Shadows of Ascension

67. The Summit and the Mysterious Mentor

The blizzard roared around them, making every step a struggle. Snow whipped through the air, cutting into their exposed skin like tiny blades. The world was a swirl of white, and the peak of the mountain was barely visible through the storm. 

Riona squinted, trying to make out a shape ahead. A massive figure stood at the very top, unmoving. "Is that an ice bear?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. "How is it up here? Aren't the conditions too harsh for it to survive?" 

Luca smirked. "Back me up, guys. We need to attack the Yeti in order for him to arrive." 

Aiden blinked. "Him? Who’s he?" 

Luca didn’t answer. Instead, he unsheathed his sword and launched himself at the Yeti with incredible speed. 

"Hey—wait!" Aiden shouted. But there was no time for hesitation. 

The Yeti let out a thunderous roar, its white fur blending seamlessly with the storm. It was at least four meters tall, its muscles rippling beneath its thick coat. As Luca charged, the beast swung a massive arm at him. 

Aiden and Riona rushed in to back him up. 

The Yeti’s fist came down like a hammer, but Luca’s blade met it mid-swing, locking in a fierce clash. Aiden reinforced the defense, pushing against the monster’s raw strength. 

"It’s too strong, Luca!" Riona called out. "It must be an A-rank monster!" 

The Yeti let out a deep growl, then reared back and swung both arms in a devastating arc. The sheer force of the attack sent all three hunters flying backward, their bodies crashing into the snow. The mountain beneath them trembled from the impact. 

The Yeti prepared to charge again, its massive legs stomping deep into the frozen ground. The storm intensified, the wind shrieking as if the mountain itself were alive. 

But just as the Yeti lunged— 

A dark blur appeared beside it. 

A hand, aged yet firm, wrapped around the Yeti’s wrist mid-swing, stopping it in place as if it were nothing. 

"That’s enough." 

The Yeti immediately halted its attack, lowering its arm. "Why did you stop me, Mr. Yun?" it asked, its deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. 

Aiden’s eyes widened. "Did… did that Yeti just talk?" 

The figure holding the Yeti’s wrist stepped forward. He was an old man, wrapped in a dark cloak, his long white hair barely moving in the violent wind. His piercing eyes held wisdom—and something far more dangerous. 

"It’s alright, my dear friend," the old man said to the Yeti. "I was expecting this kid to come sometime." He turned his gaze toward Luca. 

"Luca, come inside. And bring your friends with you." 

As if responding to his words, the blizzard suddenly weakened, revealing a small, hidden hut nestled into the mountainside. 

Luca got to his feet, brushing the snow off his coat. Aiden and Riona exchanged glances before standing up as well. 

"So… the Yeti really did just talk," Aiden muttered. 

Luca nodded. "To be honest, I’ve heard some monsters talk before. But usually, they can’t." 

"You’re right," Aiden said, still in disbelief. 

Without another word, the trio followed the old man into the hut. 

Inside, the air was warm, a sharp contrast to the frozen wasteland outside. A fire crackled in the center of the room, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The old man sat down on a wooden chair, his expression serious as he regarded Luca. 

"I was expecting you to come much earlier, Luca," Mr. Yun said, his voice heavy with something unspoken. 

Luca remained silent for a moment before nodding. "I know. But I’m here now." 

Aiden and Riona looked between the two, sensing that this meeting was far more important than they had first thought.