Levi 4

We had been crossing the Solhan Pass for several days.

The snow had started to fall, but it wasn’t enough to significantly hinder our journey.

Ryandel’s magic map continued to guide us along a safe path.

Everyone was amazed at how smoothly we were passing through the Solhan Pass.

“It’s hard to believe we can get through so easily,”

Elina murmured in admiration.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without Ryandel’s magic.”

Terry said, looking at Ryandel with admiration in his eyes.

“You’re too kind. I just utilized the information gathered by others.”

Despite his humble response, we were all impressed by his abilities.

Not only his skill as a magician but also his analytical and insightful abilities had made this journey much smoother.

Finally, we reached the edge of the Solhan Pass.

The landscape, once filled with snow and ice, began to change.

It was still cold, but the extreme cold of the pass was behind us.

And there, before our eyes, lay the vast Sia Kalt mountain range.

The towering mountains seemed like the end of the world.

We involuntarily held our breath at the sight.

“Do you see that?”

Ryandel pointed to a specific peak.

“That mountain peak is where the Sia Kalt Great Labyrinth is located. However, we won’t be entering immediately. First, we’ll rest in the village below and replenish our supplies before heading into the labyrinth tomorrow.”

“A village? Is there a village nearby?”

Karl asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Yes, there’s a small settlement. It’s equipped with facilities for adventurers.”

A sense of relief spread across everyone’s faces.

Camping wasn’t bad, but the thought of a warm room and a proper meal lifted our spirits.

We headed toward the village.

As we climbed the mountain path, various plants began to appear around us.

Small shrubs with purple flowers caught our attention.

“These are called Nifi Lavender,”

Ryandel explained.

“They are rare plants that only grow in the Sia Kalt region. They have a special ability to survive the harsh cold.”

It felt as though the flowers were welcoming us.

As we ascended further into the Sia Kalt mountains, the village came into view.

It was small but well-organized.

Several houses and shops were nestled at the foot of the snow-covered mountains.

Upon arriving at the village entrance, the guards greeted us.

“Welcome! Adventurers, it’s been a while since we’ve had visitors.”

“Hello.”

Ryandel replied politely.

“I am Ryandel of the Golden Spire. These are the adventurers who have been escorting me.”

A look of admiration crossed the guard’s face.

“The Ryandel of the Golden Spire… truly an honored guest! The village is quite quiet now. Most adventurers are out on expeditions, and the Guild Master has also left for the Kingdom of Afron on urgent business… but we’ll do our best to accommodate you.”

“Thank you. Is there a good inn where we can stay the night?”

“Of course! The ‘Whisper of Moonlight’ is the best inn in the village. I’ll guide you there.”

We followed the guard toward the center of the village.

The streets were cleaner than expected, and the villagers seemed friendly.

Soon, we arrived at the ‘Whisper of Moonlight’ inn.

It was a large wooden building with a crescent moon-shaped sign hanging at the entrance.

“We’ll rest here tonight and depart for the labyrinth tomorrow morning. Everyone, get plenty of rest.”

The inn was warm and cozy.

A fireplace crackled, and wooden tables and chairs created a welcoming atmosphere.

A stout woman greeted us warmly.

“Welcome, adventurers! It’s been a while since we’ve had guests. Don’t worry, there are plenty of rooms.”

We were each assigned our own room.

Mine was small but cozy, on the first floor.

Through the window, I could see the majestic view of the Sia Kalt mountains.

As soon as I entered my room, I dropped my luggage and headed straight for the bathroom.

Warm water was already prepared.

“Ah… this is paradise…”

Soaking in the hot water, I felt my fatigue melt away.

While the journey through the Solhan Pass had been smoother than expected, the continuous camping had taken its toll.

The warm water turned my skin red as it washed away all the tension.

After a long soak, I dried myself and changed into clean clothes.

Returning to my room, I stood by the window for a moment, gazing outside.

The sun was setting, casting a reddish hue over the silhouette of the Sia Kalt mountains.

The sight was still awe-inspiring, but now it inspired more reverence than fear.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be entering the labyrinth for real…”

Memories of the books I’d read about the labyrinth surfaced.

Only 5% of adventurers who entered the Sia Kalt Great Labyrinth returned alive.

And the stories of Seraphina Bloom, the mysterious being within the labyrinth.

“I wonder if such a being truly exists.”

With these thoughts, I threw myself onto the large bed.

The soft mattress gently cradled my body.

It had been a long time since I’d experienced such comfort.

“It’s been so long since I’ve slept somewhere this warm and soft…”

The long journey and the warm bath made me drowsy.

