"Mount Everest, here we come!"
Haruno clenched her fists, raised her hands above her head, and shouted happily.
Stepping off the plane, the world's tallest mountain clearly appeared before them.
Natsuki exhaled lightly and followed, shouting:
"Mount Everest, we're here!"
"..."
A week had passed since the Angel Falls challenge.
Among the Ozaki Eight, unassisted free climbing Angel Falls and the leap of faith from a thousand-meter high waterfall were the two most dangerous challenges, truly a matter of life and death.
Natsuki and Yukino had completed the two most difficult challenges in advance, so the subsequent challenges were naturally much easier.
Amazon jungle rafting and North American mountain bike downhill, both were easily passed by the two. Although there were thrills and dangers during these, no accidents occurred.
So a week later, the group arrived at the final stage of the Ozaki Eight:
Mount Everest wingsuit flying.
"Is this the world's tallest mountain?"
Yukino raised her hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, straining to lift her pretty face and gaze towards the highest point, but unfortunately, she could only see the snowy peak disappearing into the clouds, like a dragon's head without its tail.
In comparison, Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, was like a younger brother among brothers compared to the Mount Everest before them.
Natsuki walked to Yukino's side and whispered:
"That's right, our final goal is to conquer this world's tallest mountain."
Being the 'world's first' holds special significance, and the world's tallest mountain is no exception.
For example, most people only know the world's tallest mountain but don't know the name or location of the world's second highest peak. For Earthlings, Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, holds special significance in the hearts of all humanity.
Perhaps most people in the world are constrained by ordinary life and will never be able to personally climb Mount Everest in their lifetime, but that doesn't prevent everyone from imagining themselves battling wind and snow, holding ice axes, and finally successfully reaching the summit.
Sayu asked curiously:
"Assistant, I heard that climbing Mount Everest requires a lot of paperwork?"
"That's right," the assistant nodded gently. "For example, you must hire a Sherpa guide, and for every thousand meters of altitude gain, you need to undergo acclimatization training, and so on."
In simple terms, climbing Mount Everest is not something you can do by landing today and summiting tomorrow. From the initial acclimatization training to various paperwork and then the actual climb, it usually takes half a year.
In addition, guide fees, equipment fees, oxygen fees, equipment costs, etc., all expenses combined start at a minimum of 500,000.
In short, if you're an ordinary person without money or free time, don't even think about climbing Mount Everest.
Sayu asked curiously:
"How much more time will it take?"
"Please rest assured, all procedures have been completed, and custom-made equipment has already been delivered," another assistant smiled. "If you wish to complete the challenge, you can climb today, but to be safe, we still recommend that you undergo acclimatization training first to avoid any accidents."
To the assistant's reply, Natsuki could only sigh:
"This damned privilege... it's so enjoyable."
Rules are man-made, and since they are man-made, they can naturally be bent.
Ordinary people coming to Mount Everest must follow the rules, but the Strange Tales Management Bureau is an official organization, so they don't have to abide by most of the rules.
"That's good," Yukino nodded gently and said softly, "We rested on the plane, so we don't need to rest further now. Let's challenge Mount Everest directly."
Natsuki nodded:
"I have no objections."
Haruno also raised her right hand and smiled:
"I can too."
"..."
The group took a bus to the Mount Everest Base Camp.
The reception staff were already waiting at the entrance of the base camp. Upon seeing Natsuki and the others, they immediately bowed and then led the group into a hotel.
"These are custom-made climbing equipment for you. Please try them on."
The biggest difficulties in climbing Mount Everest are cold and lack of oxygen.
Oxygen aside, Natsuki felt he would be fine. As for the cold, specialized climbing suits were essential; otherwise, even a player couldn't withstand temperatures of tens of degrees below zero.
"Everyone, go change first," Natsuki said, "We'll meet at the hotel entrance later."
"Received."
"..."
Each person entered their room and began changing into their protective climbing suits.
Twenty minutes later.
The four gathered at the hotel entrance.
Wearing the thick protective suits, everyone looked like a charmingly clumsy penguin.
"Well, shall we take a group photo?" Haruno took out her phone, excitedly saying, "Since we're here, and it's for climbing Mount Everest, it would be a huge shame not to take a photo as a souvenir."
"Uh-huh," Sayu nodded in agreement, "Haruno-nee makes sense."
Natsuki followed:
"I think it makes a lot of sense too."
After speaking, the three looked at Yukino in unison.
