Emerging from the mist of the Starfall Headlands, the sloping banks appeared deceptively inviting, their gentle incline luring travelers into a false sense of comfort.

But as they embarked on their ascent towards Whispering Peak, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation.

The verdant loam and ancient pine forests gradually gave way to rugged terrain, where jagged rocks and sheer cliffs loomed ominously overhead.

The once tranquil melody of babbling streams was soon drowned out by the thunderous roar of glacial falls cascading down sheer precipices.

Each breath of air grew thinner, suffused with an otherworldly energy that crackled and hummed with latent power.

Amidst the harsh environment, resilient flora fought for survival, their delicate blossoms providing fleeting bursts of color amidst the barren landscape.

Groping succulents emerged from the rocky soil, their vibrant hues contrasting with the muted tones of dry ferns and prickly sedges.

Above, ethereal shapes danced and whirled in the charged clouds, their elusive forms casting fleeting shadows upon the icy terrain below.

Screeching hawks soared gracefully on thermals, their piercing cries echoing through the desolate landscape, while loping rockgoats navigated treacherous peaks with unmatched agility.

As they pressed onward, the remnants of a long-forgotten empire emerged, their petrified bones forming bridges between jagged peaks, silent witnesses to bygone eras.

"These ancient relics hinted at the mysteries concealed within the icy expanse, waiting to be unearthed by daring explorers. Despite the inhospitable conditions, the frigid winds carried whispers of opportunity, beckoning to those bold enough to heed their call.

"In these forbidding boulders, the promise of discovery and adventure lay dormant, awaiting the arrival of courageous souls willing to brave the unknown.

"Amidst the blinding whiteness of the icy expanse, peculiar golden domes stand as relics of the Shapers, resonating with unsettling tones as the sun sinks low into the pale twilight. Beneath these massive metal orbs, small crews of hunters and fishers vie for the most lucrative spots, driven by greed and desperation."

"Do you ever shut up?" Ren asked Potato, his voice tinged with exasperation.

Potato merely chuckled, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "I can never. I'll get bored, and once I'm bored, I'll come up with something daredevil to do. Want to test it out?"

Curiosity piqued, Evie leaned in closer, her brow furrowing. "What kind of daredevil stunt are you talking about?"

Without waiting for a response, Potato urged the rockgoat dangerously close to the edge of a sheer drop-off, sending Ren's heart racing with a sudden surge of panic.

"H-hoi!" Ren's voice trembled as he saw the yawning chasm below, their impending fall looming ominously before them.

But just as they reached the edge, Potato orchestrated a daring maneuver, causing the rockgoat to leap into the air with astonishing agility.

Ren and Evie's grip tightened, their knuckles turning white as they braced themselves for the plunge.

In a breathtaking display of acrobatics, the rockgoat executed a mid-air somersault before landing gracefully on a narrow ledge protruding from the icy cliff.

Ren and Evie felt as though they were riding a rollercoaster, their stomachs churning with a potent mix of fear and exhilaration.

As they teetered on the edge of disaster, Ren and Evie clung desperately to the goat's back, their hearts pounding in their chests as they struggled to maintain their balance on the precarious perch.

Only the straps secured around them prevented them from hurtling into the abyss below.

With a triumphant grin, Potato acted as though he had merely performed a routine trick, oblivious to the terror etched on Ren and Evie's faces.

"That was . . . dizzying," Evie said, her voice shaking slightly with a mix of adrenaline and relief that they were still alive. "Just let him talk. It's safer that way."

Ren, however, remained silent, his glare fixed firmly on Potato.

Despite the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Ren couldn't shake off the unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. The on-the-spot stunt made him realize the reckless danger they had been put in.

Who knew what could have happened if they had fallen?

Ren entertained the idea that he would most certainly make a stew out of Potato after this journey was over.

After a few more climbs, Vivi's voice broke the uneasy silence.

"Are we there yet?"

Malifira rolled her eyes, her tone tinged with irritation. "We haven't even been climbing for an hour."

"Egh? But I'm hungry and cold. How much longer do we have to climb?" Vivi's voice wavered with fatigue and frustration.

Who knew that simply sitting atop the rockgoat in this biting cold wind could be so exhausting?

She wasn't built for the cold. She longed for the humid and hot climate back in the Netherworld.

"Don't be such a baby, Vivi," Iraelyn scolded, crossing her arms. "The cold is a way to temper one's body."

Vivi shivered uncontrollably, sniffing back her runny nose. "B-but I don't want to temper my body."

"How are you going to be strong like me if you can't even handle a little cold?" Iraelyn chided.

"I-I don't want to be strong like you. I just want to eat good stuff, and see new things," Vivi retorted, her lower lip trembling with emotion.

Iraelyn clicked her tongue disapprovingly. "What a baby. That's why you're still the same and haven't gotten any stronger. As one of the warlords, how can you protect Lord Azazel the way you are now?"

Vivi's eyes welled up with tears as she sought solace in Azazel. "L-lord Azazel."

Azazel chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, Vivi. Even if you're weak, you're still the cutest one here."

Desira shot a disapproving glare in Vivi's direction, her expression turning icy with displeasure. "I'm the cutest and most beautiful here."

On the other hand, Vivi was taken aback by Azazel's response. "Weak?" Her tears transformed into glistening crystals in the cold air.

Malifira chuckled softly and patted Vivi's head. "Don't worry, Vivi. I still like you the most."

Vivi hugged Malifira tightly, burying her tear-streaked and snotty face into her dress.

"Malifira, you're the best!" she exclaimed.

Malifira pushed Vivi away just in time, narrowly avoiding a disaster that would have ruined her winter dress. "Just try not to rub your snot all over me, and we'll be fine."