Before I knew it, my eyes closed.

In my dream, I was walking through a field of beautiful flowers.

Red flowers glowed softly under the moonlight, and in the center stood an enormous flower, much taller than me.

It moved slowly, as if alive, emitting a sweet fragrance.

Suddenly, the surroundings transformed into ice and snow.

The howls of a Frost Wolf echoed, growing closer.

I raised my bow, ready to defend myself, but my quiver was empty.

My heart pounded wildly.

Then, the red flower bent down, spreading its petals as if to protect me.

“Levi…”

A voice calling my name woke me up.

Outside the window, the darkness of night had fallen.

Another knock came from the door.

“Levi, it’s time for dinner.”

It was Elina’s voice.

I quickly got up and opened the door.

“Sorry… I fell asleep.”

“It’s fine. Everyone is gathered in the dining hall downstairs. Ryandel ordered a special meal for us.”

We headed down to the dining hall together.

The rest of the party was already seated at a large table.

Ryandel smiled and gestured for me to sit.

“Levi, sit here. I ordered a local specialty dish. They say it’s very delicious.”

I took a seat among them.

The dining hall was cozy, with various dishes laid out on the table.

One dish in particular caught my eye-a purple-tinted soup.

“This is a soup made from the Nifi Lavender we saw earlier,”

Ryandel explained.

“It’s a special dish that can only be made in the Sia Kalt region. It’s said to aid in mana recovery.”

Taking a sip, the fresh, deep flavor spread across my tongue.

It was cool yet warm, a strange but pleasant sensation.

Dinner concluded in a joyful atmosphere.

I returned to my room to prepare for the next day.

I meticulously checked my bow, arrows, dagger, and potions.

Everything was in perfect condition.

Gazing at the Sia Kalt mountains through the window, I took a deep breath.

However, I couldn’t sleep, feeling restless in my room.

The village lights visible through the window seemed to beckon me.

“Maybe I’ll take a short walk…”

I changed into light clothing and quietly left the inn.

The evening chill touched my face.

The village seemed to be in deep slumber, but a few houses still had lights on.

As I wandered aimlessly, I came to a small hill on the outskirts of the village.

Atop the hill stood a lone building, its silhouette illuminated by the moonlight.

It looked almost like an illusion.

As I approached, I realized it was a small temple.

A temple of light.

The entrance bore engravings of symbols representing the God of Light, and a small bell tower stood on its roof.

The door was unlocked.

Cautiously stepping inside, the interior was surprisingly cozy.

Several candles on the altar burned quietly, and behind them stood a small statue of the Goddess Michel.

In front of the altar lay various items left by those who had knelt in prayer-worn necklaces, wilted bouquets, and small letters.

I naturally knelt before the altar.

In truth, I didn’t believe in any specific deity.

My uncle had told me stories of various gods, but to me, they were just interesting tales.

Yet, on this eve of entering the labyrinth, I wanted to lean on someone.

“Michel…”

My voice echoed softly.

“I’ve never truly believed in you, Michel. I came here today without any special reason. But…”

I paused, staring at the flickering candle flames.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be entering the labyrinth. Many dangers await, I suppose. I… am afraid. But please, let us all return safely. My comrades, Ryandel, and… myself as well…”

As I finished speaking, the wind suddenly blew, causing the candles to sway.

Yet, the flames didn’t extinguish; instead, they burned even brighter.

“Is it just my imagination?”

I stood up and looked around the altar.

Was there something I could offer as a sacrifice?

My hand brushed against something small in my pocket.

It was a tiny wooden decoration from my hometown.

A small bow-shaped trinket that Leah had carved for my birthday.

Hesitating for a moment, I placed it on the altar.

“It’s small, but… please accept it.”

Leaving the temple, I felt an unusual sense of peace.

The night air was still quiet, but the stars in the sky seemed to shine brighter.

“Perhaps Michel truly heard my prayer…”

With that thought, I returned to the inn.

Rest was needed for the challenges ahead.

Back in my room, the bed felt even more comfortable than before.

Maybe it was indeed under Michel’s protection.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be entering the labyrinth for real…”

A mix of fear and anticipation filled my heart.

But my hands no longer trembled.

The walk and the prayer had strengthened my resolve.

I was fully prepared.

Whatever dangers lay ahead, I would overcome them with my bow and determination.

Lying in bed, I thought of my family and the Third Prince.

For them, and for my own dreams, I would surely return alive.

Surrendering to the softness of the bed, I soon fell into a deep sleep.

Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new adventure.