The mountain trail was unforgiving, the path twisting through jagged cliffs and icy slopes. The orb Kaede carried pulsed faintly with light, casting eerie shadows on the snow-covered terrain.
Haruki trudged beside her, his breath visible in the freezing air. “So, this ‘heart of the mountain’... any clue what it actually is? Or are we just winging it?”
Kaede glanced at him, her tone calm but firm. “The voice said the truth would be revealed there. That’s all we need to know for now.”
Haruki smirked. “Ah, yes, because cryptic clues from shadow monsters always end well.”
“Do you ever stop talking?” Ryo muttered from behind, adjusting his axe.
“Nope,” Haruki shot back. “It’s my best quality.”
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THE ORB’S GUIDANCE
The orb’s light grew stronger as they ascended, its warmth cutting through the biting cold. Kaede held it tightly, her sharp eyes scanning the path ahead.
“It’s reacting to something,” Mira observed, her voice quiet.
Kaede nodded. “The closer we get, the stronger it becomes. Stay alert. If this is the right path, we’re bound to run into trouble.”
Haruki grinned. “Trouble? Us? Never.”
Ryo groaned. “You’re gonna jinx us, idiot.”
As if on cue, a deep rumble echoed through the mountains. Snow and ice began to shift, and the ground beneath them trembled.
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AN AVALANCHE OF DANGER
“Move!” Kaede shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
The group scrambled as an avalanche roared down the slope toward them. Kaede led the charge, her movements precise and controlled despite the unstable terrain.
Haruki stumbled, the ground giving way beneath his feet. “Uh, little help here?”
Kaede spun around, grabbing his arm and pulling him upright. “Keep moving!”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Mira loosed an arrow into the trees above, causing a branch to fall and create a temporary barrier against the snow. “That’ll buy us a few seconds. Go!”
Ryo brought up the rear, his axe swinging to clear debris from their path.
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A NARROW ESCAPE
The group barely made it to a rocky outcrop as the avalanche thundered past, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. They collapsed onto the ground, panting and covered in snow.
“Well,” Haruki said between breaths, “that was... invigorating.”
Kaede shot him a look. “You’re an idiot.”
“Yeah, but I’m a surviving idiot.” He flashed her a grin.
Mira rolled her eyes. “You two bicker like an old married couple.”
Ryo laughed, leaning on his axe. “I’d pay to see that wedding.”
Kaede ignored them, her attention on the orb. Its light had grown even stronger, casting an otherworldly glow on the surrounding rocks.
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THE GUARDIAN’S WARNING
As they caught their breath, the ground beneath them shimmered, and a figure materialized. Unlike the shadowy creature from the ruins, this being radiated light, its form sleek and humanoid.
“You seek the heart of the mountain,” it said, its voice calm but commanding. “Do you understand the burden you carry?”
Kaede stood, her expression unflinching. “We seek answers. If that’s a burden, we’ll bear it.”
The figure studied her, its glowing eyes unreadable. “The truth you seek will come at a cost. Are you prepared to pay it?”
Haruki stepped forward. “Why is everything about costs and sacrifices? Can’t we just get a straight answer for once?”
The figure turned its gaze on him, and Haruki shivered. “The truth is never without consequence,” it said simply.
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A PATH FORWARD
The figure gestured, and a pathway appeared, carved into the side of the mountain. “Follow this path. But know that beyond it lies not only the truth you seek, but also the weight of it. Choose wisely.”
Kaede nodded. “We’ll take the risk.”
As the figure faded, Ryo let out a low whistle. “Well, that was ominous.”
Mira tightened her grip on her bow. “Ominous or not, we’ve come too far to turn back now.”
Haruki sighed, his breath forming clouds in the cold air. “Great. More danger, more cryptic warnings. Just another day in paradise.”
Kaede smirked faintly. “You’re free to leave anytime, Haruki.”
“And miss all the fun? Not a chance.”
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THE WEIGHT OF THE ORB
As they made their way down the new path, the orb grew heavier in Kaede’s hands, its light pulsating in sync with her heartbeat. She felt an odd connection to it, as if it were responding to her thoughts.
“Kaede,” Haruki said, walking beside her. “Are you okay?”
She glanced at him, surprised by the concern in his voice. “I’m fine. Why?”
He shrugged. “You’ve been quieter than usual. And that thing”—he gestured to the orb—“seems like it’s doing something to you.”
Kaede hesitated, then said softly, “It’s... hard to explain. But I’ll manage.”
Haruki nodded, his usual smirk replaced by a rare moment of sincerity. “Just don’t forget we’re here to help, okay?”
Kaede’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I won’t.”