The pot was soon set over the campfire. Mrs. Marcus cooked the vegetables Shade had brought and sprinkled in a little salt. The firelight was brighter than when Shade had arrived; improved spirits could be effectively reflected through the flames.
The vigorous firelight illuminated every face huddled in this cramped Sanctuary, but considering that a terrifying Snow Mountain Evil Spirit lurked here, the four illuminated faces all seemed rather sinister.
"Can't you leave this place directly?"
"Do you really not know?"
Miss Chloe cradled her teacup and sipped the hot tea. Her attitude toward Shade had clearly improved considerably:
"Only by reaching the highest peak of the Silver Mountain Range is it possible to leave this bizarre region. There is no concept of time here, and space is utterly chaotic. Countless Ancient Evil Beings dwell here."
She paused.
"The black tea has good taste."
As color returned to her face, the charm belonging to a witch almost immediately revealed itself. Her scarlet gold eyes fixed on Shade, and that familiar assessing gaze reminded him of many people.
"Besides Ancient Evil Beings, this snow mountain contains countless things ordinary people could never imagine. Demons, relics, even the legendary snow mountain elves who help Lost Ones—they take on human forms and offer aid to survivors."
As she spoke, she looked towards Shade. Still holding out his hands by the fire, Shade looked around himself, confirming that there were no "magical little elves" nearby. The "snow mountain elves" she referred to were not members of the Elf Race like Miss Olanord, but strange beings more akin to spirits:
"I'm human."
Shade emphasized.
"Yes."
Miss Chloe nodded.
"No matter our reasons, the three of us must reach the highest peak of the Silver Mountain Range. Sir, if you truly came to offer us help,