The sky gradually brightened. The snow wasn't thick near the mountains, and the tops of forest trees were still visible. Taking this route meant the deep snow would be shallower.
Sean, relying on his abilities, spotted this path and led over thirty people to rush toward Creek Village as quickly as possible. The rest were still busy clearing the main road.
After all, that was the primary route between Creek Village and the town—it couldn't be left unattended.
It wasn't until it got a bit lighter that Sean received news: even the road connecting Taylorian to the outside world was blocked by snow.
Though Taylorian was remote, merchants still came and went daily. Even in winter, when few people traveled, someone would pass through every few days. This was mainly because Taylorian could sell rare animal hides, which were highly sought after in big cities.
Similarly, the town needed to buy daily necessities—like oil, salt, and so on.
If the road was blocked, it meant the trade route was cut off. So Sean ordered Danti to lead his knights to the nearest city, Koga, to request help. As an imperial noble, he should be able to persuade other lords to send assistance. As for Creek Village, he'd have to handle it himself.
Thus, before dawn, Sean set out with the town's guard and the archaeological team he'd invited toward Creek Village.
This was the fastest shortcut... Hopefully, a miracle would happen.
Sean looked toward the sky. Sure enough, it wasn't snowing today, and it would be clear for a long time to come. He hoped some survivors would make it through.
Otherwise, the blow to the Taylorian region would be devastating!
"How are you feeling, Baron? Want to take a break?" Suddenly, Kerry approached and asked.
Sean had invited the archaeological team himself, mainly because they were skilled and strong in wilderness survival. More importantly, Danti had specifically requested it...
As the local lord and noble, Sean had sent his knights to the big city for help, while the scholar was busy clearing the road. He needed a few capable fighters by his side, so he'd asked the archaeological team for assistance.
Helping a local noble was good for the mercenaries' reputation and would benefit future job offers. Seeing the clear weather, they gladly accepted.
"I'm fine. Let's keep moving. We need to reach Creek Village by noon at the latest."
It was a bit behind schedule, but if they hurried, they might still make it...
Thanks to his daily running over the past few days, Sean felt his stamina had improved significantly.
If he could quantify it, he'd have gained at least a few hundred points.
Since Sean couldn't see his own health or mana values, he always had trouble assessing his abilities, relying on rough estimates.
"Baron Vigor really cares about the people of Taylorian," Kerry remarked.
"Isn't that normal? They're my subjects."
According to the kingdom's laws, residents of a territory were the local lord's subjects. Even if other nobles wanted to punish them, they had to show some respect to the local lord.
"Indeed, Baron Vigor has put in a lot of effort." Kerry nodded.
Though a leader shouldn't risk themselves unnecessarily, this was a small place with limited manpower. When a leader led by example, it motivated subordinates and boosted morale. In many historical battles and rescue operations, local lords were the first to stand at the front, earning the goodwill of the people and consolidating their power.
Seeing the crowd gathered on the street, Kerry understood the baron's intent.
Many stories claimed that lords in remote areas, lacking competition, had grown lazy and lived aimless lives. But after meeting Baron Vigor, Kerry felt those tales couldn't be entirely trusted.
"Captain Kerry," Sean suddenly called out.
"What are your orders, Baron?"
Even though Kerry wasn't a resident of Taylorian, Sean was still a noble, so Kerry always spoke with due respect.
"You're familiar with the wilderness. I want you and your team to look after my people, front and back—don't let anyone fall behind. We're going to rescue others, and I don't want any more danger," Sean said.
"Happy to serve!"
Since they were all hurrying, Kerry didn't stand on ceremony and quickly gave orders to his people.
"Manus, go to the back of the group and make sure no one lags behind... Guda and Gwyn, you're fast—scout ahead... As for Ilia, you—" Kerry started, but Sean grabbed his arm.
"She'll stay with me for now. I can tell she's capable. I want to ask her a few things about the avalanche."
Kerry looked at Sean in surprise. Everyone in the team knew 'Ilia' was a witch. It was best to have a full set of suitable professions when heading out, and as a witch, she had unique insights—perfect for answering questions. He just didn't understand how the baron knew that.
"Alright then. I'll go to the middle of the group and call the others. Ilia, you're responsible for protecting the baron." Without overthinking it, Kerry said this casually and headed toward the middle of the group.
"Got it, Captain." Her voice was a bit gruff.
During the day, Lucille dressed like a tomboy, her clothes bulging with muscle, her voice raspy like a smoker's, and her face always smudged with dirt—the kind of person no one would give a second thought.
Sean had deliberately wanted Lucille to stay with him.
Compared to the others, he felt this woman, with whom he had a cooperative relationship, was more trustworthy.
"What's up, little baron? So eager to be with me?" Once Kerry was out of earshot, Lucille switched back to her syrupy voice.
"I don't have time for this right now... I feel safer with you by my side."
Keeping his eyes on Creek Village, Sean occasionally opened his map to check the situation.
After he spoke, she suddenly fell silent.
Huh?
Sean turned to glance at Lucille. Her face showed no expression, still looking ahead, but above her head, a status appeared: [Joy!]
Ah!
Did I say something just now?
Just that one line?
Hmm... Didn't expect that. The usually carefree witch had such a simple side—just those words made her happy.
"Little baron, something feels off," Lucille suddenly said.
"Off? What's off?"
"This avalanche doesn't seem right. I remember when we came back, there wasn't that much snow on the mountain. And that spot was solid—how could it have just collapsed?"
Sean looked toward where she was pointing.
He could already see Creek Village, along with the tree debris and the houses below, washed down by the snow.