Peace Hunter

"'Divine Ice Elemental Spirit'? Do you seriously think so, Miss Arlet?" asked Queen Kayana.

Queen Kayana appeared surprised upon hearing Duchess Arlet's words.

"Yeah, I think that way because I’ve fought one before. Elemental Spirits don't have a physical form at first; they’re just a mass of a specific element endowed with consciousness. They can take on a physical form by reshaping that elemental mass into the likeness of a creature they’re imitating. For instance, a Spirit that takes the form of an animal didn't start out that way; it reshaped itself to mimic the appearance of an animal it had seen,"

"Since their true form is just a mass of elements, they’re immune to physical attacks—unless the attack uses the specific element that acts as their weakness. Physical strikes or elemental magic that doesn't target their weakness might slice or shatter their bodies, but they’ll simply regenerate a moment later. Generally, those kinds of attacks have no real effect on Spirits. However, I once read a book stating that Spirits have a specific weak point on their bodies—a spot that makes them vulnerable even to physical attacks or elemental magic that isn't their natural weakness. The book didn't specify what that weakness was, though; it just mentioned that such a weakness exists—and that was it,"

"Then, when I fought that woman, I managed to land hits on her body; my final attack even sliced her apart. Yet, a moment later when I wasn't looking, she was back on her feet, fully healed. It looked as if she hadn't taken a single hit. I’m certain that what I attacked wasn't a clone or an illusion; I’m convinced it was her true form. But how could her body regenerate after I attacked it? The only possibility I can think of is that she’s actually a Spirit, allowing her to restore the body I had damaged. I admit I don't have proof of this, since I didn't actually see her in the process of regenerating. Moments after I attacked her, she instantly appeared before me with her body fully recovered,"

"Furthermore, in the books I’ve read about Spirits, the highest-ranking ones such as Divine Elemental Spirits possess physical forms distinct from those of low- or mid-tier spirits. Low-tier spirits appear as small clusters of specific elements, whereas mid-tier spirits manifest as large elemental clusters or resemble other beings like animals, monsters, or Magic Beasts. In contrast, the highest-ranking Spirits take on the form of women—whether human, Elf, or from other races. The woman I fought in the Orokho Mountains had the humanoid form of a female Dragon. She looked human but possessed horns, a tail, and even Dragon-like wings. Given her appearance and her ability to regenerate after taking a hit, wouldn't it be reasonable to assume she was one of those high-ranking Spirits—a 'Divine Ice Elemental Spirit'?"

"On top of that, she wielded immense ice magic, capable of transforming the terrain and climate of the Orokho Mountains and the surrounding area into what they are today. She could manipulate the environment there at will. Is it really possible for a member of the Dragon race to do such a thing even if that Dragon were the leader of a flock?" Duchess Arlet asked.

Duchess Arlet explained her reasoning to Queen Kayana; the Queen remained silent, fully focused on listening to the Duchess's views.

"The San Lucia family has long believed that the being who transformed the Orokho Mountains and the San Lucia region into a snow-covered landscape was a member of the Dragon race, specifically, the leader of the Ice Dragons who once inhabited those mountains. Yet, I never subscribed to that story; I found it hard to believe that a single Dragon could possess the immense power required to blanket the Orokho Mountains and San Lucia in snow. My skepticism was vindicated when I finally met the woman in question. She claimed to be the leader of the Ice Dragons, but I am convinced that she does not actually belong to the Dragon race," said Duchess Arlet.

Duchess Arlet finished her explanation. Upon realizing she had concluded, Queen Kayana immediately responded.

"After hearing your explanation, it seems there is truth to what you say. The ability to heal one's own body and wield immense ice magic—capable of transforming the Orokho Mountains and the San Lucia region from lush, green lands into snow-covered wastes is extraordinary. Even an elite Dragon, such as a leader of the Dragon clan, could not achieve such a feat. It appears that woman is indeed a Spirit, not merely an ordinary one, but a high-ranking Spirit, one of the Divine Elemental Spirits."

"If that is true, I never imagined a Divine Elemental Spirit would be near this kingdom. Finding even low- or mid-tier Spirits is difficult enough, let alone a high-ranking one like a Divine Elemental Spirit. Yet, here one is, right in our vicinity. By the way, have you discussed this with your husband, Miss Arlet?" Queen Kayana asked.

