151 Someone's Scheming

Before the sunlight had a chance to gleam on the morning, the snow-covered Blackrock Mountains lay as silent as death. At the coldest hour of the day, it was paradoxically the most favorable time for meditation. Theresa had awakened early and sat cross-legged in the snow. The biting cold sharpened her mind, bringing clarity and calm. Meditating at this moment brought a profound sense of unity with nature—a seamless blending so exhilarating that, though immersed, one remained astonishingly lucid, able to perceive one’s own state with extreme rationality and clarity. This unique sensation was so compelling that even a child like Theresa, who once loved to sleep late, had cultivated the habit of rising early every day to meditate.

As the first ray of sunlight crept over the mountain ridge and bathed Theresa, her entire consciousness shifted abruptly from deep stillness to vibrant motion. In an instant, it was as if every function within her was awakened from slumber; vitality surged through her being, filling her with an exhilarating sense of invincibility that could captivate any soul.

When all returned to calm, she sighed deeply, exhaled slowly, and opened her eyes to find the world before her seemingly reborn—fresh, pristine, and beautiful.

At that moment, a matching long sigh echoed behind her, harmonizing with her rhythm, naturally blending into her aura without the slightest discord. It was Lambert standing there, so naturally as if he belonged by her side, evoking no trace of resistance.

“With a secondary-level mental force to manipulate a net-like structure, Theresa, I don’t know whether to call you a genius or a reckless soul,” Lambert’s voice drifted gently on the morning breeze, soft and devoid of aggression.

Theresa lowered her gaze, serene and composed, her smile silent—neither genius nor recklessness mattered now. What was done was done, and there was nothing more to say.

“I’ve heard about your initial training,” Lambert continued as he approached and sat beside her, both gazing at the magnificent sunrise ahead. “I have a simpler method than using nightmare grass to help you. So, how about we make a deal?”

Only then did Theresa turn to Lambert, her emerald eyes—like exquisite jade—glistening under the sunlight, so clear and pure that any imperfections vanished, creating a breathtaking intensity.

“What’s your condition?” Theresa asked softly, tilting her head slightly, a blend of earnestness and youthful innocence.

Gazing into those unique emerald depths, Lambert’s eyes narrowed subtly, naturally recalling another man with similarly beautiful eyes—yet the same eyes bore entirely different charm on different people.

Indeed, charm… Though just a little over ten years old, Theresa already possessed a distinct allure. Though tender and inconspicuous, it undeniably existed. Who could say what kind of beauty she would blossom into a few years hence, when her features and grace fully matured?

Such thoughts were abruptly suppressed by Lambert’s expression, a faint smile erasing any sign of distraction. “It won’t be difficult for you either—delay.”

“Delay? Delay what?” Theresa raised an eyebrow. “Delay the timing? The process? Or something else?”

Lambert nodded. “Delay the time—past the nightmare grass’ maturation season. Until the next snow season arrives.”

“Why?” Theresa’s face immediately hardened. “If we wait until the next snow season, no one can guarantee everyone’s health and safety!”

“No need to worry,” Lambert smiled reassuringly. “By then, arrangements will be made for you all at the safest snow shelter. How about that? Sounds like a fair deal?”

Theresa wasn’t easily swayed by his evasive reassurances and pressed on, “Why strike such a deal with me? With your abilities, surely you wouldn’t wait until now to consider such matters.”

“Ah, that’s true,” Lambert explained with a smile. “There was an original plan, naturally. But since fate brought you here, there’s a better option. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dare cheat you—Uncle Andy’s protective nature is legendary among all tribes.”

That reason was persuasive. Theresa nodded thoughtfully—her father appeared to be a top-tier elite, and with him shielding her, few would dare openly scheme against her.

Satisfied with this justification, Theresa readily agreed to Lambert’s terms. With the pact sealed, curiosity stirred within her. “What was your original plan? Care to share?”

“There’s an irritable old fellow in the southwest of the Blackrock Mountains,” Lambert gestured in that direction. “I intended to go through him. For this journey’s finale, we’d need an alchemist’s full cooperation to achieve our goal. That’s why those orcs tolerated you. Now that I’ve met you, it’s a relief—I no longer have to deal with that cantankerous old man.”

