Buried under the thick layers of snow.
Under the mighty power of nature.
Not dead?
It’s quite reasonable not to be dead, and Terger was quite pleased with that.
But he thought at least there would be unconsciousness, the status wouldn’t be good.
But looking at this, lively and energetic.
But isn’t there supposed to be some injuries?
There has to be frostbite, right? Coming out like that, already frozen in that manner.
Yet nothing happened, just like before, no difference at all.
As if being buried under an avalanche didn’t affect them at all.
Is this still a living creature?
Or perhaps the appearance seen by the other party is an Elf, but actually some... special race living in the snow mountain areas.
Possessing extremely strong cold resistance or something.
The reality before him compelled Terger to consider this possibility.
But the time spent together before started to dispel his thoughts.
He was experienced, a knowledgeable scholar.
No doubt, Annabelle was an Elf, her behavior and tone didn’t differ much from that of an Elf.
At most, she could be considered a more amiable Elf, lacking the detestable arrogance.
The pride in the Elf’s bones, sometimes, cannot be hidden.
When dealing with the two outsiders, though not as arrogant as ordinary Elves, there was still some indifference.
Could it be some high-level Magic Equipment?
It shouldn’t be.
Terger felt a bit proud of his own vision, though not as strong as the few people in front of him, he could roughly gauge their strength level.
The equipment and weapons they had matched the social status of their strength and didn’t exceed it.
The only different thing was that, from their previous behavior, they seemed to possess some kind of psychic communication magic or item among each other.
Though rare, it wasn’t considered odd.
Couldn’t understand, couldn’t figure it out.
Faced with Karen’s gaze, Terger could only shake his head, indicating his confusion.
For the two people who lived in the snow mountain region for a long time, an avalanche, such a deadly crisis, was actually ignored so easily.
It was truly shocking.
But for the two of them, it should count as a good thing, as the stronger this team is, the more likely they would deeply understand the legendary city.
Moreover, this seemed like a secret that couldn’t be easily spoken about, so the two silently closed their mouths and did not rashly ask.
After taking a brief rest.
It was time to get down to business.
Annabelle looked ahead.
"It’s just ahead."
With that, she took the lead and led the crowd forward.
The group followed.
Grey Fang looked at the snow beneath his feet, feeling like he was stepping on a stone.
He scraped with his foot.
Below the snow was black rock.
Though worn, it was evident that it was a staircase.
Looking up, they were almost at the mountain top.
Turning slightly, they saw the exposed black stone steps beneath the snow.
"Why is there such a place?" Terger exclaimed in confusion and amazement.
In front was a winding staircase ascending, circling the edge of the mountain top upwards.
Seeing the looks the others were giving,
he explained, "I’ve been here before. After all, it’s the Holy City, and according to documents, it’s very likely at the mountain top of a snow mountain.
So during my exploration, most of the time was spent searching from the top of various snow mountains downwards."
Implying, he used to come to this snow mountain often, having explored here long ago but with little success.
With that, he immersed himself in thought.
Seemingly figuring something out.
He said, "This might be some kind of trial mechanism? Or due to other reasons.
When you arrived here, the defense mechanism of this legendary city was triggered.
The surrounding blizzard was a symbol of rejection, and the avalanche was a further repelling.
After all, if the avalanche had just collapsed downwards, retreating backwards would clearly be safer, while the collapsed snow would block our path."
Upon hearing this explanation, Raelia turned to the front left towards Annabelle and said, "So it wasn’t your shouting that caused it."
Annabelle gave her a glance and said nothing.
She, too, previously thought her shouting caused it.
Upon hearing this explanation, she couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
And Terger continued, "But it’s curious, isn’t it? If so resistant, why not just reject like they did to me, and those before?
In the beginning, many powerful individuals and known Mages sought the legendary city.
Undoubtedly, their strength is higher than yours or mine, but still shielded by hidden forces.
No clues were found."
"Why would the city reveal itself now?" asked Karen.
Terger shook his head, "I don’t know, nor am I certain. It showed itself yet rejected us, appearing in our path now.
Claiming refusal, it’s more like it wants us to enter."
This was something he couldn’t confirm.
Only shook his head, "Anyway, inside is definitely not safe."
Hearing this, Raelia smiled, "Don’t worry, we were prepared for a tough fight from the beginning of accepting this task and coming here."
Because Kana explicitly stated the dangers they might encounter inside, including mechanisms and likely locations of key items.
Even the enemies inside and maybe their weaknesses.
Perhaps regarding surroundings or beyond the target area, they were somewhat confused, but once inside.
Sorry about that.
Terger watched them so confident, nodding.
In any case, these people clearly knew their target, and indeed there were changes upon their arrival.
Clearly, they knew more, especially about the inside situation.
The group continued on.
This ascending staircase was surprisingly carved along the mountain’s original slope, becoming part of the mountain itself.
Winding upwards, they finally reached the peak.
And at the end of the staircase.
Unveiled in front of them was a vast, seemingly ice-block encased in fog.
From below, they couldn’t see when looking up.
The massive ice block stood there, as if the mountaintop itself.
And on this ice block, the magical seal was openly displayed.
Intricate patterns inscrutable, creeping over it, converging at the end of the staircase, before them.
It was a circular emblem.
Even now, it emitted a faint golden glow, warm as the sun.
This seal had apparent positive energy.
"As expected, this must be the legendary Holy City, I’ve seen this seal in literature."
Terger waved his hands excitedly.
The dream was right in front.