The sharp shining peaks of the unexplored mountains were illuminated by the long pointed shadows created by the rising light across the Aethereal Crags. The Stag awoke as soon as the light hit its crystalline hide.
Anchor instantly loosened his enormous body and pulled back the cold protective dome. With its crystal eyes fixed on the difficult journey ahead, the Arctic Stag of Dissolution was clear, vigilant and surprisingly strong. It had been fully stabilized by the energy transfer over the night.
With his Core Aegis fully restored and his consciousness clear, Vulcan concluded his intense concentration and sleep. Before granting the all-clear for travel, he proceeded to the Stag and conducted one last inspection of its thermal stability. He nodded at Ethan sharply and professionally.
"The Stag is stable, but fragile," Vulcan stated in a firm low voice. "We need to raise our altitude. According to the maps the Citadel is located high in the atmosphere and is probably only reachable by the highest riskiest passages. We cannot afford to confront the high-level destructive threats that are bound to arise from the low passages.
Ethan looked around the immediate route. The ridge they were riding came to an abrupt end at a nearly vertical cliff wall, a huge smooth black granite slab rising hundreds of meters above them. There was simply an unsuitable high wall instead of a smooth climb or a natural descent.
"The path is a straight vertical climb" Ethan said while focusing on the rock. "Even with the Stag fastened, it is too steep for Anchor's mass to climb safely. The interior structure of the Stag would be shattered by the impact and the strain of the movement. Perfect mechanical grip is required".
A shocking swirling wave of distortion swept down the rock face as they examined the wall. Pure raw Anti-Magic energy started to pour down the rock like flowing electricity. It was a magical reversal rather than a physical substance that tore apart any active spell or energy signature it came into contact with.
"An Anti-Magic Cascade" Vulcan recognized right away and swiftly retreated. "The Crags are a naturally occurring magnetic feature. Any active magical manipulation in its path is totally nullified. The thermal barrier will immediately fail if it comes into contact with Anchor, leaving the Stag vulnerable to thermal injury. The effects are fatal if it strikes the Stag. We can't be touched."
The base of the cliff they could see was the only firm ground they could see, and the cascade went straight across it.
The foot of the cliff they had to ascend was the only firm ground they could see, and the cascade ran straight over it. Their way out was blocked.
"There is a blockage in the path". Ethan analyzed the threat and said "We can't wait the Elementals will return." Their sole remaining alternative was the vertical wall yet their superior advantages were negated by the surroundings itself.
No Flow State (Active energy manipulation is necessary for this legendary skill). No Shadow Blink (a legendary ability requiring teleportation magic and saved energy). Vulcan would lose his Chronic Shield right away. We have to rely on strength, gear stability and basic physics.
Ethan came to the conclusion that "the solution is physical and defensive," having already determined the load-bearing parameters. "Master Artisan, we require a rock-anchored, sturdy climbing route. The Sovereign Anti-Magic Shard is what we use".
The completely stable Sovereign Anti-Magic Fragment was swiftly taken out of Ethan's bag. The crystal was inert and chilly.
"I need you to secure this fragment near your Aegis, Master Artisan," Ethan said. "Its stabilizing influence should prevent the Cascade from immediately stripping the basic functionality of your primary gear."
Vulcan swiftly pushed the fragment into an opening in his chest plate, close to the Aegis's core reactor, having complete faith in Ethan's tactical ability.
[CORE AEGIS STABILIZED, ANTI MAGIC RESISTANCE IS TEMPORARILY ELEVATED BY SOVEREIGN ESSENCE]
Vulcan nodded acknowledging the slight, defensive change in the resistance of his armor.
"I will climb first," Ethan said. "I will use natural Speed and equipment synergy. The Energy Anchors are my only advantage."
He connected specialized climbing hooks to his Energy Anchors which he always carried for elite scouting. He started climbing using only his legendary boots' increased stability and agility. His muscles had to work as hard as they could during the exhausting ascent. He was avoiding the edge of the catastrophic cascade as he moved along the vertical wall. The Anti-Magic field's cold deformation tried to pull his inner energy away, but his speed and the fundamental physical stability of his equipment held.
He fastened a heavy-duty chain to a small unstable rock dozens of meters above the ground.
"Stable anchor point found" he said, panting. "It's your turn, Master Artisan. Anchor must stay inside the shielding dome of the Stag".
Vulcan started his enormous, steady ascent. He moved carefully, driving the hooks deep into the granite with his sheer might. He ascended much more slowly a victory of sheer physical strength. The Anti-Magic Cascade threatened to swallow his legs as it flowed terrifyingly close.
[ANTI MAGIC ESSENCE DETECTED, CHRONIC SHIELD CAPACITY IS COMPROMISED]
The armor's physical strength—its vast density and the imbedded Sovereign Shard held steady despite the Mythic Aegis flashing an urgent alert. The climbing rope creaked under Vulcan's weight as he painfully ascended inch by inch. The only magic he had was his strength.
As soon as Vulcan arrived at the edge, he used his main siege weapon, a massive pulley of mythic quality that he had in his reinforced bag. Their only mode of transportation was this machine, which is typically used to demolish fortress walls.
"Anchor, move your weight," Ethan said. "Vulcan will fasten your core to the main climbing rope. Keep the Stag's thermal stability intact.
The enormous slime obeyed with remarkable caution, encircling the bulky rope around his enormous, steady core to keep the Stag securely nestled inside his framework. It was weird to physically attach the rope to the gelatinous mass.
The lifting device was engaged by the master craftsman. Every predator within a mile would be alerted by the thunderous sound of grinding gears that resonated across the quiet Crags.
Anchor and the Stag started climbing slowly and painfully. The Anti-Magic Cascade flowed terrifyingly close attempting to drain Anchor of its last stabilizing energy as the combined weight put a strain on the specialized winch. Ethan kept a close eye on the cable ready to cut it if the Cascade struck saving Vulcan and himself at the risk of the mission.
Anchor and the Stag were finally pulled onto the tiny edge by a terrific, trembling heave from the rope. Below them, the Anti-Magic Cascade cascaded by without causing any harm.
"Success," Vulcan said, his voice full of relief and tiredness. He checked the Stag and fastened the rope to it. "The Stag is steady. The item in question is safe. The price was reasonable.".
Ethan looked at his camera. He had used a special combination of engineering, expertise and narrative dedication to capture the entire excruciating, suspenseful climb. The material was indisputable but the challenge was enormous. They had overcome the first major logistical obstacle, solidifying their reliance on their own physical prowess and the ideal combination of their specially designed equipment.
The journey's next phase which took them farther into the mist and closer to the Prime Elementals' domain, was something they had earned.