The wild wind howled across the endless wasteland, carrying coarse snowflakes and a primal scent. Beneath the dense white snowfall, the distant edge of the Emerald Forest loomed like the spine of a slumbering beast, casting an ominous shadow.

A silent procession advanced toward the horizon.

At the center of the caravan was a covered carriage. Ahead and flanking the carriage, over a dozen mounted riders surged forward like arrows loosed from bows, their bodies swaying with the uneven terrain.

These riders weren’t arranged in tight formation but moved in a loose yet coordinated pattern, ever vigilant in all directions—acting as the expedition's scouts and vanguard.

Their sharp eyes, half-hidden behind cloth masks, continuously scanned the path ahead, the flanks, and any shadows that might conceal threats.

At the rear lumbered the heavy supply wagons, piled high with bulging sacks, oak barrels, and tightly wrapped bundles secured by thick ropes. The draft animals pulling them snorted plumes of white breath, their heavy steps keeping pace with the deliberately slowed caravan.

The air felt frozen.

Only the dull crunch of wheels over frozen earth, the rhythmic clatter of hooves, the howling wind, and the labored breathing of the beasts blended into the monotonous symphony of the convoy’s march.

Inside the carriage, the adventurers meditated with closed eyes.

Once they left the town, safety became a distant memory.

They had to be mentally and physically prepared for battle at any moment.

**"Kreee—!"**

A piercing, metallic cry shattered the silence from high above.

Many lifted the carriage window covers to peer out.

In the gray, cloud-heavy sky, a sleek black dot circled with elegant power. Occasional sunlight broke through the clouds, glinting fleetingly off its metallic sheen.

A griffin!

Following its flight path, Gauss looked down to see the Emerald Forest’s edge growing clearer.

Its cry was a signal—their destination was near.

---

At the forest’s edge, a flat clearing had been chosen for the temporary camp.

The heavy supply train and non-combatants couldn’t follow the adventurers deep into the perilous Emerald Forest. They would only slow the group down or become burdens needing protection. Better to remain here, providing logistical support for this "expeditionary force."

The carriages formed a defensive perimeter while tents were swiftly erected in the central enclosure.

Gauss and Aria stepped out to stretch.

He glanced toward the forest, surprised by the vibrant green still visible beneath the snow—as if the woods were wrestling with the winter skies, creating this strange layered scene.

Yet the cold was undeniable. Fallen leaves carpeted the ground, proof of the forest’s slow withering.

"Can Eck fly in this snow?" Gauss asked, eyeing the raven perched on Aria’s bracer.

Eck wasn’t a name given by Eberhard, who’d long been contracted with the bird.

It had earned the name because, while first learning human speech, it often mimicked others.

"He can," Aria nodded, stroking its glossy feathers. "We’re counting on him for reconnaissance."

As if aware it was being discussed, the raven lifted its head proudly.

After a brief rest, Eberhard gathered all Winter Hunt participants. Since detailed instructions had been given the day before departure, there were no lengthy speeches now.

The assembly was only to distribute maps marking each squad’s patrol zones.

The hundred-strong force was divided into roughly thirty teams—some larger, others as compact as Gauss’s two- or three-member squad, averaging four per group.

Gauss and Aria were Team 23.

As captain, Gauss stepped forward. When his turn came, Eberhard’s crimson eyes lingered on him curiously before the guild master picked up a map from the nearby table.

"You’re Gauss?"

"Yes, Guild Master."

Gauss was slightly surprised Eberhard knew his name, but assuming it was on the roster, he kept his composure.

"Good." Eberhard offered a faint smile, his deep voice rumbling.

"Stay safe. If you encounter enemies beyond your capability, fire a signal flare. I’ll come as fast as I can."

"Understood." Gauss acknowledged—this had been emphasized yesterday.

After the brief exchange, Gauss returned to Aria with the map, noticing many eyes following him.

Eberhard had handed maps to other captains with minimal interaction, yet had spoken privately to him.

The irregularity didn’t go unnoticed.

Whispers spread—did the guild master favor adventurers known for slaying goblins?

"Do you know him?" Aria voiced the question outright.

Gauss shook his head, equally puzzled.

Before the Winter Hunt, he’d never met Eberhard—had no reason to.

Rumors said the guild master had spent the last two years focused on personal training, leaving administrative duties to Vice President Sherry and the secretary. He only appeared for major events like this.

Why had Eberhard singled him out?

Had Sherry mentioned him? Or had his "Goblin Slayer" moniker reached the guild master’s ears?

No answers came.

Best to focus on the map.

Gauss called Aria over and unfolded it.

The Winter Hunt’s exact route had been kept secret in town—only team numbers assigned. Not until now were they told their path.

"We’re going deep," Gauss murmured, tracing the route.

He’d ventured into the Emerald Forest before, but this target zone was multiple times farther than his deepest foray.

Without the Winter Hunt’s backing, he’d never dare tread so far.

But it was also an opportunity—the deeper into the forest, the more varied and numerous the monsters.

After resting tonight, the hunt would begin at dawn.

Once they reached the first monster congregation, Eberhard and the Iron-rank adventurers would strike the core, eliminating the ogre mage leading the horde.

Bronze-rankers like Gauss would mop up scattered or peripheral groups.

Team 23’s assigned sector was a wide fan-shaped area.

If they cleared their zone with strength to spare, they could assist neighboring teams—with extra kills counting toward personal tallies. More work, more rewards.

But rules were clear: no poaching others’ targets unless spotting them first or answering a distress call.

With that settled, Gauss and Aria retreated to their assigned tent to rest.

A week-long hunt was about to begin.

---

**The next day, deep in the forest...**

Gauss, Aria, and the gray wolf Ur moved silently through the trees.

"This isn’t what I imagined the Winter Hunt would be," Gauss muttered, scanning the tranquil woods.

Aside from their trio, the forest was eerily still—like any other mission.

He’d expected to witness Eberhard and the Iron-ranks in action, but the truth was, the core combat zone required no "lowly Bronze-rank" interference.

Just as non-combatants would burden fighters, they’d burden the elite.

His initial vision—a chaotic swarm of adventurers clashing with gathered enemies in large-scale bloodshed—hadn’t materialized.

"You’ll get used to it," Aria chuckled.

Though Gauss was captain, this was her second Winter Hunt, making her more experienced. She handled everything with practiced ease.

"Today’s targets are a small monster band led by a half-ogre. First, we locate them precisely."

Though still curious about the main battle, Gauss focused on their immediate foes.

"Eck’s back."

Aria suddenly looked up.

Before she finished speaking, a dark shape swooped down from the canopy, landing neatly on her bracer.

"Caw!" The raven Eck let out a dry cry.

Aria immediately activated *Animal Communication* to converse with it.