The conference hall fell silent.
The ancient map remained spread across the long wooden table, its faded parchment covered in hand-drawn rivers, mountains, ruined cities, and symbols that had been added by generations of explorers.
Cynthia stood at the head of the table.
Her cold blue eyes swept across every member of the expedition.
Only after making sure everyone was paying attention did she begin.
"We are here."
She pointed toward a small fortress drawn on the southwestern edge of the map.
"Blackbone Shelter."
"Our journey begins from this Citadel."
Her finger slowly moved eastward.
"The first obstacle is the Ash River."
The room became quiet.
Even the experienced Awakened straightened slightly.
Unlike Nora, who was still an Initiate, they understood exactly how dangerous the Ash River truly was.
Cynthia continued.
"Do not let the name fool you."
"The water itself isn't poisonous."
"It's everything living beneath it that is."
She tapped the river lightly.
"The Ash River is home to River Stalkers."
"They hide beneath the water without making a single ripple."
"They don't rely on eyesight."
"They hunt through vibrations."
"The moment you disturb the water..."
"...they attack."
One of the Awakened raised his hand.
"What rank are they?"
"Mostly Initiate."
"But occasionally an Awakened Beast appears."
"Fortunately..."
She looked toward everyone.
"We won't be crossing through the water."
"We'll use the old stone bridge."
"But don't become careless."
"That bridge has claimed many lives."
She moved her finger farther across the map.
"Our second destination..."
"Eden Valley."
Several expressions immediately became serious.
Even Rose's smile faded.
Nora silently observed everyone's reactions.
She could already tell...
Eden Valley was far more dangerous than its beautiful name suggested.
Cynthia nodded.
"Despite being called Eden..."
"It is anything but paradise."
"The valley contains an ancient ruin."
"A ruin large enough to hide an entire city."
"The ruins are inhabited by thousands of Initiate creatures."
"Most remain asleep beneath the stone structures."
"But if enough noise is created..."
"...every creature inside awakens."
Silence filled the room.
Another Awakened asked,
"Can we simply avoid the ruins?"
Cynthia shook her head.
"The only safe path toward Misty Mountain passes directly through them."
"We either cross..."
"...or turn back."
Nobody objected.
Explorers didn't become explorers by avoiding danger.
Cynthia continued.
"The creatures inside the ruins aren't particularly intelligent."
"But they compensate through overwhelming numbers."
"If one notices you..."
"...hundreds will follow."
Rose folded her arms.
"So..."
"We kill quietly."
Cynthia nodded.
"Exactly."
"No explosions."
"No unnecessary abilities."
"No shouting."
She then looked directly at Nora.
"Our weakest member must stay in the center of the formation."
Several Awakened glanced toward Nora.
Nora didn't react.
She simply continued circulating her essence.
Tiny streams of energy flowed smoothly throughout her body before returning to her Soul Core.
The movement looked effortless.
One of the Awakened noticed.
His eyes narrowed.
"An Initiate circulating essence consciously..."
"Interesting."
Cynthia ignored the observation.
Her finger reached the northern side of the map.
Finally...
"Misty Mountain."
The atmosphere changed completely.
If Eden Valley demanded respect...
Misty Mountain inspired fear.
Cynthia's voice became noticeably heavier.
"The mountain remains permanently covered by spiritual mist."
"The fog isn't ordinary."
"It interferes with perception."
"It weakens tracking abilities."
"It even distorts essence detection."
She looked around.
"If you're separated from the group..."
"...don't expect your teammates to find you."
Rose suddenly interrupted.
"And don't forget Gold steel Shelter."
Several expedition members sighed.
Cynthia closed her eyes briefly.
"I wasn't going to."
Rose pointed toward another location drawn near the mountain.
"Our rivals own this territory."
"They're greedy."
"They tax everyone entering the mountain."
"They don't care whether you're friend or enemy."
"If they believe you possess something valuable..."
"...they'll simply kill you."
One of the Awakened muttered,
"Typical Gold steel."
Rose nodded.
"Their taxes are practically robbery."
Cynthia calmly continued.
"Fortunately..."
She looked toward Nora.
"That's where our newest member becomes useful."
Rose immediately frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Cynthia answered without hesitation.
"If Gold steel notices only Awakened approaching..."
"They'll immediately prepare for battle."
"But an Initiate..."
"They'll underestimate."
Rose's expression darkened.
"You expect an Initiate to negotiate with Awakened?"
"I'm not asking."
"I'm assigning."
The room suddenly became tense.
Rose placed both hands on the table.
"You know exactly how those people behave."
"They won't negotiate."
"They'll bully her."
"They might even attack."
Cynthia calmly met her gaze.
"Would you rather fight them yourself?"
Rose became silent.
Everyone knew her weakness.
Rose possessed terrifying long-range abilities.
Her flowers could poison battlefields.
Control minds.
Drain life.
Heal allies.
Yet prolonged combat came at a terrible cost.
The longer she fought...
The more flowers bloomed beneath her own skin.
Each blossom consumed her blood as nourishment.
Years ago, she had nearly died because of that flaw.
Only her father's healing abilities had saved her.
Since then...
Rose never allowed her essence reserves to fall below half.
Cynthia understood that better than anyone.
"So?"
Cynthia asked quietly.
Rose slowly looked away.
"...No."
"I didn't think so."
The room became silent again.
Only the sound of Nora's circulating essence could be heard.
Unlike everyone else...
She wasn't paying attention to the argument.
Or rather...
She already knew how it would end.
She had witnessed this conversation hours earlier through one of her glimpses.
Trying to change it would only waste energy.
Besides...
Fate had already decided.
Eventually Cynthia rolled the map closed.
"If there are no further objections..."
"We depart tomorrow morning."
"Rest."
"Prepare your equipment."
"Once we leave Blackbone Shelter..."
"There won't be another safe place until we return."
Everyone slowly stood.
The meeting had officially ended.
Yet for some reason...
Nora couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling lingering inside her chest.
The Abyss from her vision...
It felt closer than ever.