Whispers of the forgotten

After a long journey on the steam train, Morpheus felt exhausted. Hours had passed as he watched the changing landscapes swiftly pass by his window. Although the journey had been exciting, his body was crying out for rest. As soon as he arrived at the Arkilia station, the sun had already set, casting faint lights across the station, creating an atmosphere of mystery. He decided to rent a small apartment in a quiet neighborhood near the city center to get a good night's sleep before starting his mission the next day.

He rented a small room in one of the older inns that he often found in big cities. The place wasn't luxurious, but it was sufficient for his needs, as all he wanted was rest. He entered his small room and quietly closed the door behind him. The soft light of a lamp on the table revealed the dark colors of the furniture and the aged walls. He lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, but his mind wouldn't stop working. He kept thinking about the mission ahead and how he would deal with the suspects in the Crimson Snow Mountains.

He relaxed for a while and then took a deep breath, trying to push away all the troubling thoughts. As he prepared for sleep, he recalled his conversation with Germain. The suspect had gone to the Crimson Snow Mountains, the towering mountain range covered in crimson snow, which gets its dark color due to the minerals falling onto the peaks. These mountains were mysterious, surrounded by many legends, and it was said that the monsters that resided there were extremely fierce and powerful. Germain had sent him on this mission to investigate a place that was likely filled with dangers.

The next morning, Morpheus prepared to leave. He dressed in his investigator's attire, consisting of a dark cloak and a hood that covered most of his face. He carried the weapon he always used in his missions, a pair of small, double-edged knives designed for easy use against any threat. He grabbed a cup of hot coffee and a strawberry cake he had purchased from the little shop near the train station, then sat by the window, looking out at the city.

But today felt different. There was a sense in his heart that something was waiting for him in the Crimson Snow Mountains, something unsettling. He knew he couldn't afford to waste time thinking about anything else. He packed his bag calmly, preparing for the journey ahead.

On his way through the city, headed toward the mountains, he encountered a strange figure in one of the narrow alleyways. It was a woman, gazing intently at an old map. Her features were sharp, and her eyes reflected strength and resilience. Morpheus immediately felt that this woman might be useful for his mission.

He approached her and spoke: "Excuse me, I'm looking for someone who can help me reach the Crimson Snow Mountains."

The woman responded in a mysterious tone: "And what brings you to those cursed mountains? No one goes there willingly."

Morpheus smiled slightly and replied, "I have an urgent mission. I need to get to the mountains quickly, and I don't think I can navigate there alone."

The woman hesitated for a moment before responding cautiously, "You don't know what awaits you there. The monsters that dwell in those mountains are not what you expect."

Morpheus said confidently, "I'm willing to take the risk. If you can help me, I'd be grateful."

At first, she refused, considering the adventure in those mountains far too dangerous even for her. However, after Morpheus offered her four gold coins, her perspective changed. The gold coins he offered were a significant amount for her, and the thought of money lured her into agreeing. She said, "Four gold coins? That's enough to change my mind. But don't expect the journey to be easy."

She then added in a low voice, "I'm Lonara, a hunter of Aether beasts. I know the area well, and I can help you get to the mountains, but don't expect us to return unscathed."

Morpheus smiled. "I'll rely on you. But we'll need to be prepared for anything."

Lonara was a skilled fighter, experienced in combat, and knew a lot about the creatures that inhabited the Crimson Snow Mountains. According to her, there were various types of monsters scattered across the mountains, some swift and others extraordinarily strong. She knew that being there required utmost caution and careful planning.

After hours of walking through the mountain terrain, the mountains began to appear before them. The slopes were covered in thick crimson snow, making the atmosphere eerie and desolate. The color of the snow reminded Morpheus of blood, and it seemed as though it had accumulated over decades. The cold wind was harsh, carrying strange whispers, as if the mountains themselves were breathing.

As Morpheus walked silently behind Lonara, he felt an unusual sensation creep up on him. It was a strange feeling, as if an unseen eye was watching his every move. The sensation lingered as the mountains grew more isolated and mysterious with each passing moment.