Bear School Astartes

Chapter 445. Heinkawei

"Alright, disembark."

In the jostling crowd, Lann held Bopai’s reins and shouted to the two behind him.

He never quite understood why people were so eager to push their way out at times like this.

Did they really think that the barge company would take them on another trip just because they didn’t get off in time?

After all the merchants and tourists had disembarked, the three of them each led their horses off the ship.

"Head that way, and you’ll reach Toussaint, a Niflgaardian vassal state, the Land of Knights and the Land of Fine Wine."

Being half-local, Ged pointed into the distance after a brief orientation.

"It’s truly a wonderful place; the ladies are beautiful and enthusiastic, with little hostility toward Demon Hunters, and although the wine is weak, it’s truly delicious. During the grape harvest festival, even the Duchess of Toussaint herself jumps into a pool full of fresh grapes to celebrate and dance, stomping the grapes with her feet."

"It’s a pity... though the Amel Mountains extend into Toussaint, our castle’s location is not exactly desirable. Bah."

Speaking of Toussaint, Ged was elated, though it was unclear if the joy was due to the environment or the ladies and the Duchess there.

However, when he mentioned the Bear School’s castle, Ged’s complexion changed dramatically, and he couldn’t help but spit at the ground.

It seemed he truly despised the life at the castle.

"What a shame indeed." Lann led Bopai past Ged.

"But there’s no leisure activities planned for this trip; if I have time later, I might come here to travel."

"You’re the leader; it’s up to you."

Ged shrugged indifferently and mounted his horse.

The two Demon Hunters headed towards the mountains, leaving Regis gazing in the direction of Toussaint.

He didn’t linger; instead, he offered a brief salute in a manner not seen among humans, akin to the casual gestures travelers make upon seeing a temple in Lann’s homeland.

Soon, Regis rode ahead to catch up with the two Demon Hunters.

As the guide, Ged hadn’t returned for a long time to these mountains where he once trained and underwent transformation.

Yet he still managed to find a gentle slope as their entrance into the mountains.

After purchasing two large bags of supplies from a village at the foot of the mountain, the three of them, with extraordinary physiques, began their march along the mountain path.

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"I told you, my alchemy pouch contains enough for us."

During the climb, Lann looked at the burlap sack in his hand, with a new tear caused by a tree branch, and commented expressionlessly.

"Even if we packed these into it, it would be enough. There’s no need to split them into multiple sacks."

As proof, he pulled out a special ration from his alchemy pouch at his back and walked along eating it.

This was the fifth piece he had eaten since starting the climb, and it seemed like his pouch was still full.

Ged didn’t mind Lann’s remarks; he walked, pulling the sack’s opening over one shoulder like a seasoned farmer.

"Oh, typical city folk talk."

He teased the young man. The Demon Hunter’s stamina allowed him to joke even while climbing in heavy armor.

"The mountain’s conditions are complex, young man."

"The dense forest acts as excellent soundproofing, and when combined with shrubbery, shouting from thirty meters away won’t be heard."

"If we get separated and lose our way, each having a sack can at least sustain us until we descend. If all is with you, we’d have nothing to eat if we get lost."

Lann opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.

Ged was thoughtful and not incorrect. However, he didn’t know that Regis was not a Wizard but a high vampire.

Strictly speaking, only Ged had to be mindful of the supply issue among the three.

The Amel Mountains are vast, spanning multiple countries’ borders, and trekking for months is normal here.

Thankfully, Ged knew the way, but even then, he took Regis and Lann on twists and turns through the mountains for four days.

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"Here it is."

With a stubble turned into a beard and a heavy breath of white smoke due to the temperature contrast, Ged looked complexly at the castle not far away.

This was a bona fide high-altitude region, where the snow stayed perpetually and even grew thicker; the spring breeze never touched this place.

"Carved into the icy rocks of the Amel Mountains, hidden beneath sawtooth cliffs and snow... this is the secret castle of the Bear Demon Hunters, Heinkawei, your home?"

Regis, with admiration and slight excitement, clutched the strap of his single-shoulder backpack, leaning forward as if eager to enter the long-abandoned fortress.

"It’s not a home. A home should have family, and family should have feelings." Ged snorted, "It’s just a place to eat, sleep, and train, nothing more."

"Alright, gentlemen. We can save the debate for later; can we move over now? At least find a fireplace to warm ourselves?"

Lann had taken off his hood, though surrounded by blindingly reflective snow; his silver hair remained dazzling.

But his expression was not pleasant.

"I can’t wait to put on some dry clothes."

The temperature stood at minus twenty-three degrees Celsius, which was no threat to Ged, the regular version Demon Hunter.

After all, the Bear School trained here.

Not to mention Lann at this point.

Lann’s body temperature, since the implantation of the "Second Heart," was far above normal, now with the "Bone Strengthening Organ" working efficiently, boosting his body’s metabolism.

Mentos predicted that his normal body temperature would stay around forty-five degrees Celsius until his bones were fully developed.

This temperature left him unfazed by the high-altitude cold, even feeling a comforting contrast.

But the warmth was offset by the humidity, which was very discomforting.

Normal people’s body temperatures were contained within their clothes, and snow that fell could be shaken off.

Lann’s high body temperature melted the snow, turning it to water that seeped in.

The past few days, his clothes felt damp, causing ongoing discomfort.

"Want to find a fireplace?"

Ged looked at the Bear pup who had never been to the castle, grinning mischievously.

"Good idea, Lann. We can have a Bear School traditional activity."

"Wait... what?"

The young man was perplexed as he watched Ged, who was the first to head into the castle.