Yukino sighed helplessly: "Can I refuse?"
Natsuki smiled:
"Yukino has the right to refuse, and we have the right not to accept."
Yukino gave him a glare, then stepped over to the three and began to cooperate with the photo session.
Click!
The photo was taken.
After taking quite a few photos, Natsuki finally put away his phone contentedly and waved:
"Let's go!"
"..."
The Mount Everest challenge officially began.
The two assistants, being ordinary people, immediately experienced symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing upon arriving at the base camp at an altitude of about 5,000 meters. So, they were directly left to rest at the hotel; one couldn't force them to be as dedicated as Bear Grylls' cameraman.
As for Haruno and Sayu, relying on their status as players and superior physical condition, even without a mission, they intended to personally challenge Mount Everest. If they really couldn't endure, it wouldn't be too late to give up.
"Wow, so many people!"
Stepping out of the hotel and officially onto the climbing route, Sayu's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but exclaim softly.
Natsuki nodded:
"There are quite a few indeed."
As far as the eye could see, the first supply point could even be described as overflowing with people, men, women, old and young, of all races, all gathered together.
Haruno extended a finger and said softly:
"I remember last year, I saw in the news that at around 8,700 meters on Mount Everest, there was a traffic jam due to ascending and descending teams crossing paths. It felt like climbing Mount Everest had become as casual as riding a roller coaster at an amusement park."
"That's an illusion; climbing Mount Everest is not as easy as riding a roller coaster."
Yukino had already tied up her hair and hidden it in her windproof hood, her face adorned with snow goggles. Her climbing suit was white, seemingly blending with the snow, yet it didn't look bulky; instead, it appeared adorably clumsy, making one worry if she might tumble down the mountain.
"Every year, a large number of challengers from all over the world come to climb Mount Everest. Humanity first attempted to challenge Mount Everest in the 1920s, but a hundred years later, today, only about six thousand people have successfully summitted Mount Everest."
"Most of the people in the camp will eventually choose to give up and fail to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest."
"..."
Only players could climb Mount Everest and chat without getting red-faced or out of breath. If it were an ordinary climbing team, silence would be the most common situation, because when people are deprived of oxygen, they become exhausted, their heads feel heavy, and they simply don't have the energy to speak.
"I can't do it, my head feels so stuffy and uncomfortable, and I feel a bit out of breath..."
When they reached an altitude of 6,000 meters, Haruno began to show symptoms of oxygen deprivation.
She was just a novice player, and her physical quality hadn't been strengthened much. Her ability to climb this far was due to her good foundation from regular exercise.
If those who usually sit or lie around and can't even run a thousand-meter physical test tried to climb Mount Everest, they would be out of breath and collapse after just two steps.
Natsuki extended his right hand and said:
"Haruno-nee, I'll pull you. When we reach the camp ahead, we'll buy a can of oxygen."
Haruno leaned in, hugged Natsuki's arm, and said pitifully:
"But I also want to reach the summit without oxygen, just like you guys."
"You can't do it, don't even think about it," Natsuki retorted. "Haruno-nee, go to bed. You can have anything in your dreams."
"Natsuki-kun, you're so mean! Be careful, I'll tell Yukino that you taken advantage of me."
You're a university student, and you're complaining to your high school sister? How can you be so shameless!
Yukino couldn't bear to listen, so she silently quickened her pace and walked forward.
Upon reaching the resting place at an altitude of 6,000 meters, Haruno bought a can of oxygen, took a deep breath, and narrowed her eyes, saying, "Phew... I'm alive! It feels so good."
Haruno turned her head and asked, "Natsuki-kun, Yukino, and Sayu-chan, do you want to try it? It's super comfortable."
"No need," Yukino refused decisively, crossing her arms. "My breathing is very normal right now."
Natsuki said from the side, "A true man should summit without oxygen."
Sayu didn't care so much: "I want to take a breath... It really feels good! I'll buy it!"
Generally speaking, people climbing Mount Everest are divided into two camps: one group uses oxygen, and the other group refuses to use oxygen, wanting to climb the peak entirely on their own. There is actually no superiority between the two. Those who, for the sake of face, refuse to use oxygen and end up losing their lives are the real fools.
Natsuki's refusal to use oxygen was certainly not for the sake of face, but because he genuinely didn't need it.
Although he had reached an altitude of 6,000 meters, he didn't feel any difficulty breathing at all, didn't need any oxygen supply, and didn't even feel much cold. Instead, he wanted to take off his climbing suit because he was sweating.
