Finally, we're here.

After nearly two weeks, we have arrived at the place I looked forward to the most in this trip.

—Hidden Mountain Grove, Lumian Town.

This place is actually the core spot of the Excursion, and it looks absolutely delightful.

A Mountain Grove is a peaceful, often secluded cluster of trees on a mountainside. This one is called a Hidden one because it is quite difficult to access, and the hike is challenging to complete. The Mountain itself is almost five thousand meters high, discouraging many from taking on the challenge.

Several have even died on the path to conquer this place.

However, for those brave enough to challenge this place and strong enough to reach the summit… a wonderful new sight presents itself.

The Hidden Mountain Grove is a delightful place, filled with trees of all kinds of colors that have resplendent appearances—almost like gems. When sunlight hits them, they glitter and give off bright feelings, as though they are lanterns.

At nighttime, under the moonlight, their colors turn darker, and they offer dim illumination over the entire grove.

This creates a tapestry of wonder, one that can only be experienced properly at the summit.

Lumian Town exists at the base of this Mountain, and it is the place where I met Brad a few years ago. I needed to partner with someone who knew the landscape well, and since he was recognized as the most competent Mercenary in town, I was referred to him.

Together, we climbed the mountain, and I was able to complete my task much earlier than expected. Unlike the other exceptional Mercenaries I knew at the time, it didn't seem like he had any particularly special traits.

His hair was pink, his body was tall and muscular, and he had far more strength and stamina than I did, but that was about it.

Yet, there was a way he moved and how he behaved that made an impression.

At the time, I couldn't put my finger on it… But I knew he was special.

Now I know why.

Memories like these wash over me, and I smile while taking in the fresh mountain breeze. My eyes gently close, and I spread my arms wide, feeling myself seemingly levitate from the solid ground beneath my feet.

At this moment, I feel a calling—chilly and soothing.

It permeates my very core.

By the time my lids open, I witness the sunset with my solely functional eye.

The trees dance, radiating a variety of colors that fill the mountain landscape like an earthy Aurora Borealis. I inhale deeply, feeling my heart race with excitement.

Even though it isn't my first time witnessing this sight, something about this moment feels different—sacred.

Never before have I seen it like this before.

"It's… beautiful."

***************

"We'll be spending the next few days here, hiking and gathering all kinds of rare plants. We also plan to do a treasure hunt for the students. After about five days, we'll organize ourselves at Lumian Town and leave for the Royal Academy."

A mini-staff meeting within one of the tents is underway, and I quietly listen to Earl Balric speak.

All the Professors nod in agreement.

Although we'll return to the Academy a little later than scheduled, the experience made in this place makes it all worth it.

"I would like to separately scout the area, considering the hidden dangers that may exist here." I finally speak up once Earl Balric Wolfshade finishes his announcement. "If you wish to contact me, we can use the Dual Comm Armament. As long as I remain in this Mountain Grove, you should be able to reach me, and I'll constantly update you on my whereabouts. I'll also ensure I'm close by, I promise."

No one disagrees with my statement, considering how the guard units will also spread out to protect the area at all times. Since I, as a Professor, wish to also take extra precautions, they can only see it as me being extra careful.

Many will even consider this a virtuous thing.

But, I have my own motives.

'I need to move freely during this period, since I want to find clues to the Vey'lithar Civilization.'

Now that I am a Leviathan, I possess far more advantages when it comes to investigation. Even Brad, with all his knowledge and experience, would probably not be able to match me in terms of progress when it comes to seeking this obscure Sanctuary out.

'I can only hope that I find it this time. But even if I don't, I'll make sure to gather as many clues as possible for the next time I come here.'

Once we finish the meeting, I hang out with Seraphina and Justin for a bit.

We've made a camp for the night, so everyone is busy resting. Climbing the mountain wasn't very difficult, since we had the help of the Great Elephant Spiders, but everyone is still exhausted by the long journey.

I only speak to these two for a while before they retreat to their respective tents.

Not too long after, I return to mine.

A few thoughts flow through my mind as I lie on my makeshift bed.

For one, Seth's Divination.

'Is this really the right time to search for the Vey'lithars when there could be a hidden threat somewhere?' I can't help but wonder quietly. 'But this is an opportunity that doesn't come very often, and I made a promise to Brad.'

Sigh…

Then, there's also another worry.

What should I do if I actually find the Vey'lithars?

How do I convince them to grant Brad's villagers, who are Nowe'arns, asylum in their Sanctuary?

"I suppose I'll just have to hope that they are accommodating enough for that. Eve was rather kind to Brad and the villagers, so the other Vey'lithars could be more open-minded than I think."

As I whisper these words, I notice a shadow stopping right outside my tent.

It stands… still.

Ominous.

Its deformed shape creates a sharp contrast with the brilliant glow around.

For a moment, I stare at the silhouette, wondering if I should use Clairvoyance to identify the person. However, as soon as I think this, the shadow cocks its head, and a voice rings out.

"Javier, it's me… Seth."

'Seth?' My eyes widen in surprise. 'What's he doing here so late at night?'

"Can I come in?"

I take a moment to consider it before finally nodding.

"Sure."

The tent doors slowly shift to the side as Seth's cute, small physique enters. He doesn't even need to bend his head, considering his near-average height.

It really is him.

The ever-changing lights outside seep inside the tent for a moment, causing his silver hair to glow with all kinds of hues before the doors finally shut and the brilliant display ceases. Then, he looks at me with gem-like book eyes and has a bright expression on his face.

