Toya Gorge

Thirty years Shinshi Era.

Northern Plateau.

Toya Gorge.

"This canyon is frighteningly deep."

At the edge of the canyon, Stark poked his head out, looking into the bottomless depths of the canyon.

Rienta picked up a stone and threw it into the canyon.

The canyon was like an abyss; the sound of a stone falling could not be heard for dozens of seconds.

Perhaps it has already fallen into the river, but the stone is not large enough for the sound to travel upwards.

Frieren's voice rang out, mingling with the howling wind.

"The 'Toya Gorge,' reaching a depth of approximately 3,000 meters, is the deepest canyon on this continent."

"The formation of this spectacle is also thanks to the high altitude of the Northern Plateau."

As usual, after giving a brief explanation of the valley, Frieren, the most knowledgeable member of the group, led everyone to continue upstream.

With their combined strength, even with the fierce winds filling the valley due to the terrain, they were able to overcome the challenge.

However, they can still cross the valley using Rienta's [Telekinesis] and their own Flight Magic.

The entire Toya Gorge, and its length is unpredictable.

The lower reaches of the valley flow directly into the sea, forming a sheer cliff, while the upper reaches are a rugged mountain range.

It's safe to say that, apart from directly crossing the valley, getting to the other side would take dozens of times longer.

The reason I chose to continue upstream was because there was an acquaintance of Frieren's there.

Like elves, dwarves, who live long lives, also seek something that can accompany them through the long years.

For example, there was the Fasi who spent nearly a century pursuing "Imperial Sake".

The dwarf Gain they are now searching for is the same.

I don't know how long I walked.

A wooden bridge spanning the valley came into view.

"Lord Frieren."

Fern stopped and looked at the wooden bridge.

Frieren also witnessed this scene and murmured softly, "It seems it's already completed."

Having said that, he quickened his pace and walked towards the bridge.

Rienta was very curious about Gain, who had built the bridge.

According to what Frieren said before, both the bridge construction materials and the work done in this raging wind were all done by Gain alone.

Without relying on magic, a single person built this bridge with their bare hands across the formidable Toya Gorge.

This is simply superhuman.

Soon, the group arrived at a stone house not far from the wooden bridge.

Gain was resting by the stone house.

"Gain."

Frieren was delighted to see her old friend and greeted him cheerfully.

Wearing a dark vest and a dark headscarf, Gain turned his head and looked at everyone. After scanning them one by one, his gaze finally settled on Frieren.

"Long time no see, Frieren."

Gain got up from the wooden stool and went to Frieren's side.

Frieren looked at the bridge spanning the valley not far away.

"It seems the bridge is already built."

"Yes."

Gain responded softly, his tone flat, but the meaning behind it was something only he could truly understand.

After greeting everyone, Frieren formally introduced herself to Rienta and the others:

"This is Gain, the dwarf who built this bridge 200 years ago."

Gain squinted slightly, subconsciously reaching out to stroke his beard, clearly enjoying Frieren's introduction.

Upon hearing "200 years," Stark exclaimed in surprise, "Amazing!"

Fern remained silent, not uttering a word.

Upon hearing "200 years," Rienta looked at the bridge beside her and fell silent.

He doesn't understand architecture or structural engineering, so he can't tell whether a bridge is good or bad.

This location is probably the narrowest point in the Toya Gorge, but it's still several tens of meters wide.

Judging from its size and appearance alone, this bridge is undoubtedly a very good bridge.

Well, how should I put it?

He always felt that, given the premise of '200 years', the bridge seemed somewhat shabby.

Yes, shabby.

You must know, this is a world of magic.

Rienta didn't understand, but she didn't say anything either.

Regardless, the fact that Gain was able to build a bridge is already something he should admire.

Frieren also had doubts, spoke up.

"However, there is one thing that surprised me greatly."

As Frieren spoke, she walked toward the bridge.

"This bridge is so well-built, it wouldn't be surprising if it became a major transportation route, but we haven't heard a single rumor about it along the way."

After saying that, Frieren was already standing on the bridge.

The bridge is very stable; even the wooden railings along the sides have been polished smooth.

Even if it were located elsewhere, this bridge would be considered a good bridge.

Moreover, it is the only bridge in the entire 'Toya Gorge'.

"Frieren, there's still one problem that hasn't been solved."

As soon as Gain finished speaking, a whooshing sound rang out, unlike a gale, more like the flapping of wings by some creature.

Rienta reacted quickly, unleashing [Detection Magic], [Projection Magic], and [Special Effects Magic] simultaneously.

The Candle-Clasping Blade and the Green Duckweed Sword instantly appeared, carrying lightning and white light as they rushed towards the giant Bird-Shaped Magical Beast that flew out of the valley and was trying to blow Frieren down.

"Bah!"

The Bird-Shaped Magical Beast roared to the sky, and gusts of wind rushed from its wings toward Frieren was standing on the bridge.

Just then, two streaks of light, one purple and one white, pierced through the heart and head of the Bird-Shaped Magical Beast.

"Boom!"

A blazing beam of Mana followed closely behind, piercing through the Bird-Shaped Magical Beast's body.

With the combined efforts of Rienta and Fern, the Bird-Shaped Magical Beast instantly turned into particles and dissipated.

Seeing this, Stark breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't have the ranged attack capabilities of Rienta and Fern; all he could do was charge in.

Although there was a 3,000-meter-deep ravine below, he knew that Rienta wouldn't let him fall.

Having witnessed all of this, Gain looked at Rienta two with surprise.

He knew Frieren and also knew that the Demon King had been defeated by the Hero Party, which included Frieren.

Therefore, there was no concern that Frieren would be blown into the valley by that Bird-Shaped Magical Beast.

But to his surprise, Frieren simply stood quietly on the bridge, while the young men took action and dealt with the Bird-Shaped Magical Beast.

Gain looked at Frieren, who was already walking towards him on the bridge, and explained:

"As you can see, this enormous bird-like Magical Beast can generate strong winds."

"A few days ago, a merchant caravan heading to some 'Golden Land' had their carriage blown away."

At this point, Gain's expression turned somewhat grave. He paused briefly, glancing at the several Bird-Shaped Magical Beast circling overhead, and continued:

"Moreover, this Bird-Shaped Magical Beast seems endless; there must be a huge nest nearby."

"Because of these Magical Beasts, this bridge is completely unusable."

"Fortunately, the lair of these Magical Beast should be somewhere on this side."

"Frieren," Gain paused again, turned to look at Frieren, and said calmly:

"Can you help me with this?"

"This bridge took me two hundred years to build."

Frieren asked quite naturally, "And the reward?"

She didn't understand Gain's gaze, but now she could probably understand Gain last words.

"[The magic that perfectly flips a pancake]."

Gain took out a Grimoire and held it in his hand, continuing:

"And I also have the ingredients for pancakes, so we can have a luxurious breakfast tomorrow!"

Snap!

Frieren took Gain's hand with great satisfaction.

"I accept!"