The next morning came fast.
Steel and Stark were the first ones up, the cold biting hard as Steel worked a portable stove while Stark leaned nearby, arms crossed.
"Don't burn the bacon this time," Stark said flatly.
Steel smirked.
"Yeah, yeah. I won't. This time."
A few minutes later, the smell of hot food cut through the icy air. Soldiers gathered, ate quickly, and began gearing up. Armor seals locked. Oxygen levels were checked twice. Ice picks, screws, and climbing lines were secured.
Not long after, the ascent began.
The mountain swallowed them whole.
They climbed steadily for hours, boots crunching against frozen stone, until visibility dropped to almost nothing. Thick fog rolled in without warning, heavy and blinding.
Steel, leading the climb, stopped.
"Lights on, everyone!"
Helmet lights flicked on one by one, beams cutting weak tunnels through the mist.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind.
"HEY, hold on! Where did you guys go?!"
Stark turned slightly.
"Right here. Follow the sound of my voice."
The soldier pushed forward, emerging from the fog unharmed.
Stark nodded sharply.
"New rule. Everyone ties in. Nobody moves alone."
Ropes were clipped fast.
They pushed through the fog, and just as suddenly as it came, it broke.
Ahead of them rose a massive vertical ice wall.
No trail. No path.
Just ice.
Everyone pulled out picks and screws and began the climb. Metal bit into frozen surface. Gloves slipped. Breath came hard and fast. Sweat soaked armor while cold gnawed through layers.
Steel growled through clenched teeth.
"I hate feeling cold and sweating at the same time."
Stark didn't slow.
"Doesn't matter. Keep pushing."
They were near the top when,
Crack.
A shot rang out.
It missed by inches.
The squad scattered instinctively, diving for cover.
Stark's visor flicked toward the ridge above.
"There, on the cliff!"
Figures moved against the snow, small demons, bundled in white gear, rifles raised.
"Contact! Return fire!" Stark shouted.
Blaster fire lit up the mountainside. Ice exploded where shots landed. Stark fired twice; one demon went down hard.
The climb turned into a brutal uphill firefight. Steel charged forward, absorbing fire, while the soldiers advanced in bursts, clearing positions one by one.
Minutes later, silence returned.
The last demon fell, sliding lifelessly down the slope.
They regrouped on the snowy cliffs above, breathing hard. The thin air hit the soldiers hardest, helmets fogged, hands trembling.
Steel bent over, hands on his knees.
"Where is this town at… we spent an entire day climbing a mountain."
Stark exhaled slowly.
"I know. Crazy part? People actually do this for fun."
They pressed on.
Not long after, a wooden sign emerged from the snow:
REST STOP
Steel squinted.
"Please tell me that's real."
They followed the path. The terrain leveled out, the wind softened, and then suddenly, the mountain opened up.
A small town sat tucked into the plateau.
Wooden buildings lined narrow streets. Warm lights glowed behind windows. Snow-dusted rooftops, hanging lanterns, and festive décor made it feel like something out of a winter storybook.
Steel stopped dead.
"Wow… this place is a hidden gem."
Stark nodded slowly.
"Might have to vacation up here."
They crossed the town square and pushed open the doors to Town Hall