As spring came to an end, the summer heat slowly crept up across the Kemet region. Vast plains of arid grassland stretched as far as the horizon. The local flora and fauna had adapted to the harsh environment, enduring drastic daily temperature fluctuations and lack of moisture.
"Ugrh... The sun is really harsh here..." Marion emptied her costrel, made from Bullfango hide and lined with beeswax, all while sitting under the shade of a gigantic tree. "Welp, I need to refill my water pouch... I will be heading to the stream. Does anybody need me to refill theirs?"
"Please help with mine and Alfred's." Scarlet handed over two costrels. "Hey, Catherine, yours is almost empty as well, right? Let Marion fill it for you."
"Eh, I mean, I couldn't possibly let the daughter of a high-ranked noble do a menial task for me..."
"It is fine, Catherine." Marion insisted and took Catherine's water pouch. "Besides, I will do anything for the smile of a beauty, even if it requires doing menial tasks."
As Marion left with a proud and gallant stride, Scarlet turned to Catherine. "You can ignore her last sentence. She's always been a hopeless flirt."
"..." Catherine had no idea how to react.
"Guys, we will be departing soon! We are expecting to reach the Qadam village at the foot of the mountain by dusk!" Aria came towards the resting group of hunters. "Hmm, is Marion filling up her costrel? Well, a little too late to ask her for help with mine."
"Heh, why not ask her again when she has returned?"
"We are already slightly behind in time. Besides, I feel kind of bad for treating her like a servant..."
"... You are so kind, Aria. But remember that all of us are your precious friends, so don't hesitate to tell us what to do; no matter the task, let us take on some of it, and ease your shoulders."
"... I will, and thank you."
"Hey, I am back. Is it time to depart? Oh Aria, do you need a refill? Let me get it for you. In the meantime, all of you get ready and check all the items. I will be back in a second." Marion happily handed back the water pouches before taking Aria's and running back to the stream.
"See, she doesn't mind."
"I am indeed blessed with great companions."
By the time the sun inched closer to the horizon and the temperature plummeted, the caravan had entered the Qadam village, which was located at the foot of the northern Dunya mountain range, and was enjoying the local hospitality beside a bonfire.
"So, this is the local dish of this region." Aria used her hand to tear a piece of succulent white flesh from a large freshwater fish. The meat glistened against the dancing fire as the fish's natural oil oozed out from the lightest touch. The aroma of the sprinkled herb mingled with the natural aroma of the meat and gave off a sweet, mellow aroma that enticed the palate. As Aria chewed, the flaky flesh melted into an orchestra of complex flavour. "Woah, this local Giant Carp is truly magnificent! I am rather surprised that this was only seasoned with rock salt and a herb."
"This is different from the heavily spiced dishes in Constibillis. By cleaning and opening up the fish, lightly seasoning it with salt and Marjoram herb before grilling it over an open flame, the natural flavour of the meat shines." Alfina cleaned up her portion of the fish down to the bone. "I would rather have this than the Durban."
"I was prepared to endure eating all the heavily spiced food when we stepped into Kemet, but this - this dish shows me that there is more that Kemet can offer." Marion asked for another serving, and while waiting, she washed her palate with a local drink made from fermented goat milk. "So, after a day of rest here, we are going to split up, are we?"
"That is indeed the plan." Aria leaned back and placed her hands on the carpet as support after finishing her meal. "Trekking through the Dunya mountain range will be difficult with so many carriages. I think having a smaller force would be better for the investigation, while the others continue their journey to establish the Hunter's Guild branches in various cities across the region."
"So, how are we going to divide the team? I shall volunteer myself for the expedition to the mountain."
"No, I would prefer that you follow the caravan. You may be a great fighter, but your fighting style with the longsword is much more suitable for open plains. Being on the rugged terrain would hinder you from reaching your full potential."
"Mmm... That, makes sense. So, who will you take?"
"Team One, the group going up the mountain, will consist of me, Alfina, Scarlet, Cedo, and Alfred."
"Huh, why does that guy gets to go up the mountains?"
"You..." Aria sighed. "He is physically strong and has experience climbing the Dunya mountain range. In addition, he is quite agile like Catherine, so I do not think he will be a hindrance... Well, aside from his personality..."
