They walked and walked.
The heat grew around them the closer they were to the mountain. They could feel the air around them sohow humid and warm, making them squirm in their armor and sweat dampen their backs. At last, in the middle of the pack, they decided to ditch their heavy wintry coats and other unnecessary things to lighten their load and give ease to their movents. However, discomfort writhes inside them no matter what.
Ghana surveyed their surroundings warily while they headed towards the crater-filled areas. The ground was solid and brittle, crackling at the tiniest shift of the underground. Steam hissed from the cracks, warming the air even more. Vegetation was almost non-existent save for the blackened bare tree trunks that were all deathly withered. Judging from their gigantic sizes, the place was probably once a prosperous woodland, filled with lush greens and vibrant life.
"..." Her gaze deepened. Now... it seed more like a demonic terrain. The presence of death lood everywhere.
"Stay cautious." Emlen reminded as he eyed an eye-catching gorge in the distance. The n were exhausted, but it was better to reach it before night.
Grey eyes shone with a mysterious depth as they glanced at the determined group behind. Then they strayed towards the hazy lands behind. Bare mountains and sandy earth hiding lurking gaze, hungrily peering at the expedition from behind. Emlen couldn't determine what they were, whether they were malibreeds or sothing else. However, if the group dropped their guard for even a second, those things would devour them, bone and all...
The gorge was a much faster route...
"Let's keep going..." Emlen spoke, quickening his pace through the crater field.
The n never spoke a single word of complaint and followed their Pathfinder leader's pace. The terrible journey had smoothened their arrogance and fear, making them more plaint before Ghana and Emlen as well as more determined to complete the mission.
Furthermore, there was another thing that certainly kept their spirits up aside from the promise of glory upon their return. Each of them kept their arcan pendants safely underneath their armor and dutifully recited its enchantnt every night.
Their faith in the Lynari strengthened upon learning of the gifts he bestowed on them for their journey. It ant that the savior cared so much for their well-being as much as the success of the expedition. Certainly, the artifacts were unlike anything they had witnessed for almost a decade. Their fear of using magic and artifacts had heavily imprinted itself inside them. But now, to be able to carry such magical items, protecting them in the middle of this desolate corrupted land... it felt like finding an oasis in a vast hot desert.
'They feel indebted,' Ghana had realized a few days ago. Beholden, their admiration turned to loyalty, then profound zeal. She felt uncertain, but if it helped lessen the journey's problems, then she would gladly leave them to their passion...
Moulin and Lord Hercullio ensured to increase their chances of survival in this expedition. Ghana will make sure their efforts won't be in vain...
The n agilely avoided the random burst of hot steam that would occasionally spew searing air toward them. The intense heat could burn one's skin in a blink of an eye. A few n almost lost their lives when the ground beneath their feet began to crack. Fortunately, they sensed the anomaly, and with Ghana's help, they escaped the area before scorching steam bursted through the earth, obliterating everything above it.
"We can rest once we cross the gorge," Emlen announced once the last of the n made it out.
All of them glanced at the giant rift in the distance just before the mountain. Even from afar, they could see the heatwaves wafting from the chasm. An orange glow pulsed like a heartbeat. Weary, they were on their feet in the next minute, following behind Emlen's lead.
With a creased forehead, Emlen narrowed his eyes, observing their surroundings. He took out the map and noted so parts before directing the group in a certain direction. Grey eyes beca profound. They needed a way across.
To their luck, they ca across a bridge-like structure dwarfed by the gigantic size of the gorge. Made of large boulders and carved-up rocky columns, the structure arched over the chasm, reaching the other end of the gorge. At one glance, it looked life-threatening. They felt it would collapse with the tiniest movent, allowing hesitation to cloud their minds.
"Can this even support any of us?"
"Although it looks quite toasty in there..." One peered below with one foot beside the chasm's edge, witnessing the threatening red glow. "... I planned to die in my bed than be burned to a crisp."
The n snarkily murmured. Unfortunately, they had no choice...
"Co on, you bastards." Ghana urged with a gesture for them to follow. She passed Emlen, replacing him as the lead.
While testing the rock's sturdiness, she kept her steps light and expertly balanced herself. Ghana slowly made her way to the middle of the rock bridge. Her cerulean eyes brimd with determination but no one noticed the sweat forming above her brows.
