For the past few days, there had been only one topic of discussion in the Eastern Region—the mystery of the Gandharva Region. It was said to be an ancient and divine land, where immortal water and unlimited food could be found.
Many powerful organizations and warrior groups had already set out on this quest—
some through the western desert,
while others attempted to reach it through the dense southern forests.
But there was one path that no one had chosen.
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The setting sun cast a reddish glow on Jon Carter's (20 years old) face. He approached his two closest friends and presented his plan to them.
"We should also go in search of the Gandharva Region," Jon said firmly.
Joseph Charlie (20 years old) dismissed his idea,
"We neither have money nor enough food to sustain us on a long journey.
We barely get two meals a day, and you're talking about finding the Gandharva Region?"
Saying this, Joseph walked away.
Victor Hugo (22 years old) stayed behind and asked Jon,
"If you have a solid plan, then tell me."
Victor always took Jon seriously.
In his opinion, Jon Carter was a wise and intelligent person.
Jon explained his strategy to Victor,
"Everyone is heading west in search of the Gandharva Region. But our Earth rotates from west to east.
The north and south have polar regions, and the Earth is spherical.
If we can cross the icy mountains of the north, we will reach the same destination where others will arrive by taking the long route through the desert.
Simply put, this is a shortcut!"
Victor smiled and said,
"Your plan sounds great! And if we discover the Gandharva Region, our names will be known throughout the kingdom!"
The night's darkness was slowly fading. A cool breeze whispered through the air, and the stars twinkled like hidden secrets in the sky. Jon Carter and Victor Hugo had completed their preparations for the journey. They had gathered a small amount of food, medicines, warm clothes, ropes, and healing balms for wounds.
Jon knew this journey wouldn't be easy, but finding the Gandharva Region was his dream. Victor also saw an adventure in this expedition, but one last attempt remained—convincing Joseph Charlie to join them.
In the last hours of the night, Jon and Victor arrived at Joseph's house. A dim light flickered outside. When they knocked, Joseph opened the door with sleepy eyes.
Jon spoke softly,
"We are leaving in the morning, Joseph. You should come with us."
Victor nodded in agreement, "We have found a shortcut. If we succeed, the whole world will remember us."
But doubt lingered in Joseph's eyes. He took a deep breath and said in a low voice,
"You two are orphans; no one will stop you. But I can't go."
Jon and Victor hadn't expected this. But Joseph's voice carried certainty—he was firm in his decision.
"Alright," Jon said, disappointment in his tone, "If you ever change your mind, don't forget to find us."
Joseph remained silent as Jon and Victor turned away. Their steps carried slight disappointment, but their determination remained unshaken.
The Journey Begins
In the final hours of the night, they packed their swords, daggers, belts, hooks, and other necessary items.
With the first rays of dawn, they set out toward Noraham village in a horse-drawn cart. Beyond this village lay the snowy mountains of the north, marking the start of their true journey.
By midday, Jon and Victor had already begun their ascent into the treacherous mountain paths. Snow-covered peaks stretched endlessly around them, and the biting wind made the atmosphere even harsher.
Jon and Victor moved forward through the frozen mountains. The bitter cold gnawed at their bodies, but Jon's face reflected unshakable determination. Their journey continued, step by step, as darkness slowly descended.
The sky was now glittering with countless stars, but the deep blackness of the mountains made everything seem eerie. A chilling wind howled through the peaks, making it nearly impossible to move forward.
Victor lit a torch, its flickering flame casting strange shadows on the icy rocks. Both picked up their pace, hoping to find shelter before the night became unbearable.
Suddenly, Jon's footsteps slowed. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings as he whispered,
"Victor… I feel like someone is following us."
Victor tensed. "I feel the same… but I can't tell who or what it is."
A shiver ran down their spines. The silent mountains now seemed more ominous. Every crunch of snow under their boots made them feel as if they were not alone.
Jon's eyes caught sight of some large rocks ahead, where the snow was thinner. The area looked safer than the exposed ridges they were currently on.
"Let's stop here," Jon said, his voice firm. "We need rest, and I don't want to risk walking blindly in the dark."
Victor nodded, agreeing. He extinguished the torch, allowing the darkness to swallow them completely.
Now, only the soft glow of the distant moonlight illuminated their figures as they prepared for an uneasy night in the mountains.
Jon and Victor set down their belongings and prepared to rest. Suddenly, Jon stood up, drawing his sword from its sheath.
Seeing Jon on high alert, Victor followed his gaze and looked ahead. In the darkness, a pair of glowing eyes shone menacingly. Though the creature's full form was obscured by the night, its towering height of approximately 14 to 15 feet was evident.
The bone-chilling cold made Jon's hands tremble, but he tightened his grip on the sword. Victor, sensing the threat, also drew his weapon.
Jon muttered an incantation under his breath, and his sword burst into a brilliant glow, illuminating the scene. The beast was revealed a Yeti, known to many as Bigfoot.
Without hesitation, the Yeti lunged at Jon and Victor. Both warriors displayed their swordsmanship, striking at the creature. Jon, being swifter, managed to dodge its attacks, but Victor wasn't as fortunate. The Yeti's massive claw slashed across Victor's chest, sending him flying backward. He crashed to the ground, a deep wound forming on his chest. His body ached, and he struggled to rise.
Now, Jon was left to face the Yeti alone. He used his speed and agility, striking at the beast repeatedly. However, its thick fur and tough hide rendered Jon's attacks ineffective. The creature remained unfazed, its monstrous form looming over him.