Volume 3 Chapter 186: An Expedition To Dragon’s Peak

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains of Akari's bedroom, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged furniture. Beside her desk sat her gaming equipment, carefully prepared for another day inside Evermount.

Akari had already finished checking her headset. After confirming that the connection was stable, she lifted the device and placed it over her head, adjusting the straps until it rested comfortably.

Beside her, however, Memory was having considerably less success.

"Wait, wait! The strap is caught!"

Akari glanced over, watching Memory struggle with her headset.

"How did you even manage that?"

"I don't know!"

Memory pulled at the strap again, only to make it more tangled. After several seconds of fumbling, she finally managed to free it. Her pink hair had become slightly disheveled, and Bubbles, sitting on her shoulder, wobbled from side to side as though thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.

Akari let out a quiet sigh.

"Just put it on properly."

"I'm trying!"

After a little more adjusting, Memory finally managed to get the headset in place. She checked the fit, straightened her hair as best she could, and gave Akari an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Both girls settled into their respective positions. Akari leaned back against her bed while Memory made one final adjustment to her device.

"Ready?" Akari asked.

Memory gave her another thumbs-up.

"Ready!"

Akari smiled faintly. "Then let's go."

The two activated their devices, and familiar system messages appeared before their eyes.

[Connecting to Evermount...]

A soft light surrounded them as the room gradually dissolved into countless particles.

[Welcome Back to Evermount.]

The sensation of logging in passed, and the familiar surroundings of Crowned Era's headquarters appeared before them.

Akari and Memory materialized inside the guild's main hall. The spacious interior was built from sturdy stone and dark wooden furnishings, with large windows allowing sunlight to spill across the floor. Along the walls, equipment and supplies had been arranged neatly, while the guild insignia hung prominently above the central entrance.

It was a familiar sight, one that had gradually become a second home to them.

Akari looked around before letting out a small breath.

"...We're back."

Memory stretched both arms above her head, practically radiating excitement.

"Ahhh! I missed this place!"

Beside her, Bubbles bounced enthusiastically.

"Pyu!"

The little slime immediately began hopping around their feet, seemingly just as happy to have returned.

Akari watched it for a moment before turning toward the far end of the hall.

"Come on. Let's see who's here."

The two started walking toward the reception area. They hadn't gone very far when they spotted several familiar figures gathered near the counter.

Silla was standing beside Sayanaki, who had one hand resting casually against her hip. Between them stood a young woman wearing a modest adventurer's outfit. Her equipment was practical rather than decorative, and a collection of maps, tools, and other exploration supplies was attached to her belt.

The woman had a quiet, observant expression. Even while listening to the conversation, her eyes occasionally wandered around the headquarters, taking in its layout and details.

Sayanaki was in the middle of explaining something to her.

"...And that's pretty much how things work around here. Don't worry too much about the paperwork. Rio handles most of the important decisions."

Silla nodded in agreement.

"Although Lady Rio sometimes forgets to rest."

Sayanaki chuckled.

"That's why we have people to remind her."

Just then, the crimson-haired assassin noticed Akari and Memory approaching. Her eyes shifted toward them, and a familiar, mischievous smile appeared on her face.

"Oh?"

She raised one hand in greeting.

"Look who's finally here."

Akari smiled.

"Good morning, Sayanaki."

Memory waved enthusiastically.

"Morning!"

Bubbles bounced beside her.

"Pyu!"

Sayanaki glanced down at the little slime.

"Morning to you too, little fellow."

After acknowledging their greetings, she gestured toward the unfamiliar woman standing beside her.

"Actually, this is good timing. I was just introducing our newest member."

The woman turned toward them as Sayanaki placed a hand lightly on her shoulder.

"This is Suo. She's an Explorer Scout, and she's officially joining Crowned Era."

Akari blinked in surprise.

"Another new member?"

"Yep." Sayanaki nodded. "She's going to help us with exploration, mapping, and scouting routes. Considering the places Rio keeps dragging us into, having someone with her skills will be useful."

