Gray, rugged cobblestones greeted the party, matched by walls and ceilings of the same coarse stone. A fingertip trailed along the surface left a gritty, damp sensation. The windows were small, leaving the interior dim even at midday without the aid of the torches spaced evenly along the corridors. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the spartan fortress.
"I’m Meidas," the man leading the way said, offering a brief introduction. "I’m overseeing the adventurers on this rescue mission, though I don't have authority over the House Clausel knights."
Fiona walked beside him, her mind firmly fixed on the assumption that Ren was an adventurer. Given Meidas’s explanation and the fact that Ren wasn't wearing a knight’s uniform, it was a natural mistake to make.
"Why are young people like you here in the Baldur Mountains?" Fiona asked, her pace never faltering.
"We are examinees," she replied. "We’ve been taking shelter in this fort for several days."
"Examinees?"
"Yes. This location was designated as the site for the final exam for the Imperial Military Academy’s Special Merit Class."
Meidas looked stunned. Ren and the knights shared his expression of shock.
"I had a suspicion, but to think you’re from the academy’s prestigious Special Merit Class..."
"Haha! Hey, Meidas! Mind your manners!" another adventurer jeered.
"I—I know! Forgive me, but I haven't exactly mastered the proper way to speak to high nobility... I mean, the rest of you, introduce yourselves too!"
Meidas urged the other adventurers forward, but they balked.
"I’ll pass," one woman said. "The last time I took a guard mission for a noble, they filed a complaint saying my attitude was poor."
"I’m out too," another added. "The examinees of that academy are way too intimidating for a country adventurer."
"We might get a decent reward from their parents, but getting involved with high-ranking nobles usually just leads to trouble. If they decide to blame us for them getting stranded, we’re finished."
The adventurers had their own reasons for staying quiet, and they avoided introductions even when facing the upper class.
"But we don't intend to leave them be," one concluded. "We’ll guard them as long as the examinees don't interfere with us."
"Mutual non-interference, then. We can guarantee your safety on those terms. Consider the lack of meddling to be our reward."
While a payout from noble parents would be substantial, these adventurers knew the weight of authority. If a false accusation were made, they would have no defense. They preferred to keep their identities hidden for self-preservation—especially with someone like Fiona Ignat present.
"I understand," Fiona said, nodding readily. She seemed well-acquainted with the unreasonable nature of the nobility.
Meidas apologized as they walked, but she only offered a gallant smile.
"Still," Meidas remarked, "if you’re candidates for the Special Merit Class, surely this snow shouldn't have been enough to stop you?"
The Imperial Military Academy was the most prestigious institution in Leomel, and the Special Merit Class was a narrow gate open only to a handful of geniuses. Meidas’s point was clear: if they were that talented, why had they been forced to take shelter?
"We cannot match adults in terms of raw stamina," Fiona explained. "If this disaster had only lasted a few days, we might have managed. But by the time we decided to seek shelter, we had already been marching through the mountains for over a week."
For those whose bodies weren't fully grown, a winter march was brutal. They might outclass the local adventurers for a sprint, but they couldn't compete when it came to the grueling endurance of long-term camping.
"Furthermore," Fiona added, "a mysterious number of monsters appeared, forcing us to exhaust ourselves more than necessary."
"You were a group of children," Meidas noted. "You probably looked like easy targets."
However, one of the knights spoke up. "We didn't see many monsters on our way up. Perhaps they were concentrated on this side of the range."
Ren listened, his mind racing. The Special Merit Class exam is certainly difficult. This final exam is the climax of their training... but...
The exams were usually tightly controlled, following set routes and monitored for safety.
Where are the examiners? In a situation this bad, they shouldn't be nowhere to be found. Even for a prestigious school, this is too much. These kids have powerful connections—if something happens to them, it’s a national scandal. So where are the people in charge?
"You noticed, didn't you?"
An adventurer walking beside Ren spoke with a hint of self-derision.
