Chapter 108 Mountaineering Tour Group
The journey began at the foot of the Abis Mountains.
Because it was a place I had visited before, I was able to open a void passage outside the nearby town, but I couldn't get any closer.
The chaotic magical currents that constantly linger high in the sky disrupt the coordinates within the mountains, and the magnets used for orientation often become disoriented due to unusual attraction. In addition, there are rumors of numerous dragon species in the past, and later, several archmages nearing the end of their lives who went into seclusion there, which has led the Abyss Mountains to repeatedly appear at the top of the list of hidden forbidden zones.
"But that's all in the past."
I explained to the bewildered Hikari: "More than seventy years ago, several of the strongest warriors and archmages of the time joined forces to clean up the interior of the mountain range."
"This campaign, which lasted for nearly ten years, has basically completed the overall cleanup of the outer and central mountain ranges. It not only swept away the monsters that had been left behind and wandered into the valleys, but also added defensive barriers. It also removed the pollution left behind by most of the archmages who died in the valleys after going into seclusion."
"Furthermore, we haven't heard of any highly respected senior figures in academia passing away in recent years, so the Abyss Mountains are relatively safe, at least for the next ten years or so."
"Then why can't we open a door in the mountains?"
Hikari, who was wrapped in fluffy fur and leaning on her trekking poles, turned her head in confusion.
There were two main viewpoints in academic circles:
"One reason is that the continental plate was once subjected to strong external pressure, which formed the current shape and direction of the mountain range, causing the flow of magic on both the east and west sides to concentrate here. But in the end, the high mountain peaks blocked most of the flow of magic, making it impossible to achieve a smooth circulation. The large accumulation of magic then triggered riots and chaos."
"Another one claims that it is related to the dragon species that live here."
"Why is it related to dragons?"
"I know that!"
Anne, who was skipping ahead, turned halfway and walked lightly across the uneven mountain ground while backing up: "When I was a child, my nanny told me this legend: it is said that this mountain range was originally the body of a huge ancient dragon named Abyss, with hard, crescent-shaped black and red scales, huge pupils like burning flames and sharp teeth, and towering ridges that were the thorns that stood up on its back."
"When it sleeps, its head stretches toward the center of the continent, and its tail extends all the way to the coast near the red sand, eventually forming mountains, ranges and islands; when it awakens, it becomes the tallest and most terrifying life in the world, and no life can survive its stomping and breathing, because even its ordinary activity and breathing are catastrophic storms and earthquakes for everything around it."
"Everything changes according to its will, and the gathered magic becomes chaotic yet difficult to dispel due to the ancient dragon's slumber."
"That must be an enormous dragon..."
Looking up at the towering mountain peaks, Hikari sighed in surprise, then asked, "So, is this legendary ancient dragon still asleep?"
Shaking my head, I continued the conversation: "Who knows?"
"It is only a guess that the Abyss Mountains were originally an ancient dragon. No one has ever seen it awaken. Previous explorations have not confirmed any signs of active life. On the contrary, we found mines full of crystal fragments in the outer mountain ranges, as well as traces of dragon activity."
"But those guys might be long dead by now~"
The tattered rabbit hanging from Hikari's waist suddenly spoke, startling the boy Aian who had been quietly following along. He looked around alertly.
I smoothed the boy's short, gray hair, calming him down. As I withdrew my hand, I subtly gave the rascal a finger flick before turning back to carefully check my surroundings: "In short, the first theory is still more prevalent."
"Most of the mystery is man-made. In addition, this desolate wilderness is more suitable for mages who are worried that their life or death will affect the surrounding area. Over time, mystery after mystery has been superimposed and misinformation has been spread."
"Hmm... I see!"
It's worrying; Hikari's demeanor is clearly not clear.
Two hours had passed since they left the town. Most of the necessities they had bought were stored in their personal storage space. Apart from the necessary equipment and clothing, their light travel had left everyone with plenty of energy to spare. Even Annie, who was slightly less physically fit, and the boy Aian, who joined the team quietly later, were only slightly out of breath, and their pace did not seem to slow down much.
As you enter the forest, the evergreen vegetation and jagged shrubs gradually thin out. After crossing a certain boundary, only scattered broad-leaved plants and sparse lawns interspersed among the gravel and sand remain. The once frequently trodden avenues have also narrowed over time, revealing a barren and desolate landscape.
Occasionally, traces of wild animals can be found under the trees, which at least proves that this is not a forbidden zone for life.
The hunting dogs sent to scout and search the surrounding area, along with the [cat] that had forcibly followed, emerged ahead.
The latter climbed onto our shoulders in no time and lay down lazily, while the former happily wagged its tail, which was burning with shadow flames, and turned around to indicate that we should follow behind it.
Soon, sparse streams of water appeared in the shaded woods.
It was indeed a very small river, meandering down from the distant, shallowly snow-capped mountain peaks, passing through spruce groves, its branches spreading out to reveal lush greenery on both sides. Small pikas darted and frolicked along the riverbank; hearing someone approach, they would suddenly stand up, then quickly separate and scatter into the distance.
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