Jacob mumbled something as he sat near a body.

"What is it, Jacob?" As I approached him, I inquired.

"I-It's Boone, C-captain."

Boone…? Wasn't he part of the reconnaissance squad assigned to scout the Vanora area, if I recall correctly? You're telling me that this body belonged to one of us? What kind of nonsense is that-

"Are you sure?" I asked as I sat beside the corpse.

"Yes, Captain, the slave tattoo on his back was scarred by me after I killed the contract's owner. That's how I met Boone, and we became good friends. I don't want to accept it either, but he's B-Boone, I'm certain of it. " He said, while tearing down and grabbing one of Boone's hands close to his face.

If they had slain our scouts, they would have tried to cover the evidence, but it appears like they were in a rush or... perhaps... were our men returned recently? As a result, they didn't have time to hide the complete traces.

They could have thrown the bodies into the water, but the river is too rocky for a body to fall freely from the waterfall. Even horse corpses that we threw away are still floating on the surface, wedged between rock formations. The stream's flow is really fast because it is close to the waterfall, but the water level is only above my abdomen. The water was so clean that I could easily see the riverbed. And-

Seven scouts were dispatched to Vanora, but only five bodies have been found. So, where have the other two gone? Did they not come back? Or did they die? This is getting complicated.

"Captain... let me give them a decent burial... I can't allow one of my team members to die in vain. " In a grieving tone, Jacob said.

"Jacob, we don't have time to cremate them. You are free to remain behind if you like. "

"As the vice leader and a... friend, this is the least I could do for them," he said, nodding.

I noticed something as he let go of Boone's hand.

"Wait a minute..."

I loosened his tightly clasped wrist, which was clutching something.

"What exactly is it?" Hale, who was standing beside me, inquired.

It was an emblem. An insignia with an elegant snowflake design on it. This is something I've seen before, and it's probably not a good sign that I'm seeing it again. It also, most likely, validates my suspicions. In these woods, there are some unknown opponents, who are crueller than the monsters. To some extent, this also explains the current predicament.

"Perhaps it belonged to the person who killed Boone, as he was gripping it closer?" Jacob concluded.

"That's just an assumption, and even if it is, we have no idea who or what this emblem represents," I stated.

"Leaving that aside, we need to set up our tent before it gets dark," I said in a commanding tone.

"How do we go across it, then? Even if the depth is shallow, the current is powerful enough to sway us and cause us to collide with the rocks. This could end up being fatal. " Cullen said as he approached the stream's edge.

These are the occasions when I wish our group had wood-attributed mages. Hale can freeze the river, but he lacks the strength to keep his icy mana active for an extended period. Instead of freezing the surface, we could build a temporary ice dam to stop the river until we reach the other side. At the very least, he should be able to do that.

Because the river is wide, he needs to expend more mana to build a lengthy ice wall that is strong and tall enough to block the flow.

"I know you're a magical swordsman, but could you do that?" I asked Hale, pointing at the stream.

"I-I don't believe-"

"Didn't you say you wanted to get stronger? Then there are instances like these when one can show their strength. Hale, your performance determines the survival of our entire group. Never think of seeking revenge on your father if all you wanted to do was follow me so I could babysit you. It would be a waste of time... for you and everyone."

With frustration, he gritted the hilt of his sword. "I'll do it!! I shall have no regrets, even if I fail,"he concluded.

"-And captain, vengeance for my father's death... Don't be so casual about it. " He moved closer to the stream, his back to me.

The kid has a lot of guts, but he still has a long way to go.

"When the moon rises, the sun slumbers. When the cold permeates, the heat dissipates. Let mana flow through my channels and ambient mana dance under my command. Let all Hell freeze beneath me... " he chanted, preparing to let his mana loose.

"GLACIUS CLAUDRE!!"