"This whole thing stinks. It feels like there’s someone in power behind the scenes who could kill people like us in a heartbeat. Touching these kids, regardless of their faction, is a dangerous game."
"So that's why everyone’s attitude changed," Ren whispered.
"Exactly. It might be rude, but we have to look out for our own necks."
Fiona stopped at a door deep within the fort.
"When we took shelter here, we were relieved to find that there were people already inside," she said. Her voice was hollow.
As the door opened, everyone understood why. The hall was filled with simple bedding. Adventurers like Kai and several merchants were sprawled across them, their breathing heavy and labored.
"Kai!?" Meidas shouted, rushing to his partner's side. The other adventurers followed.
"As you can see," Fiona said softly. "Every person who was originally in this fort was in a state where they couldn't even stand."
The situation grew even more ominous. The knights maintained their composure and turned to Fiona.
"Lady Ignat, if there is anything else you can tell us, please do. we came from Clausel after seeing the signal fire, but we don't understand the full scope of this."
Fiona nodded. "One of the other examinees has medical training. According to them, the magic power within their bodies has increased to abnormal levels."
A shadow crossed her face, and her lips trembled.
"The symptoms are similar to Vessel Cracking."
The knights gasped.
"The illness where magic power becomes a poison that erodes the body?" one knight asked. "I thought that only affected children born with excessive mana... why would it happen to veteran adventurers?"
"I don't know the reason. However, Vessel Cracking is usually fatal for those with high mana. Fortunately, it seems these people are not in immediate danger."
Ren knew of the condition; it was similar to what Lithia had suffered from, though the circumstances were different. According to Fiona, the mana levels were slowly stabilizing, and they would recover with time.
"That's why we were the ones lighting the signal fires," Fiona said with a wistful smile.
The knights decided to check the condition of the fallen while they planned the descent.
"I am to be aided by House Clausel once again," Fiona murmured to herself as she stepped into the hall.
Suddenly, the tension broke in the most awkward way possible.
"How pathetic," a female adventurer sighed. "If they don't give us a massive bonus for this, it’s not worth the trouble."
She and another woman turned their eyes toward Ren and leaned against him.
"Since we’re stuck here for the night, let’s pick a room."
"Good idea. Let the men handle the heavy lifting."
"How about a room with us, kid?"
Ren froze for a second before his face twisted in irritation. "Um... please don't do that. Not now."
He wasn't swayed by their charms; he was simply annoyed by their lack of professionalism. He pushed them away, and they laughed as they walked off. Ren let out a long sigh, only to realize Fiona was standing by the door, watching with a wry smile.
"U-Um, it’s not..."
"I know," she said. "I was watching. Don't worry."
Ren wanted to crawl into a hole. The timing was atrocious. He had wanted to introduce himself properly, but the moment was ruined.
(This is bad. It’s too awkward now.)
Fiona mistook him for an adventurer, and a promise of non-interference had just been made. He decided to wait for a better time.
"Lady Ignat! I need to talk to you!"
A female examinee rushed up and took Fiona’s hand, pulling her away for a private consultation.
"I’ll take my leave," Ren said.
As he turned his back, Fiona called out, "Mr. Adventurer! Thank you so much for everything!" She gave him a deep, sincere bow.
The examinees were terrified. Their futures depended on this exam, yet they were stranded and forced to rely on outsiders—a clear rule violation.
"Examinees are supposed to prove their value alone," a knight told Ren over dinner. "But something is wrong. Usually, the local lord is notified, and the area is sealed to prevent third-party interference."
"But there was no seal," Ren noted. "There were adventurers here before the exam even started."
"Exactly. The management of the Special Merit Class is legendary for its rigor. An accident like this should be impossible. It’s more likely that a third party intervened."
"A third party? Who has that kind of power?"
"Many nobles do," the knight said with a grim smile. "Or perhaps even the Imperial Family."
