The Water Magician

Problem: What is the method to explore the demon king?

Answer: Ask people who seem to know...

It can't be helped.

There are no "jewels that will guide you to the demon king when gathered together."

There are also no "alchemy tools that constantly tell you the direction of the demon king."

It's not possible to "storm the demon king's castle" because such a castle doesn't exist...

If the demon king's army were rampaging, there would still be methods available, but as it stands, there are none.

Given that, we have no choice but to ask diligently...

"I'm going to visit the territories of those who were executives of the demon king's army... but those territories aren't governed by humans, so... thinking about it normally, it's outrageous, right?"

Eto said, shaking her head.

"Well, yeah... Even if we ask for information, they definitely won't tell us..."

"There's no choice but to politely ask the body!"

"What do you mean by politely asking the body?"

"Torture!"

Ryo answered Nils's question.

Hearing that, Nils made a visibly disgusted face.

"That kind of thing... is a bit..."

"Nils is pretending to be a good person. Valuable information isn't easy to obtain, you know?"

"I-I get that, but..."

Nils, while looking like he was a bit of a bully, apparently wasn't fond of torture...

"If Ryo is going to torture someone, I hope it's done where we can't see it..."

"I don't torture people, you know? I'm not good at that kind of thing."

"Huh? Didn't you just say to politely ask the body?"

"Of course, it's obvious that Nils will do it!"

"Why me?"

"Because you're a swordsman!"

"That doesn't matter..."

It seems everyone is not fond of torture.

Well, if someone claimed to be good at torture, that would be a bit scary.

"But... will the executives of the demon king's army understand human language?"

"Ah..."

Amon's calm observation made Nils and Ryo voice their thoughts in unison.

This place is at the northern edge of the Western Nations.

The northern border of the Ariēpurōgu Northern Country.

While it is at the northern end, it isn't a world constantly covered in ice or a heavy snowfall area.

However, the surprisingly steep mountain range means that human control has never reached the area north of it.

Additionally, due to the terrain, it's also a region where military actions involving large armies cannot be conducted.

This mountain range has long been referred to as the "demon king's mountains."

The exploration party of seven arrived at the northernmost town of the Ariēpurōgu Northern Country, Onge.

Due to the steepness of the demon king's mountains, they couldn't continue with their carriage as they had before.

They decided to leave their carriage in Onge and attempt to cross the mountains on foot.

Thanks to the "Holy Seal Certificate," they were fortunate enough to be allowed to leave their carriage and luggage at the Onge Church.

The horses would be managed separately from the carriage, but there was no guarantee that no mischief-makers would be around.

Even if they were allowed to leave it at the church, the church wouldn't be watching over it constantly.

They had to protect their own belongings!

"Alright, this should do."

In front of the group sat a carriage encased in ice.

It reflected the sunlight, sparkling astonishingly and creating a beautiful scene...

The water attribute mage, who had created this ice chunk, was patting it proudly.

"Hey, Ryo, isn't the inside of the carriage going to be soaked?"

"Don't worry, Nils. It's magical ice, so it won't get wet. And of course, when it melts, it will appear without any moisture at all."

Ryo confidently answered Nils's question.

Having done this thousands or millions of times before, his confidence was natural.

Even if the Onge Church suddenly betrayed them and attempted to seize their carriage, they would be fine.

According to Graham, the Western Church isn't a monolithic entity, and fierce power struggles are always occurring within.

They've been warned to be cautious of factions that might take radical actions.

Basically, the church welcomes parties that arrive with the "Holy Seal Certificate" with a smile.