Suo gave a small, polite bow.

"Hello. My name is Suo. It's nice to meet you both."

Akari immediately returned the greeting.

"I'm Akari. Nice to meet you!"

Memory smiled brightly and pointed toward herself.

"I'm Memory!"

Then she pointed toward the little blue slime beside her.

"And this is Bubbles!"

Bubbles bounced proudly, as if it understood that it was being introduced.

"Pyu!"

Suo looked down at the slime and smiled faintly.

"Hello, Bubbles."

Sayanaki folded her arms, watching the introductions with amusement.

"And one more thing."

She glanced toward Suo.

"Akari is Rio's little sister."

Suo's eyes widened slightly. She looked at Akari again before giving another polite bow.

"...Oh. I see. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Akari scratched her cheek, a little embarrassed by the formality.

"You don't have to be so formal."

Suo smiled apologetically.

"Sorry. It's just a habit."

Memory leaned closer to Akari and whispered, making little effort to hide her voice.

"She's really polite."

Akari nodded.

"Yeah."

Sayanaki watched their exchange for another moment before her attention shifted toward the entrance.

"By the way, where's Rio?"

Akari tilted her head.

"Hm?"

"Your sister. Is she around?"

Sayanaki's tone was casual, but there was a noticeable purpose behind the question.

"I was looking for her. I have some information she should hear."

Akari blinked.

"Information?"

Sayanaki nodded.

"About Sarrow. The leader of Epsilon Dawn."

Her expression became slightly more serious.

"I've been gathering information about her movements and her guild. There are a few things Rio should know."

Akari glanced toward Memory, then looked back at Sayanaki. She hesitated for a moment before scratching her cheek.

"Oh. Well..."

She paused.

"My sister isn't here right now."

Sayanaki raised an eyebrow.

"She's not?"

Akari shook her head.

"She's on a date with Ryota."

Silence fell over the reception area.

Sayanaki blinked.

Once.

Then again.

"...A date?"

Akari nodded as though there were nothing particularly unusual about it.

"Yeah. They went out together this morning."

For a moment, Sayanaki simply stared at her. Then the realization seemed to sink in.

"Hahahaha!"

The assassin burst into laughter, covering her mouth with one hand. Unfortunately, the gesture did very little to conceal her amusement.

"That girl actually went on a date?"

Akari looked at her in confusion.

"What's so funny?"

Sayanaki shook her head, still chuckling.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I just didn't expect her to make time for something like that."

Memory tilted her head.

"Why?"

Sayanaki's smile grew more mischievous.

"Because Rio usually spends her free time inside Evermount. Even when she isn't dealing with guild business, she's training, exploring, or planning something. It's almost as if she doesn't know what to do with herself when she isn't working."

She glanced toward the entrance again.

"Well, I suppose even someone like her needs a day off."

Akari puffed out her cheeks.

"She's not always playing!"

Sayanaki gave her an amused look.

"Of course."

Akari narrowed her eyes.

"...You're making fun of her."

"Would I do that?"

"Yes."

Sayanaki laughed again, clearly enjoying the exchange.

Before she could say anything else, another voice came from the direction of the workshop.

"Wait. Rio went on a date?"

Everyone turned toward the sound.

Cynthia had just stepped out of the workshop, wiping a little dust from her hands. She was wearing her usual crafting clothes, with several tools tucked into the belt around her waist. A faint trace of workshop dust clung to her sleeves, suggesting that she had been working on something for quite some time.

She glanced between the others.

"Did I hear that correctly?"

Akari nodded.

"Yeah. Sis and Ryota went out together."

Cynthia stared at her for a moment.

"...Really?"

Memory nodded enthusiastically.

"They went on a date!"

Cynthia looked genuinely surprised.

"That's unexpected."

Sayanaki crossed her arms.

"That's what I said."

Cynthia glanced toward the staircase leading to the upper floors, almost as though she expected Rio to appear at any moment.

