Chapter 48: Raby 4

It was several days since we had been crossing the Seolhanryeong Pass.

It started to snow, but it was not enough to significantly hinder our journey.

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

Everyone was amazed as we passed through the Seolhanryeong Pass so smoothly.

“I can’t believe we were able to pass this easily,” Elina exclaimed in a small voice.

“It would have been impossible without Ryandel’s magic,” Terry said, looking at Ryandel with eyes filled with respect.

“You are too kind. I was just using the information the ancestors had gathered.”

Despite his humble answer, we were impressed by his abilities.

Not only his skills as a wizard, but also his analytical skills and insight made this journey much easier.

Finally, we reached the end of the Seolhanryeong Pass.

The landscape that had been covered in snow and ice gradually began to change.

It was still cold, but it was not as severe as the cold wave inside the Seolhanryeong Pass.

And finally, the gigantic Sia Kalt Mountains appeared before our eyes.

The huge mountain range that towered into the sky looked like the end of the world.

The grandeur took my breath away.

“Do you see it over there?” Ryandel pointed to a spot.

“That mountain peak is where the Great Labyrinth of Sia Kalt is located. However, we won’t go in right away. We’ll rest in the village below first, replenish our supplies, and then head out to the labyrinth tomorrow.”

“A village? Is there a village near here?” Carl asked with sparkling eyes.

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

Relief spread across everyone’s faces.

Camping wasn’t bad, but the thought of a warm room and a proper meal made us feel better.

We headed toward the village.

As we climbed up the mountain path, we began to see a variety of plants around us.

Small shrubs with purple flowers caught our eye.

“This is a flower called Nippy Lavender,” Ryandel explained.

“It’s a rare plant that only grows in the Sia Kalt region. It has a special ability to survive even in the harsh cold.”

It was as if the flowers were welcoming us.

As we climbed further up the Sia Kalt Mountains, the village came into view.

It was a small but neatly organized village.

Several houses and shops were located at the foot of the snow-covered mountain.

As we arrived at the entrance of the village, a guard greeted us.

“Welcome! Adventurers. It’s been a while since you’ve had a visitor.”

“Hello.” Ryandel greeted us politely.

“I am Ryandel of the Golden Tower. These are the adventurers who were assigned to escort me.”

Respect crossed the guard’s face.

“Of the Golden Tower… Ah, you are truly honored guests! The village is a bit quiet right now. Most of the adventurers are on business trips, and the guild master is also away in the Kingdom of Afron on urgent business… But I will do my best to serve you.”

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

“Of course! ‘Moonlight Rest’ is the best inn in this village. I will show you around.”

We headed to the center of the village under the guard’s guidance.

The streets were cleaner than I had expected, and the residents seemed friendly.

We soon arrived at ‘Moonlight Rest’.

It was a large wooden building, and there was a moon-shaped sign hanging at the entrance.

“We will rest well here and leave tomorrow morning. Everyone, please get enough rest.”

The inn was warm and cozy.

There was a fire burning in the fireplace, and the wooden table and chairs created a cozy atmosphere.

A large lady greeted us kindly.

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

We were each assigned a room.

I was given a small but cozy room on the second floor.

Beyond the window, there was a magnificent view of the Sia Kalt Mountains.

As soon as I entered the room, I put my luggage down and headed straight to the bathroom.

Warm water was prepared.

“Haa… This is truly paradise…”

As I soaked in the water, all the fatigue in my body seemed to melt away.

Although the journey through Seolhanryeong was easier than expected, the continuous camping life was definitely taking its toll on my body.

When my skin turned red in the hot water, it felt as if all my tension was being released.

After being in the water for a long time, I got out, dried my body, and changed into clean clothes.

I returned to my room, stood by the window for a moment, and looked outside.

As the sun set, the silhouette of the Sia Kalt Mountains was dyed in the red sunset.

The majesty was still overwhelming, but now I felt more awe than fear.

‘Tomorrow, I will enter the real labyrinth…’

I thought of what I had read in books about labyrinths.

It was about how less than 5% of adventurers return alive from the Great Labyrinth of Sia Kalt.

And the story of a mysterious being called Seraphina Bloom.

‘Is there really such a being?’

I threw myself onto the wide bed with doubts.

The soft bed gently embraced my body.

It had been a long time since I felt this way.

“How long has it been since I slept in such a warm and soft place…”

My body had become drowsy from the long journey and the warm bath.

Now lying on the soft bed, I quickly became drowsy.

My eyes closed without me realizing it.

In my dream, I was walking through a beautiful flower garden.