"With Marquis Ignat's daughter here? That makes no sense."
"True. And I don't think the Hero Faction would pick a fight with the Marquis either. Even if they wanted to frame House Clausel, the risk is too high."
Ren listened, keeping his thoughts to himself. He heard that the Academy Director, Chronoa, had left the capital recently. Perhaps someone had seen an opening.
"Regardless, we have to guard them," the knight said. "Lady Ignat is our priority. We’ll have several people descend tomorrow to bring back magic tools and reinforcements."
Ren insisted on staying behind as a combatant. It was decided: a small group would head down at dawn to coordinate with the base, using signal fires to communicate.
Ren returned to his room and took out a lighting tool. Fiddling with it, he opened the note Lithia had given him. Beneath the instructions, he found the hidden message he’d missed before.
If you don't come back soon, I'm coming there to get you.
Ren smiled. He could almost hear her voice. Seeing the hidden message from Lithia made the cold mountain feel a little warmer.
In the gardens of the Clausel manor, Lithia stared up at the freezing sky. Her breath was white, and her skin was pale in the winter chill.
"You’ll catch a cold, my lady," Yuno said, standing beside her.
"I’m fine. It feels good out here."
Yuno looked at her mistress. Lithia’s usual fire was gone, replaced by a quiet, pensive look.
"Are you worried about Lord Ren?"
"Worried? Why?"
"The mountains are dangerous right now."
"I’d be lying if I said I wasn't concerned at all," Lithia said, her voice filled with a calm certainty. "But I’m not as worried as everyone else is. I know Ren is strong—better than anyone else in the world."
Yuno was speechless. The absolute trust in her voice was staggering for someone her age.
"I see. That was a foolish question."
"Yes, it was," Lithia smiled as the snow began to fall.
As they headed back inside, Yuno noticed something. Even though it was winter, Ren’s gift—the white one-piece dress—was laid out on Lithia’s bed.
She’s been holding onto it because she’s lonely, Yuno realized.
Lithia saw her looking and turned bright red. Her composure shattered instantly.
"I-It’s a secret, okay!?" she squeaked, her face flushing a deep crimson.
The next morning, Meidas prepared to leave.
"Lord Hero! Thanks to you, we made it!"
"My name is... and please, don't use that title," Ren whispered.
"Right, sorry. I don't know why you’re hiding it, but I’ll honor your request."
Meidas carried Kai on his back. He was determined to get his partner to safety, even if the other adventurers called him a coward for leaving early. Ren watched them go, hoping they would make it back with reinforcements quickly.
By afternoon, Ren returned from a hunt with enough meat to last a month. He cleaned up and passed by the hall where Fiona was treating the sick.
The door opened, and an exhausted Fiona bumped right into him. The Necklace of Warding didn't react this time, which Ren found curious.
"I-I’m sorry!" they both said, immediately looking away in awkward silence.
"Lady Ignat," Ren began at the same time she spoke.
"Mr. Adventurer," she said.
They looked at each other and froze.
"Please, go ahead," Ren said.
Fiona hesitated. "I heard you came from Clausel. I was wondering... if you knew a certain person there. A benefactor of mine."
She didn't use the word "savior," likely because her father had been keeping her condition a secret.
"I wanted to ask the knights, but they’ve been busy. And... you seemed to be around the same age as my benefactor."
She looked down, her hands clasped in prayer. Ren was on the verge of telling her the truth, but she suddenly retracted the question.
"No, never mind. Please forget it. I shouldn't be breaking the non-interference rule."
"It’s fine. I was the one who asked," Ren said gently. She bowed and hurried away.
That night, Fiona lay on her hard bed. Exhaustion claimed her, and she fell into a dream.
She was back in the Imperial Capital. A boy was beside her. Unlike previous dreams, his face was clear.
"It’s warm today," he said.
"Yes. It makes me want to take a detour."
The voice was one she knew.
Fiona woke up as the sun hit her face. She sat up, her heart racing.
