We've arrived.

　Using the transition gate via the village of the spirit race, they arrived at the northern continent.
　The scene there was........

Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

　Kanade was right, it was normal.

　The rolling plains spread out.
　We could see a forest in the back on the left.
　Further back, a small mountain.

　To the right, a rather wide river flowed by.
　It extended far, far back, and it was impossible to tell from here where the source was.

　As one would expect, the road is not well maintained, but....
　There's nothing to write home about, it's a very normal scene.

'You're right Kanade-san, it's normal... I was imagining a more frightening scene.
'Yeah, yeah. There are large trees that are many times larger than I am, flowers I've never seen before, and birds that make strange noises like "kukeke" and so on.

　Chiffon and Kanade talk about their images of the northern continent.
　As a matter of fact, I had a similar image.
　Because it's an uncharted territory....

　Perhaps it was because I had the impression that uncivilized = ridiculous place, but all I could think of was a bad image and a tremendous scene.
　In reality, it doesn't seem to be like that, but....
　I was relieved, or perhaps a little disappointed.

I don't know what they are saying. It's just that it's an uncivilized area for humans, and the most powerful species live there. So it's only natural that we should cultivate a better place to live, right?

　Al was right.

"Just be careful, okay?　It may look ordinary on the outside, but who knows what's lurking behind the scenes? If you think it's a baby rabbit and you're not careful, it could be a monster. Proceed with caution.
Okay.
Then I must return to Krios. I regret that I can't go with you, but you must be careful, my dear.
""Yes."

　This time they all replied together.
　Seeing this, Al-san smiled with satisfaction and disappeared into the transition gate.

''Well then, let's start attacking the northern continent.
I'll do my best.

　Nina clenched her little fists together, showing her motivation.
　She must be worried about Iris.
　It's a motivation I've never had before.
　She's a sweet girl.

'Huh.'

　Nina's cheeks dyed as she couldn't help but be a good girl.
　But she immediately looked comfortable and offered her head to me.

''Nya-woo........''
Mmm.

　Kanade and Rifa's envious glances.
　Maybe they were trying to say that this was not the time to be doing this.
　That's certainly true, so I moderated my nodding and unfolded the map first.

'Rain-kun, what do we do now?'
'Well...'

　The map Rezona gave me had the general topography of the northern continent written on it.
　This part of the map was the coast, and the mountains beyond here.
　And this area is a forest........and so on.

　However, there is no information about where the strongest species we are looking for is located.
　That's why I have to guess where the strongest species lives based on the general terrain, but....

What's the normal thing to do, here or there, right?

　There are plains in the northeastern and northwestern parts of the northern continent.
　The rest of the country is not suitable for peaceful living, with forests and cliffs.

　It's just.....

It's possible that you'd be better suited to live in the forest.

　Rifa is right.
　For example, the spirit people make their home in the forest and...
　I don't know, but there could be the most powerful species that live on steep cliffs.
　In fact, it could be the strongest species that lives in the sea.

　The strongest species are the ones where people's common sense doesn't apply.
　It wouldn't be at all surprising if there was a strongest species living in the middle of a volcano.

　Considering that, I don't know where to look for it.

"...let's go to the northeast and northwest plains first. Our common sense may not apply to this place, but the chances are pretty good that this is where they live. Even if we don't find him, we might be able to get some clues. As long as we have no other choice, I'm going to try and do that but what do you guys think?
'Yeah, I think Lane's right. Nyan.
I guess I agree with Mr. Kanade.
I think that's a good idea.
I agree.
Okay, I'll do it.

　We unanimously decided to head for the plains.
　The plains to the northeast are slightly closer.
　Let's aim for that one first.

We should go.
Yeah.

　Kanade nodded vigorously and carried a large luggage bag containing food and water in a heap.
　I'm sorry to let a girl carry such a large package, but........
　In fact, Kanade is the most powerful of all.

　I have a contract with Kanade, so I'm there too.......but I'm still not as powerful as the strongest species.
　I have a luggage bag that is one size smaller than Kanade's.

　Chiffon also carries a similar luggage bag.
　As expected of a brave man.
　I'm not in contract with the strongest species, but that's a hell of a lot of power.

''Hmm...?

　Suddenly, Chiffon looked at me.

''Rain-kun, weren't you thinking about being rude just now?''
'What?　It's not like that, but...
Didn't you think you were very powerful for a girl?
That's what I thought.
'That's no good. It's not a particularly pleasant word to say.
Uh, I'm sorry.

　Girl it's a tough one.

"Oops.

　After a short walk, I found a wolf.
　It doesn't seem to have any hostile intent, and it doesn't suddenly attack us.
　Rather, it seemed to be interested in us and approached us with a toteote.

'Just as well. Give me a little help.

　I'm trying to tame the wolf for directions...

'What ... you can't sign a provisional contract!

　What the hell happened?
　The artifice for a temporary contract would be bounced back.