"Rio usually spends whatever free time she has in Evermount. I thought she'd be here today, especially after everything that happened recently."

Sayanaki shrugged.

"Apparently, Ryota managed to convince her to take a break."

Cynthia's surprised expression gradually softened into a smile.

"Good for them."

Akari looked pleased.

"Yeah. I think they'll have fun."

Sayanaki gave a small nod before turning toward Silla.

"Anyway, I think I'll get some rest."

Silla blinked.

"You're going to sleep?"

"Just for a while. I've been awake for too long."

Sayanaki stretched both arms above her head and let out a yawn without bothering to hide it. Her usual energetic, mischievous demeanor seemed to have given way to exhaustion.

She glanced toward the upper hallway.

"When Rio gets back, wake me up. I still need to tell her about Sarrow."

Silla nodded.

"Understood. I'll let you know as soon as she arrives."

"Good."

Before leaving, Sayanaki gave Suo a brief pat on the shoulder.

"Make yourself comfortable. You're part of the guild now, so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."

Suo bowed slightly.

"Thank you."

With that, Sayanaki turned and headed toward the lounge. Her hands slipped into her pockets as she walked, and her steps gradually became more leisurely. Judging by her tired expression, she looked as though she might fall asleep before reaching the end of the hallway.

Memory watched her disappear.

"...She's really sleepy."

Cynthia chuckled.

"She's probably been doing more than she's telling us."

Silla smiled faintly.

"That's usually the case with Sayanaki."

Once the assassin had disappeared into the lounge, Cynthia turned her attention toward Akari and Memory.

"So, what about you two?"

Akari looked up.

"Hm?"

"Do you have any plans today?"

Memory immediately raised her hand.

"We're going back to Dragon's Peak!"

Akari nodded.

"Yeah. We still have some places we want to explore."

Cynthia blinked.

"Dragon's Peak?"

The two girls nodded enthusiastically.

Cynthia rested one hand against her chin, thinking for a moment.

"Actually, I remember something about that place."

Akari tilted her head.

"What?"

"When I went there with Rio and Kiraya, we found what looked like a dungeon entrance."

Memory's eyes widened immediately.

"A dungeon?!"

Cynthia nodded.

"We didn't go inside, though. We were still underleveled at the time, and we had other things to take care of."

Akari leaned forward with interest.

"Where was it?"

"Somewhere near the middle section of the mountain. I remember seeing an entrance partially covered by snow and rock formations."

Memory's expression brightened.

"That sounds amazing!"

Akari nodded quickly.

"We should check it out!"

Cynthia smiled at their enthusiasm, although she raised a finger to emphasize her next point.

"Just remember that Dragon's Peak is still dangerous. There are plenty of monsters in the area, and the weather can change quickly. The higher you climb, the more difficult the terrain becomes."

Memory waved a hand confidently.

"That's fine! We'll be careful!"

Akari nodded.

"Besides, we have Bubbles!"

The little slime bounced proudly, as though it had just been entrusted with an important responsibility.

"Pyu!"

Cynthia laughed at their confidence.

Then Memory suddenly looked at her.

"Why don't you come with us?"

Cynthia blinked.

"...Me?"

"Yeah!"

Akari immediately joined in.

"Come with us, Cynthia!"

The two girls looked at her expectantly.

Cynthia hesitated. Her eyes drifted toward the workshop behind her, where several pieces of unfinished equipment were still waiting on her workbench.

"I do have a few things I need to finish..."

Memory's shoulders drooped.

"Oh..."

Akari looked a little disappointed as well, although she tried not to show it.

Cynthia noticed their expressions and laughed softly.

"Well..."

She looked at them again, then seemed to remember something.

"I did promise that we'd go back to Dragon's Peak together."

Memory's eyes brightened.

"Really?"

Cynthia nodded.

"During our last expedition, I got called back by Dark Shadow while I was still with you two. That was back when I was part of Oblivion Pledge."