Of course, actually taking off his protective climbing suit would be too shocking, so he had to keep it on.
The climb continued.
By the time they reached an altitude of 7,000 meters, Sayu also began to experience symptoms of hypoxia and difficulty breathing, forcing her to use the oxygen tank she had purchased earlier.
As for Haruno, she was already panting heavily and clearly running out of stamina.
"I can't do it anymore. It seems my Mount Everest climbing journey can only go this far," Haruno picked up the oxygen tank and took another deep breath. "...I'm sorry, I can't accompany you all to the end."
"Then, sister, stop and rest at the resting place ahead," Yukino said speechlessly. "Don't talk in such a strange tone."
"Wahh..." Haruno turned her head to complain, "Natsuki-kun, Yukino is being mean to me."
Natsuki said seriously, "Once we complete the challenge, I'll help you teach Yukino a lesson."
"Hmph."
Yukino crossed her arms and let out a soft snort.
Chatting all the way, the group finally arrived at the resting place at 7,000 meters.
They had expected few people at the resting place, but upon entering, they found dozens of people.
"Sayu, do you want to keep climbing?"
Natsuki helped Haruno sit down, then turned to Sayu and asked softly.
"No, I'm not climbing anymore," Sayu shook her head. "I also feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and discomfort all over. If I continue to climb, I'll definitely drag down Natsuki and Yukino-chan. I'll stay here with Haruno-nee."
Natsuki said softly, "Are you sure?"
"Mhm, I've decided," Sayu nodded. "And I have the Possession Skill, so I can accompany Natsuki to the summit in another way."
Haruno was inhaling oxygen. Hearing Sayu's words, she perked up and raised her right hand, saying, "Natsuki-kun, I want to attach the 'Possession' skill too."
"..."
Yukino's lips twitched slightly, and she couldn't help but glance at Haruno.
Sayu wants to attach the Possession Skill because she genuinely wants to accompany you, but you, sister, want to attach the skill with ulterior motives, don't you!
In these past few days, Yukino hadn't given up on secretly observing and found that Haruno went to the bathroom almost every two nights, staying for at least an hour.
No matter how you looked at it, it was too frequent!
Yukino initially thought that being too frequent would harm her body, and she even secretly searched online.
As a result, she found that many people actually said they rewarded themselves once a day and simply couldn't resist.
No way?
Could there really be people with such poor willpower?
"No problem," Natsuki nodded in agreement, saying casually, "Let's rest for a bit, and I'll attach them to you before we leave."
Yukino moved her lips, but in the end, she silently sighed in her heart and chose to give up on dissuading her.
Sister didn't encounter a telecom scam; she was just rewarding herself, and she was already an adult. She shouldn't interfere too much with her sister's life... as long as there was no harm.
After warming up by the fire, eating to replenish energy, drinking water to rehydrate, and attaching the Possession Skill to Haruno and Sayu, Natsuki was finally ready. He and Yukino left the resting place and continued towards the summit.
"Phew..."
Natsuki exhaled a murky breath, then took a light breath. The icy cold air at the 7,000-meter peak immediately filled his lungs, invigorating him.
"It's snowing."
Yukino extended her right hand, catching a sparkling snowflake. The perfectly hexagonal, crystal-clear snowflake looked exceptionally delicate under the lights.
At this point, the sky had gradually darkened, and tiny snowflakes were falling from the sky. The climbing conditions were becoming harsher, but many people were still on their way forward—
In a place like Mount Everest, occasional snowfall is completely normal. If you give up every time it snows, you might as well go home and wash garlic.
Natsuki looked up at the hazy sky and sighed, "It's a pity there are no stars; I can't watch the stars with Yukino at the summit of Mount Everest."
Yukino pulled down her snow goggles to protect her eyes and said, "You can look at the stars anytime. It's time to go."
Natsuki stepped forward and followed, saying, "That's not the same. The stars in Tokyo are completely different from the stars at the summit of Mount Everest."
Yukino calmly retorted, "However, the fact is, the stars are still those stars. There won't be more or fewer, and there's no change."
"..."
The two talked as they climbed, their feet crunching on the snow.
As for a guide... they didn't need one at all.
The purpose of climbing Mount Everest was to complete an extreme challenge, not to challenge themselves, so the two chose the most popular and safest climbing route—
Looking up ahead, they could see four or five climbers walking together a hundred meters away. In short, they could just follow others.
