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[Location: Leoncrest Estate - Wyrmpeak]
[Date: May 27, y. 486 of the Fourth Age]
As Zeke charged up the slope, the first real challenge of the Mountain Run hit him quick.
The air was thin, thin enough that it might as well not have existed.
He''d trained in the desert for weeks, but nothing had prepared him for this.
"Just gotta push through," he muttered, forcing his legs to keep moving.
The metal chains weighing him down clanked with each step, their cold links digging into his shoulders and pulling him backward. The dangling lengths slapped against his legs and wrapped around his ankles, threatening to trip him with each stride.
Every few steps he had to kick them free before continuing.
"They really don''t want this to be easy," he thought with a grim smile, finding a strange satisfaction in the challenge.
「???????????????? ?????? ????????????????」
【Flags Collected: 0/100】
【Distance Covered: 0.3 miles】
【Elevation: Increasing】
【Time Remaining: 11 hours, 47 minutes】
He spotted the first flag about fifty yards ahead, its bright red fabric fluttering against the gray stone. With renewed determination, he scrambled forward and snatched it from its small pole, stuffing it into his pocket.
"One down, ninety-nine to go," he said, scanning the mountainside for the next target.
He spotted another flash of red higher up the slope. Of course they''d make him climb straight up first, weeding out the quitters early.
The incline was brutally steep, forcing him to use both hands and feet as he scrambled upward.
For almost a mile he climbed straight up, collecting two more flags along the way. His muscles burned with the effort, but he pushed the pain aside.
This was nothing compared to what his brother had endured fighting Socrax.
When he reached the third flag, Zeke paused for a quick breather, glancing back down the slope. The outpost looked tiny from this height, the people below mere specks against the stone.
The wind picked up, slicing through his clothes with icy precision, but he welcomed the challenge.
Scanning the mountainside, he spotted the next flag off to the north, roughly at the same elevation. He nodded and started forward, carefully placing each foot as he traversed the sloped ground.
"Just like walking on a roof," he told himself, remembering the times he''d snuck out of the Godfrey estate by climbing across the tiles.
Here, the second challenge presented itself, not sliding to his death. One wrong step would send him tumbling all the way back down, losing precious time and energy.
When the chains wrapped around his legs, he shook them free with practiced motions, developing a rhythm that kept him moving forward.
The slate beneath his feet was solid at least, providing decent traction. As he approached the next flag, he noticed the slope beginning to angle downward, curving out of sight from the outpost.
Once he passed this point, he''d be on his own. No one would see if he got into trouble.
"That''s how adventures work," he grinned, pushing forward.
He started down the slope toward the next flag, which stood precariously at the edge of what appeared to be a cliff. His feet skidded slightly on the loose stones, but he managed to stay upright, using the downward momentum to his advantage.
When he reached the flag, he peered over the cliff edge. The drop was at least a hundred feet straight down to jagged rocks below.
The next flag was also perched along the cliff edge, further along the mountain face.
"Never a dull moment," he murmured, pocketing the current flag and setting off toward the next.
The terrain grew rougher, with loose rocks that shifted underfoot and occasional patches of ice that gleamed dangerously in the morning sun. His focus narrowed to each step, each breath, each flag.
One after another, he collected them, working his way around the mountain.
After the cliff section, the path led into a narrow mountain pass squeezed between two sharp rock walls about fifteen feet high. The ground was slick with ice, forcing Zeke to slow his pace.
He used his hands to pull himself forward, finding handholds in the rock face while his feet struggled for purchase on the slippery surface.
"This is where the real test begins," he thought, feeling the atmosphere grow thinner as he climbed higher.
「???????????????? ?????? ????????????????」
【Flags Collected: 17/100】
【Distance Covered: 3.4 miles】
【Elevation: High Peak Zone】
【Time Remaining: 9 hours, 12 minutes】
The hours ticked by as Zeke wound his way up and down the mountain, navigating boulder fields and ice patches, collecting flags as he went. His muscles burned and his lungs ached, but he refused to slow down.
The only concessions he made to his body''s needs were a brief water break and later a quick meal, crouched in the shadow of a boulder while the wind howled around him.
The food and water revitalized him, and he set off again with renewed energy. The path wound ever upward now, bringing him closer to the summit with each flag.
As he climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular, forests spread out below like dark green carpets, rivers cutting silver paths through valleys, and distant towns appearing as mere clusters of tiny dots.
Finally, with one last push, Zeke reached the very peak of Wyrmpeak. A single flag stood at the highest point, planted in a small patch of snow.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
He grabbed it and stuffed it into his already-bulging pocket, then turned in a slow circle, taking in the panoramic view.
