Ats and Kurogasa sprihrough the hills, weaving effortlessly between the derees that fhe narrow path. Their movements were swift and precise as they leapt over rocks, roots, and uerrain, steadily making their the mountain’s ine.

  Kurogasa occasionally slowed his pace, giving Ats a moment to catch up. But it was evident that Ats had grown faster and more nimble. Even as they asded the steep path, his stride remaieady, and his steps barely disturbed the grouh him.

  His training aying off.

  Not that they couldn’t have taken the Floating Throo reach the summit—but every opportunity to train had to be seized. For Ats, improving his physical capabilities was just as important as any battle strategy.

  As they climbed higher, the wind grew fiercer. The trees swayed violently, and the sound of the howling wind echoed through the forest, creating eerie whistles between the branches.

  Soon, the derees thinned out, giving way to a stretch of low, dry grass. Ats pressed his feet firmly into the ground as they reached this open area.

  The wind hit him with full force.

  The sheer strength of the gusts made it difficult to keep his bance, and for a moment, he nearly stumbled to the side. Gritting his teeth, Ats adjusted his footing and pnted himself more firmly to resist the relentless wind.

  Even before they reached the summit, it was clear—this mountain’s peak would be a true test of endurance against nature itself.

  Kurogasa moved effortlessly through the harsh wind. Despite the gusts whipping fiercely around them, the only things that seemed tle against the wind were his outfit and the ons strapped to his waist, which fpped wildly with each burst of air.

  Ats, oher hand, had to brace himself. He pulled out his Wavebreaker Spear, pnting it firmly into the ground to keep his footing. Each step was slow and deliberate, his body leaning against the brutal gusts that ged dire uably.

  “My Lord… this pce is perfect for your quest,” Kurogasa said. His voice was nearly drowned out by the r wind, making it difficult for Ats to catch every word.

  Ats grinned despite the difficulty, sing the area from oo the other. His gaze followed the jagged trail ahead—long, winding, and treacherous. He swallowed hard, knowing the path ahead would test both his endurand focus.

  Then, his eyes lifted toward the sky, where several rge bird-like monsters circled high above, riding the currents with ease.

  It took him a moment tister what he was seeing. Flying monsters.

  Had he seen flying monsters before? Yes. But this was different. This time, there was a real ce they’d attack him mid-run.

  For the first time, he felt the tension rise. He wasn’t just running against the wind—he might have to fend off predators from the skies.

  After quite a struggle, they finally reached their destination—a long mountain ridge stretg across several peaks, f a rugged, wi expanse.

  Ats leaned forward slightly, every muscle in his body tense as he fought to stay upright against the relentless wind. The gusts howled through the rocky terrain, tearing at his clothes and sapping his strength. Even standing still felt like an exhausting task, as if the very air itself was trying to push him back down the mountain.

  “My Lord… let’s go,” Kurogasa said, bowing slightly before stepping aside.

  Ats took a deep breath, fog on the elemental particles swirling in the air. He drew them toward him, ing his body in a thin barrier to lighten the burden. For a moment, the pressure lessened, but the wind’s sheer force still pressed heavily against him.

  Gritting his teeth, he gathered every ounce of strength he had.

  Step!

  Safe.

  Aep!

  A sudden bst of wind surged through the ridge, like a hammer of air crashing against him. It hit with such force that he staggered, his boots scraping across the rocky ground.

  Ats grunted, driving his spear into the earth to stop himself from being hurled backward. His arms strained, and the wind howled louder, as if trying to rip him from his position.

  Kurogasa simply bowed his head slightly, his struggle without a word.

  “This is fun!” Ats said with a grin.

  And so he tinued, step by step, f his body fainst the fierce gusts. Kurogasa remained close, walking alongside him without showing any signs of strain.

  Time passed. It was impossible to tell how long he had been at it, but eventually, his steps became more stable. His footing improved, and he no longer had to pnt his spear into the ground with every gust.

  At one point, Kurogasa veered off to the side, putting some distaween himself and Ats.

  At this height, if Ats were to be swept off the cliff by the wind, even Kurogasa wouldn’t be able to save him.

  But the real challenge wasn’t about simply walking through the wind. Ats o ruraot stumble through it like someone injured and desperate to hold their ground.

  "I look like a fool," he muttered. "No… I’m going to run this. No excuses."

  After some time had passed, Ats finally gathered the ce to move without relying on his spear for bance. Instead, he spun the Wavebreaker Spear in his hand, using its motion to stabilize himself.

  Step by step, he pushed forward, moving with greater fidence.

  At first, he kept his pace slow and steady, testing his limits against the relentless wind. But each time he made progress, he forced himself to push harder.

  Run…

  Slow at first…

  Keep going…

  Each step felt more natural, more trolled.

  His strides grew faster, his footing more secure. He focused on the rhythm of his movements, his breathing steady, his body leaning forward just enough to cut through the gusts. The wind was fierce, but he kept pushing.

  Run.

  Faster.

  Just whearted to feel a rush of pride—thinking he had finally made real progress—Ats gnced over toward Kurogasa.

  The Ninja Rat stood far off to the side, arms folded, watg him with a calm expression.

  Ats’s fidence wavered as he realized the truth. He’d barely made it a short distance.

  He ched his jaw and gripped his spear tighter.

  No. I’m not stopping. I’ll get there.

  A loud, pierg screech echoed through the air, snapping Ats out of his focus.

  What’s that?!

  His head snapped upward, sing the sky. Something massive was cirg above, flying low and steadily closing in on his position.

  A monster!

  It was a bird-like creature. Its enormous wings spread wide. Its feathers were sharp and jagged, resembling bdes. And its hooked beak—lined with rows of jagged teeth—looked like it could tear through steel.

  There was no doubt. The creature had spotted him.

  Ats gritted his teeth, gripping the Wavebreaker Spear tightly. The bird monster circled him.

  Then, without warning, the creature dove toward him from behind at terrifying speed.

  Ats spun his spear with precision, shifting his stao ground himself. His feet pressed firmly into the rocky soil as he braced for impact.

  At the st sed, he twisted sharply, narrowly dodging the monster’s razor-sharp talons as they tore through the air where he had stood moments before.

  Though he evaded the strike, the sheer force of the wind and the creature's momentum sent him hurtling sideways.

  Ats crashed into the ground, skidding across the dirt in a cloud of dust and debris. Gritting his teeth, he jammed his spear into the earth to halt his momentum, f himself upright once more. His breathing was heavy, but his grip remained firm.

  Ats’s lips curled into a grin.

  "Damn it… but this is going to be fun."

  He spun his spear, smming it into the ground for bance.

  "e to me!"

  [Rare - Bdewing Ravager Lv. 75]