Their feet sank into the sand with every step. A party of 14 consisting of Damien and his 5 vampire generals alongside Sadako, Evan, Cera, Jericho, Avery, Lyran, Angel and of course Basa the chicken who was currently riding on Sadako's shoulder.
Shirone had his own business to take care of and thus travelled safely back behind the lines of war between the demons and vampires. He was in essence a messenger that had to relay the Intel about most recent events. He had worked directly under Goliath for many years and earned a great deal of trust, but now he was the one betraying the former king.
After several days of hiking north through the unforgiving nature of the desert it became more apparent that the ground was growing fertile and the surroundings showed signs of vegetation. The terrain was completely changing. Though this is where their journey would become more challenging.
"Is it just me or does this feel a little familiar?"
Avery said as he peered up at a mountain that climbed into the sky. About halfway up there were spots of white clearly visible which meant they were going to be unprepared for the cold weather. Not to mention the strange noises coming from the distance, there would most likely be creatures that live in the mountains and use it for their hunting grounds.
"Yeah, we climbed a mountain just like this on Neodeka didn't we?"
Cera was the one who replied to a sulking Avery.
"Neo-huh ? Are you saying the two of you have been through the mountains before?"
Damien had been curious about the term 'Neodeka' he had heard it used many times in the past several days but he had no idea what it referred to.
"Well, yeah we all climbed a huge mountain a few years ago, but that was that and this is this. I'm pretty sure it'll be a walk in the park for everyone here at least."
Cera was so nonchalant about trekking through insane conditions, she had lost her sense of what people consider normal at some point.
"The only thing is the snow, we didn't exactly dress for weather that cold. I mean, look at Angel he's literally not even wearing a shirt."
Lyran butted in with her two cents, she was usually the voice of reason among everyone else.
"Snow? Lord Damien did you hear that? We will finally get to witness it for ourselves. Legends speak of the beautiful white flakes that fall from the sky! I've always heard of it but I never believed it really existed!"
Rellik was suddenly acting completely different from her usual apathetic self. She was jumping up and down with excitement and everything.
"Yes, I've seen ice magic create a similar effect but to think that it would naturally occur over vast amounts of land. It will be a sight to remember for sure."
Damien nodded his head up and down, a wave of enthusiasm was coming from all 6 vampires at once.
"Wow, just imagine if we took them to Iceland or something."
Avery said while laughing.
"You didn't pay attention in geography class at all did you…"
Evan face palmed.
"Here, lets go back to the castle and gather some thicker clothes, I'll just teleport us there right quick. It'll be a cinch."
Thus, Cera slashed open an amethyst portal that led back to the kingdom of Flames. There they took the initiative to relay their current status to Jesshira and prepare for even more treacherous adventures on their way to the hollow forest.