Above the northern icefield.

The expedition team trudged on through the swirling snow.

However, unlike the previous ordeal in the blizzard, now they were rested and full of energy, with the endless snowstorm kept at bay by the light of the Abyssal Lamp.

In the vast expanse of white, they resembled a moving beacon, steadily advancing across the terrain.

"..."

"Mr. Ronald, is your lamp some kind of powerful magic artifact?"

Under the protection of this divine artifact.

Betina, one of the team members, couldn't help but ask.

This young woman was actually the expedition team's doctor. Now, in the frigid icefield, being taken care of in such a manner, her medical background quickly led her to contemplate several uses for the Abyssal Lamp.

If only this could be made available to the medical profession.

In many cases, patients who were once hard to save might have a chance of survival.

"I believe that if used well, it could bring many patients a chance to live."

Ronald could sense Betina's emotions and understood them well.

After all, in this era, the modern medical environment had yet to emerge; just providing lighting for surgeries or the safety the Abyssal Lamp itself offered.

These were things that greatly intrigued Betina.

Even if this young lady did not know the true purpose of the Abyssal Lamp.

So Ronald tidied his thoughts and explained earnestly:

"Betina, the Abyssal Lamp is a divine artifact, brought here from the Nameless Sea due to some special reasons."

"I certainly wouldn't mind sharing its capabilities for medical use. However, it also hides some rather dangerous powers, and I fear that if misused, it could lead to terrifying consequences."

What Ronald referred to, of course, was the Abyssal's enhancing effect.

Aside from its seemingly eternal flame, the Abyssal Lamp could burn the souls of deceased enemies, enhancing the abilities of its wielder.

This function.

In a place like the Nameless Sea, it's fine enough...

But spreading it to the real world could, Ronald felt, bring about disaster.

"I see... I understand now..."

Hearing Ronald's explanation, Betina looked somewhat disappointed.

Yet, considering how Ronald and Costate had performed since entering the North, the young woman wisely nodded and refrained from focusing on the Abyssal Lamp.

"..."

"Mr. Ronald, what is this thing?"

A few hours later, the Hunter Yavik, walking in front, discovered something curious.

The group gathered to take a look.

On the snow-covered ice surface lay streaks of white powder.

With the team's abilities.

They could only confirm that it was not naturally occurring in this icy wilderness, and nothing more.

"This... I've never seen it before either."

The team was unable to identify the origin of the substance and naturally someone prepared to take samples for closer study.

But at that moment, Costate suddenly spoke up:

"This is the excrement of those summoned creatures we encountered earlier."

"I doubt it's worth researching."

"..."

Upon hearing this reminder, some people's movements stiffened.

After a moment of awkward silence, Giovanni, the leader of the expedition, suddenly laughed:

"Hahaha—"

"During my adventures, I've had conflicts with local governments, clashes with native tribes, and have even encountered rival expedition teams trying to intercept us."

"But honestly, dealing with these otherworldly creatures is a new experience for me."

Giovanni's timing was perfect.

Seeing their leader lighten the tension, the team quickly echoed his sentiments:

"That's right, that's right."

"Who would have thought, before setting off, that a simple Arctic expedition would bring such surprises!"

"..."

The small detour over, the team continued forward.

However, because of the recent discovery, someone in the group began pondering the matter, and soon turned to Ronald with a question:

"Mr. Ronald, according to what you said before—"

"Now under the Peak of Ling Guang in the North lies the dangerous Dust Beast, with summoned creatures ready to invade the human world gathering in the surrounding icefield."

"These two issues colliding together..."

"Surely you have an action plan ready?"

This question.

Hit right at Ronald's dilemma.

Since meeting Freg yesterday, he had been pondering between these two issues.

First, the hidden Dust Beast in the North.

Once awakened, this beast could cause drastic global climate changes. It's a matter that needs to be dealt with before spring arrives, whether by slaying it in its slumber or dealing with the potential problems it might bring.

In contrast, the summoned creatures.

From a purely human standpoint, their gathering in the North must involve a plot against humanity.

Should their plans proceed unhindered.

Then Waterfall City in the south, or even all of Entrode, might face unprecedented disasters. If those summoned creatures lack any moral restraint, razing a city might be no different than child's play.

Thus, for the safety of humanity, this issue must also be addressed.

So—the dilemma emerges.

First, resolve the Dust Beast?

Or deal with the community of summoned creatures hidden in the frozen north?

Analyzing the route. Heading toward the Arctic is a straightforward line north; if dealing with the community of summoned creatures, Ronald must change course west, reaching the ice ravine Freg mentioned.

"..."

"You're right..."

Musing for a moment, Ronald decided, and turned his gaze to Costate:

"Costate, come over here!"

"Sir, is there something you need?"

The maid stepped forward in two swift movements, asking her usual question.

In front of all the team members, Ronald handed the Abyssal Lamp to Costate, solemnly assigning the task:

"Costate, both matters are crucial, so we'll split up."

"You take the Abyssal Lamp and ensure the expedition continues north; I need to see what those summoned creatures are planning."

"This task is yours, any problems?"

"Sir!" Hearing Ronald's earnest tone, Costate took the Abyssal Lamp with both hands, bowing slightly, "Leave this task to me."

"Costate will not let you down!"

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