📖Quick Facts:

The Mountain of Iron Maiden

The Iron Mountains which stretch thousands of miles on the earth's edge are known as the temple of nature's location and mysteries.

In the last chapter, we saw that Mister Ryu and Ember enter the dangerous Black Veil in search of the Iron Mountain. The duo was walking the path mentioned in the ancient map and as a result, were able to pass the poisonous mist without any setbacks and were found in the wilderness of the withered forest. While walking through the forest, they were encountered by the Iron Claw Clan members.

Hearing the loud howl followed by a huge tremor, the wolf falls back and fears something that seems to be more dangerous than the pack itself.

“Did hear that howl, Miss Ember?” said Mister Ryu

“Yes, seems that we are going to fight something more dangerous than this pack of wolves,” I said with a grin

As Ember and Mister Ryu were watching each other's back they heard

A loud growl from the opposite side made the wolves tremble in fear.

As the noise was getting louder a huge shadow was visible and a huge wolf double the size with lots of scars came out of the shadows howling and showing supremacy over other wolves making the bow down to him.

“It seems that this enormous wolf is the true leader of the Iron Claw Clan,” Mister Ryu said in a hushed tone.

Mister Ryu had his eyes fixed on the majestic yet fearsome creature before us. Its fur was a mix of greys and blacks, a testament to countless battles, and its eyes glowed with intelligence and power.

The massive wolf, clearly battle-hardened, surveyed the scene with a keen, calculating gaze. The other wolves obeyed its commands without question, bowing in submission. Mister Ryu and I exchanged a glance, recognizing the dire situation we were in.

“We have to tread carefully,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the rumbling growls of the wolves. “This wolf is no ordinary beast; it's a true alpha, a force to be reckoned with.”

Mister Ryu nodded. "Indeed, Miss Ember. We must respect its power and try not to provoke it further. Our best chance might be to negotiate or find a way to coexist peacefully with the Iron Claw Clan."

"I have an idea," Mister Ryu said, his voice low. "Let's offer a token of peace, something to show that we mean no harm. I have a trinket given to me by the monks of the Eastern Mountains. It signifies peace and unity. Maybe It will convey our intentions.” Carefully, Mister Ryu retrieved a small pendant from his pocket, intricately carved with symbols of harmony and balance.

He approached the massive wolf; his movements showed a kind gesture and at the same showed supremacy and placed the pendant on the ground before the beast.

The wolf observed the offering, its eyes narrowing slightly as if considering the gesture. A tense silence settled over the forest, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the steady breaths of the watching wolves.

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Then, to our surprise, the massive wolf stepped forward, its demeanor shifting from aggression to curiosity. It sniffed the pendant, then looked back at us, its expression ... almost appreciative.

"It seems our gesture has been accepted," Mister Ryu said,

While Ember and Mister Ryu felt relaxed and dropped their guard down a hard voice filled with power talked...

"I did not come to cause any trouble, but seeing this pendant, I'll take this as a token of friendship," said the Wolf King, his voice resonating with a deep, commanding tone. His eyes, once filled with wariness, now held a glimmer of respect and understanding.

Mister Ryu and I exchanged surprised glances, realizing the significance of the moment. The leader of the Iron Claw Clan, the mighty Wolf King, had acknowledged our gesture and accepted our presence in his territory.

“So, this mutt can speak......” Mister Ryu whispered

Looking at Mister Ryu say that made Ember feel uneasy about the sudden change in the atmosphere as the aura of Mister Ryu was dominating unlike that of a merchant.

"We are honored by your acceptance, Great Wolf King," Mister Ryu said, his voice steady. "We seek passage through your lands on a quest, a mission that could help restore balance to these ancient lands. We mean no harm to your pack or your territory."

“No need for these formalities, I am just a servant of …....”

As the wolf king was speaking, he suddenly stopped talking and looked at Mister Ryu, the Wolf King's eyes showed a hint of surrender and fear.

“As I was talking, I am just a guardian of these forests and have no power regarding this region,” the Wolf King continued, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and reluctance. His eyes, once fierce and proud, now held a glimmer of vulnerability.

Mister Ryu and I exchanged puzzled glances, trying to comprehend the sudden change in the Wolf King's demeanor. It was as if he was bound by something greater, something beyond his control and it seems that Mister Ryu was involved in it.

"We understand," Mister Ryu said, his tone softened with empathy. "We appreciate your willingness to let us pass peacefully. If there's anything you can share with us, any guidance or knowledge about this ancient land, we would be grateful."

The Wolf King hesitated for a moment, his eyes shifting between us as if debating whether to trust us with a secret. Then, with a deep sigh, he began to speak.

"There is a force far more ancient and powerful than my pack or any of the creatures in these woods," the Wolf King said, his voice low, carrying the weight of centuries. "It's a force that predates even the oldest trees and the mightiest mountains. We call it the Heart of the Forest. It's said to be the source of all life here, the keeper of balance and harmony."

Ember listened intently, her eyes wide with awe and curiosity. Mister Ryu, too, was absorbed in the Wolf King's words, recognizing the significance of what he was revealing.

“Admission in the Heart is restricted, and death awaits all who venture that region even for those veteran sky climbers”

Ember nodded, understanding the delicate nature of the situation. "We will be cautious," she said.

Interrupting Ember and the King’s conversation Mister Ryu said “Do you know anything about the temple on the tallest mountain”

The Wolf King's eyes flickered with a mix of sadness and ancient wisdom. "The temple you seek is a creation of beings long forgotten, constructed to guard the secrets of the Heart of the Forest," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of old tales. "Legends speak of its formidable guardians and intricate traps, designed to deter the unworthy and protect the Heart's sanctity."

Mister Ryu's brows furrowed with concern. "How do we gain access to the temple then?" he inquired, his tone reflecting the urgency of their quest.

“Those with power thrive and others perish on the lap of death. Only those with power can enter the temple, but the temple seeks something more than the power that someone like me can understand,” said the Wolf King, his voice carrying a mix of melancholy and resignation.

Ember, catching the deeper meaning behind his words, asked, "What does the temple seek, then? If not power, what could prove one's worthiness?"

The Wolf King's gaze drifted into the distance as if searching for the right words. "The temple seeks......”

….... To Be Continued.