The season was still autumn.
The leaves of early greenery had finally begun to change color, and fallen leaves were scattering along the paths.
We ascended the quiet trail for what felt like an eternity.
There was no time to admire the beautiful scenery or the picturesque landscape.
All I could hear was the faint sound of labored breathing.
A group of more than ten people trudged forward, their exhaustion evident.
Even the grumbling and complaints that had persisted until yesterday had vanished.
With our destination so close, there was no energy left to voice discomfort.
The journey had been gruelingâenough to wear down the spirits of even the strongest among us.
âAh, I can see it! Our destination!â
At someoneâs exclamation, the groupâs heavy breaths quickened with excitement.
Seeing the long-awaited endpoint gave them a burst of energy despite their fatigue.
After climbing the remaining steps, we finally arrived at the large gates.
The doors creaked open as if they had been waiting for us, revealing guards stationed on the other side.
Creeeeakâ!
As the gates opened, a man appeared.
He was a middle-aged man with a pleasant demeanor.
Smiling warmly, he opened his mouth to speakâ
âWelcome, travelers from the Main Allianceââ
âAaaghâ¦!â
âW-We made itâ!â
âOut of the way!â
ââ¦Excuse me?â
Before he could finish, the group pushed past him.
Their desperation was so intense that no one even tried to stop them.
The members stumbled inside and collapsed to the ground.
âUghâ¦â
âW-Water⦠Pleaseâ¦â