"Yes, I have shared my thoughts on this matter with my husband," Duchess Arlet replied.

"And what was his response?" Queen Kayana asked.

"He was deeply shocked upon hearing my explanation and expressed immense relief that I had survived my encounter with that woman. Furthermore, he stated that he would not be launching an expedition to the Orokho Mountains in the coming years. The reason is that Duke San Lucia’s knights are currently focused on patrolling and guarding the San Lucia city to prevent attacks from those intent on assassinating the entire San Lucia family. Right now, the whole family, not just you, is a target for assassination, so we must prioritize addressing that threat first."

"Moreover, after hearing my explanation of the incidents in the Orokho Mountains, my husband was truly at a loss regarding how to defeat that woman—assuming she really is one of the Divine Elemental Spirits. On one hand, he is determined to fulfill his duties as the head of the San Lucia family and restore the territory to the state it was in before the arrival of the Ice Dragons. On the other hand, he doesn't know how to defeat her, yet defeating her is essential to restoring the territory."

"Before I lost consciousness, that woman told me something: if we want her to appear, we must bring someone powerful. She won't show herself if we only bring weak individuals on the expedition to the Orokho Mountains. My husband became even more conflicted when I relayed this to him. He doesn't know just how strong the participants need to be to draw her out, nor does he know if such a powerful person could actually defeat her. He doesn't want the knights joining the expedition to lose their lives fighting her. That is why he is giving serious thought to the next expedition. So, even though the San Lucia family isn't currently being targeted for assassination, I believe my husband will still postpone the expedition to the Orokho Mountains for the next few years. He needs to find the best possible strategy for the next expedition—one that ensures he can defeat that woman while also guaranteeing that not a single soldier loses their life," said Duchess Arlet.

"I see... that makes sense. Lord Louis truly must devise the right strategy to confront and defeat her so that the San Lucia region can be restored to its former state. 'Divine Ice Elemental Spirits'—facing them is certainly no easy task, as they are essentially 'walking disaster'. They can easily attack and destroy entire cities, or even nations. That woman, in particular—if she truly is a 'Divine Ice Elemental Spirit', could undoubtedly freeze and destroy the San Fulgen Kingdom should she ever launch an attack. Fortunately, she has remained in the Orokho Mountains and has not ventured into the kingdom itself. Even so, her presence in the Orokho Mountains is highly detrimental, as she has transformed the range and its surrounding areas into a frozen, snow-covered landscape. The San Lucia region is one of the areas near the mountains that has been transformed in this way."

"The San Lucia territory is part of the San Fulgen Kingdom. Therefore, I will assist the San Lucia family should you launch another expedition to defeat that woman. I will send some of my knights to join you. No, if she only appears when a powerful individual arrives, then perhaps I shall join the expedition myself," Queen Kayana stated.

Duchess Arlet was startled by Queen Kayana's words.

"What are you saying, Your Majesty? You must be joking, surely?" Duchess Arlet asked in surprise.

"No, I am not joking. I am serious about potentially joining the expedition, though it is merely a possibility. I might join if my schedule permits," Queen Kayana replied.

"There is no need for you to go to the trouble of joining the expedition in person, Your Majesty. The assistance of the knights you send would be more than enough for the San Lucia family," said Duchess Arlet.

"There is no harm in me joining, is there? Besides, I am powerful. If I join the expedition, that woman will surely reveal herself once she senses my presence. Once she appears, I can engage her directly. It promises to be an intriguing battle, as I have never fought a Spirit before," Queen Kayana remarked.

"So, you have your own reasons for wanting to join this future expedition? Oh, really... I know you are powerful, after all, you are the strongest witch in the kingdom. However, I am not convinced that you can defeat that woman. I am not even certain she could be beaten, even if the two of us joined forces against her. I cannot conceive of any way to defeat her, nor can I imagine who might be capable of doing so," said Duchess Arlet.

"You would do best to stop dwelling on that, Miss Arlet. I am well aware of her immense power; your description alone was enough to convince me of that. However, even though that woman is incredibly strong, there must be a way to defeat her—and surely, there is someone else capable of doing so. You need not worry about that, Miss Arlet. It is quite possible that, during a future expedition, someone will emerge who can defeat her," Queen Kayana said with a smile.

-

About an hour later, at Duke Louis's estate.

