The closer they drew to the mountains, the larger they seemed to grow—until the peaks loomed so high that Erik wondered if they touched the heavens themselves.
"I don't think we can climb this today. Not with these bison," Heisen muttered. "It'll take us at least a full day."
"Don't worry," Yosul said with a small grin. "We won't be climbing."
"What?"
"Just keep moving. You'll see."
Erik wanted to press him, but he kept silent, eyes on the path.
By the time they reached the mountain's base, the answer revealed itself. Standing beneath the shadow of the cliffs was a massive stone platform, wide enough to carry the entire caravan of bison and riders.
The team stared.
"Whoa," Heisen breathed. "It's like those little elevators in bakeries—except massive."
"It does look like one," Yosul said, "but instead of pulleys and rope, this one runs on mana stones."
A man standing by the platform overheard and chuckled. "First of its kind, actually." He stepped forward and gave a small bow. "I take it you're from the White Wolf Guild?"
"We are," Yosul replied, shaking his hand.
"Good. I'm the senior operator here. I'll see you to the top safely."
One by one, the team guided their bison onto the platform. The operator raised a horn from his belt and blew.
A deep hum resonated from the stone beneath their feet, and suddenly the platform began to rise.
Erik's breath caught. The lift carried them higher, smooth as gliding water, until the air turned white. For a long moment, all he could see was fog—rolling, endless, swallowing everything.
Then they broke through.
The sea of clouds stretched endlessly below them, glowing gold beneath the morning sun. Above, the jagged peaks stood proud, and nestled among them, rising tier upon tier, was a sprawling city carved into the mountain itself.
"Welcome to Velhein!" the operator shouted over the wind.
The platform locked into place. The sound of the city hit Erik all at once—voices, hooves, hawkers shouting their wares. Velhein wasn't just alive. It was overflowing.
They disembarked slowly, tugging the reins of their bison as they wove through the crush of bodies.
"Damn, this place is packed," Rud muttered.
"It's right after winter," Heisen replied. "Everyone's hungry for work and coin. Not a surprise."
Erik scanned the streets as they passed: merchants hawking iron tools and furs, charms etched with runes, skewers of roasted meat. Smoke, sweat, and spice hung thick in the air.
"Anything catch your eye?" Yosul asked.
"Not yet," Erik said, though his eyes lingered on a smith's stall stacked with blades. Then his gaze flicked to the crowd. "But… we're being followed."
"So you noticed, huh?" Yosul smiled faintly. "Relax. It's just Velhein's escort. They'll make sure we reach the mines safely."
"Oh." Erik gave a small nod and let it drop.
The city thinned as they left the main streets behind. Once they passed through the far gates, the bison were mounted again, and the road stretched onward—toward the yawning mouth of the mines.
It wasn't a hard path to the mines since the path was covered in stones and flattened to make it easy for transport between the town and the mines.
It didn't take long to reach the mines. From a distance, they could already see the banners of different guilds and the ring of soldiers and hunters stationed around the area. The base camp sprawled across the foothills like a small military outpost, alive with noise and movement.
The team dismounted from their bison, handing the reins to the stablehands waiting nearby. One of the guards at the entrance pointed toward the largest building.
"Captain Evalyn is waiting inside."
Before they could step through the doorway, Evalyn herself emerged, pushing the door open.
"Oh—you're back," she said, her tone a mix of relief and surprise.
"Yap. Alive and well," Yosul replied with a tired grin.
"I know you've all had a rough time out there, but we don't have the luxury of rest yet," Evalyn said, her voice shifting to a sharper edge. "There's a meeting regarding the incident Veinar reported. Follow me."
She led them into the building. Inside, the meeting room was already occupied—Arch Mage Kruzen sat with his arms folded, expression unreadable, while Sylvie scribbled notes at his side.
Erik gave Kruzen a brief nod. The old man returned only a glance.
"Sit wherever you like," Evalyn said as she took her place at the first bench, right corner of the table. She patted the seat beside her.
Catching the cue, Erik sat down.
"How was the trip?" Evalyn asked quietly.
"Eventful."
"Glad it wasn't boring," she said with a faint smirk. "I heard you unlocked your second element."
"Yeah."
"How are you holding up?"
"In what way?"
"Usually when someone unlocks a second element, it takes a toll. Some can't use magic for weeks."
Erik flexed his hand into a fist, feeling the energy running through his veins like a second heartbeat. "Didn't feel anything like that. If anything…" His lips curled slightly. "I feel stronger than ever."
"That's good," Evalyn said, though her eyes lingered on him a second longer, as if weighing something unspoken.
The door creaked open. Captain Rowan entered with his assistant in tow, his heavy boots echoing against the floor. He took the seat directly across from Evalyn.
"Havier's usually the first one here," Rowan muttered. "Why is he late now?"
No one answered.
Rowan exhaled through his nose. "Fine. We're running behind. We'll start without him and fill him in later."
Rowan rose from his chair, his presence commanding the room into silence.
"According to Sylvie's report, the matter is beyond question. You were not merely attacked by dragon riders. You faced men who wield dark magic."
A ripple of unease stirred across the table.
Rowan's gaze swept the room, pausing deliberately on Erik. "And more troubling still—their leader did not attempt to kill you. He tried to recruit you. To pull one of our own to their side."
The words hung heavy, every syllable deliberate.
"No one here needs me to explain what that means. Dragon riders alone are a threat. Dark mages are worse. But together—working with intent, with purpose? That is something this kingdom has not faced in generations."
He let the silence stretch, eyes hard.
"And yet… we still don't know why."
No one spoke. Only quiet nods answered him.
Rowan's jaw tightened. "So be it. If nothing has been overlooked, then we proceed. All of us now understand the weight of what happened out there. From here on, we act with that truth in mind."
He planted both hands on the table, leaning forward. "Now… let us begin this meeting properly."