A few dust fell from the bridge, and she stilled. There was a slight tremor. The n unconsciously braced themselves as they watched. Even Emlen flinched at the sight. However, he had a bit of faith in these people. These were n personally trained in the Silver Scepter under Lord Hercullio's rule.
Although they intended to be occasionally uncontrollable, they were reliable.
"Captain! Watch your step. That rock looks a bit loose." One shouted loud enough for Ghana to hear.
Ghana gave a little wave without turning, noting her subordinate's warning. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her feet and began to move once more. Although the bridge looked quite dangerous, Ghana was able to cross it in a few minutes. Despite its looks, it was sturdier than she thought. Raising her arm, she signaled the n to co over one by one.
With cautious eyes, Emlen watched as the first man crossed the bridge slowly. Then the second, and the third...
"Milord, I shall follow after you." One of the last few spoke to Emlen.
"Hurry over!" Ghana gestured. She warily glanced beneath the bridge, sensing sothing strange...
Smoke gradually rose from the chasm and slowly obscured their vision.
Emlen swallowed. He made sure the significant materials with him were safely hidden before stepping on the first boulder.
Just as he reached the middle of the arched structure, a strong tremor occurred. The rocks beneath his feet shook while the air turned significantly hotter. Emlen almost lost his footing, barely tipping over the edge if it weren't for his quick reflexes.
Rumble!
The tremors didn't stop. Ghana's eyes widened in realization.
"Quick! The bridge is collapsing!" Her voice pierced the n's ears.
The color drained from Emlen's face. The portion of the bridge in front of him was breaking down, crumbling into the fiery depths beneath. There was no way he could reach the other side in ti.
With gritted teeth, he quickly turned swiftly jumping over the failing rocks, barely reaching the edge of the gorge.
The dark chasm swallowed the last pieces of the bridge. Plus of smoke rose in pillars as hot steam filled the chasm air.
"Master Emlen!" One of the last few n ca to him.
The Pathfinder leader panted, raising a hand, "I'm alright..."
He pulled himself up, gazing at the other side of the gorge with a troubled look. They could barely see the rest of the expedition through the thick smoke. However, Emlen knew they were safe.
He inserted two fingers into his mouth and blew a whistle in three notes. After a few seconds, a response whistle sounded.
"They are fine." Emlen sighed in relief. "With our current circumstance, it will take a bit longer for us to reunite with them, so they mustn't waste ti and proceed to the location. As for us..."
One of the sentinels nodded. "We'll find another way to cross the gorge. Although it seems we won't be able to cross for today. We should find soplace to camp for the night."
Emlen nodded. There were five of them left, including Emlen himself. Ghana had a share of the information and the maps, so the others were in good hands. With a sigh, he gave one last glance at the wall of smoke from the gorge before he turned to join his n.
anwhile, on the other side of the gorge, Ghana stood before the crumbling edge, wearing a dark expression. Fortunately, Emlen and the others seed to be safe. 'What fucking luck we have...' She clenched her jaw.
"Captain..."
Ghana released a frustrated sigh before she faced the rest of the group. "We are to continue. Lord Emlen and the others will join us soon. Let's not waste any ti here."
Resigned, the n steeled their minds. They followed behind Ghana with determined steps as the smoke thickened and the ground grew drier and the air, warr.
.....
Bang!
The door slamd open, alarming every soul within.
The silver-eyed youth flinched. Startled by the noise, the ink on the parchnt blotched. Moulin hastily lifted his gaze towards the source of the commotion.
Golden eyes were cold and burned with worry. Lord Hercullio's large fra resolutely strode towards the young man at his writing desk. He emitted a dangerous aura that could make one cower and shake in fear.
"You faced an attack?" Hadrian reached for Moulin, cradling his soft cheek with his palm. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine..." Moulin blinked.
Hadrian stared at him for a few seconds, personally assessing the youth's well-being in the process.
After a long minute, Moulin heard Hadrian sigh in relief. His oppressive aura gradually dissipated.
The youth revealed a faint smile. It was only then did he glanced at a certain elven oracle watching from his seat on the other side of his desk.
Na'El wore a smile, obviously entertained.
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