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39. Mountain Climbing

『 Jungwon's POV 』

We left the Realm of Water, the pale blue light of the water fading behind us as we stepped toward the mountain. The path ahead was clear — or at least as clear as it was going to get.

Nereida’s directions had been simple: follow the mountain with the highest waterfall. The waterfall’s source was the melting ice from the Realm of Ice. If we could find the waterfall opening, it would lead us straight to the entrance of the next realm. Simple enough — in theory.

"Why is it never easy?" I muttered as we began our ascent.

Sunghoon walked ahead of us, his steps light even as the ground grew rocky beneath our feet. "It’s supposed to be hard. If it were easy, anyone could get the stones."

"Great," Jiwoo said dryly. "Love that for us."

The incline steepened the higher we climbed. The weather started changing, too. The warm, humid air from the Realm of Water faded as we gained altitude. The breeze turned sharper, cutting through our thin clothes.

"I hate this already," Bae muttered.

"You’ll hate it more when we reach the top," Sunghoon said without looking back.

Ni-ki and Drayce, both in human form, walked behind the group. Even in human form, they were radiating heat, which was already starting to feel pretty good as the cold crept in.

"Yuna?" Jiwoo called. "You think you can help us out?"

Yuna sighed. "I was hoping you wouldn’t ask." She pulled out her spellbook and flipped through the pages. A soft purple glow shimmered beneath her fingers as she traced a rune in the air.

Warm, soft fabrics materialized in her hands — thick fur-lined jackets, gloves, and scarves.

"I love you," Jini said, grabbing a jacket and tugging it on.

"Yeah, yeah." Yuna handed out the clothes to the rest of us. "Try not to lose them. My magic isn’t bottomless."

Jini helped Bae with her jacket. Sullyoon tied her scarf carefully, her gaze distant. I pulled on the jacket Yuna had given me and sighed in relief as warmth wrapped around my body.

"Better?" Yuna asked.

"Much," I said.

We kept climbing. The air grew colder. The rocks beneath our feet became slick with frost. Our breaths turned to mist.

"Break time?" Kyujin suggested after a while.

"Good idea," Drayce said, sitting down on a flat rock.

Yuna pulled out a small pouch and handed out sandwiches. "Eat. You’ll need the energy."

We sat together on the rocky slope, the wind biting at our faces. Jini held out her hand, a small flicker of flame appearing in her palm.

"Anyone need some extra warmth?" she asked.

Bae scooted closer. "Don’t mind if I do."

Jini created a small, contained fire between us, the flames flickering low and steady. The warmth helped drive away some of the cold.

Sunoo sat with Kyujin, the two of them murmuring quietly. Ni-ki and Drayce sat side by side, both looking relaxed. Sullyoon leaned back against a rock, her eyes closed.

"You good?" I asked her.

She opened one eye. "I’m not the one you need to worry about."

She was right. The air was already getting colder. My jacket was helping, but the chill was beginning to seep into my bones.