I had just stepped out of the room where Duke Louis and the other members of the San Lucia family were gathered. Since my business with the Duke was concluded and the banquet in that room had ended, I decided to leave immediately after taking my leave of Duke Louis, Commander Asier, and the rest of the San Lucia family. I was currently walking down the corridor of the estate toward the exit, intending to return to the Duke San Lucia knights' training grounds located outside the main building.

As I walked along the hallway, I spotted Queen Kayana emerging from a room ahead of me. It was the room where Duchess Arlet was staying; I could tell because several knights were standing guard at its entrance. Upon seeing the Queen step out, I immediately walked over to her. Moments later, she turned her gaze directly toward me—it seemed she had sensed me approaching.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty," I said, having arrived right in front of her.

"Good afternoon, Rid. What brings you to the estate? Shouldn't you be taking your test at the San Lucia knights' training grounds?" Queen Kayana asked.

"I was summoned here because Lord Duke said he had a matter to discuss with me. By the time I was called, I had already finished my test, Your Majesty," I replied.

"Hmm, I see," Queen Kayana said.

"Lord Duke had previously informed me that Your Majesty was visiting the estate. I never expected us to run into each other like this, Your Majesty. Have you finished visiting Miss Duchess?" I asked.

"Yes, I have. I heard yesterday that Miss Arlet had finally awakened from her long sleep, but I couldn't come to the estate immediately due to a heavy workload. That is why I am only able to visit today," Queen Kayana replied.

"It is only natural for you to have so much work, given that you are the Queen of this kingdom. Yet, I am truly impressed that you still found the time to visit the Duchess amidst your busy schedule, Your Majesty," I said.

"Since Miss Arlet is a friend of mine, it is only natural that I visit her now that she has awakened. Furthermore, I have been informed that you were the one who roused Miss Arlet from her long sleep. I wish to thank you for waking a friend of mine from that deep sleep," said Queen Kayana.

"You are most welcome, Your Majesty," I replied.

"You have accomplished something extraordinary once again, Rid. Who would have thought you could wake Miss Arlet—who had been asleep for eleven years—using your magic? Lord Louis tried everything imaginable over those eleven years, yet she never woke up," said Queen Kayana.

"It was merely a coincidence that I was able to wake the Duchess, Your Majesty," I said.

"Hmm, a coincidence, is it? You have achieved remarkable things before, and this is no exception. I am certain that one day, you will accomplish something extraordinary again. Perhaps you might even restore the San Lucia region and the Orokho Mountains to their former state," said Queen Kayana.

"Restore the San Lucia region and the Orokho Mountains? What do you mean by that, Your Majesty?" I asked.

"It is nothing; it is best not to dwell on what I just said. Ah, I must go see Lord Louis. Do you happen to know where he is, Rid?" asked Queen Kayana.

"I saw Lord Louis heading toward the far end of that corridor," I said, pointing to the hallway behind me.

"I see. Thank you for telling me, Rid," said Queen Kayana.

"You are welcome, Your Majesty," I replied.

"In that case, I must go meet Lord Louis now. Until next time, Rid," said Queen Kayana.

"Yes, until next time, Your Majesty," I replied.

Queen Kayana then walked toward the end of the corridor I had pointed out earlier. However, after taking only a few steps, she stopped and turned back to look at me.

"I forgot to mention this. Please convey my regards to Charles and Chloe, Rid. I might not have the chance to see them, even though I am currently staying at this residence," Queen Kayana said.

"Very well, Your Majesty; I will pass that on," I replied.

"Thank you. Until later, Rid," said Queen Kayana.

"Yes, until later, Your Majesty," I said.

Queen Kayana then resumed walking toward the end of the corridor I had indicated. Meanwhile, as she walked away, I remained deep in thought about what she had just said. Even though she had told me not to dwell on it, I couldn't help but keep thinking about it.

"Her Majesty said that I might restore the Orokho Mountains and the San Lucia region to their original state. This likely has something to do with the Ice Dragon leader hiding in the Orokho Mountains—after all, it was that leader who transformed the Orokho Mountains and the San Lucia region into a snow-covered landscape. I learned this from Irene and Commander Asier."

"So, if Her Majesty says I might restore the Orokho Mountains and the San Lucia region to how they used to be, does that mean she hopes I can defeat the Ice Dragon leader?" I wondered.

-To be continued

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