They were keeping track of time with a small hand watch. Louis checked it once every hour. Night was near, but the exit was nowhere to be seen.
"Louis, what time is it?" Kai asked, his breathing shallow. The lack of proper oxygen and the cold temperature had made him tired and exhausted.
"Around eight," Louis replied after checking the watch.
He looked around at his comrades and their master. Everyone looked drained, close to passing out. They needed rest—there was no other option at this point.
"We should rest," Louis said, sitting on a nearby rock to check if it was sturdy enough for Kai. But Kai had already seated himself on a different rock. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself and leaned against the bark of a tree for support. Snow fell lightly on his head and face, not enough to bother him.
"Everyone alright? Any injuries or anything that needs medical attention?" he asked, making sure his companions were in good condition. It was something he had learned from his father—one of the many things Kai admired about him.
Everyone confirmed they were fine, which was a relief. The last thing they needed was someone fainting, injured, or worse—dead.
Kai and the others agreed that Louis needed proper rest. Yes, he was strong and vigorous, but even his body had limits. He refused at first, but after receiving a direct order from Kai, he leaned against the tree's bark and closed his eyes. Soon, his soft snores filled the quiet air.
Two knights volunteered to stay awake and keep watch for any danger while the others rested. They remained alert, though boredom slowly crept in.
William, the younger knight, plucked a few leaves from nearby bushes and played with them to pass the time. It also helped keep him awake—the cold had a way of making people sleepy.
Henry, the other knight, stood silently, eyes sharp as he scanned the surroundings. His posture was straight, one hand gripping his sword tightly.
People often said he was too strict and stiff, but to Henry, it was discipline. Waking up early, training without missing a day, following every order from his master, and fulfilling his duties without question—that was his way of life.
William was new, still a child compared to Henry. But unlike Jerry, William was social and extroverted. He joked around and spoke casually even with higher ranks. With Henry, though, he was different—closer. Other knights often teased William about having a crush on Henry.
They were from the same village, which made William feel especially close to him. Henry, despite his cold and rigid demeanor, was noticeably softer toward the younger knight.
"Brother Henry," William called.
Henry turned to him. William was pouting, staring at the leaves in his hand.
"Yes?"
"Why are there no animals here? No cute squirrels or rabbits. I miss them."
That was another thing about William—he adored small animals and grew sulky when he didn't see any.
Henry sighed knowingly. He didn't say anything, only gestured toward the direction they had come from.
That was when it happened.
The bushes began to move.
Someone—or something—was there.
Henry glanced at William, who instantly became alert, sword ready. They waited, but nothing emerged.
"Maybe it was just a small animal," Henry said, only to regret it the very next second.
William dashed toward the bushes, hoping to find the creature. But there was nothing.
Disappointed, he turned back toward Henry—only to be slammed to the ground by something heavy. It pinned him down, breathing hotly against his neck. William could only turn his face to the side, where Henry stood.
"Don't move, Will. Just stay still," Henry said. There was panic in his voice.
Whatever had William pinned was growling.
The sounds woke the others. The chief was the first to rise. His eyes widened, but he quickly composed himself.
"Will, can you use your magic on its leg?" Kai said, now fully awake.
Whispers spread among the knights. William caught words like "beast."
Summoning his magic, William froze the creature's leg—the one closest to his head. His magic was among the strongest, the very reason he had been selected to serve directly under the Duke.
The beast screamed, loosening its grip for a moment. William escaped and ran toward Henry.
Now everyone could see it clearly.
The creature resembled a massive alligator. Its claws were sharper than blades, its skin pale white. It spat something onto its frozen leg, and within seconds, it was free again—ready to attack.
Wherever the substance touched the ground, it burned like acid.
Acid dripped from its mouth as its eyes locked onto William.
The chief stepped forward, pulling the younger knight behind him protectively.
Kai had seen this many times—the chief acting like a father to the knights. And every time, Kai couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like if the chief had truly been his father.