From this vantage point, he could see in all directions, the vast expanse of the kingdom stretching to the horizon. Even Dragonpeak, taller and more imposing, seemed closer from here.
For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the achievement, the wind whipping his hair as he stood atop the world.
"Not bad for the second son," he murmured with satisfaction.
Scanning below, he spotted the next flag nestled among a small cluster of boulders. He remembered passing those boulders earlier but had gone around the back side, missing the flag entirely.
As he started down toward them, something caught his eye, a brief flash of color behind the rocks.
Zeke froze, hand instinctively moving to his sword hilt. That wasn''t natural. Someone, or something, was down there.
"Well, they did warn me," he muttered, continuing down the slope more cautiously, ready for trouble.
When he reached the boulders, the flag fluttered innocently in the breeze, but something felt wrong. Trusting his instincts, Zeke examined the area more carefully and spotted a thin tripwire running from the base of the flagpole through the rocks.
"Nice try," he whispered, extending his sword to poke the flag from a safe distance.
SNAP!
A small dart shot through the air exactly where he would have been standing if he''d reached for the flag normally. The projectile clattered against the rocks and disappeared among the stones.
Zeke carefully collected the flag, then looked around for the next one.
"Someone''s definitely out here," he thought, moving forward with heightened awareness. "And they''re not just watching anymore."
As he jogged toward the next flag, he heard something behind him, heavy footsteps crunching on gravel, labored breathing, and a low growl that wasn''t human.
Zeke waited until the last possible moment, then dropped flat to the ground. Something large sailed over him, landing with a heavy thud on the rocky ground ahead.
He scrambled to his feet, sword already drawn, as the creature turned to face him.
A werewolf, massive and menacing, stood between Zeke and the next flag. Its fur was a mottled gray and brown, eyes glowing with an unnatural amber light.
Saliva dripped from impressive fangs as it regarded him with predatory intelligence.
"What have we here?" the creature rumbled, its voice deep and guttural. "A little human, ripe for the eating?"
"I think you''ll find me a little tough to chew," Zeke replied, raising his sword slightly. "Leave now, and I''ll let you walk away alive."
The werewolf let out a roaring laugh that echoed across the mountain. "You have a sense of humor! It will make my victory all the sweeter!"
With surprising speed, the beast lunged forward, claws extended. Zeke activated [Heart of the Warrior], feeling the familiar surge of power course through his veins.
He swung his sword with all his might as they collided.
Metal bit into flesh as both of them went crashing to the ground. Zeke slid several feet down the slope, scrabbling for purchase on the loose stone.
The werewolf dug its claws into the gravel, steadying itself as blood dripped from a deep gash in its right arm.
"First blood to you, little knight," it snarled, eyes narrowing. "There won''t be a second."
The creature pounded its chest with its uninjured arm and launched itself down the slope. Zeke braced himself for impact, but the force still sent them both tumbling down the mountainside.
They slammed into a boulder cluster, the impact knocking the wind from Zeke''s lungs.
He struggled to his feet, sword still clutched in his hand. The werewolf rose as well, circling him with predatory patience.
"Don''t try me," Zeke growled, his Emblem still pulsing with power.
The werewolf hesitated for just a moment, exactly what Zeke was waiting for. He lunged forward, blade flashing in the sunlight.
The sword sliced deep across the creature''s abdomen, drawing a howl of pain and rage.
The beast retaliated immediately, one massive paw connecting with Zeke''s chest, sending him staggering backward. Before he could recover, claws raked across his face, leaving burning trails of pain.
Gritting his teeth, Zeke drove his sword forward, piercing the werewolf''s left shoulder.
Using the momentum, he spun behind the creature, attempting to slash across its back, but the werewolf leapt away with surprising agility despite its wounds.
They faced each other, both breathing heavily. Zeke noticed they had slid dangerously close to the cliff edge, a hundred-foot drop to certain death just a few yards away.
The werewolf seemed to realize this too, a cruel smile spreading across its muzzle.
"The scent of fear is almost as tasty as the flesh of my victims," it taunted, licking blood from its jaws.
"Save it," Zeke replied, feeling [Heart of the Warrior] beginning to fade. "I''m not listening."
The werewolf lunged again, and Zeke, in desperation, activated [Golden Touch]. The collision was brutal, claw against steel, fang against determination.
Even without his strength Emblem, Zeke stood his ground, his blade drawing blood again and again.
The mountain air filled with the metallic scent of blood, both his and the wolf''s. In a frenzied moment, the beast''s claws dug deep into Zeke''s left arm.
