장 15: Chapter - 15: Journey Towards the Tall Mountain

As they journeyed toward the towering mountain, a refreshing, earthy scent of pine mingled with the rich aroma of damp soil, enveloping them in nature's embrace. Sunlight cascaded through the dense canopy of leaves overhead, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The gentle rustle of branches danced in harmony with their every step, guiding them along the narrow, winding path that weaved through magnificent trees, each one soaring skyward like ancient guardians of the forest.

Suddenly, Evern's keen eyes caught a fleeting glimpse of something peculiar perched on a thick, gnarled branch of a nearby tree. His heart raced, thumping in his chest with a mix of intrigue and fear, as he recognized it was a serpent, an impressive creature about five meters long. Its iridescent scales shimmered like gemstones in the dappled sunlight, and the intricate patterns that adorned its body were both mesmerizing and menacing. Frozen in place, his voice cut through the tranquil air, "Guys, there's a snake over there!"

At the sound of his urgent call, the group's excitement quickly transformed into a blend of awe and apprehension. The serpent, sensing their presence, began to glissade down the tree with a startling speed, its forked tongue flicking in and out, tasting the air as it honed in on them. Panic surged through the group, and Evern's instincts propelled him into action. "Run!" he shouted, urgency lacing his voice.

They sprinted in unison toward the imposing mountain, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they propelled their bodies forward. The steep incline loomed before them like an unscalable wall, each step a grueling battle against fatigue and fear. Their legs burned with effort, but the thought of escaping the serpent pushed them onward, each pounding footfall becoming a small victory in their frantic race for safety.

After what felt like an endless chase, Evern cast a quick glance over his shoulder. A wave of relief washed over him as he saw the snake had halted its pursuit, likely deterred by their swift escape. Turning back toward the mountain, he gasped in astonishment as they finally reached the summit, panting and exhilarated, exhilaration bubbling within them.

"After hours of hiking and then sprinting up this mountain, we finally made it!" Andy exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his brow, his triumphant smile lighting up his face like a beacon.

"We reached!!" Leo chimed in, his voice overflowing with excitement as his wide eyes scanned the breathtaking view from the top, taking in the beauty of the world below.

The panorama before them was stunning, revealing a small, rustic hut nestled in a sunlit clearing, its wooden structure exuding a sense of quaint charm. However, the scene was quickly overshadowed by the presence of a group of ominous figures loitering nearby. Their silhouettes were harsh against the backdrop of trees, eyes scanning the surroundings with a predatory focus, reminiscent of hawks guarding their territory.

Evern felt a weight of seriousness descend upon him like a thick fog as he turned to his friends. "We need to come up with a plan," he said, his voice low and resolute, a steely determination etched onto his features. "Otherwise, we won't be able to get past them."

The others exchanged worried glances, understanding the gravity of their predicament. The atmosphere thickened with tension, echoing the challenges that loomed ahead.

"We should plan quickly," Amera urged, urgency threading through her voice, eyes darting between her friends and the figures below. "Otherwise, we might get caught off guard."

As they huddled together, minds racing with possibilities, a complex surge of confusion and determination thrummed in the air. The adventure lay before them, a winding path filled with danger and thrilling uncertainty, beckoning them deeper into the heart of the unknown.