The group left the cave and continued on their way.
Just as Rayan said, the wind and snow were heavier now than when they had first started climbing the mountain. If the visibility had been seven or eight meters before, now it was only half that — just three or four meters.
This was already a very dangerous level.
After all, they were on a mountain path. Walking on a mountain path was different from walking on a normal road. A cliff could appear suddenly in front of them, and one misstep could lead to eternal damnation. They had to be extremely cautious, with no room for even the slightest mistake.
At this moment, Ymir walked at the front, Rayan carried Daz in the middle, and Krista followed at the back, one hand reaching out to support Daz as they walked.
She was deeply worried that Rayan might suddenly lose his strength. After all, how much stamina could a thirteen-year-old boy possibly have? How far could he carry a person in such harsh weather?
Krista thought about it, unaware that carrying a person felt like almost nothing to Rayan, who possessed one third the strength of an ordinary titan. He could even sprint several hundred meters with ease — but that would be too shocking. He did not want to be seen as a monster or have his secrets exposed.
"Shorty, do not push yourself too hard," Ymir suddenly said, looking back after walking a while. "If you cannot carry him anymore, just drop him and drag him."
"That is none of your business."
"Rayan, are you really okay?" Krista's worried voice also came from behind.
"Yeah, stop talking and keep moving."
They continued forward. Because they had eaten something earlier in the cave and replenished their energy, all three were in decent condition. They walked for about another hour, stopping briefly to rest along the way, until finally reaching a path that had clearly been cleared by someone.
"Looks like this path is the right one," Ymir said, looking down at the straight route and the stones piled neatly on both sides. It was clearly not the work of nature.
"Probably a path cleared by some hunter," Rayan said.
Krista looked at the long road ahead with joy, her voice excited. "If we follow this road to the end, we should reach the finish line, right? Then Daz can —"
"Woof woof woof..."
"Shh!"
Ymir instantly turned her head, making a shushing gesture to Krista. The usual nonchalant look on her face disappeared, replaced by seriousness and vigilance.
Krista did not know what had happened and looked blankly at Rayan, who also frowned and pointed at his ear.
The next second, the sound came again.
"Woof woof woof... woof woof woof woof..."
The low howling sound was largely drowned by the roar of the northern wind, but it still reached their ears.
"Wolves?!"
Krista remembered Rayan's earlier words and exclaimed, belatedly realizing her mistake and covering her mouth the next second.
Speak of the devil...
Rayan could naturally tell that it was the low howl of wolves. Without a word, he first laid Daz carefully on the ground. Then, with a swift motion, he pulled the dagger from his waist.
"It is wolves," Ymir confirmed, her usual demeanor vanishing. She lowered her body, pulled out her own dagger, and held it tightly. At the same time, she retreated, pulling Krista close to her side and whispering, "Do not be afraid."
"Y-yeah... yeah."
Krista gripped the hilt of her dagger with both hands, her entire body trembling slightly.
Perhaps seasoned hunters would not be too afraid, but it was different for them. Even Rayan, who had experienced the horrors outside the walls, understood the danger.
After all, no matter how strong he was, if a wolf bit through his throat in one strike, it would be fatal.
"Be careful, Krista, stay in the middle," Ymir ordered without hesitation.
"Yeah," Rayan agreed for once. "Krista, stay with Daz."
"Okay!"
Krista knew her combat ability was the weakest among the three, so she obediently squatted beside Daz without causing trouble. Ymir and Rayan stood alert, one in front and one behind, watching the surroundings carefully.
"Woof woof woof woof..."
The low growls became clearer and clearer. Rayan listened carefully and could distinguish at least three different howls. That meant there were at least three wolves nearby. But with the wind and snow swirling around them, they could not see a thing.
"Awooo!"
Suddenly, a high-pitched howl echoed through the storm, like a bugle signaling the attack. Immediately afterward, they heard the "swish swish swish" of rapid steps in the snow, and then a black-furred wolf leaped out of the blizzard, lunging straight at Rayan's arm.
"Rayan, be careful!"
"Thump!"
Rayan's body was no longer that of a mere thirteen-year-old boy, and his mind was hardened by experiences far worse than this. Facing the wolf pouncing at him, he instantly raised his foot and kicked out with all his strength, striking the wolf's head.
With a muffled crack, the black wolf howled in pain, its body flying backward and disappearing into the swirling snow.
No one had time to be shocked. Another wolf, taking advantage of the distraction, pounced from another direction — targeting Ymir.
"Hungry, huh? I know that feeling."
Ymir gripped her dagger in reverse and moved first, charging the wolf before it could strike. Her movements were fierce and sharp. She lunged forward, aiming her dagger at the wolf's head. The wolf twisted sideways to dodge, baring its bloody maw as it lunged for her chest and abdomen.
"Whoosh — thwack!"
The dagger that Rayan threw pierced deep into the wolf's neck, slowing its attack just enough. Ymir twisted her body with all her strength and thrust her dagger hard into the wolf's skull, twisting it forcefully.
"Awooo!!"
A deafening cry echoed.
At the same time, another wolf, hidden by the blizzard, launched a surprise attack. This one leaped down from a rock on the right side of the path, aiming not at the ones standing, but at Daz lying helpless on the ground.
"Daz!"
Krista, assigned to protect Daz, did not know where the courage came from. She gripped her dagger tightly and rushed forward. But in her panic, she stumbled over a rock and fell heavily to the ground.
The wolf, sensing easier prey, turned its attention to Krista, its eyes gleaming green. It opened its jaws wide, aiming straight for her face.
Krista stared at the sharp, cold teeth barreling toward her. She wanted to raise her dagger to block, but her body refused to move.
Strangely, she thought, maybe dying here would not be so bad.
"Krista!"
Ymir's furious voice rang out. Rayan, who had been running to help, saw her in that instant — Ymir raising her dagger high, about to throw it.
"Thwack!!!"
Blood splattered everywhere, hot and fresh, spraying into the snow and across Krista's pale face, dying the world around her in crimson.
Krista sat frozen, staring at Rayan who had thrown himself between her and the wolf, shoving his own arm into the beast's mouth.
Tears burst from her eyes uncontrollably.
"Rayan!!"
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