Her expression turned apologetic.

"We had to cancel the expedition halfway through, and I never got the chance to make it up to you."

Memory immediately clasped her hands together.

"Then this is the perfect time!"

Cynthia laughed.

"Alright. I'll come along."

"YES!"

Memory threw both arms into the air. Bubbles bounced excitedly beside her, sharing her enthusiasm.

Akari smiled.

"Thanks, Cynthia."

"Don't mention it. I wanted to explore that place again anyway."

Cynthia then glanced toward Suo, who had been quietly listening to their conversation.

"Actually, Suo."

The Explorer Scout looked up.

"Yes?"

"Would you like to come with us?"

Suo blinked.

"Me?"

Cynthia nodded.

"You're an Explorer Scout, aren't you? It would be helpful to have someone with your skills."

She gestured toward Akari and Memory.

"Even though these two have been to Dragon's Peak several times, the mountain is still dangerous. There are plenty of places they haven't explored, and the terrain can be difficult to navigate. Having someone who knows how to survey the area and record routes would make the expedition much easier."

Suo considered the invitation. Her gaze briefly moved toward the two girls, who were already looking at her expectantly.

Akari smiled.

"Come with us!"

Memory nodded enthusiastically.

"Please!"

Suo gave a small smile.

"...Alright. I'd be happy to join."

Cynthia nodded.

"Great. Then we'll have four people."

Memory immediately turned toward the guild crystal.

"Then let's go!"

She started walking toward it without waiting for anyone else.

Akari hurried after her.

"Wait for us!"

But before either girl could reach the crystal, Cynthia's voice stopped them.

"Hold on."

Memory froze. She slowly turned around.

"...Huh?"

Cynthia crossed her arms.

"We're not leaving just yet."

Memory blinked.

"Why?"

"I need to collect a few things from the workshop first."

Cynthia gestured toward the crafting room.

"Ropes, climbing tools, some cold-resistant supplies, and a few other items. If we're going to explore a dungeon, we should be prepared."

Memory looked toward the crystal, then back at Cynthia.

"...Oh."

Akari let out a small sigh.

"She's right. We shouldn't rush."

Memory puffed out her cheeks.

"Fine..."

Cynthia smiled.

"It won't take long."

She returned to the workshop while Akari and Memory waited near the main hall. Suo remained beside them, quietly checking the straps on her equipment and making sure her exploration tools were properly secured.

Memory glanced toward her.

"So, Suo..."

Suo looked up.

"Yes?"

"Have you explored Dragon's Peak before?"

Suo shook her head.

"Not extensively. I've studied some of the routes, but I haven't mapped the deeper sections."

Akari smiled.

"Then this will be a good chance."

Suo nodded.

"That's what I was thinking. If we find anything unusual, I'll make sure to record it."

Memory leaned toward Akari and whispered excitedly.

"See? Having an Explorer Scout is really useful!"

Akari nodded.

"Yeah. We won't get lost as easily."

Suo gave a small, embarrassed smile.

"I'll do my best."

A few minutes later, Cynthia returned from the workshop carrying a large expedition pack. Several tools were attached to its sides, and a rolled map was tucked securely beneath one of the straps. She had also gathered the supplies they would need for the cold mountain environment.

"Alright. I have everything."

Memory immediately brightened.

"Finally!"

Cynthia laughed.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

She adjusted the pack on her shoulders before looking toward the guild crystal.

"Let's go."

The four of them walked toward the large crystal standing near the center of the headquarters. Its surface glowed with a steady blue light, and faint runes moved slowly beneath its translucent exterior.

The crystal served as Crowned Era's primary transportation point, allowing members to travel to locations where the guild had established access.

Akari stepped forward first.

"Dragon's Peak, right?"

Cynthia nodded.

"Near the village beside the Snowy Mountains."

Suo adjusted her equipment one last time.

"Understood."

Memory bounced excitedly on her heels.

"Let's go!"

