People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"Don't even mention it! That damn old woman from Rhodes Island, I don't know what got into her, I just went to rob someone, and in less than a day, she drove off in her Rhodes Island and left me in the dust! I chased her for three days and three nights following her tire tracks, and I didn't even catch a whiff of her exhaust fumes. I'm really impressed by that old hag! I hope I don't catch her, or I'll definitely put bombs in her shoes!"

"Speeding?"

Ines was somewhat stunned; this was the first time she had ever heard of Kal'tsit having this skill. It was really... not in line with her stereotypical image of Kal'tsit.

Do you know where they're headed?

"how could I know?"

“Let’s make a bet, W,” Ines suddenly said, looking quite confident. “We bet that Rhodes Island’s destination is also Kjerag, how about it?”

Chapter 455 Ektilniel: Sami must have his reasons for doing this.

Sami, tundra, in front of the Dongya Mountains.

With towering mountains, thousands of miles of ice, and snow, this frozen land would not have become the cradle of civilization, giving birth to the most unique kingdom in the entire Terra region—the Sami, if not for the protection of the Sami and the benevolence of the Amma.

The entire Sami nation is composed of tribes. Their loose social structure and tribal-centric political organization make them vastly different from the modern nation-state as commonly understood by humankind. It is no exaggeration to say that the Sami's situation pales in comparison even to that of Shelag a year ago.

At least the Sherag tribe has the Manju Academy above them, but what about the Sami? The various tribes almost never communicate with each other. Even the revered Snow Priests, who can transmit the Sami's "language," have an unwritten rule that they "cannot interpret secrets for other tribes." A stranger who rashly approaches the Sami tribe's ancestral tree without revelation might even be killed by the angry tribe members.

This is the backward and violent side of the Sami people, but since the Sami civilization has survived to this day on the land of Terra, there must be a reason for it.

In fact, Sami has never lacked changemakers.

The establishment of the Great Snow Sacrifice system provided the divided Sami tribes with several "spokespeople" who could unify opinions and mediate disputes. The opening of the Southern Swamp tribes to Columbia and the construction of the town of Chapat also injected some external vitality into the Sami. Those enthusiastic explorers finally obtained a route into the Infi Icefield, apart from Ursus. Although this route is still under development, it has already attracted the attention of some large enterprises that are interested in exploring the Infi Icefield.

For example, Rhine Life.

Mariam, the head of the Rhine Life Research Department, is a renowned traveler in Terra, and her book, "Terra Travel Guide," remains one of the most popular and best-selling guidebooks. However, very few photos of her exist in public, and she doesn't even appear in Rhine Life's recruitment promotional videos.

It wasn't because she was particularly socially awkward. According to Magellan, a senior member of the Rhine Life Research Institute, "Mary (nickname) is a very cheerful person!" As for why this happened, it's said that it was because her evaluations of famous tourist attractions in various countries in the "Terra Travel Guide" were too "sharp".

"Ahem, let's begin recording. Hello everyone, I'm Mariam, who never stirs up trouble. Today marks the fifteenth day since the expedition team set foot on the Sami Icefield, and it's also the last supply station that Rhine Lab has built inside the Sami Icefield. According to the evaluation, the supply station is operating well, and the building's insulation performance is superb. Christensen is trustworthy; she has never skimped on this aspect."

Standing in front of the control panel at the supply station, Mariam made his final record before setting off.

After that, she and her research team will leave this last "nailing point of modern civilization deep in the ice field," carrying equipment and rations, and venture into this remote and wild land for about a week of exploration and development.

The dangers involved are self-evident. As one of the two forbidden areas on the continent of Terra, the Infi Icefield is so complex that it cannot be simply described as "cold".

The cold is only its gentlest aspect. Unpredictable weather, blizzards that could strike at any moment, various unknown wild beasts, and those strange Sami people are all threats.

The Sami people are certainly part of the danger.

Compared to the more open tribes living in the Sami swamps and woodlands to the south, the Sami people of the north could be described as barbaric. They do not welcome any explorers, are hostile to any foreigners who want to enter the Infi Icefield, and never hesitate to use force to drive them away.

