Chapter 601 - Stay (2/2)

These pillars were actually a portal to Valiant Heart Mountain's Sacred Land and only disciples of the highest standing even had a chance to enter that place.

Of course, at the moment, this portal wasn't active. So, even if these youths managed to cross it, it wouldn't be much more than a symbolic victory. But, the elder was also aware that the earlier these youths crossed this trial, the more benefit they would gain from it in the future.

So, during every acceptance ceremony, he would tease the youths in this exact way, forcing them to walk up the mountains. Those who were able to make it even half way were rewarded by him. Not only would they gain his favor, but he would personally kill the beasts the held the golden tags and hand them over as a reward.

The truth was that the beasts were just a bait, especially the golden tag ones.

For one, amongst the beasts, there were many without tags at all. The smart youths who were more confident in their strength would think of targeting the more powerful beasts. It made sense, the more powerful a beast, the more likely it would have a golden tag.

Though this might be true, the reality was much harsher. Though the elder had followed these rules, he had also left behind several dummies. Some of these dummies didn't have tags at all, while most only had normal tags.

The elder thought himself to be quite clever. He believed that only youths with the greatest courage would choose to challenge the mountain pass while the others weren't worth considering at all.

Of course, he didn't even consider the fact that battling beasts and putting your life on the line against the most powerful of them was also a form of courage.

But, given his age, he had long since been set in his ways. And, it especially didn't help in changing his mind that the youths from this year seemed to be far more talented than the norm, it couldn't help but bring a bright smile to his face.

Ingkath had crossed the 80% mark already and was just 60 or so meters from the pillar.

Ironla was not far behind, being less than five meters from the back of the hulking giant. And, this was most likely due to the fact she had started a step later.

Balthorn was struggling the worst of the four of them. Droplets of sweats beaded down her pretty face and blood leaked from her lips as her every step seemed to cause her no small amount of damage. But, she continued to trudge forward.

”… Just be my girlfriend and I'll carry you up! Come on!”

Radlis almost seemed unaffected. If it wasn't for the fact his back was hunched just a little bit more, others would think he really was immune.

But, at the moment, Balthorn wanted nothing more than to cut off his tongue.

”Hm?”

The elder suddenly looked up to find Leonel and Aina landing in the opening, his brow furrowed with confusion.

”You stay here, you're still injured.” Aina said strictly. ”I'll go. This isn't very important to you anyway.”

”You just want to get away from the stink, don't you?”

”Yes.” Aina held nothing back.

”… No love in this world.”

Aina felt glad she was wearing a mask at that moment. If not for it, she wouldn't be able to hide her smile.

”Alright, I'm going.”

Under the stunned gazes of everyone, Aina suddenly began to sprint up the mountain pass.