The cadets stood at the base of the mountain, their eyes tracing the steep, towering slopes that rose before them. It was the tallest peak they had seen—standing at around 600 meters—it exuded an imposing presence. The forest that blanketed the mountain was thick, with trees unlike any they had encountered before. Their leaves shimmered in shades of blue and green, a clear sign that the Aura within the mountain flowed through every branch and root. Even from a distance, the cadets could feel the subtle pulse of the energy that lingered in the air.
Isaki and Riku were the first to notice it—the way the atmosphere shifted as they neared the mountain. The Aura, invisible to the untrained, swirled in the breeze, making the cold air feel even sharper against their skin. They exchanged a glance, both of them recognizing the challenge ahead. This place wasn't just a mountain. It was alive, teeming with Aura-infused creatures and a power they had yet to fully understand.
The crisp autumn air was colder here, biting at their faces as the wind swept down from the peaks. The trees stretched high into the sky, their unusual foliage swaying softly in the breeze. The leaves, a striking mix of blues and greens, reflected the sunlight in a way that made the forest seem ethereal, almost otherworldly. Beneath the canopy, shadows danced, casting an eerie stillness over the area. Yet there was life—an untamed, raw energy that seeped into the bones of anyone who ventured too close.
Instructor Tora, his figure solid as a rock, stood in front of the cadets for what would be the last time before they began their ascent. His gaze moved across the group, lingering momentarily on each face, as if assessing their readiness for the task ahead.
"Listen up," he began, his deep voice cutting through the stillness of the forest. "Before you start your climb, there's something you all need to know. You'll be encountering animals up there, and some of them won't be too friendly."
The cadets, already on edge from the atmosphere around them, listened intently.
"The more common creatures you'll run into are deer and stags," Tora continued. "Most of them are harmless, but remember—some of these animals possess Aura. Even the most docile can become dangerous when provoked. Stay cautious. Watch their behavior. A deer may not seem threatening, but if its Aura is strong, it could turn aggressive without warning."
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A few cadets exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the truth behind Tora's words. Aura-infused creatures were unpredictable, their temperaments influenced by the very energy that empowered them.
"But the ones you really need to be careful of," Tora added, his tone darkening, "are the venomous snakes. They're the most dangerous creatures on this mountain. Their bite isn't just deadly because of their poison; they use Aura to enhance their venom, making it even more lethal. If you encounter one, don't hesitate. Either kill it, or get out of its way."
The gravity of the situation sank in as Tora continued. "You'll be given lists of medicinal herbs to find, and some of those herbs are your best defense against the venom. Find them quickly. They could save your life if things go wrong."
Riku clenched his fists, determination flooding his body. Isaki, standing beside him, nodded in silent agreement. The two of them had trained hard, and they weren't about to let fear stand in their way. The mountain was just another challenge, one they had to conquer.
With Tora's final words echoing in their minds, the cadets began their climb. The paths leading up the mountain were well-trodden but steep, winding through dense undergrowth and between towering trees. Some of the cadets grouped together, opting for safety in numbers. Balko and Jenia walked side by side, their eyes scanning the forest with cautious curiosity. They spoke little, both aware that this was not the place for idle chatter.
Others, like Isaki and Riku, chose to make the climb alone, relying on their skills and instincts to guide them. The two of them moved with purpose, their steps silent on the leaf-strewn ground as they ventured deeper into the forest. They had always preferred working alone, and this trial would be no different.
As the groups dispersed, following different trails, the mountain's presence loomed over them, a silent guardian of the challenges to come. The air grew colder as they ascended, and the Aura-infused forest thickened around them, alive with unseen dangers.
Isaki's heart raced with anticipation, his senses alert to every movement in the trees, every shift in the wind. Riku, walking a few meters ahead, was equally focused, his Aura humming just beneath the surface, ready to spring into action if needed.
The mountain trial had begun, and there would be no turning back now.