Carrying Deus Ex Machina's party, Turtle 1 made smooth progress across the wasteland as their destination, the Nameless Peak, drew considerably closer.
"So that is the Nameless Peak..."
Daiki Yuuma Tatsuta, commander of the Mimaka Principality's Royal Ritter Order, murmured to no one in particular.
"Why is it still called the 'Nameless Peak'?" asked Illumina Ratkin, Chief Administrator's Adjutant of Avalon.
"Originally, the borders of the Four Principalities converged at its summit. When disputes arose over which country had the right to name it, they reportedly abandoned naming it altogether," answered Maingo Mohm Zeta, the Magic Technology Minister of the Darato Principality.
"It is rather comical that they have faithfully adhered to that all the way to the present day, is it not?" remarked Gene Fullsort Raksef, the 2nd Frontier Corps commander of the Norha Principality.
"They likely prioritized matters of greater importance... In other words, pioneering the land and sustaining their livelihoods."
"Indeed, that seems quite likely."
As their conversation continued, the Nameless Peak at the center of their discussion loomed ever larger before them.
"It really is nothing but wasteland around here."
A barren expanse dotted with shrubs and patchy grass stretched out before them. Since the ground was composed of dry earth rather than solid rock, Turtle 1 kicked up plumes of dust as it sped along.
"This side would be the eastern face," Junki Kitts Shu, the Ministry of Magic Undersecretary of the Mimaka Principality, explained to Illumina and the rest of the Avalon contingent. "The elevation of the Nameless Peak is approximately 3,026 meters, and there is no snow."
"Indeed."
Even on Earth, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania sat near the equator, yet because its elevation reached 5,895 meters, its peak remained snow-capped.
At 3,026 meters, however, snow evidently did not fall.
Even so, being an isolated peak, clouds frequently gathered around its slopes, bringing ample rain. Consequently, the mountainside boasted far more vegetation than the surrounding plains—a curious irony.
"There was an academic theory that high-altitude regions in the tropics serve as superior living environments because temperature fluctuations remain minimal throughout the year," Illumina Ratkin noted.
"I see. Equatorial regions remain scorching year-round, so ascending in elevation in such climates lowers the temperature to a far more comfortable range."
Junki Kitts Shu seemed to grasp Illumina's point and nodded in agreement.
Denser vegetation, however, meant rougher terrain for vehicles.
Turtle 1 eventually came to a halt near an elevation of 1,500 meters.
"This is as far as we can go," Deus Ex Machina said with a touch of regret.
Ahead of them, though the incline remained gentle, stretched a coniferous forest with trees around five meters tall. Proceeding any further would require clearing a path through the timber, which would consume far too much time.
"No, this is plenty far enough," said Gene Fullsort Raksef, the 2nd Frontier Corps commander of the Norha Principality.
"Yes, let us proceed on foot as planned from here," agreed Yorubaru Isaka, the 1st Ritter Order vice commander of the Darato Principality.
And so, after adjusting their clothing and gear, the party disembarked from Turtle 1 to continue toward the summit on foot.
Nearly everyone took part in the ascent.
Three representatives each came from Avalon, the Mimaka Principality, the Norha Principality, and the Darato Principality, accompanied by Deus Ex Machina and Squire Rei.
Avalon contributed three Universal Golems and one combat golem.
Deus Ex Machina provided four general-purpose golems (which were actually recolored Smiths).
That rounded out the entire expedition team.
Each individual carried their own rations, water, and weapons, while Deus Ex Machina's four general-purpose golems transported the surplus provisions, extra water, and camping gear.
Their attire consisted of rugged outdoor trekking gear, though tailored with each nation's distinct color scheme.
Their footwear was uniform—high-ankle, lace-up leather boots with soles studded with what were known on Earth as hobnails, rather than modern rubber treads.
While all wore long-sleeved shirts and trousers, the Mimaka Principality donned brown, the Norha Principality moss green, and the Darato Principality khaki.
Avalon and Deus Ex Machina wore olive drab.
