Book 6: Chapter 47
Almost there. Kim Hajun narrowed his eyes at the ledge and extended his arm upwards. Even if he was on gecko juice, capable of climbing sheer cliffs, that didnt mean the exercise wasnt as hard as a diamond turtles shell. Sprinting up a cliff nonstop for close to three and a half hours wasnt a joke even for someone who had extensively trained their body like Kim Hajun had. The tips of his fingers grabbed the ledge, and with a pull that ignored the screaming muscles in his arm, Kim Hajun finally got a glimpse at the mountains peak. With only five minutes remaining on his last vial of gecko juice, if he hadnt reached the peak at this time, he wouldve been screwed. Even if he found a ledge to lie on instead of falling off the mountain, hed still have to survive for ninety days on a ledge.
Kim Hajun grunted as he pulled himself over the top, his feet walking up the surface of the cliff to assist him. A long exhale came out of his mouth, his breath visible as steam thanks to the cold. The top of the mountain was covered in snow, and at the center, there was a black pine tree. It didnt have any foliage on it, and its body was covered in scars. Evidently, it had been struck by lightning multiple times. Kim Hajun took in a deep breath, steam rising off his body from the exertion he had performed earlier. Now, it was time to reap the rewards of all his hard work.
Kim Hajun approached the tree, but flapping sounds caught his attention, and he turned his head to the side. When the unhinged fellow had told the story about discovering the first floors unique hidden piece, he hadnt mentioned anything about a guardian beast or ambushers. In that case, why did it sound like someone was flying towards him? Perhaps it was a trick of the wind. After a long period of intense focus and exercise, itd be understandable for him to hear things that werent there. Unfortunately, he wasnt just hearing things. He was seeing things too. A woman flew up from beneath Kim Hajuns view and landed on the mountaintop.
You are. Kim Hajun said, his brow furrowing. Wasnt she a member of Vurs group? What was she doing over here? As a variable, it made sense for Kim Hajun to have no understanding of the womans future actions, but why did she end up at the unique hidden pieces location? Did you follow me?
If you didnt want to be followed, you shouldnt have moved so suspiciously, the beautiful woman with pointed ears said. She smiled at Kim Hajun and turned her attention onto the burnt tree before locking her gaze against Kim Hajuns. Is this the unique hidden piece?
It isnt, Kim Hajun said. His eyes widened, and he covered his mouth with his hands. He knew the members of Vurs group were powerful, but he hadnt expected them to be skilled in interrogation as well. Forcing information out of him without him knowing how, it was a little unnerving.
The ocean-blue dragon frowned and glanced down at Lindyss. I thought you found it.
You think Id let you take it from me so easily if I did? Lindyss asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Vur shrugged. Without warning, a lightning bolt descended from the clear sky and struck the dead pine tree. It exploded into a fine mist in Vurs grip, and as the mist settled, a fine layer of soot coated Vurs body. A second bolt of lightning rained down, striking Vur directly on the head. A coil of lightning traveled down his head to the very tip of his tail before winking out of existence.
Lindyss blinked and was about to ask Vur if he was alright, but upon seeing his stunned expression covered with soot, the cursed elf couldnt help but burst out into laughter instead. At that moment, the root bracelet on her, Kim Hajuns, and Vurs wrists lit up with an amber glow.
The first floors unique hidden piece has been found? Lindyss asked, her brow furrowing as she stared at her bracelet.
Kim Hajun took in a deep breath and steadied himself. If he hadnt, perhaps he wouldve fallen onto his knees in despair. The tree wasnt the unique hidden piece, the lightning attracted by the tree was. The unhinged fellow from the Kim Hajuns prophetic dream had climbed to the top of the dead pine tree and was struck by lightning, granting him a special constitution. Now, the special constitution that shouldve been Kim Hajuns in this timeline was in the hands of a dragon instead. Great. Now what?