As the second highest mountain on the continent of Megido, Mount Lakhsa rose in majestic defiance, its snow-capped peak challenging the sky itself. But it was more than just a towering summit; it was part of the vast Lakhsa Range stretching from east to west, forming a natural barrier between the Megido mainland and the Guava Valley. To the people of Whiteheaven, this mountain was no mere mass of stone and ice—it was sacred, believed to be the dwelling place of the gods.
With unwavering resolve, Vuuxi and Robb began their ascent of the revered peak, their supplies meticulously planned. Yet the cruel terrain and bone-chilling cold presented trials of their own. Still, they pressed on. Every step they took was part of a greater purpose.
"We've been climbing for half a day straight," Robb panted, catching his breath. "Any idea how far until we reach Emperor Brovon?"
Vuuxi unrolled a parchment they had received from Mother Zeeva, scanning the details carefully."From here, we're halfway up. According to this map, we've still got around 50,000 adult strides to go."
"What? Fifty thousand strides? That's suicide! We're already running low on supplies!" Robb groaned.
The relentless journey was draining their strength, but turning back was never an option. As if nature itself acknowledged their determination, the once-fierce winds had calmed, now carrying a gentler breeze—a good omen. Relying on ropes and climbing gear, they bound themselves together, trusting each other to navigate the ever-steepening slopes. When Vuuxi faltered, Robb took the lead, pulling him onward. And when Robb began to lag, Vuuxi returned the favor. They moved as one—complementing, supporting, surviving.
Time marched on, and they raced against it. Though their preparations hadn't been perfect, years of honed strength and sharpened wits gave them an edge few others had.
"Even at this height, we can't see anything below anymore," Robb murmured, gazing out at the sea of clouds that devoured everything beneath them.
Vuuxi gave a faint smile."Lucky we got proper gear from Mother. I didn't expect every single item she packed to be labeled with its use and how to operate it."
Robb chuckled."Yeah—and I'm just glad you can read them. I only know how to read Grifindor."
Vuuxi clapped him on the back with pride."That's impressive enough. In just three months, you and Brother Rogg learned to speak Doliex—and even Larfex."
They stopped on a ridge just below the summit of Mount Lakhsa. Only a thousand more strides remained.
"What does it feel like to stand at the top of the world, Robb?" Vuuxi asked, eyes fixed on the snowy peak above.
Robb drew in a deep breath, letting the thin, freezing air fill his lungs."It feels... incredible. Like the world is within reach. But more than that, up here—there's no noise, no chaos. Only peace."
Vuuxi nodded."Reaching the summit isn't just about the climb. It's about struggle—about understanding the meaning behind every step we take. Just like civilization: the higher we climb, the harder it gets."
Robb looked at the friend who had become his brother."I believe in you, Vuuxi. Just as I believe in Rogg. We aren't just strong—we're survivors. We've endured, we've learned, and we've grown through every trial. We were born to stand at the summit."
Vuuxi's gaze drifted to the horizon, unreadable."To me, the highest peak isn't just the tallest point in the world, Robb. My summit is keeping Mother safe—making sure she's okay. And helping you and your brother rise to power... that's my way of repaying her."
Robb smiled and placed a firm hand on Vuuxi's shoulder."We're family, Vuuxi. You don't owe us anything. We'd be far happier to see you standing beside us, not behind."
Vuuxi met his eyes, resolute."Then let our first step be helping Brother Rogg become emperor."
Robb nodded firmly."Yes. No matter who stands in our way, my brother comes first."
Vuuxi extended his hand, helping Robb back to his feet."As I said—I'll stand with you both. Until we reach the summit."
After over two relentless hours of climbing, they finally stood at the top of Mount Lakhsa.
"We made it... finally!" Robb gasped, his eyes wide at the sight of the vast, snowbound expanse stretching like a white ocean above the world.
Guided by the markings on the ancient parchment, they explored the immense mountaintop. Though the landscape had changed over time—shaped by nature's hand—many of the key signs remained intact.
In the distance, they saw what appeared to be the remnants of an ancient eruption: parts of the peak bore scars of violent upheaval, like the mountain had once breathed through them. There, yawning open on one side, was a massive hollow—a gaping mouth in the earth's crust, where once lava and water had surged with unimaginable force.
Vuuxi examined the parchment in his hand, his brows furrowed."According to this map, the entrance to the chamber should be somewhere around this hill."