The werewolf''s eyes gleamed with victory as it tried to rip free...
But something unexpected happened. Its claws became tangled in the chains wrapped around Zeke''s arm.
"Guess these things are good for something after all," Zeke grunted, seizing the opportunity.
As the werewolf struggled to free itself, nearly pulling Zeke off his feet, he planted his boots firmly on the stone and drove his sword directly into the creature''s chest.
The beast howled, a sound of pain and shocked disbelief. It tried to swat Zeke away with its free arm, but the attack was weakening.
Blood poured from its wounds, staining the gray stone beneath them. With a final, rattling breath, the werewolf collapsed, its massive form suddenly still.
Zeke stood panting over his fallen enemy, the victory bringing no joy, just relief and a pressing need to continue. He tried to pull the wolf''s claws from his arm, but they were deeply embedded in both flesh and chain.
"No time for this," he muttered after several failed attempts.
Making a quick decision, he used his sword to sever the wolf''s paw at the wrist, leaving the grisly appendage dangling from his arm. It effectively immobilized his left arm, but at least he could move again.
「???????????? ??????????????」
【Enemy Defeated: Mountain Werewolf】
【Injury Sustained: Severe - Left Arm】
【Status Effect: Movement Restricted】
【Flags Collected: a-few-too-many-to-actually-count-right-now/100】
"One problem solved," Zeke grimaced, looking up at the distance he''d slid down. "Now I just need to climb back up."
The ascent was grueling, his injuries making every movement a struggle. Blood soaked his left side, but he pushed onward, collecting flags as he encountered them.
About an hour later, he heard distant howls echoing across the mountain, the werewolf''s pack had discovered their fallen member.
"Better pick up the pace," he told himself, forcing his legs to move faster despite the exhaustion seeping into his bones.
The sun began its descent toward the horizon as Zeke worked his way around the mountain. Finally, mercifully, he caught sight of the outpost far below.
The finish line waited, the last flag fluttering nearby.
His pace quickened as he made his way down the final stretch, letting gravity assist his tired legs. The chains continued to rattle and twist, but he''d developed a rhythm to his movements that minimized their interference.
With the sun hovering just above the horizon, Zeke crossed the finish line. He snatched the final flag and tossed it at the Headmistress''s feet, his breathing ragged but controlled.
"There you go," he nodded, fishing through his pockets to retrieve the others. "That should be all of them."
No one spoke. Adrian stared at him with a mixture of shock and fascination. The Headmistress looked uncharacteristically shaken.
Ingrid''s mouth hung open in disbelief. The guards all wore expressions of horror, eyes fixed on something beyond Zeke''s face.
"What?" he asked, genuinely confused by their reactions.
"You have a wolf paw stuck in your shoulder," Ingrid said slowly, pointing at his left arm.
Zeke glanced over, surprised by the sight. His entire left side was coated in blood, the severed paw protruding grotesquely from a tangle of chains and torn fabric.
"So I do," he said with a casual nod. "If anyone feels like helping me pull it out, I sure wouldn''t complain."
Adrian beckoned him toward the bunker, and everyone followed. The guards kept glancing nervously between the mountain and Zeke, clearly unsure which was more frightening at the moment.
Once inside, the warmth of the hearth felt almost overwhelming after hours in the biting cold. Zeke sank into a chair while attendants rushed forward with medical supplies, working carefully to extract the werewolf claws from his arm.
"Are you okay?" Ingrid asked, taking the seat beside him.
"As okay as I can be," he shrugged, immediately regretting the movement as pain lanced through his shoulder.
"What happened?" the Headmistress demanded, her voice sharper than usual.
Zeke recounted his experience as the attendants worked, the trap at the flag, the werewolf ambush, the deadly struggle at the cliff''s edge.
When he finished, Headmistress Florence nodded slowly, turning away with what might have been respect in her eyes.
"You''re collecting quite the list of stories," Ingrid said, shaking her head in amazement. "You''ll be famous just for taking the trials, let alone whatever comes after!"
Zeke laughed despite the pain, but as the adrenaline faded, he became acutely aware of just how battered his body was. The room began to sway oddly, sounds becoming distorted.
"Zeke?" Adrian''s voice seemed to come from very far away. "Zeke, are you okay?"
"Yeah," Zeke murmured, fighting to stay conscious. "Yeah, I''m... I''m fine."
[Scene Close]
[Earned Emblems:] Heart of the Warrior, Endurance, Cunning, Golden Touch
[Active Quests:]
[R&R: Recover from your Trial]