Chapter 66…………….
At the foot of Mount Secret Fog, where the white mist hung thick.
The hour was already well past evening.
As the sun set completely and darkness fell, the mist that blanketed the mountain grew denser, turning everything a blinding white. It looked as though the mountain was trapped inside the clouds—or perhaps drowned beneath a surge of foamy waves.
Because of the darkness, the participants each carried a magical torch provided by the Imperial Palace. Inside the torch was a glowing mineral, emitting light instead of fire, faintly illuminating the surroundings without risk of flame.
Bwooo—!
The sound of the horn rang out, signaling the start of the first trial.
Leaving the sound behind them, Asterios and Izeph stepped into the mysterious, fog-wreathed mountain.
At last, it had begun.
“Your Grace, are you certain you’ll be fine on your own?”
Normally, Izeph would never worry about Asterios. He knew his skill, and he knew this wasn’t Asterios’s first time in Secret Fog. But this time was different—because of Asterios’s condition.
Yet, though his face was pale, Duke Tenebres smiled with ease.
“Of course. We proceed as planned. You, on the other hand—make sure not to be deceived by the illusions.”
Only then did Izeph nod and smile.
“Understood, Your Grace. Don’t delay too long. I’ll go ahead and wait at the summit. I’ll see you below.”
“Indeed. Take care, Izeph.”
“You as well, Your Grace.”
After walking side by side for a time, the two soon chose different paths before the mist grew any thicker.
Once Izeph, who had bowed, moved away, the white fog descended heavily all around in an instant.
Many candidates chose to climb in teams or pairs, but this was a mistake made only by those unfamiliar with the fog.
On this mountain of illusions, being alone was safer than having companions. Each person saw a different illusion, and when together, one person falling into an illusion would often only confuse the other further.
In other words, companions could easily drag you deeper into the trap.
Both men had already exchanged letters about this fact at the annex, and Asterios in particular, knowing Izeph’s holy power, wasn’t worried about him at all.
Izeph might not even experience illusions at all.
His divine power would thoroughly protect him, and considering Izeph’s life and character, Asterios judged he would not be swayed by hallucinations. In truth, Asterios was far more worried about himself.
He knew very well where his own greatest weakness lay.
“…”
It was hard to distinguish even nearby shapes, yet the mountain at night had a strange beauty. Even the fog felt mesmerizingly divine.
Perhaps that was why Asterios felt as though Roziana herself might step through the mist in all her holy radiance.
If others saw her like that, they would surely cry out that an angel had descended from heaven.
He even pictured Daniel causing a commotion, shouting “Behold the Saintess!”—and chuckled to himself.
Just then—
Whooosh.
The wind howled, and through the white mist that entirely veiled his vision, a shape appeared.
His heart lurched at the sight of the silhouette—too familiar to forget, even after centuries.
Not golden hair like a blazing sun, but red hair like a dying sunset.
A tall, elegant, curvaceous figure, with long wavy locks.
“Welcome.”
And a strong, resonant voice.
Translucent violet eyes, like jewels brimming with the countless stars of the night sky, gazed at him.
“I’ve been waiting, Tenebres.”
The voice he had lost centuries ago now called to him warmly.
Roziana’s black steed snorted heavily, slowing its breath.
“There it is—Secret Fog.”
Behind her, faintly, she could still hear the horn, while ahead, the candidates began climbing the mountain in haste. Dozens of men, torches in hand, marching up the slope—it was a spectacle.
As!
Tall, broad-shouldered, clad in a black cloak—
Even from far away, Asterios caught Roziana’s eyes at once. Beside him was Izeph, his long white hair tied neatly back.
May both of them return safely from the summit.
She bit her lip as she confirmed his back, then dismounted quietly, tying her horse where no one would see.
The entrance to the mountain was already crowded with knights of the palace and attendants of the candidates. There were checkpoints for confirming those who passed, tents prepared for emergencies, a canteen serving simple meals, and healers on standby.
