For now, the four of them set out toward the Mehan Mountains.
Liora and Ignisa were walking ahead through the rough forest trail,
while Lily and Snehwal walked together, feeling the eerie atmosphere created by the evening in the forest and the cries of the wild animals.
By around midnight, all four reached the Mehan Mountains.
Tired from the journey, they lit a fire on the hillside and sat around it,
warming their hands in the gentle heat.
Liora's face was sunk deep in sadness.
Then Lily touched her necklace and pulled out a map — the same one they had won at the auction.
Lily unfolded it and said,
"This might come in handy."
She placed her finger on a blue mark and said,
"The Divine Water should be here."
Snehwal leaned closer to look carefully at the map.
The firelight flickered on his face, and darkness surrounded them on all sides.
The silence was so deep that even the crackling of the fire could be clearly heard.
Suddenly —
the sound of a tree breaking echoed through the night!
All four of them turned their attention that way.
Lily immediately stood up and shouted,
"Who's there?"
Snehwal said,
"Probably some wild animal."
Ignisa replied,
"No… not this late at night."
And then —
two figures appeared out of the darkness.
A woman — dressed in blue robes, her skin glowing faintly.
In her hand, she held a staff with a blue, shining stone set at the top.
Around her neck hung a necklace that glimmered with a blue light, making her look even more enchanting and mysterious.
Beside her stood a young man, wearing blue garments, holding a broad sword in his hand.
With their arrival, the air grew heavy with tension.
In Liora's eyes, the flames of vengeance clearly burned.
She growled in anger,
"You… what are you doing in the North?"
Because those two figures were none other than —
Lith Yakshini and her host, Myth.
Lith Yakshini looked at Liora with a mocking smile and said,
"Your life story was quite entertaining for my host.
Shouldn't you fulfill at least one small wish of your admirer?"
Hearing this, Myth gave a faint smile.
Seeing the scene, anger flashed across Snehwal's face —
he instantly summoned his bow into his hand.
Lith smiled lightly and said,
"Has she trapped you in her web as well?"
Lily summoned her staff and growled,
"You will not leave this place alive."
Liora and Ignisa, burning with rage, drew their swords too.
At that very moment —
two more figures appeared…
Both figures looked strikingly magnificent as they stepped forward.
Liora's eyes widened in recognition. She muttered sharply,
"Kyra… and Nayla."
Kyra was a mysterious warrior — wrapped in black leather armor, her hooded cloak fluttering in the cold wind. Golden-edged plates were embedded in her armor, glinting faintly with each movement. Her face was hidden behind a dark mask, from which her sharp blue eyes gleamed like those of a hunting cat. Her long, slender legs were encased in black boots designed for icy terrain, and her shoulders were guarded by heavy armor plates, making her athletic frame appear even more formidable. Her gloved hands rested near the twin short swords hanging at her waist — weapons that moved with her, silent and deadly.
Nayla, on the other hand, stood like a radiant warrior queen. Her golden armor gleamed under the faint light, outlining her strong, sculpted form. The golden breastplate on her chest enhanced her proud stance, while a flowing white skirt swayed elegantly in the wind. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her deep brown eyes held a divine intensity — like those of an ancient goddess. Her arms were adorned with golden bracelets, and her legs fitted in golden boots built for desert marches. In her hand, she carried a long, gleaming sword that reflected her warrior's spirit.
Snehwal couldn't help but glance at them — his gaze momentarily caught by their presence — but he quickly shook his head to regain focus.
However, Myth's expression betrayed something else — a hint of lust flickered in his eyes.
Lith immediately struck the top of his head with her staff, and Myth blinked rapidly, regaining his senses.
And then —
from the heart of Mehan Mountain, a surge of spiritual energy burst forth, spreading through the air like a storm of divine power.A force that could shake mountains.
Just then, another figure appeared — cloaked entirely in black.
Lily immediately exclaimed,
"This one… he was there in that auction too!"
The figure slowly removed his cloak — and both Lily and Snehwal's faces lit up with surprise and relief.
It was none other than Master Jins.
Seeing him, Lith's expression twisted with irritation.
"Jins… you again," she hissed.
"You've always stood in their defense — but this time, I won't show you any mercy."
Snehwal chuckled softly and said,
"Master… you."
He couldn't help but laugh — because in the fragments of Jins's memories he had once seen, he had learned about the old bond of love between Jins and Lith.
At that moment, it seemed as if Lily's side held the advantage —
but suddenly, Shon Yakshini and Surya appeared as well.
Now, the air trembled with tension.
Snehwal's face hardened — the looming clash could destroy everything.
Both sides had enough reason for battle — and neither looked ready to back down.
On one side stood Lith, Myth, Kyra, Nayla, Shon, and Surya —
a force that could shake mountains.
Lith stepped forward and demanded coldly,
"Hand over the map, Lily — and maybe I'll let you run away alive."
But Lily only smiled — calm and fearless, her eyes locked on Lith.
At that moment, Master Jins took a deep breath and started walking slowly toward Lith.