"... Alright, I get that reasoning. Alfina and Scarlet are going up with you because they are naturally gifted in aerial combat, am I right?"
"That is part of the reason, but also because they have powerful fire magic. At the summit of the mountains, temperatures can drop below freezing, so I would assume that most monsters we are going to encounter would be weak to fire; on the off chance that we do not, I can at least jump in since I can wield all magic, including healing."
"Hmmm, I am starting to feel a little jealous..."
"Miss Marion, please remember that this is not a leisurely trip, but an expedition that is riddled with danger." Alfina, who was listening to the conversation, butted in after hearing Marion's careless remarks. "I would urge you to keep your eyes peeled when travelling with the caravan as Team Two. Catherine may be great at scouting, but you must not slack off, lest some of these otherworldly beasts catch you by surprise."
"Urgh... Fine, I apologise."
"Good. Lady Rosa would also be a great source of combat prowess, but she does not bear the mark of Angelos. Thus, both you and Catherine would bear the brunt of the hunt if a monster appears. Lady Rosa is primarily there to aid Marquis Sabah in negotiations with the local lords under the order of the Emperor."
"Now that you mention it, Team Two only has two hunters bearing the mark of Angelos, huh... We really need more hunters manifesting the mark... Especially, if higher-star monsters are appearing more frequently..."
The next morning, as discussed, the caravan split and Team Two bid farewell to Team One. Marion hugged both Aria and Scarlet, telling them to be careful. Rosa gracefully curtsied while promising that she would do her best to secure the most favourable outcomes from the negotiations. She also informed Cedo to aid the team to the best of his ability, but warned him not to be reckless, for it would sadden his family should he perish. Adequate supplies were left for Team One to use during their trek through the mountainous terrain.
After waving goodbye to the members of Team Two, Aria returned to her lodging and began the discussion about the next course of action. "Thank you for joining the discussion, village chief. Your boundless knowledge of the mountain range will be beneficial to us."
"Oh please, it is me who should be honoured for helping those blessed by the God." The village chief of Qadam stroked his long beard while sitting on the laid-out carpet. "In fact, I apologise for not being able to provide more."
"There is no need for that. We are well-rested and the hospitality we have received is adequate." Aria sat cross-legged on the carpet alongside the rest of Team One. "Moving on the main topic, you must have heard about our intention to go up the mountain for an investigation."
"I have, which is why I requested for this meeting before you venture out into the wild. Please, take a look at these." Reaching out behind him, the village chief took out a worn-out book and placed it in the middle, urging the hunters to read its content. "There is a legend passed down since ancient times, before this village was even known as Qadam, that there is a place hidden beyond the mountain range."
"Oh, I have read about it. Ancient people used to claim that those who successfully traversed through the Dunya mountain range would find the hidden location known as the Paradise."
"As expected of you, Al. Even the relatively unknown local myths and legends do not escape your gaze." Scarlet was a little proud of her beloved, puffing out her chest.
"I am surprised that sir has heard of it. Most people in Qadam do not even know about it." The village chief rubbed his bald head while smiling at Alfred. "As sir has said, countless civilisations living near the Dunya mountain range left records about this phantasmal area. Perhaps, that legendary elder dragon originates from there."
"Looking at this book, it seems that some had succeeded in reaching that area, but the details were vague and confusing. Something about dangerous rock... edible fruits... glass rock... The languages are different as well... It is hard to decipher." Alfina slowly flipped the book and tried to make sense of the ancient writings. "If even famous scholars from the capital have a hard time with this, we would probably need to spend a lifetime studying this."
"Even the genius who has mastered multiple languages is at a loss, huh..."
"Hey, Aria, that feels like a backhanded compliment."
"Eh, I did not mean it that way..."
"Hahaha, I do not understand a single thing in this book! They look like lines or drawings for me!" Cedo laughed while patting his forehead, earning a blank look from both Aria and Alfina.
"Legends claimed that the Paradise was where the ancient gods reside. Multiple faiths had venerated many gods throughout history, and without fail, they all claimed that Paradise was where their deities lived."
"For the village chief to say that, means that there are records of people returning from trekking through the mountain range who saw Paradise."
