Jihoon and his team left the coalition's grand hall with a tentative agreement in place, but he couldn't shake the unease in his chest. The coalition leaders' mistrust was evident, and the alliance felt as fragile as glass.
"We've bought ourselves time," Jihoon said as they walked through the stone corridors. "But if we can't deliver results, this alliance will crumble."
Ryujin smirked, his sword resting on his shoulder. "No pressure, right? Just the fate of Murim on our shoulders."
Sora shot him a look. "This isn't a joke. The coalition's support is critical, and you know it."
"Relax," Ryujin replied. "We've gotten this far, haven't we?"
Jihoon glanced at the two, their contrasting personalities a constant source of tension. Yet, he knew their loyalty was unwavering. "Enough. We need to focus on the next step—finding the second artifact before the Shadow Veil does."
Seojun, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "The coalition's intelligence network might help. They have scouts everywhere. If there's any sign of corruption spreading, they'll know."
Jihoon nodded. "Good idea. Let's start there."
---
Hours later, the team gathered in a war room filled with maps and scrolls. Coalition scouts pointed to an area on the northern border, near the Frostspire Mountains.
"We've received reports of strange occurrences here," one scout explained. "Villages abandoned overnight, wildlife behaving erratically. It matches the patterns we've seen before."
Jihoon studied the map. "The Frostspire Mountains… That's dangerous terrain. Perfect for hiding an artifact."
Lady Ha-eun, who had been silently observing, spoke up. "You'll need more than just your magic to navigate that region. Take some of our warriors with you. They know the terrain."
Ryujin scoffed. "More people to babysit?"
Ha-eun's eyes narrowed. "More people to ensure your survival. You're not invincible, magician."
Jihoon raised a hand to defuse the tension. "We'll take the help. The more eyes and hands we have, the better."
---
The next morning, Jihoon's team, accompanied by a squad of coalition warriors, set out for the Frostspire Mountains. The journey was arduous, the cold biting through their cloaks.
As they climbed higher, Jihoon felt the faint presence of magic in the air—chaotic and tainted. He stopped and turned to his team. "We're close. Stay sharp."
Suddenly, the ground trembled. From the shadows of the cliffs, corrupted creatures emerged—twisted amalgamations of beasts and humans.
"Ambush!" Ryujin shouted, drawing his sword.
Jihoon raised his staff, summoning a barrier of light to shield the group. The battle began, the air filled with the clash of steel and the crackle of magic.
But this time, they weren't alone. The coalition warriors fought alongside them, their skill and discipline matching the chaotic energy of the corrupted foes. For the first time, Jihoon felt a glimmer of hope.
This alliance might just work.