Medusa and Mike stood silently in front of each other.
Their eyes reflected one another like mirrors, as if both of them were trying to uncover something hidden beneath the surface.
A cold wind passed between them.
Then Mike slowly stepped forward.
"Jinki Mountain may sound exciting when people talk about it," he said calmly, "but the reality is far more dangerous."
"If you go there without preparation…"
"You'll die."
As he spoke, Mike stopped directly in front of Medusa.
"And honestly…"
"You don't look strong enough to protect both yourself and a kid at the same time."
Sota immediately looked toward Medusa after hearing those words.
Inside his mind, countless thoughts rushed together.
What is Medusa thinking?
Will he accept Mike's offer…?
Without taking his eyes off Mike, Medusa suddenly spoke in a deep voice.
"Sota."
"If you were in this situation… what would you do?"
Sota froze.
"Eh…? M-Me…?"
He immediately panicked.
"I… uh…"
"What would I…"
Medusa glanced toward him.
"Sota. Don't panic."
"Think carefully."
Hearing that, Sota took a deep breath and straightened himself.
He placed a hand on his chin and started thinking seriously.
What is Medusa trying to test here…?
Jinki Mountain is dangerous.
And Medusa himself admitted Mike is strong.
If something unknown attacks us there…
After a few moments of silence, Sota finally raised his head with confidence.
"Yes."
"I think we should form a team with him."
The moment Mike heard that, a spark of light appeared in his eyes.
For the first time, he looked genuinely surprised.
Medusa slowly turned toward Sota again.
"Fine," he said.
"But tell me one thing."
"Why should we trust him?"
The light inside Mike's eyes instantly faded.
"…What?"
Sota awkwardly cleared his throat before answering.
"We don't know what exists on Jinki Mountain."
"If we get trapped in a dangerous situation…"
"Mike could help us survive."
He paused for a second before continuing.
"But…"
"We also need to know whether he's truly loyal or not."
For a brief moment, silence covered the area.
Then Medusa gently patted Sota's head.
"Well said."
Sota's eyes widened slightly.
He had not expected praise from Medusa so directly.
Medusa then looked back toward Mike.
"We can form a team," he said seriously.
"But what guarantee do we have that you won't abandon us halfway through the journey?"
Mike's expression slowly changed.
Then, without hesitation, he spoke firmly.
"I swear."
"I will help you until the very end."
"This is an oath upon Segilos."
The moment those words left his mouth, even the atmosphere around them seemed to grow heavier.
Mike extended his hand forward with a faint smile.
"I, Mike Celester…"
"swear in the name of Segilos…"
"That I will stand beside you until this mission ends."
The moment Medusa heard the oath—
both he and Mike suddenly felt heat spread through their bodies.
It was strange.
Heavy.
Almost as if an invisible chain had connected their souls together.
Sota looked at them in confusion.
"What… was that feeling?"
Mike smiled faintly.
"Now the oath has been sealed."
"And if either one of us breaks it…"
He looked toward the dark sky above.
"…only God knows what will happen next."
For a few seconds, silence remained between them.
Then Medusa grabbed Sota's wrist and turned away.
"We've already wasted enough time."
"Let's move."
Mike blinked for a second before hurriedly running after them.
"W-Wait!"
"I'm coming too!"
Far above them, dark clouds slowly moved across the sky—
as if the world itself had witnessed the birth of something dangerous.