"Exactly, Sir Alfred. However, that happened even before the Kemet region formed its various kingdoms that were eventually conquered and absorbed into the Cor kingdom. Since then, many brave adventurers and explorers have attempted to find this place, but none ever succeeded."
"Well, the Cor kingdom probably viewed that as a myth that was untrue and was busy building the nation's military. Even the various ancient kingdoms in Kemet were too busy fighting each other for control of the region..."
"Anything comes to mind, Aria?" Scarlet leaned closer to Aria while also taking a peek at the book.
"Nothing definitive, but glass rock... It could mean a myriad of things..."
"Hmm... All of this is confusing, so why not go there and find out! Maybe, we can find something useful for forging weapons and armours!" Cedo stood with excitement, ready to depart.
"... For what he is worth, he is actually correct." Alfina closed the old book and handed it back to the village chief. "We can spend days studying this ancient texts, but produce no result, or we can go there and see it with our own eyes. That way, it will be easier to find traces of what we sought."
"In that case, let me dispatch some guides for you. They will help take you up as far as possible and hopefully be of use to you."
"Thank you for your generosity." Aria bowed to the village chief who was not expecting it and told her to rise for he believed he was unworthy to be thanked by the 'Blessed One'.
The three guides introduced by the village chief knelt in reverence, mush to the discomfort of Aria, Alfina and Scarlet. Alfred double-checked the supplies and equipment for the trek. Cedo was pumped and began climbing the jagged rock face before the three guides desperately told him that there was an easier path up to a certain point that did not require any climbing.
Days had passed since they began ascending, and the air grew thinner with altitude. Chilly winds stripped the warmth from the climbers.
"The air is dry and cold... It makes you wonder if we are even in the beginning of summer." Aria lodged her skyhooks into the crevices of a steep cliff.
"I'm pretty sure I remember the date of my birthday, and we have truly entered the first month of summer." Scarlet was following behind Aria, who was leading the climb. "Hey Al, are you good?"
"Yeah, I am fine. I am rather well-trained when it comes to rock climbing. It is something my brother was into when we were young, so naturally, I picked it up as well." Alfred flashed a smile towards Scarlet who was looking down to check on him. "When it comes to mountain climbing, I am not losing to any adventurers. Besides, the view from up here is breathtaking."
"I would agree with that last statement if only we have less luggage." Alfina, who was next in line after Alfred, mumbled while focusing on her climb.
"This is really fun!" Cedo was seemingly enjoying the hike as he effortlessly climbed the escarpment. "And Miss Alfina, I think Sir Alfred was referring to the view right above him!"
"Wha-!" Alfred was flustered at Cedo's unexpected remark.
"Alfina, cut the rope and kick him in the face." With a cold voice, Scarlet gave her order.
"Order received. Commencing the cut."
"Wait, wait! Why!?" Cedo panicked when he saw Alfina reaching into her pocket and taking out a small knife.
"Hey! Can we focus on the hike instead of joking around!?" Aria was irritated with the drama happening below her. "The wind is picking up! And we are almost at the midpoint!"
The five climbers had reached a plateau with a relatively flat surface and a small cave. The sun had submerged into the horizon, giving off the mellow glow of dusk as a few of the brightest stars revealed themselves in the night sky.
Team One immediately built a fire place and lit the charcoal that warmed up the campsite. Two tents made out of tough hides were pitched and Alfred began the meal preparation of simple grain stew and flatbread.
"I am sorry, Scarlet. I wish I could prepare better meals for your birthday today."
"What are you apologising for? Having a meal like this is already a luxury." Scarlet finished her bowl and leaned against the rocky wall. "When I lost my father, I fell into a river and was saved by a bunch of orphans who nursed me back to health. Because it was a rather poor orphanage, meals were hard to come by, and we spent our days being hungry most of the time. That is why, I am rather grateful to have a warm meal with my companions, even in this wilderness."
"Scarlet... I am sorry that you had to go through that suffering. I regret not being able to do anything for you..."
"As I've said, stop saying sorry. You're not at fault. In fact, I think I should see it as a form of training. It is because I have experienced such things that I am who I am today."
"... I promise that I will do my best to make you happy."
