Chapter 23.2

Just as the maids were about to resume their speculations, a hand landed on Oswald's shoulder and gently patted it. "Master, you haven't read today's book. Don't be lazy," Ian's voice interjected.

However, upon turning to face the individual, Oswald was surprised to find that it was Kevin.

As Kevin patted the cowhide bag on his waist, he casually stated, "I'm going to the tomb of the gods and will return shortly."

With that, he turned and made his way through a thicket of thorns, expertly navigating among the branches. Upon turning around and waving, he proclaimed, "See, I'm more than capable on my own."

Yet, without warning, a thorny branch sprouted and swiftly pierced Kevin's heart.

His eyes widened as blood began to foam from his mouth, readying to speak but instead collapsing to the ground.

Oswald's hand, which was previously supporting his chin, twitched suddenly as though he had missed a step. He suddenly jolted awake, his eyes landing on the parchment map on his desk that had been sitting in water for some time.

After a long silent breath, Oswald rose to his feet and grabbed his cloak and copper wire mask, intending to go to the hospital.

As he strode through the door of his study, the guards patrolling outside immediately fell in line. However, just two steps forward, Oswald came to a sudden stop. The guards almost collided with him before asking him what was wrong.

Oswald held up a small ball of parchment that he had found on the corner wall, briefly scanning it before stuffing it back into his pocket. The guard inquired about its contents but received only a dismissive response.

As Oswald made his way out, the guard couldn't help but wonder, "What are you doing carrying trash around with you?"

******

At the foot of Baitou Mountain, Kevin and the others rested in the military tent all night. They rose early in the morning and prepared to set out again.

"Leave the vultures in the woods," Kevin said. "They won't be able to fly up the mountain wall, and if they fall, they will be killed."

Everyone was silent.

"We don't need to all go up together," Kevin continued. "Some of you will stay here to guard and respond, and to watch the vultures so they don't starve to death."

"To be frank," Kevin said, leaning against the mountain wall and folding his arms. "Do not think that staying here is a cold-blooded battle. It is not beneath a man to do so. Soldiers have their own roles to play, and there must be some of you who will remain here. If you do not volunteer, I will simply issue an order."

The five people who had been visibly afraid of heights since the previous day stepped forward.

"If we don't come down from the mountain in a week," Kevin said, "you can go back and tell Mi Ao and His Majesty to think of another way."

Those who were going up the mountain gathered their things.

Kevin untied the dagger from his waist and held it in his hand.

"Why can't we go around and up the mountain?" the young lion class asked. "Isn't the Yongsheng Waterfall at the top of the mountain? But waterfalls hang down."

Others also wanted to ask this question, but they were too afraid to speak up.

"You'll know when you get up there," Kevin said. "But if you say anything now, you'll only make yourself weak."

The Paektu Hill is a sheer cliff, but there are places to put hands and feet for climbing.

Kevin took the lead, with a rope tied around his waist and the others following behind. From a distance, they looked like a winding centipede climbing the mountain wall.

"Keep your eyes on the rocks you're holding, and don't look back," Kevin said as he climbed. His voice was deep and steady, and he didn't even breathe. To him, the sheer cliff was like walking on flat ground.

If he were alone, he would climb faster, but he had to slow down for the others. When he felt the rope around his waist getting tighter, he stopped and waited for them to catch up.

The other soldiers followed Kevin closely, including the young lion. The ropes tied between them did not become taut and then slacken, so they did not feel that there was a significant difference between them and Kevin.