Chapter 129 - Baldric’s Warmth

There were two main materials Atlas was targeting on this island: Chameleonite Ore and Soulthread Weave. Both were essential for crafting the Soulbinding Armor, a powerful piece of equipment Baldric could forge to significantly boost defensive capabilities. 

Atlas's vision was to collect enough materials to craft this armor for everyone on his team, ensuring they were better protected for future battles.

Chameleonite Ore was a rare mineral that could only be found on Dynamic Environment Islands like this one. This was why the island held such immense value for Atlas—it was one of the few places where this mineral could be mined.

The second material, Soulthread Weave, was produced by spirit beasts resembling spiders or similar creatures. These beasts were relatively common in islands with harsh and unpredictable climates like this one, making it an ideal location to hunt for the weave.

Although the goal of gathering these materials was ambitious, Atlas knew it would take great effort and perseverance to achieve. But to him, the reward—a fully armored and resilient team—was worth every challenge they faced.

In addition to the Chameleonite Ore and Soulthread Weave, there was another valuable material that could be found in a frost environment like this: the Frost Core.

The Frost Core was a crucial crafting material used to create armor and equipment that enhanced resistance to extreme cold temperatures. It was a highly sought-after resource for survival in brutal climates like the one they were currently enduring.

Moreover, the Frost Core could also be used as an additional material in the crafting of the Soulbinding Armor, granting it a similar effect by boosting cold resistance alongside its already formidable defensive properties.

Given the unrelenting cold of this island, obtaining Frost Cores would be incredibly beneficial for Atlas and his team, potentially turning their struggle against the environment into a manageable challenge.

Shortly after Kurogasa reported his discovery, he described finding a cave system—its entrance leading deep underground into a sprawling chamber filled with twisting pathways and open spaces.

Inside, he encountered a colony of creatures known as Arachnyte Specters.

The Arachnyte Specters were known for their versatile adaptability. They lived in large, cooperative colonies, meaning any attempt to fight them would likely attract dozens, if not hundreds of them at once.

Despite the daunting numbers, the rewards for facing these creatures were undeniable. The Soulthread Weave, a rare material essential for crafting Soulbinding Armor, was harvested directly from the webbing they produced. Additionally, defeating them often yielded Frost Cores, making them a high-value target for Atlas and his team.

If they wanted to make the most of their one-week timeframe—to gather resources and train themselves to fight in such a brutal environment—they would have to take on this challenge.

There was no other way to prepare for the greater battles that lay ahead.

The day was quickly fading, and night was approaching. From Edrik's experience, as well as the knowledge shared by others, it was clear that the storm would grow even fiercer after sundown. The blizzard, already brutal, would become an almost unbearable force during the night.

The cave Kurogasa had scouted was still some distance away, and attempting to travel in such extreme conditions would be too risky. Therefore, Atlas and his team decided to stay in the camp overnight and set out at first light.

This night would mark their first real battle—fighting against the extreme cold, testing their endurance in conditions that seemed designed to break their resolve.

Atlas couldn't help but wonder about the other Lords. Even if they were Rank-2, could they endure this harsh environment? Or were they far better prepared, with supplies and equipment specifically designed for conditions like this?

He dismissed the thought. What mattered now was his team's survival and preparation.

Meanwhile, Kurogasa remained in the field, continuing his scouting mission. The Ninja Rat's adaptability and sheer resilience were astonishing, even for Atlas. He was someone who could operate alone in unforgiving environments, moving through the frost-covered terrain like a shadow.

Not surprising. Not at all.

They knew Kurogasa wasn't just anyone. His past battles, honed skills, and discipline made him a master of survival, especially in brutal conditions. While the team recovered at the camp, Kurogasa worked tirelessly, mapping the terrain and gathering crucial intel.

By this point, he had already: Mapped nearly all the key zones in the area. Estimated the number of Lords and alliances fighting on the island. And gathered information on potential enemy alliances, providing critical insight into the battlefield.

This level of preparation was invaluable. Knowing their enemies' positions, alliances, and objectives gave Atlas and his team a strategic edge they couldn't afford to lose.

For now, their task was simple: Adjust to the environment, steel their minds, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

They would need unshakable resolve to see their plans through to the end.

Night fell. Dark. Utterly dark.

The temperature plummeted drastically, far worse than during the day.

The system displayed the current temperature: -58°C (-72.4°F).

It was unforgivingly cold, the kind of temperature that could freeze exposed skin in seconds.

The normal tents were no longer sufficient to withstand such extreme conditions. The team had to retreat into the two Ethereal Tents that had been set up earlier. Although the tents were compact, their magic-infused materials provided much-needed insulation, allowing the troops to endure the night.

However, comfort was out of the question. The space was too cramped, forcing them to either squeeze together tightly or sit upright to make room for everyone.

Inside, voices murmured in the dark as the troops tried to keep their spirits up. Those who were skilled at lifting morale encouraged others to stay strong. They spoke of hope, offering words of support to fight off the creeping despair brought on by the bitter cold.

Meanwhile, Atlas, Morganna, Edrik, and Baldric stayed outside the tents.

Atlas sat close to Baldric, who radiated intense heat from his perpetually burning beard and hair. The flames flickered in the darkness, their warmth providing temporary relief from the frost that clung to Atlas's body.

Every so often, Baldric would slap Atlas on the back, and the contact would ignite a brief wave of fire, melting the frost and ice forming on his armor and clothes.

"Better, Atlas? Ha! Ha! Ha!" Baldric roared, his laughter echoing through the frozen air.

"Thanks," Atlas replied, his voice steady, though his body visibly relaxed from the warmth.

As for Morganna? She sat calmly nearby, eating. She had been eating non-stop since the night began, completely unaffected by the biting cold or the tension in the air.

Suddenly, she broke the silence. "I wonder… would ice cream still taste good in weather like this?" she mused, as if this were a casual camping trip and not a battle for survival.

Atlas turned to her, his tone unusually sharp. "No! Hell no! Terrible idea!"

Morganna sighed. "Boring," she muttered, resuming her meal without further comment.

The night dragged on, the storm howling relentlessly, but the small exchanges of warmth—both literal and figurative—kept them moving forward, one frigid hour at a time.

In truth, sitting next to Baldric was far more comforting than Atlas wanted to admit. The heat radiating from the dwarf gradually melted the frost clinging to his armor and clothes. Each time Baldric laughed, his booming voice seemed to shake off the cold even further, the warmth spreading with his rumbling amusement.

Even so, no one around him responded to his constant chatter.

Edrik, seated nearby, only offered the occasional flat reply, his tone devoid of enthusiasm as the dwarf blacksmith continued to make light-hearted remarks.

Baldric, unfazed, kept laughing.

Eventually, Atlas, weary from the day's journey and the relentless cold, gave in. He leaned over, resting his head against Baldric's broad, muscular arm, and drifted off to sleep.