The group woke early with the biting chill of the now snow mountain's air seeping through the cave. However, Leif kept the unconscious mage’s body into his oversized bag. “Look at this.” he said with a smirk patting the bag “I’m carrying more baggage than Melch’s insecurities from feeding this guy that many potions.”

Melch shot him a deadpan look but didn’t respond. He was too preoccupied with checking their gear ensuring their provisions and tools were secured. Edwin stood by the corner of the cave still waiting for the other's to come, looking every bit the dependable leader. On the other hand, Elissa was marveling at the snow-laden trees around them, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“I’ve never seen snow like this before.” she said her voice filled with wonder. “It’s so beautiful, so… untouched. It makes you feel so small, doesn’t it?”

Leif chuckled. “Yeah, small and freezing. But don’t worry, we’ll be warm once we’re climbing. Nothing like the threat of falling to your death to keep you focused.”

Elissa giggled and even Melch couldn’t help the faint smile that tugged at his lips. Despite everything, Leif’s humor was a welcome distraction from the grueling reality of their situation.

The group began their ascent with Leif leading the way for a change. His jokes and jests lightened the mood but everyone kept a wary eye on the bag that held the mage. They had taken precautions to seal his core and ensure he stayed unconscious with a potion Melch had prepared. Still, the tension was palpable.

The climb was brutal. The path ahead was coated in snow making every step treacherous. At one point, they reached a section that required them to use their hands to climb. The icy surface made it even more challenging.

“Careful there, Melch.” Leif called back as Melch hesitated. “Need a hand? Or maybe two?”

“I’m fine.” Melch refused focusing on his grip. His breaths came in shallow gasps, the thin air making it harder to breathe.

Hours passed, each step an ordeal. Finally, Leif’s voice rang out, triumphant. “We’re here, The summit’s just a little ahead.”

With renewed energy, the group pushed through the final stretch while their hands digging into the snow as they pulled themselves up. When Melch reached the top, Leif offered him a hand with a grin. “Made it, huh? I’ll let you say you climbed this mountain yourself.”

Melch rolled his eyes but accepted the hand hauling himself up. The view was breathtaking. Clouds swirled below them and the twin suns bathed the snow in golden light. The world stretched out in every direction, vast and unending.

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“This is… incredible.” Elissa expressed with her voice filled with awe. She spun around taking it all in. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Leif flopped onto his back spreading his arms wide. “Totally worth the climb. This view? Ten out of ten. Would climb again.”

Edwin stood silently with his arms crossed but a rare smile played on his lips. “It’s something, isn’t it?”

Their moment of peace didn’t last. Melch turned to see figures approaching from the other side of the summit. Four individuals stood there, their presence commanding. Each was striking in their own way.

The first was a man in a black robe, his aura exuding authority. Melch immediately recognized him as the vice-head of the magic department. Beside him stood another man, his robe adorned with the symbol of the Earth Magic Tower. His expression was calm.

The third figure was a woman, her white dress flowing gracefully despite the harsh winds. Her pointed ears showed her race as an elf and her beauty was otherworldly. Melch found himself staring until Leif nudged him with a smirk. “Careful, Melch. You’re drooling.”

The last figure made Melch’s breath catch in his throat. An older man clad in armor stood tall, his piercing gaze sweeping over them. Despite the oddity of his attire in this snowy mountain, Melch knew exactly who he was: Thomas Nicolescu, his maternal grandfather and the Knight Commander of the Order of the Verdant Shield.

Melch straightened trying to compose himself. He stepped forward and began recounting their journey detailing the attacks and the killings they had witnessed. The vice-head listened intently before turning to the Earth Magic Tower mage. “Ensure the examination is under control. We’ve allowed it to push boundaries but this is… troubling.”

The elf stepped forward gracefully. “I’ll handle the interrogation of that one” she said her voice melodic. She gestured toward Leif’s bag. “The mage you’ve captured will have answers.”

Leif handed over the bag with a grin. “He’s all yours.”

Thomas remained silent watching the exchange with a stoic expression. Once the vice-head gave the order, he activated a teleportation array bringing the group back to the base of the mountain.

The sudden shift was disorienting. Melch stumbled slightly, the dizziness hitting him hard. Elissa clutched her head, groaning. “I’ll never get used to that.”

However, Leif seemed unfazed. “What’s the matter? First time teleporting?” he teased earning a half-hearted glare from Elissa. Edwin was the silent one after seeing a famous knight and was mesmerized in that while not listening to others.

Unaffected by the teleportation, Thomas turned to them. “Submit your points first. Then we’ll talk.”

They approached a table where an old man with a long beard awaited them. One by one, they placed their hands on a crystal, their points recorded.

When it was Leif’s turn, he grinned. “So, how’d I do? Top of the class, right?”

The old man stroked his beard. “Rankings will be revealed on the final day. For now, just know you’ve passed.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Leif said winking at Melch.

With their points submitted, the group disbanded. Elissa and Edwin bid their farewells, each returning to their respective families. Elissa’s eyes sparkled as she promised to explore the world further. Edwin simply nodded before departing.

That left Melch and Leif with Thomas. The knight commander’s gaze softened slightly as he addressed them. “The letter you sent reached me in time. I was able to complete the Church’s task and return.”

Leif’s carefree demeanor faltered for a moment. “You… got here, didn’t you?”

Thomas nodded. “Galen informed me that the exam had already started. I waited with the other examiners to ensure everything was in place.”

Melch hesitated before speaking. “Grandfather, is… Devon here?”

Thomas’s expression shifted with a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Yes, your older brother is here. He’s been running around after coming here.”

Melch’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions: fear, anxiety and devastation. Leif clapped him on the back. “Looks like the family reunion’s just getting started.”

Thomas chuckled “Indeed. But first, get rest. You’ve earned that.”