Crimson eyes quickly scanned the nearby surroundings.

Since entering the Kurte Mountain, Lexion hadn’t let his guard down.

Especially since he was uncertain when and where he would encounter the monster of the snowy mountains.

The higher he climbed the mountain, the deeper his feet dug into the snow.

Regardless of the difficulty of trudging forward, Lexion’s level of concentration increased even more.

To prevent being detected by the beast’s sensitive nose and ears, he had already taken off his robe.

In addition, his full-length battlesuit was padded with plants from the mountain range.

He squeezed the juices of the plants and applied them to the parts of the suit that were exposed.

He cautiously exhaled, hoping that his breath might not be noticed.

Lexion went deeper and deeper. Similar to when he descended to the basement of the West Tower before he crossed the portal.

According to what he learned from Jeremy, the Snow Mountain Beast must be at the highest point of the mountain range.

‘A little faster…’

Lexion clenched his teeth and tried to move briskly.

He wanted to return to Elena as soon as possible.

He only intended to bring back the monster’s blood and save her.

That was his only wish.

Boom—! Boom—!

The sound of something heavy flying was heard.

The speed was also considerable.

The direction was to his right.

Although a bit startled by the completely unexpected attack, Lexion flawlessly avoided the assault.

Whack—!

A huge rock slammed into the spot where he had been standing a moment ago.

Not only was it humanely impossible to lift it with normal strength, but it was also highly unlikely for that boulder to fly at such a high speed.

Lexion instinctively raised his head toward the place where the rock had flown.

There stood a humongous monster with pure white hair.

It was a tall and huge creature resembling a bear, but the face appeared to be a lion.

Lexion immediately realized that it was the Beast of the Snow Mountain.

He may have climbed the mountain in disguise but he was still caught because of the monster’s excellent sense of smell and hearing.

‘… Rather, it went well.’

Since he had already seen it, he could now attempt to slash at it and take its blood.

Lexion quickly drew his sword.

Roar—!

The monster growled once more.

Lexion took advantage of the gap to leap from the ground and fly toward the monster.

The monster also noticed his action and moved.

Unexpectedly, the monster’s movements were as swift as Lexion’s.

‘That giant can move this fast…?’

Lexion narrowed his eyes and raised his sword, blocking the monster’s massive arm.

“Ugh…!”

Lexion did all he could to stop the beast.

Its power was more devastating than the enemies he had ever encountered.

It wasn’t for nothing that there were legendary tales of these snow monsters.

But Lexion couldn’t back down.

He pushed the monster’s arm away and stepped back, trying for another attack.

But at that moment, the other arm of the monster that had not been pushed away aimed at his side.

Lexion scrambled to pull himself out of the way, but it was too late.

It wasn’t that he was slow by any means.

The monster’s speed was just incredibly fast.

‘Damn it…’

Lexion swallowed a curse and closed his eyes.

Roar—!

The monster’s arm surged forward.

But no pain was felt.

Instead, only a roar was heard.

“Lexion!”

Lexion’s eyes opened wide at the familiar voice that wasn’t supposed to be there.

He looked in the direction where the sound was coming from. There was the sound of struggling feet running toward him.

“El-Elena…?”

He couldn’t believe it.

Why was Elena here?

Lexion wasn’t the only one who was surprised.

The monster who was about to deliver another attack was startled by the enormous barrier that appeared in front of Lexion.

At the same time, the monster’s attention turned to Elena.

The monster couldn’t see, but it could feel the magical energy clearly flowing from where it was facing.

The monster was alarmed and stepped back.

And in an instant, it disappeared right before the two of them.

“Lexion! Are you okay?!”

After running through the snow, Elena stood in front of Lexion, gasping for breath.

Lexion was still in disbelief at her sudden appearance.

Within his possession, the red spirit stone within the magic stone crumbled to dust.

It was the magic stone Elena gave to Lexion, which contained barrier magic.

He looked at his woman and took out the magic stone hanging around his neck.

The first magic stone he received at the time of his expedition had been exhausted, while the magic stone Elena gave to him during the war with the monsters remained.

Lexion put the magic crystal back underneath his clothes and walked to Elena.

“Elena, why are you here…”

He was still unable to comprehend that she was right in front of him.

Contrary to Lexion, who remained baffled and didn’t know how to react, Elena smiled.

