#1009 Golden Bat Course

Hiking.

Finally, everything was set, and we were ready to embark on our journey.

The participants started splitting up, and soon enough, everyone had firmly chosen either Golden Bat’s or Silver Wolf’s course.

“Thank you all for joining us today. We’re going to take every precaution to ensure everyone reaches the summit safely and without any accidents or injuries. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

“You lot! If you underestimate this mountain, you’ll die! If you value your lives, obey my every command without question! By the time you reach the summit, you’ll have grown into true warriors!”

It’s pretty obvious who said what, isn’t it?

It’s mind-boggling that, despite such clear differences, some people still chose Golden Bat’s side of their own free will.

Me?

I had my reasons—exceptions and special circumstances, you know!

“Warriors grow stronggg. I, warriorrr.”

...My Junior...

Yeah, he’s at an age when he likes to do the opposite of what you expect. Everyone goes through a phase like that early on.

It’s that time when you want to take on challenges for no reason at all.

“All right, Silver Wolf, ready, set, go! Last one to the top’s a rotten egg! In the adventurer’s world, the first to cross the finish line wins, so don’t forget that!”

“I know that. Lady Veil, if you would, please.”

“Huh?”

Somehow, without me noticing, Silver Wolf had already arranged everything with Veil, who agreed without hesitation.

In her dragon form, Veil picks up the participants in a huge basket (which she apparently keeps just for this purpose) and takes off.

Seeing this, Golden Bat was in a complete panic.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!!! Isn’t that cheating?! Do you want to beat me that badly?!”

Golden Bat shouts from the ground while Silver Wolf, looking down from above, replies.

“We have elderly participants, so we want to minimize their burden as much as possible. It’s a beginner course, after all, and we want to respect that.”

“Still, though?!”

“We’re not going all the way to the top like this. We’ll get dropped off halfway and then walk the rest. Enjoying the mountain’s scenery on foot is the true joy of hiking, after all.”

Golden Bat’s protests were in vain as Veil and the airborne hikers disappeared from view.

“A dragon-lift instead of a rope-lift...?!”

I couldn’t help but mutter as I was left behind on the ground.

Silver Wolf’s ingenuity is scary. Using every resource to help the weaker climbers...

And even though it’s only halfway, getting a head start with a dragon lift gives them a huge advantage.

At this rate, it’s almost a done deal, isn’t it?

Looking over at Golden Bat, who might have been despairing at the situation...

“...Heh, hehehehehehehehehehe...!”

At first, I thought he was shaking with frustration, but no, he was laughing.

“Foolish Silver Wolf! Do you think you’ve beaten me with just that?!”

“Um, actually, Silver Wolf is just prioritizing the safety and comfort of the climbers...!”

“Did you really think you were the only one with a trump card?! Did you ever wonder why I was so vague about my chosen course?!”

Oh, so there is something up his sleeve.

I figured he had something planned, but what on earth is he hiding?

“The truth is, besides routes one to six, there’s another secret path to the summit! It’s called the Ina-Reeya Course!”

The Ina-Reeya Course?!

“This path is longer and steeper, designed for advanced climbers! Only those who conquer this trail can truly claim to have mastered Mount Ta-Kao!”

Is that so.

But if it’s longer and steeper, doesn’t that mean it’ll take more time?

Will you really catch up to Silver Wolf like that? Are you sure about this?

“Don’t worry! The tough path always rewards us more than the easy one.”

“You’re one of those ‘journey over destination’ people, aren’t you!”

“Plus, this trail offers rich nature and a variety of trees and scenic views.”

Despite all the motivational talk, Golden Bat couldn’t point out a single concrete advantage.

So, I decided to just focus on moving forward, letting thoughts of winning take a backseat.

As expected, Golden Bat chose the “extreme difficulty, very hard” course. Climbing it was exhausting beyond belief.

Junior, who picked this side out of sheer contrariness, was quickly realizing the folly of youthful decisions.

“Just... keep going... you’ll understand once you’re there...”

He’s already out of breath...

I might have to carry him partway.

But first...

“Hey, Golden Bat!”

“What is it?”

“How about we take a break? Some people are starting to lose their breath, and at this rate, someone might drop out before we reach the top.”

Who knows if he’d actually listen?

The man’s got an obsessive love for mountains and a fierce rivalry with Silver Wolf.

I was supposed to keep him in check, but honestly, I had my doubts about how much I could reign him in.

It’s not like I was sure I could do it.

So, when I requested a break...

“No.”

A flat-out rejection.

But I won’t give up! The fate of everyone making it to the top rests on my persistence!

“Come on, just consider the others...”

“If we push a little further, there’s a wide spot perfect for a break. Hang in there till then.”

Huh?

“Sitting down on this narrow path would block other hikers. We must be considerate.”

“Uh, right...”

What? Huh???

A reasonable response from him? I’m stunned.

“Daddy, I’m thirstyyy.”

And there’s Junior, nearing his limit too.

No way could I push my little kid to hold out much longer.

“Okay, let’s drink some water.”

“Wait a moment.”

Golden Bat stops us.

“Water alone isn’t enough. You lose salt through sweat. I brought rock salt, rich in minerals. Have the child lick a little.”

“Oh, th-thanks...?!”

“All right, we’ve reached the rest spot! Take a good break here! Rehydrate and take care of any business!”

Golden Bat is firing off orders with surprising precision.

So precise, in fact, that it feels a bit... off.

“However! Remember, bathroom breaks are in designated spots only—no doing your business wherever you please! We’ve got to keep the hiking trails clean! After all, we want the next hikers to enjoy a pleasant experience, too! And don’t even think about littering—it’s strictly forbidden!”

Who is this Golden Bat?

His string of sensible comments is really throwing me off!

“If anyone feels unwell, speak up immediately! Hiking with health issues is dangerous! We may not be at a high altitude, but mountains can still mess with you. Speak up at the first sign of trouble! Remember, only you can truly safeguard your own life!”

Golden Bat...!

When it comes to his beloved mountains, there’s no compromise, no nonsense.

His care for others shines through.

This must be the true skill of an S-rank adventurer, able to handle anything flawlessly when he sets his mind to it.

But it’s clear his perfectionism is reserved for his passions.

In this case, mountains.

Sure, many people can only give their all to what they love, but Golden Bat is the epitome of this.

Couldn’t he show this level of consideration all the time, though?!