There was no conversation along the way.
After an hour, Natsuki and Yukino successfully reached an altitude of 8,000 meters. This was due to their unwillingness to stand out; otherwise, Natsuki could have even run straight up.
"Let's rest for a bit," Natsuki stopped. "Any higher, and it's the final death altitude."
Mount Everest is over 8,000 meters tall, but people who come to climb it don't start from the base of the mountain. Instead, they take a car directly to Mount Everest Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 5,000 meters, and then begin their challenge.
In fact, most people who attempt to climb Mount Everest can reach the 8,000-meter mark, but the subsequent few hundred meters are where the most people give up.
Hypoxia, dizziness, cold, strong winds, and completely frozen ice underfoot... In such extremely harsh conditions, many people, as they walk, will experience symptoms like blacking out and temporary deafness.
For the sake of their lives, most climbers, after experiencing discomfort, wisely choose to give up.
As for those who feel it's too much of a pity and insist on trying... their end is usually to try and then pass away.
"Phew..."
Yukino took off her goggles and took a deep breath.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Natsuki gently patted Yukino's back. "Do you want a breath of oxygen?"
To be safe, Natsuki had specifically brought two cans of oxygen for emergencies.
"Not yet," Yukino shook her head, clutching her chest. "I'm a little short of breath and chest tight, but I can still hold on... How about you?"
Natsuki smiled at her words and said softly, "Is Yukino worried about me?"
Yukino's pretty face hardened, and she said expressionlessly, "You're overthinking it. I just don't want you to push yourself for the sake of appearances and end up dragging me down."
Natsuki sighed and said, "I never thought that Yukino, who is always so straightforward, would start saying one thing and meaning another."
Yukino: "..."
My fists are clenching! My fists are clenching!
I shouldn't have worried about him just now!
"I'm currently having difficulty breathing, my heart is racing, my lower back and knees are weak, and my spleen is deficient and powerless. I'm completely pushing myself for the sake of appearances," Natsuki said, clutching his chest and feigning weakness. "Only Yukino's kisses can help replenish my energy."
Just then, a man and a woman, who appeared to be a couple, passed by. Hearing Natsuki's words, they both cast strange glances.
Being able to say so many words in one breath, and with such strong voice, how could he be pushing himself?
People who are truly uncomfortable can only pant continuously and can't say a single word!
Facing the strange looks from the two passing climbers, Natsuki showed no shame. Instead, he smiled and introduced, "This is my girlfriend."
"You..."
Yukino bit her silver teeth and glared at him with disdain.
Unfortunately, her disdainful gaze was completely ineffective. Natsuki smiled and continued, "I plan to propose to her on the summit and get married right after high school graduation."
Yukino finally couldn't bear it anymore. A flush spread across her pretty face, and she said in annoyance, "Shut up!"
The climbing couple was also resting and couldn't help but laugh at her words, giving a thumbs-up and praising, "Let Mount Everest witness your love. This is true romance."
The female climber was even more excited, saying, "Let's climb together, everyone! I'm a BBC contracted photographer. When you propose on the summit of Mount Everest, I'll take pictures so the whole world can witness your love."
Yukino's pretty face flushed, and she flatly refused, "...No way!"
They weren't even dating, and there wouldn't be any proposal! It was already bad enough to be socially dead on campus; she definitely didn't want to be socially dead in front of the whole world!
Natsuki spread his hands helplessly and said, "I can't help it, my girlfriend is thin-skinned..."
Thud!
Before he could finish speaking, an elbow strike came his way.
Unbearable, no need to endure further.
Yukino decided to use actions to shut him up.
"I'm sorry, I was wrong," Natsuki immediately admitted his mistake. "Please forgive me."
Yukino turned her pretty face away, no longer paying attention to him, and instead began chatting in English with the two climbers in front of her.
These two climbers were indeed a couple, both avid climbers, and it wasn't their first time climbing. Last time, due to insufficient oxygen, they chose to give up 200 meters from the summit. This time, they were fully prepared and challenging Mount Everest again.
After a brief chat, the two parties separated, and Natsuki and Yukino continued their Mount Everest challenge.
After exceeding 8,000 meters, most people chose to remain silent to conserve energy, even resting for a while after just a few steps.
Natsuki, however, felt no pressure. Aside from a slight tightness in his chest, he experienced no other discomfort. He even had the presence of mind to tease Yukino:
"What would happen if I ran to the summit in one go right now?"