An explorer once attempted to cross the Dongya Mountains, but was discovered by the Sami warriors as soon as he got close. Negotiations were completely ineffective, and he was frozen into an ice sculpture by the Sami people. With the help of his fellow expedition members, he was carried back to Chapat and it took him a day and a night to thaw and recover.

The Swamp Tribe claimed that it was the Sami warriors, who belonged to the Tree Scar tribe, who rescued them, but Mariam was not very interested in this "kindness".

They are explorers; they respect, revere, and cherish life, but beyond life itself, they also have grander ideals.

In the process of expanding the frontiers of civilization, they were not afraid of death.

Death is no longer a threat. In the Sami Icefield, what could be more terrifying than death that could stop the explorers from their tracks?

The swamp tribes remained silent. They seemed to have something to say, but for some reason found it difficult to speak. This was the norm; the Sami people were always so enigmatic. Mariam commented:

"Small cup language ability."

She didn't care, but Mariam certainly didn't want to repeat the experience of being an ice sculpture. She had finally managed to get Christen approved this unplanned funding by using that strange signal outside Tremont. How could she return empty-handed?

On this trip, look at how she climbed the mountain first and made the greatest contribution!

"Oh no! Oh no!"

Mariam's high spirits were interrupted by shouts from the expedition team members behind him before he could maintain them for more than five minutes.

She finished recording her attendance, looked at the flustered guy, and frowned slightly:

"Stop yelling, stop yelling. What's there to yell about? We haven't even set off yet, and you're already saying it's bad. Can't you say something nice?"

The research team members nodded somewhat aggrievedly and kept quiet. Only then did Mariam slowly ask the question:

"What happened?"

"Outside......"

"Outside? Extreme weather? No problem, we can set off a little later. The dry rations at the station are enough for us to rest for a few more days."

"No...no, outside, a group of Sami people have come!"

The research team members' teeth were chattering, and it was clearly not from the cold.

“They were all carrying hammers, knives, and staffs, and judging from their attire… they were from the Tree Scar tribe.”

"Holy shit!"

Mariam couldn't help but utter a Colombian swear word, clicked his tongue, and realized that something was seriously wrong.

That shouldn't be the case. They deliberately avoided the defenses of the Tree Scar tribe on this route, and their journey here was very secretive. They didn't even hire a local Sami guide. They were so careful, how could they still run into the Tree Scar tribe?

Is my luck really that bad?

Mariam was silent for a moment, then sighed slightly and offered words of comfort:

"It's okay, calm down. At worst, we can retreat. Let's try to avoid conflict with these Sami people."

It's definitely not because they simply can't win.

Mariam turned around, head down, and began packing her belongings with a somewhat dejected air, while reminding him:

"Pack your things, we'll be back in a while!"

Unexpectedly, the researcher waved his hand:

"No, Director!"

"Why not? Do they really intend to fight us?!"

Mariam was truly enraged. He was already furious that his exploration had been interrupted, and now it seemed that the Sami people were determined to make things worse.

Do they really think the head of Rhine Lab's research department is an easy target?

Upon hearing Mariam's words, the expedition team members, who had been observing, suddenly gained confidence and picked up their shovels, climbing axes, ice axes, and other equipment, displaying a fearless attitude.

The group initially didn't want to fight, but since the Sami people weren't giving them a way out, these explorers were willing to take the risk!

Sensing the smell of gunpowder in the air, the expedition team member quickly shook his head and explained:

“No, no, Director Mariam, the people who came were Ektilniel, the leader of [Tree Scars]. They didn’t seem hostile.”

"Jingle, clang, clang."

With a thud of metal hitting the ground, the expedition team members, who had just been about to "fight to the death," turned around and began packing up their belongings, acting as if nothing had happened.

Ektilnir, a name every explorer who comes to Sami must know. One of the Sami's great snow priests, leader of the [Tree Scar] tribe, a Sami hero, and a Sami [Chosen One] of extraordinary status—these titles alone offer a glimpse into Ektilnir's power. It's no exaggeration to say that all these explorers combined probably wouldn't be enough to defeat him alone, let alone with his entourage.

If you can't fight back, just accept it. Change into some nicer clothes, and maybe you won't look so ugly when you're carried back frozen like an ice sculpture.

Mariam was thinking to herself, and was just about to consider whether she should change her clothes, when the expedition member continued:

"He specifically asked to see you."

