Atlas and Kurogasa sprinted through the hills, weaving effortlessly between the dense trees that flanked the narrow path. Their movements were swift and precise as they leapt over rocks, roots, and uneven terrain, steadily making their way up the mountain’s incline.
Kurogasa occasionally slowed his pace, giving Atlas a moment to catch up. But it was evident that Atlas had grown faster and more nimble. Even as they ascended the steep path, his stride remained steady, and his steps barely disturbed the ground beneath him.
His training was paying off.
Not that they couldn’t have taken the Floating Throne to reach the summit—but every opportunity to train had to be seized. For Atlas, improving his physical capabilities was just as important as any battle strategy.
As they climbed higher, the wind grew fiercer. The trees swayed violently, and the sound of the howling wind echoed through the forest, creating eerie whistles between the branches.
Soon, the dense trees thinned out, giving way to a stretch of low, dry grass. Atlas pressed his feet firmly into the ground as they reached this open area.
The wind hit him with full force.
The sheer strength of the gusts made it difficult to keep his balance, and for a moment, he nearly stumbled to the side. Gritting his teeth, Atlas adjusted his footing and planted himself more firmly to resist the relentless wind.
Even before they reached the summit, it was clear—this mountain’s peak would be a true test of endurance against nature itself.
Kurogasa moved effortlessly through the harsh wind. Despite the gusts whipping fiercely around them, the only things that seemed to struggle against the wind were his outfit and the weapons strapped to his waist, which flapped wildly with each burst of air.
Atlas, on the other hand, had to brace himself. He pulled out his Wavebreaker Spear, planting it firmly into the ground to keep his footing. Each step was slow and deliberate, his body leaning against the brutal gusts that changed direction unpredictably.
“My Lord… this place is perfect for your quest,” Kurogasa said. His voice was nearly drowned out by the roaring wind, making it difficult for Atlas to catch every word.
Atlas grinned despite the difficulty, scanning the area from one end to the other. His gaze followed the jagged trail ahead—long, winding, and treacherous. He swallowed hard, knowing the path ahead would test both his endurance and focus.
Then, his eyes lifted toward the sky, where several large bird-like monsters circled high above, riding the currents with ease.
It took him a moment to register what he was seeing. Flying monsters.
Had he seen flying monsters before? Yes. But this was different. This time, there was a real chance they’d attack him mid-run.
For the first time, he felt the tension rise. He wasn’t just running against the wind—he might have to fend off predators from the skies.
After quite a struggle, they finally reached their destination—a long mountain ridge stretching across several peaks, forming a rugged, windswept expanse.
Atlas leaned forward slightly, every muscle in his body tense as he fought to stay upright against the relentless wind. The gusts howled through the rocky terrain, tearing at his clothes and sapping his strength. Even standing still felt like an exhausting task, as if the very air itself was trying to push him back down the mountain.
“My Lord… let’s go,” Kurogasa said, bowing slightly before stepping aside.
Atlas took a deep breath, focusing on the elemental particles swirling in the air. He drew them toward him, wrapping his body in a thin barrier to lighten the burden. For a moment, the pressure lessened, but the wind’s sheer force still pressed heavily against him.
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Gritting his teeth, he gathered every ounce of strength he had.
Step!
Safe.
Another step!
A sudden blast of wind surged through the ridge, like a hammer of air crashing against him. It hit with such force that he staggered, his boots scraping across the rocky ground.
Atlas grunted, driving his spear into the earth to stop himself from being hurled backward. His arms strained, and the wind howled louder, as if trying to rip him from his position.
Kurogasa simply bowed his head slightly, observing his struggle without a word.
“This is fun!” Atlas said with a grin.
And so he continued, step by step, forcing his body forward against the fierce gusts. Kurogasa remained close, walking alongside him without showing any signs of strain.
Time passed. It was impossible to tell how long he had been at it, but eventually, his steps became more stable. His footing improved, and he no longer had to plant his spear into the ground with every gust.
At one point, Kurogasa veered off to the side, putting some distance between himself and Atlas.
At this height, if Atlas were to be swept off the cliff by the wind, even Kurogasa wouldn’t be able to save him.
But the real challenge wasn’t about simply walking through the wind. Atlas needed to run the track—not stumble through it like someone injured and desperate to hold their ground.
"I look like a fool," he muttered. "No… I’m going to run this. No excuses."
After some time had passed, Atlas finally gathered the courage to move without relying on his spear for balance. Instead, he spun the Wavebreaker Spear in his hand, using its motion to stabilize himself.
Step by step, he pushed forward, moving with greater confidence.
At first, he kept his pace slow and steady, testing his limits against the relentless wind. But each time he made progress, he forced himself to push harder.
Run…
Slow at first…
Keep going…
Each step felt more natural, more controlled.
His strides grew faster, his footing more secure. He focused on the rhythm of his movements, his breathing steady, his body leaning forward just enough to cut through the gusts. The wind was fierce, but he kept pushing.
Run.
Faster.
Just when he started to feel a rush of pride—thinking he had finally made real progress—Atlas glanced over toward Kurogasa.
The Ninja Rat stood far off to the side, arms folded, watching him with a calm expression.
Atlas’s confidence wavered as he realized the truth. He’d barely made it a short distance.
He clenched his jaw and gripped his spear tighter.
No. I’m not stopping. I’ll get there.
A loud, piercing screech echoed through the air, snapping Atlas out of his focus.
What’s that?!
His head snapped upward, scanning the sky. Something massive was circling above, flying low and steadily closing in on his position.
A monster!
It was a bird-like creature. Its enormous wings spread wide. Its feathers were sharp and jagged, resembling blades. And its hooked beak—lined with rows of jagged teeth—looked like it could tear through steel.
There was no doubt. The creature had spotted him.
Atlas gritted his teeth, gripping the Wavebreaker Spear tightly. The bird monster circled him.
Then, without warning, the creature dove toward him from behind at terrifying speed.
Atlas spun his spear with precision, shifting his stance to ground himself. His feet pressed firmly into the rocky soil as he braced for impact.
At the last second, he twisted sharply, narrowly dodging the monster’s razor-sharp talons as they tore through the air where he had stood moments before.
Though he evaded the strike, the sheer force of the wind and the creature's momentum sent him hurtling sideways.
Atlas crashed into the ground, skidding across the dirt in a cloud of dust and debris. Gritting his teeth, he jammed his spear into the earth to halt his momentum, forcing himself upright once more. His breathing was heavy, but his grip remained firm.
Atlas’s lips curled into a grin.
"Damn it… but this is going to be fun."
He spun his spear, slamming it into the ground for balance.
"Come to me!"
[Rare - Bladewing Ravager Lv. 75]