"Phew, it sure is warm here." Aria emptied her bowl and took a bite out of the flatbread. "And this bread tastes sweeter than I thought."
"We have them to thank for that." Alfina pointed at the blushing couple.
"Now, now, let us be more understanding. In fact, it is a good thing that our bread is sweeter." Aria smiled a little mischievously. "Now then, since we are done with dinner, we need to clean up and get to bed early. Adequate rest is important for the body and mind."
The difficulty increased sharply beyond the midpoint as shards of slippery ice began to appear along their path. The three guides, who had helped Team One climb roughly a quarter of the way up, had warned them that the death toll increased beyond this point. Many locals shared stories of people going up to gather ice and snow, only to be reclaimed by nature itself.
"Guh!"
"Al!" Scarlet felt a jerk from the connecting rope, indicating that Alfred, who was below her, had lost his grip and slipped from the icy cliff face. With both Aria and Scarlet holding on to their skyhooks, Alfred was temporarily dangling on the connecting rope before immediately lodging his skyhooks through the icy surface to regain his footing.
"Apologies, I was careless!" Alfred stabilised himself with his feet, easing Aria's and Scarlet's burden.
"It is fine! That is why we have this connecting rope! If one slips, the others hold on! We move as a unit!" Aria checked on everybody and continued their climb after making sure that all her team members were ready. "Follow the rhythm! One! Two!"
Chilly wind battered their bodies and exhaustion was catching up fast. However, Team One persisted under Aria's leadership and command. The brutal climb lasted hours as they scaled the mountain range and arrived at a small ravine hidden behind wisps cloud. They were all incredibly exhausted as they lay on the rocky floor, gasping for air, desperate for any oxygen they could get from the thin atmosphere.
"For... huff... some reason, huff... investigating... Lao-Shan Lung's reason... huff... to move north... is becoming... not worth it... huff..." Alfina used her glaive as support to stand. "And how... did that dragon... huff... even manage to... get this high up?"
"That... is why we are investigating... huff..." Aria propped herself against the wall. "Besides, that dragon... may have... huff... appeared within... the mountain range..."
"Ecologically speaking... huff... this mountain range... huff... should be perfect for it..." Still lying on the ground, Alfred raised his right hand for attention, only to drop it down again from fatigue. "For it to descend... is the mystery... Those jagged trails... huff... may be left... by that dragon... I... huff... spotted some red scales... like the ones... left during the siege..."
"Stop... huff... with the discussion... Let's get... the fire starting... before we freeze... to death..." Scarlet took out a few chunks of coal and lit it up with her magic.
"Great idea... Even I am... feeling the chill." Cedo warmed himself against the burning coal before setting up the tents. "The wind seems to have eased up... a little..."
Team One had their dinner early, but many were having difficulty eating from the combination of tiredness and the lower atmospheric pressure dulling their sense of taste. Cedo was the only exception as he gobbled up his meal heartily, earning a wry, but respectful stare from the rest.
"Sir Cedo, you still seem to be very energetic even after that brutal climb."
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Aria! I have been undergoing a lot of rigorous training to forge the perfect body! Ever since that..." Cedo's bright demeanor faltered for a second before regaining its vigor. "What I mean is... All of this is to ensure that I will be able to save my comrades when they get into trouble!"
"""...""" Despite the rapid switch, everybody was able to pick up on Cedo's unusual expression that seemed to hide something, but decided not to pursue it.
"That's a nice meal! Let's go to sleep! After all, a good rest is crucial for creating a great body!" With his stomach satisfied, Cedo retreated into his tent and not long after, he began snoring.
"He's truly a bundle of energy... But it seems there is more to him than our eyes could see."
"True, but it would be tactless of us to inquire. Let him open his heart whenever he is ready." Alfred took Scarlet's hand. "If there is anything you wish to pour out, I will be there, listening earnestly to your pain and grief."
Scarlet blushed a little and smiled. "In that case, you should keep yourself safe. Seeing you hurt is a source of pain for me too, you know."
"Hahaha, I will. I will."
"Urgh, the bread becomes sickly sweet..." Aria let out a quiet mumble that was only heard by Alfina, who silently agreed with Aria.