Perhaps in high spirits, Lambert’s smile blossomed brilliantly like sunshine. Setting aside caution about this enigmatic figure, Lambert was undeniably a striking and charming man.

…

Drawn back from his own reverie by a sharp pain in her hand, Theresa’s wandering thoughts snapped to attention as she caught a melodious baritone voice nearby.

“…Whether from your side or ours, the goal is the same—to reach the alpine meadows of Blue Sea Lake,” the fox-like man spoke candidly to Theresa. “At our current pace, by the time we arrive, the nightmare grass there will likely be withered, if not already harvested by earlier adventurers. And withered nightmare grass probably won’t suit your needs.”

Theresa nodded obediently, wearing a compliant expression. Yet, having only caught the last few sentences due to her earlier distraction, she refrained from responding hastily and gestured for him to continue.

The man hesitated briefly, uncertain whether the human girl before him was genuinely docile or merely pretending. Regardless, he pressed on.

“So, may I understand that your side has no objections to accelerating our pace?”

“That’s not so,” the recently obedient Theresa immediately became less so. “Our current speed is based on my health. If we go faster, I can’t say if I won’t suddenly fall ill again—better to go slow and steady than waste days sick or risk aborting the journey. Isn’t that safer?”

“Well, if we could speed up while ensuring your health, would you still object?” The fox grinned, anticipating her reply. “We can carry you using baskets or other means, so your body won’t be burdened. How does that sound?”

Theresa raised an eyebrow but nodded repeatedly with a pleased look, clearly delighted by the suggestion. However, she added thoughtfully, “It’s worth considering—I’ll need time to think it over.”

No sooner had she spoken than she noticed a glint of sharpness flash in the fox’s eyes.

“Good. Then I’ll await your answer,” he said, pausing before adding with a meaningful tone, “I hope our cooperation ends well for all. No one wants surprises, right?”

With that veiled warning, he turned and strode back toward his tribe.

As he left, Flora pulled Theresa into the snow cave they had hastily constructed, puzzled. “Theresa, what were you daydreaming about? You were gone for ages.”

Meeting Flora’s curious gaze, Theresa smiled faintly and replied calmly, “I was wondering if Lambert had tricked me.”

She recounted the deal she had made with Lambert. To her surprise, Flora nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. Lambert looks like a shrewd man. If you’re working with him, you’re bound to get played!”

Such blatant bias was amusing. Theresa couldn’t help but embrace Flora, laughing as she nestled into her arms. “Flora, you’re just too adorable.”

Flora, uncertain whether this was praise or teasing, pouted and lightly pinched Theresa’s cheek. “Hey, don’t play innocent. Did Lambert tell you what their real goal is? Those orcs don’t look easy to deal with—they clearly have military backing.”

Lounging in Flora’s embrace, Theresa toyed with a strand of her long hair and answered, “He didn’t tell me specifics, but from what he hinted, I suspect they’re trying to activate some ancient ruin or treasure.”

“That makes sense,” Flora nodded repeatedly. “The Blackrock Mountains are the oldest in the Alliance. Many glorious civilizations were born here. Although the mountains are barren now, countless legends from various eras lie buried beneath. Many adventurers of different races have searched but found nothing. I’ve heard some ancient tribes hold old texts with ruin information, but due to tribal agreements, no one dares be the first to act—they all fear desecrating the sacred mountains. Now these orcs come confidently to excavate—it means they must be powerful.”

“Why do you say that?” Theresa blinked, puzzled. Due to long-standing tensions between humans and orcs, Theresa hadn’t learned much about the Orcish Alliance during her time in the Empire.

Flora gave a gentle push, urging Theresa to sit properly before explaining, “It’s well-known among orcs that ruins exist in the Blackrock Mountains, but exactly where, how to unlock them, or which civilization they belong to remains a mystery. Numerous adventurers have tried and failed. I heard some ancient tribes possess old manuscripts recording this information, but tribal consensus prevents any from acting first—they all respect the mountain’s sanctity. Now that these orcs are so confident, their strength must be considerable.”

“Hmm, that does complicate things,” Theresa mused, stroking her chin. Considering the fox’s urgency, she realized she had just taken on a significant burden… (To be continued)