"This is the Gate of Distant Mountains."
Gazing at the archway at the top of the steps, Bad Apple took a deep breath, excitement and nerves swirling within him.
Once they reached the gate, they could get their hands on the "Stone Mist Water." But he knew that a treasure like this would inevitably be guarded by creatures with the same Aspect Power. To humans, the Stone Mist Water was a treasure; to the monsters of the World of Shadows, it was just as precious, and could make them even stronger.
"Stay here. I'll go check things out first." He took a few items from his horse's pack and began to prepare.
First, he took out a bottle of strange liquid and sprayed it over himself to mask his scent. Then he rubbed talcum powder on his fingers to prevent them from sweating. After that, he put on a special mask to muffle his breathing and block the airflow, then pulled on a hood that covered all his hair, preventing any unnecessary air resistance or disturbance.
Once he was done, he poisoned his two usual daggers, coating each with a different toxin before sheathing them at his waist. He strapped a spare dagger to his calf and packed three different kinds of medicine at his waist. Then he drank a potion that enhanced his agility and speed, one that could make him briefly invisible, and another that muffled the faint sounds his body made.
When he had finished, he turned and waved, then raced toward the end of the mountain path. His silhouette gradually faded, like an ice cube sinking into water, until he disappeared completely.
Seeing their captain so thoroughly prepared, the other three nodded and watched him leave.
"We should get ready too. If he runs into trouble