Chapter 612: The Northern Frontier

The northern territories of Westmark had always been considerably more dangerous than the prosperous commercial regions surrounding the Royal Capital.

Beyond the fortified towns and cultivated settlements of Northgard lay vast stretches of wilderness, where dense forests, rocky valleys, and snow-covered mountains provided shelter for countless monsters.

The region’s inhabitants had learned to coexist with these dangers through fortified settlements, experienced patrols, and the military presence maintained by House Hohenberg.

However, even the strongest defensive arrangements could not protect every road, village, or isolated farming community.

And recently, the situation had begun to deteriorate.

That morning, a formal delegation from Northgard arrived at Kingsford Headquarters carrying reports concerning increasing monster activity along several important commercial routes.

The delegation consisted of two regional officials and a military representative associated with House Hohenberg, one of Westmark’s Five Great Houses.

Marcelline received them in the administrative conference room, accompanied by Boren and Garran.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us," the senior regional official began, placing a sealed document upon the table. "The situation along our northern roads has become increasingly troublesome, and our administration believes the Adventurer Guild may be able to provide assistance."

Marcelline accepted the document and examined its contents.

The report described repeated monster sightings near settlements surrounding Frostford, Northgard’s regional capital.

Several caravans had been attacked, while smaller villages reported increasing difficulty transporting agricultural goods to nearby markets.

"Your administration has already deployed additional patrols," Marcelline observed after reviewing the report. "Are those measures proving insufficient?"

The military representative, a broad-shouldered man wearing the insignia of House Hohenberg, leaned forward.

"Our soldiers can defend major settlements and maintain security along the principal military roads," he explained. "However, we cannot station trained soldiers beside every merchant caravan or isolated village. Our responsibilities extend across the entire frontier."

Garran examined the accompanying mission requests.

"These reports mention several different monster species," Garran remarked. "Have your patrols confirmed their classifications?"

"Most have been identified," the representative answered. "Wolves, mountain beasts, and several varieties of armored monsters are common in the northern wilderness. However, some recent sightings involve creatures that our patrols haven’t encountered along those roads before."

Boren studied the map.

"And what kind of Guild presence are you proposing?" Boren asked.

The senior official gestured toward Frostford.

"We would welcome the establishment of a Regional Guild Headquarters in our capital," he explained. "From there, subordinate branches could eventually operate in frontier towns and settlements where monster threats are particularly severe."

Marcelline nodded thoughtfully.

"That structure is consistent with our expansion plans," Marcelline replied. "However, establishing a Regional Headquarters requires more than suitable property. We’d need reliable transportation, qualified personnel, and sufficient local demand to support continued operations."

The military representative gave a firm nod.

"Demand won’t be a problem," he assured her. "Our merchants and settlement administrators have been requesting additional security assistance for months."

Garran turned another page.

"Demand is only one consideration," Garran replied. "We also need Adventurers capable of completing the commissions safely. Some of these routes appear considerably more dangerous than ordinary escort assignments."

The delegation acknowledged his concerns.

After further discussion, Marcelline agreed to present the request to Sage while Garran prepared a more detailed assessment of the proposed missions.

Later that afternoon, the matter was brought before the Guildmaster.

Sage examined the northern reports while Boren explained the delegation’s proposal.

"Northgard wants a Regional Headquarters in Frostford, followed by smaller branches near the more vulnerable settlements," Boren summarized. "Their administration appears willing to negotiate, although the construction and operating requirements will differ considerably from Westhaven."

Sage studied the map.

"That makes sense," Sage remarked. "A frontier region won’t have the same priorities as a prosperous commercial center. What concerns me most is whether we can provide services without placing inexperienced Adventurers in unnecessary danger."

Garran nodded.

"That’s my primary concern as well, Guildmaster," Garran replied. "Several proposed commissions involve routes where stronger monsters have been sighted. We’ll need reliable classifications before those missions can be posted."

Sage considered the matter before making a decision.

"Ask Leon whether he’d be willing to review the combat assessments," Sage suggested. "He’s experienced with dangerous missions, and his perspective could help us understand what kind of Adventurers these assignments require."

Garran inclined his head.

"I’ll speak with him, Guildmaster."

The following morning, Leon visited Garran’s office after receiving the request.

Although Leon was an Adventurer rather than a Guild employee, his experience as Captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order made him particularly knowledgeable about dangerous combat assignments.

Garran spread several reports across the desk.

"Leon, I’d appreciate your opinion on these northern commissions," Garran explained. "We’re evaluating possible Guild operations in Northgard, and some of the reported monster activity concerns me."

Leon examined the documents carefully.

His expression became more serious as he studied the descriptions of the creatures encountered near the northern mountain roads.

"These aren’t ordinary problems for inexperienced Warriors," Leon observed, pointing toward one report. "Several of these monsters possess thick natural armor, and others appear to hunt in coordinated groups."

Garran nodded.

"That’s what I suspected," Garran replied. "Would you recommend restricting these commissions to experienced Adventurers?"

"For the more dangerous routes, certainly," Leon answered. "A merchant escort might sound straightforward, but protecting a caravan against monsters that can attack from several directions requires discipline and experience."

Leon turned toward another report.

