Revelation

The Rainbow Sage

Hey, guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy reading!

Principality of Dara

"You've done well getting here. Welcome to Dara, foreign travelers. What do you seek?"

"We would like to hear from the very wise Rainbow Sage in this country. If you could tell us where he is, that would be great," Jack said, glancing at the others, who gave their nods of agreement. He gave a small smile and turned back to the old man who was the first one to spot their group getting off the ship and had graciously welcomed them into his home.

"...I see," the old man hummed thoughtfully. He gave a quick look to Jack's sword. "Is that weapon of yours the Holy Treasure, the Guardian?"

"Huh? Y-yes. That's right. I'm amazed you knew about it."

"I see... Why do you wish to meet with the Sage? Is it power that you seek?"

"No, what I want isn't power. There's something I'd like to ask him."

"...Oh. You seek information? ...I see.

"On the top of Dara's mountain is the Seven-Storied Tower," the old man said. "The Sage is on the highest floor of that tower. But beware, Dara's mountains are very high. Most people don't make it past there. That's about all I know. The rest is up to you to find out."

"Thank you very much," Jack said gratefully. "If we meet the Sage, we'll definitely come back and have you to thank."

"...Ah, it's really no problem. Just try not to die as you climb, for many have perished on their journey."

"Noted. Again, thank you very much."

..~..

After buying more supplies and making sure that everything was in place, Jack and the others started their arduous hike to the Seven-Storied Tower. At first, it wasn't too bad, everyone had experienced hiking or the like in their past lives. But as they trekked higher and higher, their breaths began shortening and their steps were faltering.

"It's just like the old man said. I've never been on such an intense mountain," Merida said, wiping sweat off her brow as she forced herself to continue on.

"Everyone okay?" Jack called from the front. "If you're tired, speak up."

"You say that, but you're showing signs of fatigue, too..." Astrid said worriedly. "Do you need somebody to hold on for support? I could carry you on my back if you'd like."

"U-um, as tempting as that sounds... I think I'll be fine."

"Woah, woah, woah..." Anna said, losing her footing for a moment and starting to slip back down the path they had come from. "GAH!"

Rapunzel latched onto her sleeve and carefully led her back. "U-um, are you okay, Anna?" she asked.

"Thanks to you! Nice catch~" Anna giggled. "If you hadn't caught me, I would've rolled all the way to the bottom!"

"I don't think you could roll that far..."

"Look! I can see the tower," Merida exclaimed to the others, pointing to a large edifice up ahead.

"So that's the Seven-Storied Tower," Jack said, feeling his heart race with anticipation. "We're really close to meeting the Rainbow Sage, everyone."

Merida sighed. "So, the Rainbow Sage is in this tower... It really was bothersome to get all the way up here just to find the guy."

"Yeah. But the real challenge starts here," Jack said. "If we don't have strong soldiers, we won't be able to meet him... We shouldn't expect this to be an easy task."