Robb, still mesmerized by the vast scenery before them, turned around."This is the only hill that looks different in this wide plain. Should we search around? Or is there some kind of special marking?"
Vuuxi shook his head."No additional clues. But... it should be right in front of us."
"Maybe it's buried beneath the snow," Robb muttered, eyeing the still, silent sheet of ice. "Should we start digging?"
"Let's dig!" Vuuxi shouted with fiery resolve.
Using whatever tools they had, they began to dig. Shards of ice scattered as sweat drenched their bodies despite the biting cold. The wind picked up, hurling frozen particles that battered them without mercy.
Robb exhaled heavily."We've dug deep enough… and still nothing. No signs of a door, no formations, not even the tiniest gap."
Suddenly, a blizzard roared to life! The wind screamed louder, knocking them off balance as they struggled to withstand nature's fury. Then, something strange happened—the snow in front of the hill was blown away, as if an invisible force had come to their aid.
Robb and Vuuxi ducked behind the hill, shielding themselves from the violent gusts. But once the storm subsided, they stood up and looked ahead.
Robb's eyes widened."By the gods… Vuuxi! Look!"
Right before them stood a colossal door, at least seven feet tall. Cold and formidable, it was etched with strange glowing carvings. Ancient script adorned its surface, radiating a mysterious aura.
Vuuxi stepped closer, narrowing his eyes as he read the inscription in Illeum."Velkhar fyrmōr, zhen ulgrath tharõm ylthaë."
Robb eyed him curiously."You can read that?"
Vuuxi nodded."It's old Illeum. It means… 'Breath of fire hunts, he who is mightiest is born from snow.'"
Robb pointed to another line beneath the carving."Wait… this one looks like it's in Doliex. Just like the ones Mother uses."
Vuuxi traced the engraved letters, then spoke with a deep tone."Vorgath zholm thir, vorgath drok'var nal thirith."He paused before translating."The stronger you are, the heavier your burden upon this world."
Robb let out a long breath."Heavy words… like a trial waiting for us."
They tried pulling the door, looking for hidden mechanisms, activating glyphs—but nothing worked. The door didn't budge.
Robb slumped to the ground, frustrated."Why do we always run into doors we can't open?! What do we do now?!"
Vuuxi sighed sharply."I don't know either. It feels like we're facing a wall that's impossible to break through."
Silence followed. Then Robb straightened up, a spark returning to his eyes."I've got an idea. Remember that sword technique from the old master?"
Vuuxi looked at him sharply."I remember… but only the first half. I couldn't recall the rest."
"That's fine," Robb said with a faint grin."I remember the second half. You do the first part—I'll finish it."
Without hesitation, Vuuxi drew Frostfang, the icy blade gleaming under the pale snowlight. He swung it with flawless precision, etching patterns along the ancient carvings. Slowly, the lines formed a complex formation.
Vuuxi stepped back, gazing at the markings."The rest is yours."
Robb unsheathed his sword, holding his breath. He recalled every movement of Eldros Aedrin, the legendary swordmaster. With unwavering resolve, he completed the pattern Vuuxi had started, carving a glowing symbol into the stone.
Suddenly—click!
At the center of the engraving, a hole the size of Frostfang appeared. Robb looked at Vuuxi, then without hesitation inserted the sword into the socket.
With one precise twist—
GROOAAAAK!
The stone door groaned to life! A deep rumble echoed as ice shattered and fell away. The ancient mechanism, dormant for ages, awakened. Slowly, a massive gap opened before them, revealing the darkness beyond.
They exchanged glances, their breaths caught in their chests.
"We did it..." Vuuxi whispered, overwhelmed.
"A miracle even we can't fully grasp," Robb said, a quiet smile playing on his lips, his eyes gleaming with awe.
"And no time to even try!" Vuuxi exclaimed, fire rising in his voice.
Without a second thought, they stepped into the stone doorway. As they crossed the threshold, it shut behind them with a heavy thud that echoed deep into the mountain.
Suddenly, they were plunged into absolute darkness.
"Vuuxi… I didn't expect it to be this dark!" Robb cried out, his voice trembling in the suffocating silence.
Slowly, their eyes began to adjust. At the end of the corridor, a faint glow appeared—dim, but beckoning.
"The end of the tunnel… We just need to follow it," Vuuxi said with certainty.
They proceeded with caution, their steps echoing along the cold stone hallway. When they reached the end, they stood in stunned silence.