"I had another Divination tonight, Javier… about this Excursion." Despite saying this, he has a bright expression on his face.

I can only assume that what he saw was good.

"We all arrived safely at the Royal Academy, Javier! I don't know how the results changed, but it seems our presence here somehow affected the future. It seems the slaughter won't actually happen in the end."

For a moment, I am stunned by this.

'Does my existence as a Leviathan actually allow such a major threat to be averted?'

It's incredible!

'But, we can't be too careless… especially if everyone's safety hinges on my diligence. There could still be some hidden threats here, and if I diligently find them, I can eliminate them before they affect the students. But if I relax now, Seth's previous dream will come to pass.'

Bottom line is, we aren't out of the woods quite yet.

"Thanks for sharing this with me. I'm a lot calmer now…" I smile at him, and he also giggles.

I believe this is also his first Excursion experience.

Neither of us went for any Excursion that the Royal Academy organized during our five years as students, and although I eventually made up for my lack of experience, the same can't be said for Seth.

It appears he's having a lot of fun here.

'That makes me glad…'

Seth eventually leaves my tent, and I end up sleeping not too long after.

A sweet, peaceful sleep.

************

From the next day onward, I begin my investigation in earnest.

Since I am already separated from other people, I actually have no limitations as to the extent of my search. I can go all-out to find as many clues as possible.

Using my Aego Sight in conjunction with Clairvoyance, I can cover a lot of ground easily.

Not only can I easily spot Special Resources, but also the traces of Magivores.

It is a common thing to believe that where certain Cadres of Magivores exist, there are likely to be Special Resources of the corresponding rank present.

The opposite isn't always the case, but since they correlate, it could also be true.

In essence, finding Special Resources could link to finding Magivores.

And why am I looking for Magivores?

Well, the Vey'lithars possess the power to control Magivores, correct?

Thus, a hidden Vey'lithar civilization should be surrounded by Magivores. I could see something similar in Brad's Village, with the Quill Jackals and their relationship with the residents. I should expect something of an even bigger scope regarding the Vey'lithars.

So, yes.

I find the Magivores… and I get a step closer to the Vey'lithars!

The problem is the size of this mountain and how long it will take me to cover the grounds.

Thankfully, I made preparations for this event.

I brought a trump card.

'Zarius' special Armament… the one with no Trace Element.' I bring out what appears to be a wooden winged horse statue from within my thick, dark robe.

I'm a considerable distance away from everyone, and I have confirmed that no one is watching me, so this shouldn't cause a scene.

"It's time to finally make yourself useful." My eye flashes with brilliance as I activate Frontflow and toss the Armament into the air.

Then—

VWUUUSH!

A brilliant flash of light erupts, causing a powerful reaction to rapidly occur around it.

Suddenly, it expands—inflating like a balloon.

Sparks of light dance all around it.

To any normal person, this process would have occurred instantaneously, but with Frontflow, I am currently sixty times faster than everyone else.

Thus, I can witness everything.

After a few seconds, the process is fully complete, and right before my eyes is what appears to be a living mechanical construct. It bears a stark resemblance to the statue, with dark colored skin and a muscular horse body.

It has a strong pair of wings and a horn at the top of its head.

I would have labelled it a Magivore, but this 'thing' isn't alive at all. In fact, from its appearance alone, it looks more like a machine than a creature.

It has evident joints, bolts, and all kinds of cogs whirring within it.

Although its skin glistens like metal, there are warbling noises that come from its interior, coupled with glowing lights inside it. Its eyes shine with green lights the moment I touch it, and it whirs to life almost immediately.

A mechanical flying horse—that is its simplest description.

I have decided to name it Obsidian Steed.

'Zarius had this Armament, which explains how he was able to travel so quickly…' My mind solemnly echoes with thoughts. 'But I don't understand. If he had this Armament, he should have been able to escape. Why did he take the risk and undergo Apotheosis?'

Could it be his pride?

He didn't want to retreat, no matter what?

'How foolish…' I shake my head and laugh. 'If it were me, I don't care if it is cowardly, I will run away with my tail tucked between my legs. I can always fight another day.'

In the end, his pride led to death.

But who am I to complain?

After all, I only benefited from this death born out of his stupidity.

"Now then…" Once I mount the Obsidian Steed, I feel a magnetic force that keeps my body attached to it. I couldn't fall off this beast even if I tried.

"Let's go!"

WHOOOOOOSH!

The ground around us cracks as the Armament takes off, and I am launched into the air with it.

How exciting!

Its speed is unbelievable—completely out of this world!

'With this, I'll have an easier time scouring this entire mountain. Once an hour passes, I'll start using Clairvoyance, which should elevate the speed of my search to yet another level. If I do this for an entire day, I don't believe I won't make any progress!'

*************

My plan to find the traces of Magivores works!

Although they were carefully hidden, after following their traces for half a day, I found their nest. Most of the Magivores present are Cadre 2 and 3, but they are led by a Cadre 4.

All of them fall under my will with no difficulty at all.

I am a higher existence, after all.

"Take me to the Sanctuary."

My intentions are immediately translated to the Magivores, and they immediately comply.

After following them for another half of the day, I finally arrive at the boundary, a barrier that isolates the world within its invisible shell from everything else.

I found it—The Vey'lithar Sanctuary!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.