Mariam was taken aback: "Huh? Who?"

The researcher pointed at Mariam:

“Ektilniel, they specifically asked for you, Director Mariam.”

“He said, ‘Sami has a message for you.’”

Mariam was completely stunned. Before she could react, another sound came from inside the research station—

"Jingle, clang, clang."

Mariam peeked out and saw that the people who had just dropped their tools were now picking up their "weapons" again.

Mariam's face lit up with joy:

"Alright, you guys are really loyal! I knew you wouldn't betray me. No problem, let's grab our weapons and fight them!"

"........"

The research institute was completely silent.

Mariam's smile gradually froze, a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, and her lips twitched slightly.

"You took weapons so you could fight them, right?"

..........

A moment later, at the research station in front of the Dongya Mountains on the Sami Icefield.

Mariam was kicked out of the research station, looking utterly dejected.

Standing in front of the research station's gate, Ektilnir, dressed in a thick animal skin coat, raised his head, his resolute eyes sweeping over Mariam, a hint of doubt in his gaze.

This person doesn't seem particularly special.

Why did Sami specifically give him an order to come and find her?

Moreover, it wasn't even through a ciphertext, but rather by issuing a clearly directed text message directly on the spot.

—Mariam, the explorer who roams the ice plains

— Convey the voice of the siren spirit, and vote in favor.

Having served as a Snow Priest for most of his life, this was the first time Ektilniel had failed to understand the Sami's revelation.

Well, it's a bit too straightforward, and the straightforwardness makes it a little hard to understand.

But Sami must have his reasons for doing this. As a Snow God and Sami's child, what he needs to do is naturally to carry out Sami's will and convey Sami's divine message.

Therefore, he drew warriors from the Tree Scar tribe and stood here with them to welcome this "revelation person" of the Sami.

"What are you going to do?"

Looking at the serious-looking Ektilnir and the dark mass of Tree-Scarred Warriors behind him, Mariam's voice stammered.

The person who came here is not kind!

Ektilniel took a step forward, and Mariam took a step back. Only when they reached the gate of the research station did she finally take a deep breath and muster her courage to say:

"Come at me if you want to do something, but please release my teammates first!"

A hint of confusion flashed across Ektilniel's face, but then a sense of relief appeared.

Hmm, he seems to have misunderstood our purpose; Sami didn't give him any hints.

However, under such circumstances, it is commendable that he could still think of his teammates. For a foreigner who was born in a comfortable environment and has never experienced the trials of the icy plains, this is quite remarkable.

Without further hesitation, Ektilniel read out Sami's "deeply strategized plan".

“Mariam, Sami has prophesied for you. As the messenger of Sami’s will, I proclaim His will to you.”

"You will face a choice in the future, Sami, I hope you will stand on the side of the elves and the banshees."

"Follow the Sami's revelation, and calamity will surely forsake you!"

Mariam leaned back tactically, opened his mouth, and with a flick of his head, let out a questioning meow, just like in that classic cat meme:

"what?"

Chapter 456 Jeragand and the Uninvited Guest

Shelag, Mount Kalan, Manjushri Monastery.

The behemoth's advancement was not something that could be achieved overnight, but with Muirseth's careful guidance, Yeragand did indeed feel that he had made progress.

This is similar to the difference between theoretical physics and practical physics. Perhaps Jeragund didn't make any qualitative improvement in essence, but he did make significant progress in manipulating wind and snow, sunlight, and influencing Sherag, among other things.

Even so, He still felt a little disappointed.

It's not that I suffered any injustice, it's just that I feel a little regretful.

When Ernst was giving his speech in Casimir, He was actually eavesdropping. Although He didn't quite understand the various concepts Ernst proposed, nor did He understand why humanity would divide itself into so many ethnic groups in addition to race, in order to oppress its own kind, that didn't stop Him from cheering Ernst on and applauding him.

If the Grand Knight hadn't called at the end, He actually wanted to give Ernst a cool special effect when his speech ended.

Using the newest trick He learned, combined with the legend of Casimir that Ernst had taught him, He created a small sun sphere in the sky with Ernst's smile on it!

Don't the Kasimir people really like this "second sun" story?