desert...
And I'm told it was once worn by the Star Savior in the fight against evil.
It's said there were several of them so they could be shared among companions...
But unfortunately, I only have two left.
Ooh... An artifact straight out of legend?
That's amazing!
And it looks awesome too! That green gem glowing in the middle is totally my style!
I'll take both! I've got plenty of money!
Hahaha, I see. You truly have the discerning eye of a top-tier hunter from the Aselus Association.
Then... it's been a pleasure doing business with you. Heh heh heh...
Trish.
Hmm? Emily? You're still here?
Yes. Apparently every route back to NOA has been blocked by the blizzard.
But what's all that in your bag...?
Oh, this? Obviously, it's gear for this hunt!
...Is all that gear really necessary?
Yeah. Is there a problem?
...Yes. Quite a few, from what I can see.
Huh...?!
This thermal blanket may look flashy, but the material is poor quality.
Something like this won't keep out the cold properly.
And what is this flimsy-looking trap? Even a small mouse wouldn't get caught in this.
Ugh... I am a hunting expert, you know.
I-I know that much! I just... bought them because they looked cool...! They're like souvenirs!
...Is that so?
Of course! The actually useful stuff is in here!
For example... how about these semi-automatic waterproof shoe covers?
When they detect rain, they snap open like this and keep your shoes from getting wet.
Pretty cool, right? Don't you think they'd be useful on a rainy day?
...Trish.
Y-yeah?
It doesn't rain in Kalaid. It snows.
If you're worried about traveling over deep snow, ordinary snowshoes would be more practical.
Ghhh...!
Th-then what about this limited-edition shining gold wire restraint gun?
Here, watch closely. You aim this launcher at your target and fire...!
And the loaded wire automatically binds them!
See? This one's actually useful, right? If we find the Wendigo, we can restrain it with this!
And... apparently the launcher and wire are plated with pure gold! It's a special limited edition!
...I fail to see why the gold plating is necessary.
Huh... Ghh...!
Besides, the wire is too short to use on anything larger than a person.
...Tch! Fine! No matter what I show you, you just say it's no good!
Tactical gear should be as simple and durable as possible.
If you buy unreliable equipment based on looks alone, you may come to regret it.
And aren't all of these from questionable sources?
I caught a glimpse earlier. You were buying all sorts of things from an incredibly suspicious peddler.
You should only buy tactical gear that's proven in the field, and only from trusted sellers—
Aaaah! Enough with the lecture...!
More importantly... you said you can't return to NOA for now, right?
Perfect. Then you've got time, don't you? Want to come hunting with me?
Hunting...?
Yeah! The two of us are going to hunt the Wendigo!
Ahem! Of course, you'll just be helping. The top-tier hunter Trish will be the one who catches it!
Would I really be of any help?
Hehe... Of course! The way of the hunter...! Always have an eye for good companions!
Sure, you and I... um... have pretty different styles!
But when we fought together last time, I thought, "Wow, she's actually pretty good."
If you come with me, I think you'll be a big help on a dangerous Wendigo hunt.
Oh, I'm not forcing you. This hunt is going to be... an incredibly dangerous journey!
But, of course, with an expert like me around, we probably won't run into too much trouble!
But Kalaid is full of unexplored areas where no human has ever set foot.
The journey to find the Wendigo definitely won't be easy.
And the most dangerous part is...
...?
The Wendigo itself.
The legendary monster known as the Wendigo. An incredibly powerful and terrifying beast that lives deep in the great snowfields.
It's been sighted a few times, but no one has ever managed to bring one down.
But... if we succeed, we'll earn a huge bounty and tons of glory!
That's why almost every hunter dreams of taking down a Wendigo at least once in their life!
So, what do you say? Want to come?
A powerful monster... Then... a dangerous duel in the snowfields...
*...Gulp*
Your... hands are shaking. Don't tell me you're scared! Ahaha! If you're too frightened, I understand.
No. I'll go with you.
Ahaha! All right, then it's settled!
The Wendigo was spotted in a place called the Great Snowfield to the northwest...
Ah, I'll explain the details on the way!
...Trish.
Uh... According to the map, if we look north from here, we should see a hill...
Tch... Where is this hill supposed to be?! There's so much snow I can't make out the terrain—
Trish.
...Huh? Yeah. I'm listening.
It's already getting late. I've heard the snowfields become dangerous after sunset.
We should set up a tent for the night and gather firewood first.
I know...! I know, but...
My instincts are telling me... we're really close to the Wendigo.
You saw it too, didn't you? Those huge footprints! And the claw marks on the trees!
This is definitely part of its territory...!
We finally caught up to its trail. If it snows heavily overnight, we might lose every trace of it.
Just a little longer! Let's search a little more. Please?
...You do have a point.
But it's also undeniably reckless to spend a night in the snowfields without making any preparations.
Th-then we can do both!
Both...?
You stay here and get the campsite ready.
I'll search around here a little longer, and if I don't find anything, I'll come right back.
I won't go far! Seriously, I'll only check places you could reach quickly.
If I spot the Wendigo, I'll blow my whistle. Then you can come join me.
How's that? Not a bad idea, right?
Hmm... All right. But you mustn't go too far.
If a blizzard suddenly hits, visibility will drop sharply.
Ahaha! Don't worry. The way of the hunter! Always keep your word!
I'll leave the preparations to you, Emily! I'll be back soon!
...Hmm. Trish?
Hmm? What? Still don't trust me?
I swear on the honor of a top-tier hunter, I'm not the kind of person who'd stoop to lying.
That's not what I mean... It doesn't look like you need to go anywhere.
What are you talking about? You just agreed. Did you change your mind already?
No. I mean you really don't need to go anywhere anymore.
If I remember correctly... that's what a Wendigo looks like, isn't it?
Huh...?
...?!?!
Grrr... Grrr...
Raaaargh!
Tch...! It's coming!
...Prepare for combat.