Why did I see the adventurer’s face in my dream?
She felt guilty, as if she were replacing her true savior with this stranger. She didn't realize that the dream was showing her the truth.
Two nights later, Ren was on watch duty. After his shift, he went to the kitchen to make some tea.
The door creaked open, and he found Fiona already there, washing dishes.
"Ah... Mr. Adventurer," she said, staring at him.
"Is something wrong?"
"N-No! Nothing! It’s just... something I was curious about..." she whispered to herself. Why does he keep appearing in my dreams?
Ren offered to brew tea for both of them. They chose the same leaves, a coincidence that surprised them both. They sat by the fireplace, the aroma of fruity black tea filling the air.
"This is delicious," Fiona said. "You’re much better at this than I am."
"I’m still learning. Do you brew your own tea often, Lady Ignat?"
"I was sickly until recently. A servant taught me, but I was always too clumsy. Tea was important for my medicine, though."
"Medicine?"
"Yes. It was easier to absorb if I took it with tea. And since it was made from monster materials, it was quite bitter."
"I see," Ren nodded. "Monster materials do make medicine taste different."
They finished their tea, and Fiona insisted on doing the dishes. As she washed the cups, a realization struck her.
Wait... I never told him my medicine was made from monster materials.
She hurried after him, her mind racing. He knew. How could he know?
A few days later, the reinforcements arrived. The group prepared to leave the fort. Meidas and Kai were gone, having slipped away in the night—an act the other adventurers branded as cowardly and ungrateful.
At dawn, the entire party set out. The examinees were talented, but they were exhausted. They watched in awe as the knights and adventurers forged a path through the deep snow without slowing down.
As they reached the suspension bridge, Ren felt a strange sensation—a mix of freezing wind and intense heat.
"Lord Ren?" a knight asked.
"I’m fine. Just a bit distracted."
Ren shook himself. He looked back at the examinees. They were terrified of the swaying bridge and the freezing abyss below.
"Let’s lead them across," the adventurers said, taking the students' hands.
Ren waited for the last of them. It was Fiona and her friend. Fiona looked at Ren.
"Mr. Adventurer, may I take your hand?"
"Are you sure? Wouldn't a knight be better?"
"No," she said with a soft smile. "I want to borrow your hand."
She gripped the hem of his coat. They stepped onto the creaking wood.
"You aren't afraid, Lady Ignat?"
"I’m fine. You’re protecting me. Besides, I spent years not knowing if I’d wake up the next day. This is nothing compared to that."
They reached the center of the bridge when the world changed.
A surge of heat erupted from the canyon. A red light illuminated the blizzard.
"Take my hand," Ren commanded.
Fiona didn't ask why. She gripped his hand tight.
"Run! Go!" Ren shouted to the others.
A massive heatwave hit them. A vortex of fire snaked up from the depths, meandering through the air.
"Freeze!" Fiona cried, releasing a wave of cold air.
The fire retreated for a second before surging back. Ren realized something chilling: the fire was targeting Fiona specifically.
Suddenly, a massive pressure split the space between them. Despite Ren’s grip, a crimson wind tore Fiona from his grasp. She was snatched away, thrown over the handrail into the void.
"Lady Ignat!"
"Mr. Adventurer!?"
Ren didn't hesitate. He threw himself over the edge after her.
He couldn't use nature magic—the fire would incinerate the vines. Instead, he summoned the Shield Magic Sword.
"Forgive me for the manhandling!" Ren roared, catching her in mid-air and pulling her close. He manifested a magic shield around them, protecting them from the lashing flames as they plummeted.
"Please... freeze!" Fiona shouted, adding her cold magic to his shield.
The suspension bridge above them exploded, severed by the heat. The knights and adventurers on the far side could only watch in horror as Ren and Fiona vanished into the crimson depths of the canyon.
I have to save her, Ren thought, his arm tightened around Fiona. I won't let her fall.