Yukino couldn't help but roll her eyes and say:
"If you really ran to the summit in one go, you'd definitely be on the front page of newspapers worldwide tomorrow, instantly becoming a global idol."
"Then I'll pass on that," Natsuki shook his head and said, "But if it were news of me proposing to Yukino on the global front page, that would be fine."
...You shut up.
With breathing slightly difficult now, Yukino didn't even have the thought to retort sharply.
Because it was useless.
Garbage-kun was shameless and thick-skinned; even if she spoke, he wouldn't change.
Stepping on the already frozen ice, they climbed another few dozen meters. Natsuki stopped and said in a deep voice:
"The wind and snow seem to be getting stronger."
"Indeed," Yukino gasped for breath, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, "The wind and snow are definitely increasing."
Natsuki turned and looked back, only to see a vast, dim expanse where the sky met the earth, nothing clearly visible. He exhaled and said:
"I hope it's just wind and snow, and we don't encounter any other terrible situations."
During the ascent of Mount Everest, various bad weather conditions can be encountered. The worst situation is an avalanche. Once an avalanche occurs, no one can survive. Of course, the probability of an avalanche is very low, it's considered an accident.
Blizzards are the most common bad situation.
Above 8,000 meters, the temperature has already dropped to minus twenty or thirty degrees Celsius. In such conditions, even with excellent protective clothing, the biting cold is still unavoidable.
A moment later.
The wind and snow grew stronger, howling and lashing down, with snowflakes swirling everywhere, obscuring visibility. It was no longer possible to see the path ahead.
"My unfortunate premonition has come true," Natsuki reluctantly stopped, reached out and took Yukino's hand, and shouted, "Let's find a place to take shelter for a while."
Scanning around, Natsuki quickly found a protruding rock, then pulled Yukino and jogged over to it.
At an altitude of 8,000 meters, snowflakes freeze into ice as soon as they land. It's impossible to dig a snow cave with bare hands, and setting up a tent is equally pointless in such conditions. So, upon reaching the rock, Natsuki sat down first, pulled Yukino into his arms, and then took out a cloak, covering them both.
The fierce wind howled.
Snowflakes danced.
The world was a vast expanse.
Natsuki and Yukino quietly embraced amidst the swirling wind and snow.
"So cold," feeling the girl's shivering body in his arms, Natsuki whispered, "How about you turn into a leg attachment, and I'll let you out after the blizzard ends?"
"No," Yukino took a deep breath, gently shaking her head, "Even if I turn into an attachment, after the blizzard ends, I'll still have to put on clothes from head to toe, which would be even colder... We've already reached the final stage; we have to persevere no matter what."
Natsuki said:
"Are your hands and feet very cold?"
Yukino: "...They don't hurt."
Natsuki feigned confusion and said:
"That's strange, why do my hands and feet hurt so much from the cold?"
Neither of them was using oxygen. In a cold environment, the brain prioritizes blood supply to the heart and brain to maintain the temperature of the brain and vital organs. This is why many people have cold hands and feet in winter.
At this moment, their hands and feet were no longer just cold, but directly aching from the cold.
Under Yukino's puzzled gaze, Natsuki took off his gloves, extended his hand towards Yukino, and said:
"Want some help warming up?"
Yukino slightly furrowed her delicate brows: "Quickly put your gloves back on... Eh?"
When Natsuki took off her gloves and held her hands, Yukino couldn't help but exclaim in surprise:
"Your hands... how are they so warm?"
"I suddenly remembered a tool I'd forgotten about for a long time," Natsuki said with a smile, while helping Yukino warm up, and took out a badge, "It's this."
Yukino blinked her eyes and quickly recognized it:
"The Emblem of Life?"
At that time, the two were not yet familiar. Their second meeting was a chance encounter in the Blizzard Mountain Villa dungeon. Natsuki had used the power of the emblem to help other players warm up.
However, in the Blizzard Mountain Villa, they had only politely held hands. Times had changed, and now, even embracing each other, they felt no aversion.
At this moment, on the world's tallest mountain, formed fifty million years ago, two people embraced, hidden in a cloak. Outside was the boundless blizzard, as if the entire world was left with only the two of them.
Yukino could not describe her feelings at this moment; she only felt an extraordinary sense of tranquility and peace, even a subtle reluctance. If time could stop at this moment, it seemed quite amazing...