Rain’s eyes wandered around the cave.
Suddenly, she noticed several neatly folded sets of clothes placed in one corner.
She looked at Ankit in surprise.
“Did…
the old wizard leave these clothes behind too?” Ankit nodded.
“That’s right.” He walked over and examined them carefully.
“Unfortunately, there’s only one set that fits each of us.
The rest are much too large.” Rain smiled.
“That’s alright.
We can use the clothes that fit us for now.
As for the larger ones…
they might be useful later.” Ankit nodded in agreement.
“You’re right.” Then a smile appeared on his face.
“Come on.
There’s something else I want to show you.” Curious, Rain followed him to the entrance of the cave.
Ankit pointed toward the distance.
“Look over there.” Rain followed the direction of his finger.
A crystal-clear waterfall flowed down the side of the White Mountain, sparkling under the orange light of the setting sun.
Her eyes widened.
“It’s…
so beautiful.” “I couldn’t even see it from the ground.” Ankit smiled.
“That’s because it’s hidden around the side of the mountain.” “From down there, it’s almost impossible to notice.” “But from here…” He looked toward the horizon.
“…we can see everything.” The golden sunlight painted the mountains, forests, and waterfall in breathtaking colors as the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
They simply admired the peaceful scenery.
However, as darkness gradually covered the land, the mountain air became colder and colder.
Rain wrapped her arms around herself and began shivering.
Ankit immediately noticed.
“Rain.” “Hm?” “Help me pull the rope ladder up.” Together, they slowly pulled the heavy ladder into the cave so that no wild beast—or anyone else—could climb up during the night.
By the time they finished, Rain was breathing heavily, sweat covering her forehead despite the cold weather.
Ankit gathered the bundles of thin, dry branches they had collected earlier.
“Now it’s time to make a fire.” Rain tilted her head.
“But…
how?” “Watch carefully.” Ankit picked up two hard stones and repeatedly struck them against each other.
Clang!
Clang!
Tiny sparks flew onto the dry grass beneath the branches.
Moments later…
A small flame appeared.
The fire gradually grew larger, filling the cave with warmth.
Rain smiled in relief as the freezing air slowly disappeared.
The long day of fear, exhaustion, and hard work had finally come to an end.
Unable to fight her exhaustion any longer, Rain quietly leaned against the cave wall and drifted into a deep sleep.
Ankit looked at the sleeping girl before turning his gaze toward the fire.
That banyan tree really saved us today, he thought with a smile.
You might be wondering how a banyan tree exists in a fantasy world.
The truth is, this world has many plants that also existed in my previous world.
Even their names are exactly the same.
As for why…
I have no idea.
He looked toward the old book the Creator had left behind.
Tomorrow…
I’ll finally start reading that book.
With that thought, Ankit crossed his legs, closed his eyes, and quietly entered meditation as the first night on the White Mountain passed in silence.
The entire capital was wrapped in the silence of the night.
Not a single sound could be heard.
Even the royal palace, which was bustling during the day, had fallen into complete stillness.
Inside his private chamber, King Alvert slept peacefully.
Suddenly…
A brilliant white light filled the room.
The sleeping king frowned.
Then, something impossible happened.
His soul slowly separated from his body.
King Alvert looked down in shock.
“W-What…?” “My body…
is still lying there…” “Then…
what am I?” A calm voice echoed throughout the glowing room.
“Be at peace, King.” Startled, Alvert turned around.
Standing a short distance away was a man dressed in pure white robes.
His appearance was flawless, and a gentle divine radiance surrounded his entire body.
The moment Alvert saw him, his eyes widened.
Without hesitation, he knelt and lowered his head.
“Please accept my deepest greetings, my Lord.” “I am Alvert, King of the Sun Kingdom.” The man smiled faintly.
“It doesn’t suit a king to bow before me.” “You may stand.” Alvert respectfully shook his head.
“Before you…
I am nothing.” The man simply smiled.
“If that is your wish.” His expression gradually became serious.
“I have come to give you a warning.” Alvert’s heart tightened.
“A warning…?” “Yes.” The divine figure looked into the distance.
“The seal is beginning to break.” “Its power is growing stronger.” “And before long…” “It will be free.” The king’s face instantly turned pale.
“…What?” The divine being continued.
“This time…
I cannot descend to fight it myself.” Those words struck Alvert like lightning.
His hands trembled.
“If…
if even you cannot interfere…” “What hope does this world have?” The man remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
“There is one more thing.” “Your granddaughter is safe.” “In another ten to twelve years…” “She will return to your side.” The king’s eyes widened with relief.
“My granddaughter…
she’s alive?” He desperately wanted to ask countless questions.
Where was she?
Who had saved her?
Why couldn’t God help this time?
But before a single word could leave his mouth…
The divine light vanished.
The mysterious man disappeared without a trace.
At that exact moment— King Alvert suddenly sat upright in his bed.
“Hah…!” He gasped for air.
His soul had already returned to his body.
Cold sweat covered his forehead.
“The seal…
is breaking…” He clenched his fists tightly.
“No…” “If it truly escapes…” “There isn’t a single person in this world capable of stopping it.” His expression darkened.
“The last time…” “God Himself descended and sealed that monster.” “If it awakens now…” “It will surely seek revenge.” Alvert buried his face in his hands.
“What am I supposed to do…?” “For the first time in my life…” “I truly cannot see any hope.” After a long silence, he slowly raised his head.
“At first light…” “I’ll summon an emergency council with all the kingdoms.” Then, a faint smile appeared on his exhausted face.
“At least…” “My precious granddaughter is still alive.” “I was so worried about her.” “That child has always been frail…
and painfully shy.” As long as she was alive…
There was still something worth protecting.
Outside the palace, the first rays of dawn slowly began to rise, while King Alvert silently prepared for the greatest crisis the world had faced in centuries.