To describe each shade more intuitively: the brown was a dark reddish-brown, the moss green a deep yellowish-green, and the khaki a pale tan.
The olive drab leaned toward a dusky, yellowish-black.
One might also say the Mimaka Principality bore the color of soil, the Norha Principality the hue of moss and lichen, the Darato Principality the shade of desert sands, and Avalon and Deus Ex Machina the deep tone of conifers.
Since they were traveling through the acknowledged territory of the Mimaka Principality, the group did not need to advance in secret; instead, they marched openly and directly toward the summit.
Behind the scenes, Laojun continuously monitored their path via Peeper, relaying reconnaissance directly to Deus Ex Machina.
They maintained a steady pace, taking a ten-minute rest roughly every hour.
This cadence was set to accommodate Illumina Ratkin, who possessed the least physical stamina among them.
"I am truly sorry for slowing everyone down..." Illumina offered sheepishly, though the pace was quite reasonable.
At this rate, they were on track to reach the campsite scouted earlier from the Aristotle well before nightfall.
"We should reach the site in about an hour," Deus Ex Machina announced.
Situated at an elevation of roughly 2,500 meters lay an open, flat clearing spanning about ten meters across.
Enclosed by dense coniferous trees, it offered little in the way of a scenic vista.
However, while the path they currently traversed was a ravine, the campsite sat safely upon a ridge, eliminating any risk of sudden debris flows from rainfall.
Furthermore, with a barrier projector in their possession, their security while encamped was thoroughly assured.
"Still, I haven't seen a single insect or small animal," murmured Jumohl Pitch, the 2nd Ritter Order vice commander of the Darato Principality.
"Indeed. Well, wildlife has always been sparse in this region, so perhaps it is only natural," replied Yorubaru Isaka, the 1st Ritter Order vice commander of the Darato Principality.
Incidentally, back on Hourai Island, Jin mused that such an unnatural ecosystem was likely the lingering aftermath of the Progenitors' reckless meddling.
Around 3:00 PM local time—precisely on schedule—they arrived at the planned campsite.
"Phew... I really am exhausted..." Illumina Ratkin sighed, slumping down onto the ground.
The other civil officials—including Maingo Mohm Zeta, Magic Technology Minister of the Darato Principality; Junki Kitts Shu, Ministry of Magic Undersecretary of the Mimaka Principality; Boon Sumiya, Ministry of Military Affairs Undersecretary; and Nahams Marow, First Technology Bureau Undersecretary of the Norha Principality—were in a similar state of fatigue.
Consequently, the task of pitching the tents was left to the tireless golems, who completed the entire setup in just ten minutes.
They activated the barrier projector as well, ensuring that a surprise assault by rogue golems would pose no threat.
"Now then, let us rest a bit before holding a strategy meeting for tomorrow," Deus Ex Machina said after gathering everyone in the command tent. "I propose we establish our base camp here as planned."
"Agreed. As an operating base, the location is sound."
"No objections."
With unanimous consent, the site was officially designated as their base camp.
"First, take your time and recover your strength. Dinner will be served at five," Deus Ex Machina told them.
Ascending so rapidly to an altitude of 2,500 meters brought a risk of acute mountain sickness.
To prevent altitude-related ailments, managing their physical condition was paramount.
As the sole woman among the human contingent, Illumina Ratkin was provided a private tent.
"This is remarkably good."
"Indeed! To think we could enjoy a meal of this caliber while out in the field!"
Dinner had been prepared by the general-purpose golems (the disguised Smiths) brought by Deus Ex Machina.
Drawing upon the culinary expertise of Hourai Island, they were able to create deeply satisfying dishes even with limited field rations.
"With food like this, I'll be ready to give it my all again tomorrow!"
"Yes, and the weather shows no signs of turning on us either."
"Tomorrow we finally make our push for the summit. I wonder what awaits us up there..."
Wholesome meals on such an expedition were indispensable for sustaining morale.
Warmed by the hot, flavorful food, the entire party was in high spirits.
And so, the night passed in peaceful quiet.