We finished our preparations in three hours.
　Since we're conquering uncharted territory, I really want to take more time...
　I can't spare a minute now for Iris.
　So I made only minimal preparations.

　After that, I had Sora and Luna make a gate for me, and then I went to Krios via the village of the spirit race.
　Fortunately, Al-san was still staying there.
　I'll meet with him immediately and explain our situation.

''Mmm.......I didn't know that was going to happen.

　Knowing that Iris was in danger, Al-san made a bitter face.
　He was concerned about many things, so he was indeed worried.

''I heard there is a strongest species on the northern continent that is skilled in healing. Do you know anything about it, Al-san?
I have heard that story. It's just that ... well, what did I say?　I don't remember the story because I heard it a long time ago. I'm sorry.
No but they do exist, don't they?
Hmm. I'm sure of it.
I'm just glad to hear that.

　Alpha was not the only one who affirmed the existence of the strongest species that is skilled in healing, Al also affirmed the existence of the strongest species.
　The two of them are smart and possess a wealth of knowledge.
　If these two people's words were in agreement, then it would be almost impossible for them to be disinformation.

''However, the Northern Continent.................also ridiculously troublesome.
...Is that all you have to do?

　I can't believe I let Al say this much.
　Is it a pretty horrible place to be?

I've heard all sorts of troubling stories. There are demons that are far more powerful than normal individuals. It's a breeding ground for unseen plants and animals. And I've also heard that there is more than one powerful species.
'Multiple...?　Is that someone we don't know about?
Hmm. It seems there is a strongest species unknown to the mistress. Not only is there a species called the bearer of healing, but there are other species that you don't even hear about.......
Well....
That's not all.

　The door opened, revealing Mr. Rezona.

'Mr. Rezona!'
Long time.
Oh, my little girl. How are you doing?
So-so.

　A mother and daughter rejoicing in their first reunion in a long time.
　Even at a time like this, it was a little dusty.

'You're going to the northern continent, right?　I've got a little something for you, too, but I've been gathering information.
Thank you.
'Al mentioned a lot of things, but what's more troubling is that there's no city for humans to live in, right?
...I see.

　Rezona's point is a hoot.
　The place we're going to now is an uncivilized place, so naturally, there's no such thing as a city.

　Perhaps there might be a few people living here, but....
　There would be no such thing as a city in a village or settlement.
　That would make it impossible to take a break.
　It's also difficult to replenish food and water.

''Also ... the lack of a map is also quite tricky.
Oh, you know what I'm talking about.
Meow?　I might get lost without a map... but... does it really matter that much?

　I explain to a curious Kanade.

'It's not just the fact that I'm lost, it's the fact that I don't know what's ahead of me that's the trouble.
'Well you may not know for sure, but if you proceed with caution, it won't be a problem.　I can't help it if there are traps in place, but if there's a cliff or a ravine, I'm sure we'll find it right.
'But we're going to be on the lookout for that kind of danger, aren't we?　That would, of course, slow us down significantly.
Oh.
'And if you find that the road you're on is a dead end, you'll have to turn around and go back. That's a big time loss. That's the last thing we want to do right now.
I see........it's essential to keep moving forward safely and reliably on the ground.
'Oh....'

　
　Nina's a little girl, so I suppose it's no wonder...
　Kanade is an adult, so he should at least have some knowledge about maps.

　Well, he didn't have one, which is probably why he was so exhausted when he first met them.

''So here's the map.''
What?

　Mr. Rezona releases the rolled up paper to us.
　I take it hurriedly and open it.

''Is this ... a map of the northern continent?''

　Compared to the common maps sold in the Central Continent and elsewhere, they are much less accurate.
　It only gives a rough topography and some simple information.
　However, there is a big difference between having it and not having it.
　If you write down the information you get on this map, you will be able to explore more smoothly.

Where did you get this stuff?
'Some of the demon tribes that live in this city are old ladies and old men like Al. Well, it's not going to be perfect, it's going to be sketchy, but it's better than nothing.
'Like a concubine is a bit of a stretch. She's so cute and lovely.
I went door to door with all those people and found them.
Thank you for taking the time to do that.
Oh, that's good. I owe Rayne and the rest of the city a debt of gratitude. If there's anything we can do to help, we're happy to do it.
It's cool.
Ha-ha, you're cool. I'm cool!

　Resona-san was in a good mood after Rifa praised her.
　At first glance, it's hard to tell....
　Actually, he loves kids, doesn't he?

''It's a relief to have a map. And the rest of it is a way to get to the northern continent...''

　Since it was uncivilized, of course there were no bridges or anything like that.

"Well, don't worry. The gate to the northern continent is in the village of our spirit race. Of course, you can use it without any problems.
Thank you!
Doesn't it bother you that you keep coming back?

　Al laughed off Riffa's concerns.

'That's not true. The chief is at the mercy of his mistress. He won't look good, but when he does, he'll punish you with an iron fist.

　........I felt a little sorry for the chief.

Anyway, that's not a problem. Although we are in the southern part of the northern continent we will see to it that the girl gets a proper send-off. It's my way of thanking you for your hospitality to my daughters.
I'd like to come with you guys but I'm sorry. I can't leave the city behind.
I haven't fully recovered from the Stampede incident, and I'm sorry to say that I'm going to have to help you.
'No, I'm fine. You've given me a map and provided me with transportation you've done so much for me, and if you want more, you'll get a bee in your bonnet.

　It's our turn to go on.

Can we get on with our journey to the Northland?
'Well...'

　I'm ready to go, but will everyone else be okay?
　I turn around and look at everyone.

'I'll be fine. I'm full of energy and a full belly!　I'll do my best to do a lot of work, okay?
Yeah. I'm also...
I don't have a problem either.

　Everyone seems to be OK with it.

　Then let's move on.
　Let's begin the journey to help Iris.

　We are heading into a strange land.
　We don't have much information, and we don't know what's in store for us.
　Moreover, half of our companions are away at Kagne.

　It's not looking good.
　But we are not going to give up.

No matter what happens we will just keep going!