Akari placed her hand against the crystal. A soft blue glow spread across its surface, and the system responded almost immediately.

[Destination Selected: Dragon's Peak]

[Teleportation Initiated.]

Light enveloped the four girls.

Their surroundings dissolved into countless particles as the familiar sensation of teleportation carried them away from Crowned Era's headquarters.

A moment later, their feet touched solid ground.

The first thing they noticed was the cold.

A sharp mountain breeze swept across the area, carrying tiny snowflakes that brushed against their faces. The four appeared near a small village nestled beside the Snowy Mountains. Wooden houses stood along narrow paths, their rooftops covered with thin layers of snow. Smoke drifted lazily from several chimneys, while villagers moved between buildings carrying supplies and bundles of firewood.

Beyond the village, enormous white mountains stretched toward the sky.

Their peaks disappeared behind thick clouds, and the slopes were covered in seemingly endless fields of snow. Jagged rock formations emerged from the white landscape, creating narrow passages and steep ridges that wound their way toward the higher elevations.

It was a beautiful sight, but there was something imposing about the mountains as well. Their immense size made the village seem almost insignificant by comparison.

Dragon's Peak.

Akari looked toward the mountains, taking in the familiar scenery.

Memory followed her gaze.

"...We're back!"

Bubbles bounced happily.

"Pyu!"

Cynthia adjusted the straps of her expedition pack before examining their surroundings. Unlike Memory, who was already looking toward the snowy slopes with excitement, Cynthia seemed more focused on remembering the route from their previous visit.

Suo had also begun observing the terrain. Her gaze moved between the village, the mountain paths, and the surrounding rock formations as she quietly noted their positions.

After a moment, she looked toward the mountains.

"The higher sections are going to be difficult to map from here," she remarked. "We'll need to record the landmarks as we climb."

Cynthia nodded.

"That's why I wanted you to come along. We should avoid wandering around without a clear route."

Akari looked between them.

"Then where should we start?"

Cynthia turned toward the mountain.

"First, we'll follow the route I remember from our previous expedition. The entrance should be somewhere around the middle section, although the snow might have covered more of it since we last visited."

Memory's eyes sparkled.

"So we're really going to find a dungeon?"

"That's the plan," Cynthia replied.

Memory clenched her fists excitedly.

"I can't wait!"

Akari smiled, but her attention remained fixed on the distant slopes. She had explored Dragon's Peak before, yet the thought of discovering an entirely new dungeon made the mountain feel different this time.

They weren't simply returning to a familiar hunting ground. They were heading toward a place none of them had properly explored.

And with Suo joining them, they would have someone capable of recording every path, landmark, and unusual discovery along the way.

The four began preparing to leave the village.

Cynthia checked the supplies in her pack, Akari made sure her equipment was ready, and Memory gave Bubbles one final encouraging pat. Suo, meanwhile, studied the mountain's outline and began considering which route would provide the safest approach.

Their destination was somewhere beyond the snowy slopes.

A dungeon entrance partially concealed by snow and rock, discovered during Cynthia's previous expedition but never explored.

None of them knew what waited inside. It might have been an ordinary dungeon, a forgotten ruin, or something far more unusual. But if it had remained hidden among the mountains for so long, there was a chance that its secrets had yet to be discovered by other players.

Cynthia looked toward the distant mountain path.

"Let's make sure we're properly prepared before we head up. Once we reach the entrance, we don't know what we'll find."

Akari nodded.

"Understood."

Suo tightened the straps of her equipment.

"I'll keep track of our route."

Memory raised a fist.

"Then let's go!"

Bubbles bounced beside her.

"Pyu!"

With their preparations complete, the four set off toward the Snowy Mountains.

The village gradually disappeared behind them as they approached the rising slopes. Before long, the sounds of daily life faded beneath the wind, replaced by the crunch of snow beneath their feet.

Somewhere ahead, hidden beneath layers of snow and ancient stone, waited the dungeon Cynthia had discovered.

And this time, they intended to find out what was inside.