**
Somewhere in the northern region of the Theocratic Empire. More specifically, within the Land of the Dead Spirits located past the Sacrificial Castle, Ronia.
A group of convicts were currently walking on a snow-covered hill. The icy atmosphere and frozen trees were blocking their paths.
Even though these convicts were tasked with scouting duties, they were still filled to the brim with dissatisfaction at the terrible condition of the mountain paths and icy winds rubbing against their skins.
"Blooming hell, we're still in the middle of Autumn, so why is it snowing so much already?"
"What are you complaining about when you can see piles of snow even in Summer in this place?"
"I'm just saying, you know."
The convicts were tutting loudly among themselves. While complaining, though, they silently shifted their gazes to their front.