Albert reads the letter, then takes out a pen, writes something on it, and ties it to the bird's leg before letting it fly away.
Seeing this, Edlin asks him:
Edlin - What happened, Albert? That was a letter, right?
Albert - Yes, it was a letter from Lord Zack. I was thinking we would go to White Castle first and tell Lord Zack everything, but after reading this letter, we have to head toward the Snowy Mountains. Lord Zack has found a clue about the Shadows. I've also written a few things in reply and sent it back to him.
Joshua - That's actually a good thing. Let's not go to White Castle now. We'll head straight to the Snowy Mountains, complete Master Strider's task, and directly search for Dong.
Edlin - Yes, you're right.
Albert - Alright then, let's hurry.
Then all three of them spur their horses forward and take the road leading to the Snowy Mountains.
After nearly two days of travel, they finally reach the Snowy Mountains.
Joshua - These mountains were named 'Snowy' for a reason—and that reason is right in front of us.
Edlin - Wow, what a beautiful place. And really cold too. We should change into our winter clothes.
They all put on their warm clothing. Edlin takes out a map from his bag and says:
Edlin - Now we'll have to use this map to find that cave.
They all move closer using the map for guidance and stop at a certain spot.
Edlin - Wait, the map shows a path beyond this point, but there's nothing here.
Albert suddenly bursts out laughing and says:
Albert - Don't worry, why do you think I'm here? I'll open the path.
Hearing this, Joshua and Edlin look at him, confused. Then Albert draws his sword from its sheath—and suddenly, flames ignite along the blade.
Edlin's eyes widen in shock.
Joshua - Ohhh… Elemental power!
Albert - Yep.
Albert strikes a strange-looking stone with his flaming sword. The stone begins to glow and —then suddenly, a hidden pathway opens up.
Edlin - Wh-what was that?!
Albert - An elemental door. It only opens when someone uses their elemental power.
Edlin - Elemental power? What's that?
Joshua - Come on, Edlin, don't you remember? Our master told us about it. And yeah, I'll soon be able to use my elemental power too.
Edlin - Joshua, you know I don't remember anything.
Joshua - Ohh, sorry, sorry brother.
Joshua (turning to Albert) - Well, Albert, my dear brother, you use the fire element. And as far as I can guess, my elemental power might be fire too. So… could you give me some advice? Or maybe some training?
Albert - Of course I will. But we need to keep moving—we're running out of time.
Everyone starts moving ahead, following Albert's lead.
After walking some distance…
Albert - It's really strange. I agree orcs aren't supposed to be here, but still, not even a single orc in sight? Isn't that a bit odd?
Joshua - Isn't that a good thing for us?
Albert - Yeah, but I'm getting a really bad feeling about this.
Edlin - Whatever happens, we'll deal with it. First, let's focus on the task we came for.
They all continue walking according to the map and stop at a certain point.
Edlin - According to the map, the cave should be right in front of us. But there's nothing here.
Albert - Hmm… it's the elemental power.
Albert quickly draws his sword and uses his elemental power to reveal the entrance to the cave.
Everyone enters the cave, and after walking a bit further, they come across a large pond with crystal clear water.
Edlin - Wow, this is amazing. Such clear water!
Joshua - Seriously, I've never seen anything like this.
Albert - Something's definitely not right here…
As Albert is lost in thought, a giant fish—shark-like in appearance—suddenly emerges from the pond and attacks the three of them. Albert manages to block the attack, but he gets injured in the process.
Albert - Damn, I stopped the attack, but what is this thing?
Fish - Fools! How dare you come here?
The fish attacks again. This time, Edlin tries to block it with his shield and succeeds, but the impact is so powerful that he's thrown far back.
Joshua - Is this a fish or some kind of monster? I won't let you get away with this!
Fueled by anger, Joshua charges at the fish with his sword. But the fish releases a powerful water attack from its mouth that splits Joshua's sword in half.
Joshua - No! That was my only sword!
He furiously moves forward again, but Albert stops him.
Albert - We didn't come here to hurt you.
Fish - laughs "Hurt me? Foolish human, you think you can hurt me?
Albert - Listen to me. Do you not know Strider?
Fish - Strider? How do you know that name?
Albert - Strider sent us here.
Fish - Why should I believe you?
Edlin steps forward.
Edlin - I'm his son—Edlin.
Hearing this, the fish calms down a little.
Fish - Edlin… So you're Edlin Drake, son of Strider Drake.
Edlin - Yes… but what is 'Drake'?
Fish - Call me Jelly. And you are a Drake—the heir of the Drake bloodline, son of Strider. I was the one who gave you that name: Edlin Drake.
To be continue...