Reincarnated With a Cheat System

Chapter 10: Journey to the North

The sun had barely risen when Kaien and Lein prepared for their long journey. A special carriage, built for extended travel, stood outside the estate, its sturdy wooden frame reinforced with enchanted metal to withstand the harsh conditions of their destination. The back was loaded with supplies—warm clothing, travel essentials, and most importantly, food.

Inside the house, Akaya was left in charge of the younger kids, while Mei and the other maids ensured everything remained in order.

Meanwhile, Phyro and Klein exchanged knowing glances.

"…Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Phyro whispered.

"Depends," Klein smirked. "Are you thinking about sneaking into the carriage so we can explore Polaris and avoid chores?"

"I was just gonna say sneaking in and scaring dad, but your version has more adventure."

With a silent nod, they crept toward the back of the carriage and slipped into the food storage area, burying themselves between crates just before Kaien and Lein climbed aboard. The carriage set off, rolling steadily down the road, completely unaware—or so they thought.

Hours Later…

At first, their plan went smoothly. They nestled between the crates, confident in their hiding spot. But after a few hours of travel, a problem arose.

Grumble…

A low, growling noise echoed through the carriage.

Phyro and Klein froze.

"…Was that you?" Klein whispered.

"…No. That was you."

Grumble…

"Alright, that was me."

Another long silence passed before Klein sighed. "Screw it. We're dead if we stay hidden too long anyway."

With that, the two boys dramatically burst from the storage area as if making a grand entrance.

"Ta-da!" Phyro grinned.

Kaien and Lein stared blankly. Neither looked surprised.

Lein sighed first. "I was wondering how long it would take for you two to show yourselves."

"You knew?" Klein blinked.

Kaien crossed his arms. "We heard you whispering before we even left."

There was an awkward pause. Then Phyro asked, "Then why didn't you stop us?"

Lein smirked. "I wanted to see how long you'd last."

Klein groaned, slumping against the seat. "So we suffered for nothing? I could've been stretching instead of cramping in that stupid crate?"

"Pretty much."

Phyro nudged him. "At least we're not getting sent back."

Kaien shook his head. "No point in turning around now. Just don't cause trouble."

"Us? Trouble?" Klein placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. "We are respectable young men—"

Thump!

The carriage hit a bump, sending him flying into Lein's lap. Lein looked down, unimpressed.

"…Respectable, huh?"

"Shut up."

Arrival in Polaris

After what felt like an eternity of travel, the temperature began to drop. The once green landscape gradually faded into a world of white. Snow blanketed the ground, untouched and pristine, and the air grew sharper with each breath they took. Towering frost-covered trees lined the path, their ancient trunks twisted by years of enduring brutal winters.

Then, as the carriage passed over a ridge, the sight of Polaris, the Snow Country's grand capital, unfolded before them.

The City of Frostfall.

Nestled within a vast valley, Frostfall was a city carved into the mountain itself. Thick stone walls reinforced with frozen steel surrounded the city, acting as both fortification and a barrier against the brutal snowstorms that often plagued the region.

A massive gate of Pure ice, adorned with intricate carvings of legendary ice beasts, stood at the entrance. Guard towers flanked either side, their torches flickering with blue fire, a signature magic exclusive to Polaris.

Inside, buildings with steep, snow-covered rooftops lined the streets. Unlike other cities, where buildings were made purely of wood or stone, Polaris integrated ice into their architecture. Large ice-carved pillars supported homes, and some walls glowed faintly with mana-infused frost, ensuring insulation without melting the structures.

The roads were paved with black stone, resistant to freezing, allowing easier travel despite the ice-packed surroundings. Mana lanterns lined the streets, casting a dim bluish-white glow, illuminating the pathways even in the thickest blizzards.

People moved through the city cloaked in thick fur-lined garments, the fabrics enchanted to adapt to their body heat. Some wore armor crafted from frost-forged steel, gleaming under the pale winter sun. Despite the cold, life bustled in the streets.

A group of warriors bumped fists instead of shaking hands—a traditional greeting in Polaris to test warmth. Nearby, an open market thrived despite the icy conditions, selling hot berry-infused soup, roasted meat skewers, and thick loaves of bread that emitted steam when broken open.

In the distance, the Grand Citadel of Polaris stood atop the highest point of the city. A towering fortress made of reinforced stone and enchanted ice, its spires stretched into the sky like frozen spears. This was the heart of Polaris—where its rulers and strongest warriors resided.

Klein shivered. "Damn, it's cold."

Lein smirked. "Welcome to Polaris."

Phyro, meanwhile, had his eyes locked onto a food stall where a vendor was pouring steaming hot broth into wooden bowls. "Forget the cold—I want food."

Kaien shook his head. "We're here for a dungeon, not a feast."

"Can't we do both?" Klein grinned.

Ignoring them, Kaien motioned forward. "Come on. We need to meet the local guild first."

As they made their way deeper into Frostfall, the towering ice-carved fortresses and unique traditions of Polaris surrounded them, marking the beginning of their adventure in the frozen north.

And somewhere beneath its frozen surface, a dungeon awaited.