The red flowers glowed softly in the moonlight, and in the center of them was a huge flower that was much taller than me.

The flower moved slowly as if it were alive and gave off a sweet scent.

Then suddenly, the surroundings turned into ice and snow.

I heard the howl of a frost werewolf, and the sound came closer and closer.

I raised my bow and took a defensive stance, but my quiver was empty.

My heart pounded like crazy.

Then the red flower bent down to me and spread its petals.

As if to protect me.

“Raby…”

I woke up to the sound of someone calling my name.

Darkness had already fallen deep outside the window.

There was a knock on the door again.

“Laby, it’s dinner time.”

It was Elina’s voice.

I quickly got up and opened the door.

“I’m sorry… I fell asleep.”

“It’s okay. Everyone is gathered in the restaurant downstairs. Lord Ryandel ordered a special dish for us.”

We went downstairs to the restaurant together.

The rest of the group was already sitting around a large table.

Ryandel smiled and gestured.

“Laby, please sit here. I ordered a local specialty dish, and I heard it was really delicious.”

I sat down between them.

The restaurant was cozy, and there were various dishes on the table.

What particularly caught my eye was a purple-colored soup.

“This is a soup made with the Nippy lavender I saw on the way here,” Ryandel explained.

“It’s a special dish that can only be made in the Sia Kalt region. It’s said to help restore magic.”

I took a sip of the soup, and a fresh, deep flavor spread through my mouth.

It was a strange sensation that seemed cold but was also warm.

The meal ended in a pleasant atmosphere.

I returned to my room and began preparing for tomorrow.

I carefully inspected the bow, arrows, and dagger, and checked the potions.

Everything was perfect.

I took a deep breath, looking out the window at the Sia Kalt Mountains.

However, I still couldn’t sleep, and it was frustrating to be locked in the room.

The small lights of the village visible through the window seemed to be calling me.

‘Should I go for a short walk…’

I changed into light clothes and quietly left the inn.

The cool evening air brushed my face.

The village seemed to have already fallen into a deep sleep, but lights were still shining from a few houses.

As I walked aimlessly and reached the outskirts of the village, I saw a building standing alone on a small hill.

The sight of it in the moonlight seemed like a fantasy.

As I approached, I could tell that it was a small temple.

It was a temple of light.

The entrance was engraved with a symbol of the god of light, and there was a small bell tower on the roof.

The door was not locked.

I carefully opened the door and went in, and the interior was more cozy than I thought.

A few candles were burning quietly on the altar, and a small stone statue of the goddess of light, Michel, stood behind them.

In front of the altar were various items that seemed to have been left behind by people who had knelt and prayed.

An old necklace, a dried flower bouquet, small letters…

I naturally knelt before the altar.

In fact, I did not believe in any particular god.

My grandfather had told me stories about various gods, but they were just interesting stories.

But at this moment, the day before I entered the labyrinth, I wanted to rely on someone.

“Michel…”

My voice rang out softly.

“I have never really believed in Michel. I actually came here today for no particular reason. But…”

I paused for a moment and looked at the flickering flame of the candle.

“Tomorrow we will enter the labyrinth. There will be many dangers. I… am afraid. But please let everyone return safely. My companions, Lord Ryandel, and… me too…”

As I finished speaking, a sudden gust of wind blew, causing the candles to sway all at once.

However, the flames did not go out, but instead seemed to burn brighter.

‘Is it my mood?’

I stood up and looked around the altar.

Is there anything I can offer?

Then I felt something small in my pocket.

I took it out, and it was a small wooden decoration I had brought from my hometown.

It was a small bow-shaped decoration that Leah had carved for me on my birthday.

After hesitating for a moment, I carefully placed it on the altar.

“It’s small, but… please accept it.”

And I left the temple.

It was still quiet outside, but my heart strangely became peaceful.

On the way back to the inn, the stars in the sky seemed to shine even brighter.

‘Did Lord Mikel really hear my prayer…?’

I thought as I returned to the inn.

I needed enough rest for tomorrow.

When I returned to my room and lay down on the bed, I felt more comfortable than before.

Maybe it was really Michel’s protection with me.

‘I’ll be there tomorrow…’

I felt a mixture of fear and anticipation.

But now my hands were no longer shaking.

My heart seemed to have become stronger after the walk and prayer.

I was fully prepared.

Whatever danger awaited me, I would overcome it with my bow and will.

As I lay down on the bed, I thought of my family and the faces of the Third Prince.

For them, and for my dream, I would definitely come back alive.

I laid down on the soft bed and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Tomorrow was the day when a new adventure began.