Roziana wrapped herself in the transparent cloak Asterios had once given her, but still chose the less-traveled slope along the mountain’s edge.
Further along, there was another entrance overgrown with brush and hard to walk through, but precisely because of that, it was deserted. Without hesitation, Roziana stepped in—and the mist poured down upon her, threatening to swallow her whole.
Why does this feel so chilling?
Clenching her dry fists, she pressed on. For some reason, she was afraid of the illusions Secret Fog would show her. For she too, not only the candidates, would face them.
I’ll just follow quietly, keeping distance, so he can complete the mission properly.
Just as Asterios needed her nearby to wield his power, she too had to muster her courage and climb.
Even at full strength, this mountain’s illusions can cause one to lose their mind and their way. Yes, I just need to endure until I’m close enough.
She pressed on, following the faint energy of Asterios.
Fortunately, since she was his master and he was branded as her prey, Roziana could sense his presence instinctively—though the reverse was not true.
If he realized I was following, he’d throw a fit.
Heh. Imagining his scolding expression, she laughed softly. As long as she stayed within a certain range, Asterios would surely pass the first round.
The only problem was—the illusions.
What kind of vision would appear before him?
She was more curious about his hallucinations than her own.
The mountain shows intruders their deepest flaws, breaking their minds with illusions of their shame.
That was why most who wandered into the fog lost their way—unable to distinguish reality from deception.
But in the end, they were fakes conjured by the mountain. If one could separate truth from illusion, wouldn’t that be enough?
Yes. It’s nothing. Just falsehoods, not reality.
As the fear in her heart began to fade—
How far had she walked?
The mist thickened until she could no longer distinguish anything around her.
“At this point, even without illusions, just the fog alone could make you lose your way.”
She spoke aloud, certain nothing was nearby.
Still, I think I’ve caught up quite a bit with As.
Even though the mountain was blinding, she could feel Asterios’s aura closer now.
For some reason, he had been standing still for quite some time. Thanks to that, Roziana managed to catch up and keep within range.
“Once he moves again, I’ll follow from a distance.”
If she got too close and ran into him, it would be a disaster. Especially near the summit, where many other candidates would surely be.
No need to climb all the way. As long as he overcomes the illusion and passes mid-slope, I’ll turn back then.
She figured the reason he had stopped was because he had already encountered an illusion.
And then—
Through the faraway mist, a figure appeared. The white fog parted, thinning into wisps.
H-huh? Sister?
Goosebumps rose all over her body.
The fleeting silhouette was impossible—yet unmistakable.
Someone gathering herbs on the mountainside—looking exactly like one she knew.
This is madness. My sisters died hundreds of years ago. That’s why I swore to bring them back…
Clenching her fists, Roziana squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself not to react. The illusions fed on one’s emotions, binding the mind and spirit tighter.
“Pull yourself together, Roziana. They’re dead. And I’m not Erica anymore.”
Her mouth was parched from tension, and she exhaled slowly to steady herself.
And then—
“Come here, Teresa. There are so many herbs here Dian would love.”
A pale face with long black hair, clutching a small crystal.
A tall pointed hat, and a staff with a bell.
“Oh, you’re right. Let’s take just a little. Erica is waiting for my strawberry jam.”
A lace-trimmed dress, dainty shoes perfectly fitted.
“Haha, sister, what are you saying? Erica likes my potions more.”
“No way. Even Nike admitted it.”
Voices and faces she could no longer bear just to listen to.
Even as she held her breath, hot tears streamed down her cheeks.
She had missed them desperately.
Perhaps she had gone mad with longing.
Even knowing it was fake, knowing these forms and voices were nothing but illusions, her heart clenched painfully.
Sisters… I missed you so much.
Roziana gripped her cloak tightly around her body. The fog was showing her what she desired most—it almost felt cruel to resent it.
But then—
“Ah, yes. Nike said the same, didn’t she?”
In an instant, her sister’s warm voice turned cold.
“After all, who else would save that worthless little girl, if not us?”
What?
