The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 016

The morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the trees as the group made their way toward Mount Aegis. The air was cool, but they did not slow their pace. This journey was not only a physical one, but also a test of mental strength and courage. Each step brought them closer to the answers they sought and to the inevitable danger.

Lucian led the way, his eyes scanning every suspicious shadow between the trees. His mind was constantly making plans, preparing for anything. He knew that Mount Aegis was no ordinary mountain. According to legend, it contained the ruins of an ancient temple once used to worship the gods, but now inhabited only by deadly traps and hidden secrets.

"How long will it take?" asked Alden, breaking the silence. He wiped the sweat from his forehead despite the cold air, signaling the tension in his mind.

Eris, holding an ancient map, paused to check their direction. "If we don't stop, we could reach the foot of the mountain before nightfall," she replied.

Behind them, Prince Herakles walked with his guards, occasionally scanning the surrounding forest. He quickened his pace to approach Lucian. "You look uncomfortable," he said, trying to read his new friend's expression.

Lucian glanced at Heracles but did not slow his pace. "I've been thinking about what we're about to face. The Order of Dusk knows we are approaching and they must be prepared."

Heracles nodded, his face reflecting the same determination. "We will face them together. If they wish to bring destruction, we will be the wall that stops them."

Hearing these words, Alden snorted softly, trying to lighten the mood. "As long as the wall doesn't fall first," he murmured, though he felt tense inside as well.

As dusk began to fall, they finally arrived at the foot of Mount Aegis. The view of the mountain was magnificent: its peak shrouded in mist, as if hiding some ancient mystery, while the huge trees surrounding its base created an atmosphere that was at once majestic and intimidating.

However, their footsteps came to a halt. A man in green robes stood in the middle of the path, blocking their path. His face was hidden beneath a hood, and he held a wooden staff decorated with mysterious symbols.

Lucian immediately drew his sword. "Who are you?" he asked sharply.

The man held up a hand, signaling not to attack. "Calm down," he said in a hoarse but authoritative voice. "I am not the enemy."

Eris shifted her body slightly and looked at the man suspiciously. "Then who are you and what are you doing here?"

The man opened his hood, revealing his old but dignified face. His white hair symbolized his age, but the look in his eyes radiated an unusual strength. "My name is Armin," he said. "I am a guard. My job is to make sure that only the worthy can reach the temple ruins at the top."

Heracles raised an eyebrow and scoffed slightly. "And who determines worthiness?" he asked.

Armin smiled faintly, his eyes staring intently at them. "I do. And this journey will test you. If you are sincere, I will help you. If not, I will stop you here."

Lucian looked directly into Armin's eyes. "We are here to stop the Order of the Twilight. They intend to use the Twilight Sword to destroy the world. If you are truly a Guardian, you should help us."

Armin nodded slowly, seemingly pondering Lucian's words. "Very well," he said finally. "But remember, this journey is full of trials. Not everyone can pass Mount Aegis safely."

With Armin leading the way, the group began to climb the mountain. The higher they went, the colder it got and the steeper the path became. Eventually, they came to a wide ravine with a fragile-looking wooden bridge spanning it.

"This is the first test," said Armin. "This bridge looks simple, but it's full of illusions. If you can't tell what's real and what's not, you'll fall."

Alden, walking behind, tried to look down the chasm, but quickly looked away. "This has got to be a joke, right?" he asked nervously.

Lucian patted him on the shoulder. "Are you afraid of heights?"

"A little," Alden admitted, though he tried to hide his fear.

Eris decided to go first. She stepped carefully over the wooden planks, trying to ignore the shadows and strange noises that kept bothering her. Every step felt like a test, but eventually she made it to the other side.

"Focus!" she shouted from the other side. "Pay attention to nothing but your goal."

One by one they crossed the bridge. Heracles almost slipped as the shadowy illusion tried to pull him to the edge, but he managed to keep his balance. Lucian was the last, and the illusion he faced was more personal: voices from his past as Caelum, whispering doubt and guilt. But he fought back with determination and made it to the other side.

After crossing the bridge, they came to a small plain filled with boulders. Armin stopped and looked at them with a meaningful look.

"I have one last question before you continue your journey," he said.

Lucian nodded. "What is it?"

Armin looked at him sharply. "What is the real purpose of this journey? Are you really here to save the world or just to prove something to yourselves?"

The question pierced Lucian's heart. For a moment he was silent, pondering his own answer. But finally he raised his head with conviction.

"We are here to stop the destruction," he answered. "Not for the title of hero, but because it's the right thing to do."

Armin smiled in satisfaction. "Good answer," he said. "You have proven your intentions. But remember, the Order of the Twilight is waiting at the top of that mountain. They will not give you a second chance."

With renewed determination, they resumed their journey. Though their bodies were tired, their spirits were high. Each step brought them closer to the summit of Mount Aegis, where the greatest danger awaited.

In his heart, Lucian knew that this journey was not only a test of strength, but also a test of his faith in himself and those around him. The top of the mountain may hold a secret capable of changing everything-and Lucian vows that he will not retreat until it is revealed.