Through Snow and Ice

The cold winds of the Mayram Mountains cut through the group as they went forward. Snow blinded everything in sight, a reminder of the relentless terrain ahead. Four days had passed and with only five more days remaining to reach the summit, the weight of the exam bore heavily on all of them. The snow that had started the day before changed everything making the climb into a treacherous ordeal by changing every step a calculated risk.

"It's as if the mountain wants us to lose" Leif said with a grin, pulling on the straps of his backpack. His playfulness was such an odd counterpoint to the bitter cold but it was patently obvious that he didn't mind the climate. "Maybe if we were to just cast Edwin at the top, maybe he could simply melt all that snow with magic and we'll be done already."

Edwin gave him a sidelong glance shaking his head. "Not all of us have the luxury of surviving on bad jokes Leif and for the record, I'm conserving my mana not wasting it on snow."

Melch bundled in layers of clothing to the point where he was nearly unrecognizable trailed behind. His face was obscured by thick scarves and his hands were gloved tightly. The extra layers made him look more like a waddling snowman than a participant in the exam.

"Maybe Melch should lead the charge." Leif said with a chuckle turning around to face him. "Who knows? Maybe the snow might think he's one of its own and let us pass peacefully."

Melch grumbled from under his coverings. "At least I'm warm. You two keep joking when the frostbite hits, don't come crying to me."

The banter kept their spirits up as they pressed forward. Though the humor was there, they all knew how dangerous the climb was. Galen's warnings about the unpredictable terrain of the Mayram Mountains echoed in Melch's mind. Snowstorms, avalanches and the sheer altitude were all risks, not to mention the possibility of crossing paths with other examinees.

They reached the safety of a lee slope under an imposing mountain on that night. Edwin produced an orb of hot air hovering in mid-air with his fire magic to keep them warm. "If only all exams were this cozy." Leif said as he stretched out beside the fire.

"Cozy? Are you looking at the same frozen wasteland I am?" Edwin retorted.

Melch sat there silently staring at the map he'd spread out on the ground. "We need to climb as far as we can tomorrow. If it starts snowing again, the climb will be near impossible. Avalanches aren't something we can afford to risk."

Leif nodded sagely though his expression betrayed his lack of worry. "Don't worry, Melch. If an avalanche comes, I'll just outrun it. Easy."

"Leif." Melch said "you can't outrun a snowball, let alone an avalanche."

The discussion was left at that as they readied for the night. Edwin kept the fire burning while Melch checked on their stores to ensure nothing had been dislodged. The following morning the twin suns rose bright and clear, casting a light that danced across the snow in glittering sheets. The good weather did not go to waste and the party quickly began its ascent.

As it stood, the journey was tiring. To ascend along the snowy slop, the group utilized a lot of sharpened bones of devilish beasts in climbing. Melch covered every inch with his eyes being observant on the terrain ahead. He saw things moving above.

"Be very careful." he whispered as if stopping in place. "We are not alone."

Edwin's grip hardened on his tool. "Are there Examnees?"

Melch nodded. "Most likely. We haven't seen anyone in three days but it's hard to tell who's still in their right mind and who's not."

When they ascended higher, some voices were heard. A few examinees had banded together on a plateau to debate whether to proceed or wait another day. The ascent ahead presented the daunting challenge of traversing a single rope path along the mountain side, a challenge dangerous enough in its own right and treacherous in snow and ice.

"This is a waste of time." Melch grumbled. "Waiting won't make the climb any easier."

"Agreed." Edwin said. "The longer we stay here the more vulnerable we are to others."

After some convincing, Leif and Edwin followed Melch's lead as he started the climb. Their movements caught the attention of one of the examinees Elissa, the one to get Victoria's recognition's too. Without hesitation, she joined them.

"Mind if I tag along?" she asked catching up to them.

"Only if you can keep up." Edwin said his tone neutral but not unkind.

Leif gave her a warm smile. "Welcome to the team. Just so you know, we have a strict 'no complaining' policy. Except for Melch he complains enough for all of us."

"I do not." Melch shot back though his voice lacked heat.

They started to establish a rhythm while climbing. Elissa was an able climber with her movements quick and fluid. When they found a ledge, they halted there to rest and eat.

"So, what brings you to this test?" Leif asked Elissa breaking the silence.

Elissa smiled as she warmed her hands by a small fire. "My family's produced mages for generations. They're expecting me to follow in their footsteps but honestly I just want to see the world. There's so much out there to explore and I don't want to be stuck in one place my whole life."

Leif's grin widened. "An adventurer at heart. I like that. Don't worry, you've joined the right group with me around, every day's an adventure."

"An adventure in annoyance, maybe." Edwin muttered though there was a hint of a smile on his face.

Melch stayed quiet his focus on the map in his hands. "If the weather turns again, we're in for a deadly climb." he said glancing up at the others. "We can't waste energy. Rest tonight and we'll push hard tomorrow."

The group nodded in approval. That night, Leif and Elissa shared stories with their laughter echoing through the small space. Melch listened in silence his mind preoccupied with the challenges ahead.

The group resumed its climb the following morning. The path narrowed perilously as they climbed, leading to a peak that they had to cross before descending and beginning the final climb up to the summit.

"This is where it gets tricky." Edwin said surveying the narrow ridge.

Leif peered over the edge and whistled. "One wrong step and it's goodbye forever. No pressure, though."

Elissa laughed nervously. "You really have a way with words, don't you?"

When they reached the summit, the thin air made every breath a struggle. Melch decided they would camp there for the night rather than take a risky dangerous descent in low visibility. The freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen tested their resolve but the group worked together to set up a small camp.

Leif being the carefree one began joking with Elissa, who responded with equal enthusiasm. Whereas Melch thought with still two more days to climb will they be able to reach the summit .