"This one is particularly concerning," he continued. "The patrol describes a creature capable of breaking through reinforced wagon panels. If that account is accurate, ordinary guards would struggle to stop it."

Garran examined the description.

"Would a stronger Adventurer party be sufficient?" Garran asked.

"Possibly, depending on the creature’s actual strength," Leon replied. "But I wouldn’t recommend assigning a rank until someone verifies the report. Underestimating monsters in frontier territory can get people killed."

Garran recorded his observations.

The discussion continued for nearly an hour, covering combat requirements, suitable party compositions, and the dangers associated with isolated northern routes.

Leon also emphasized that the Guild should distinguish between defending a fortified settlement and escorting merchants through exposed wilderness.

A party capable of defeating monsters near a town might struggle considerably when forced to protect slow-moving wagons across unfamiliar terrain.

"Another thing to consider is the weather," Leon added, tapping the northern mountain range on the map. "Snow, freezing winds, and poor visibility can make even ordinary encounters dangerous. Adventurers operating there need appropriate equipment and supplies."

Garran nodded thoughtfully.

"That will affect our mission requirements," Garran replied. "We’ll need to account for environmental conditions rather than evaluating the monsters alone."

Leon returned the documents.

"If the Guild establishes branches in Northgard, I imagine plenty of experienced Adventurers will be interested," Leon remarked. "Frontier regions offer dangerous work, but they also provide opportunities that aren’t available around the Royal Capital."

Garran smiled faintly.

"Let’s hope their enthusiasm is matched by their preparation," Garran replied.

With Leon’s assessment completed, Garran prepared his recommendations for the Guild’s expansion council.

The following day, Sage convened a meeting attended by Boren, Lyana, Tobias, Irene, Garran, and Marcelline.

A map of Northgard occupied the center of the conference table.

"Before we consider construction, we need to understand what makes this region different," Sage began. "Westhaven’s Regional Headquarters primarily serves a prosperous commercial population. Northgard will require a different approach."

Tobias examined the proposed location in Frostford.

"Construction itself will be more difficult," Tobias explained. "The northern climate will affect building materials, transportation schedules, and the time available for certain types of work."

Irene considered the financial estimates.

"And operating expenses may be higher," Irene added. "Heating, equipment maintenance, and transporting supplies to distant settlements will increase costs."

Boren indicated several frontier towns.

"We should also avoid establishing subordinate branches too quickly," Boren suggested. "A Regional Headquarters in Frostford could coordinate services initially, while smaller branches are introduced where demand and staffing justify them."

Marcelline nodded.

"The northern administration appears willing to provide property and logistical assistance," Marcelline explained. "However, we haven’t negotiated the details yet. House Hohenberg’s representatives have also expressed interest in discussing cooperation concerning dangerous frontier routes."

Sage considered the information.

"Cooperation with the regional authorities could be valuable," Sage remarked. "Their soldiers understand the terrain, and the Guild can provide additional opportunities for Adventurers willing to undertake appropriate missions."

Garran opened his assessment.

"However, Guild missions must remain voluntary," Garran explained. "We can establish suitable classifications and provide accurate information, but we cannot guarantee that Adventurers will accept every dangerous commission."

Sage nodded firmly.

"Exactly," Sage replied. "The Guild isn’t a replacement for the region’s military forces. Our role is to connect qualified Adventurers with legitimate commissions while maintaining proper standards."

The discussion continued as the administrators considered possible facilities for a northern Regional Headquarters.

Unlike Westhaven, where commercial accessibility had been the primary concern, Northgard would require reinforced storage facilities, reliable heating, additional equipment space, and secure accommodation for Adventurers returning from dangerous expeditions.

Medical support would also be particularly important.

By the end of the meeting, Sage authorized Marcelline to begin preliminary negotiations with Northgard’s administration.

However, he made it clear that construction would remain subject to the Guild’s existing expansion limits.

"We’ll investigate the opportunity properly," Sage concluded. "If Northgard needs our services, we should consider how best to provide them. But we won’t rush into building facilities before understanding the risks."

The administrators accepted his decision.

Over the following days, Garran’s department continued reviewing northern mission reports while Marcelline exchanged correspondence with officials in Frostford.

Initial discussions appeared promising.

Then, late one evening, an urgent report arrived from Northgard.

The document had been dispatched by a frontier patrol stationed near one of the region’s important northern commercial routes.

According to the report, monster sightings had increased dramatically during the previous several days.

More troubling was the nature of the attacks.

Creatures previously encountered individually were now appearing in larger groups, while several caravans had reported coordinated assaults along sections of the road that had historically remained relatively safe.

Garran read the report twice before carrying it directly to Sage’s office.

"Guildmaster, we’ve received new information from Northgard," Garran announced, his expression grave. "The situation along one of their northern trade routes appears to be deteriorating much faster than expected."

Sage accepted the document.

"How much worse?" Sage asked.

Garran pointed toward the figures recorded by the frontier patrol.

"The number of confirmed encounters has nearly tripled compared to their previous reports," Garran explained. "And the patrol believes stronger monsters may be moving into territory they didn’t previously occupy."

Sage studied the map accompanying the report.

Something was changing along Northgard’s frontier.

And if the information proved accurate, the region might require the Adventurer Guild’s assistance considerably sooner than anyone had anticipated.