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Chapter 64
It felt very cold to the touch.
“This is definitely White Dragon’s Breath Moss.”
Dragon’s Breath Moss only grows near Dragon Rares, and its properties are said to be similar to a dragon’s.
Seeing that the surface of the moss was cold and radiating chill, there was no doubt that it was the White Dragon’s Breath Moss, from the Ice Dragon known as the White Dragon.
“If I make ointment with this and sell it, it’ll be a huge hit.”
White Dragon’s Breath Moss is highly effective for treating burns. Grinning slyly, Elia looked at Alexis.
“Your Grace!”
“Elia, what did you find this time?”
“There’s something amazing! Come take a look.”
As Alexis approached at her words, he saw moss densely clinging to the rocks.
“This is what you mean?”
“Yes, it’s called Dragon’s Breath Moss. It only grows near Dragon Rares and is extremely rare.”
“Elia, your eyes are sparkling unusually. Don’t tell me this is something that could make money too?”
“If we make burn ointment with this and sell it, it’ll be a huge hit!”
“Elia, you…”
At Elia’s constant connection of everything to money, Alexis chuckled softly.
“Can we just take this too?”
“Yes, take all of it.”
Smiling broadly, Alexis began gathering the moss into his backpack with the knights.
“Your Highness, shall I help collect it?”
“Of course.”
Zirk joined in and started gathering the moss as well.
[You’re relentless, Elia.]
‘Stop playing around and find the Rare’s entrance.’
[The entrance is behind the waterfall. I already found it.]
‘Behind the waterfall?’
[Yes. Go through the waterfall, and there’s a massive cave. That’s it.]
‘Are you sure?’
[Don’t you feel it? The overwhelming magic emanating from the waterfall.]
‘I don’t have magic. How could I feel it?’
[Then the Duke should be able to sense it.]
Elia approached Alexis.
“Your Grace, do you feel anything from there?”
Elia pointed toward the waterfall. Alexis looked and nodded.
“I feel incredible magic.”
She then asked Zirk.
“Zirk, do you feel it too?”
“Yes, there’s a tingling magic coming from inside.”
“I see… I can’t feel anything.”
“Then, inside there…”
Zirk looked with trembling eyes, and Elia nodded.
“That’s right, the Rare is inside there.”
“I see.”
“You’re not surprised?”
“I expected this.”
“Elia, we’ve collected everything. What now?”
“Now that we’ve gathered it all, we should head to the Rare.”
Elia pointed to the waterfall, and Alexis’ pupils dilated.
“That’s the Rare?”
“Yes, I think so. We have to go through the waterfall.”
“Come here, Elia.”
Alexis quickly lifted Elia into his arms.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Elia heard him shout:
“Everyone, go through the waterfall!”
“I’ll go first.”
Zirk approached the waterfall and parted it with magic.
Through the split waters, a huge cave appeared. It was good they brought Zirk; he handled the obstacles with magic, making things much easier.
Even the small monsters they encountered in the forest were taken care of by Zirk’s magic, so it hadn’t been exhausting.
“Shall we go in, Your Highness?”
Alexis shot Zirk a displeased look as the knight gestured politely toward Elia, then stepped forward. He didn’t like how Zirk was unusually attentive toward her.
Inside, a pavapat sound rang out as the cave ceiling began to glow.
Elia stared at the top-grade magic stones embedded in the ceiling, her tongue nearly protruding.
“How much is all that worth?”
Just selling those alone could earn a fortune; top-grade magic stones were extremely rare.
Following the path lit by the stones, they arrived at a crystal wall.
The brilliantly shining wall emitted aurora-like light, creating a spectacular scene.
“Elia, it looks a little cold. Let me put a coat on you.”
Alexis took a coat from his backpack and draped it over her.
“Meril prepared this. He said it might get cold.”
No one could care for Elia as meticulously as Meril did.
She also put on a fur hat and gloves.
“I’m not that cold…”
“You’ll feel colder once we go inside.”
“Alright.”
Reluctantly bundled up, they followed the crystal wall inward.
“It’s blocked here.”
After going a bit further, a massive stone wall blocked their path. No other way forward was visible.
Elia gazed up at the stone wall quietly.
“Huh?”
Something was attached to the top of the wall.
“Your Grace, what is that?”
Elia pointed to the top. Alexis narrowed his eyes and examined it carefully.
“Looks like a gem.”
“A gem?”
“Yes.”
“Show me.”
Elia spread her arms, and Alexis lifted her up to see.
“Can you see it?”
“Just a moment, a little closer.”
Alexis stepped forward. Elia reached up and checked the gems: there were two, resembling eyes.
She pulled the two gems, and they popped out with a click.
Then came a drdrdr sound.
Elia quickly stepped back from Alexis’ shoulders, and Zirk blocked her with a protective shield.
It was a precaution against any unforeseen situation.
Elia held the blue gems, which instantly shattered with a crash.
At the same time, the stone wall opened.
The group entered.
Along the edges of the huge chamber were statues sitting on chairs: one with a sword, one with a shield, one with a spear, and one with a bow.
Standing in the center, a voice echoed:
[So, you dare enter my Rare. Bold. My Rare only opens to those who pass its trials. Let me test your worthiness.]
Flash!
Suddenly, the statues’ eyes glowed bright blue as they rose and moved.
“Sir Zirk, protect Elia!”
Zirk immediately shielded Elia in a corner. Seeing her safe, Alexis drew his sword and began fighting alongside the knights.
Elia watched from inside Zirk’s protective barrier. The statues coordinated their attacks.
The shield statue blocked in front, the sword and spear weaved through for attacks, and the archer drew its bow at the back.
It was a systematic combination attack.
The statues were three times larger than Alexis, making it seem like he was at a disadvantage.
Yet, Alexis carved through them with his Aura Blade.
The statues couldn’t match him.
Occasionally, shards from the statues struck the shield, but Zirk’s sturdy magic kept Elia completely safe.
Alexis kept checking on her safety amidst the battle.
“Elia, are you alright?”
Although Elia was protected, she made sure she wasn’t hurt.
“I’m fine. No injuries.”
“Good.”
Elia watched the shattered statues behind Alexis.
“Your Grace, that was amazing.”
“Really?”
“Yes, completely strong.”
Alexis chuckled at her thumbs-up.
Soon, the floor vibrated, and the shattered statues crumbled to dust.
Another voice rang out:
[You passed the first trial with such ease. You are worthy to proceed to the next gate.]
A door appeared ahead.
Elia and the party passed through it.
Beyond it stretched a snow-covered field with piercingly cold wind.
[The second trial: Push forward through the blizzard.]
This time it was Zirk’s turn.
“Everyone, gather close. I’ll cast warming magic.”
Zirk cast a spell that maintained body heat even in extreme cold.
[Go straight. Ignore any illusions you see along the way.]
‘It shows illusions?’
[The White Dragon’s blizzard sometimes shows illusions.]
“Elia, let’s go.”
Alexis carried Elia forward.
She felt like she might get used to being carried.
Thanks to the warming magic, the cold was bearable. Suddenly, a Yeti appeared and attacked the party.