“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. When you were attacked, it looked like the magic in the Magic Stone had been activated. Also, in case you didn’t know, I used my magic to protect you even when I’m far from you.”

It wasn’t only the Magic Stone’s barrier that blocked the surprise attack of the monster; the magic Elena fired strengthened it and made it possible to thwart the attack easily.

Elena continued to smile as she voiced out her thoughts.

However, Lexion’s expression didn’t appear good.

“… Lexion?”

Elena became worried, mirroring Lexion’s.

Lexion didn’t say anything for a long time. Then, he pulled Elena into his arms.

“Why did you come all the way here, Elena? You might get hurt….”

Varying emotions mixed with Lexion’s voice.

Astonishment, bewilderment, fear, and relief.

His feelings were passed on to Elena.

Elena embraced Lexion and closed her eyes.

“I’m sorry. I know I startled you, but I only followed you because I thought you might be in danger.”

“…Elena. You are not feeling well right now. Furthermore, Jeremy said that wizards are not allowed to enter this mountain. A wizard may be annihilated the moment they stepped here.”

“Ah. You don’t have to worry about that. I maybe a wizard, but… In fact, I’m also a Spirit Master.”

For the first time, Elena confided her secret to someone.

But it was only possible because it was Lexion.

At her words, Lexion let go of her.

“… Spirits?”

“Yes.”

Elena told Lexion a bit more about herself.

A story about a Spirit Master that was born once every few hundred years.

While listening, Lexion found himself a bit surprised, but he remained quiet and continued to listen to her to the very end.

“I see. But it was still reckless of you.”

Lexion grabbed Elena’s shoulders and spoke sternly.

“It could have been really dangerous.”

“Yes. I know. I’m sorry, Lexion. But I couldn’t just put you in danger since I’m the reason you are here.”

At Elena’s sincerity, Lexion let out a heavy sigh.

Still, he couldn’t let himself get rid of this wonderful lover of his who had come this far.

Lexion gently grabbed Elena’s hand.

“… Okay. But you are not to leave my side.”

“Yes. Don’t worry.”

A soft smile appeared on Lexion’s lips.

At the same time, Elena also has a smile on her face, feeling relieved. 

‘Thank god.’

Elena grasped Lexion’s hand tightly.

In fact, even just before setting foot at the entrance of the mountain range, she was nervous and thought she was insane.

But when she stepped within the area.

Nothing happened to her.

As expected, thanks to the spirits’ power, she was fine.

Afterward, Elena’s eyes were no longer hindered.

And before Lexion’s footprints faded, she immediately followed it.

And finally met him.

“Ah, Lexion. Drink this first.”

They looked at each other for a moment.

Elena pulled a pouch out of her arms and rummaged through it.

“This…”

“It is a potion that maintains body temperature. If you drink it, your body can tolerate the cold to some extent.”

Elena handed the potion to Lexion.

“Thank you.”

While Lexion consumed the potion, Elena took out a few more items.

“I’m wearing this on my body. It is a stone that contains the element of fire. As it is a magic item, it will stay warm for a long time. And this is a towel that can protect you against frostbite.”

Elena took out various items and handed them to Lexion, who wore them on his body.

After all the preparations were settled, Lexion chuckled.

“Elena, you are so… tempting.”

Lexion said while stroking Elena’s hair.

“Thank you, Elena.”

Kiss—

Lexion’s lips touched her forehead briefly, then pulled away.

Elena’s cheeks flushed red.

“Wh-What?”

While she had trouble making eye contact with Lexion, he adjusted Elena’s coat.

He pulled his hands away only when he had placed the hat on her head.

Then, he took Elena’s dainty hand.

“By the way, the monster of the snowy mountain has escaped.”

Lexion said as if it were a pity.

With those words, Elena recalled the existence she had forgotten for a while.

“Ah. I think it’s probably because of me. A wizard broke through the barrier, so it must have run away in surprise.”

“Hmm. Then we must go to this beast’s hideout.”

At Lexion’s suggestion, Elena kept her mouth shut for a moment.

Only by getting the blood of the monster could she escape the curse.

But she didn’t want to kill the Snow Mountain Beast, the last of its ancient race.

‘Is there a way to get only the blood….’

Elena pondered as she walked with Lexion.

It was sometime later when they encountered the beast again.