#1008 Towards the Summit

A Hiking Event in Mount Ta-Kao.

An unexpected climbing competition suddenly erupts between Golden Bat and Silver Wolf!

“Let me explain! Mount Ta-Kao has six trails, from Trail 1 to Trail 6! So, there are six different paths to the summit!”

Golden Bat begins to explain out of nowhere.

Basically, we have two teams of climbers, one for Golden Bat and one for Silver Wolf.

If they each take different trails, it should help with the overcrowding issue on the mountain paths.

Clever thinking.

“Of course, the difficulty varies greatly between each trail. Some are long and winding but easier, while others are short and steep. Climbers can choose a trail based on their skills and preferences. That’s the charm of Mount Ta-Kao!!!”

“So, the path you choose determines how quickly you reach the summit?”

Silver Wolf asks, surprisingly serious.

Is he really into this competition?

“I’m all for easing congestion. If climbers are pushing and shoving on narrow paths, it could lead to accidents.”

As expected of Silver Wolf.

He calmly assesses the situation and moves in a favorable direction.

“In that case, I’ll take Trail 1. It’s the main path, well-maintained, and should have fewer unexpected surprises.”

“Playing it safe, huh? How typical of you. Losing your sense of adventure means you’re no longer a true adventurer.”

“I’ve actually retired from adventuring.”

Besides, it’s not just Silver Wolf and Golden Bat; they have to guide a large group of climbers, too.

Among them are regular folks, pure hiking enthusiasts, not adventurers.

As the guild master, choosing the safest path to ensure everyone returns home safely is the right call.

“Hmph. Fine. Let’s hope each chosen path becomes our victory road.”

“And which trail are you taking, Golden Bat?”

“That’s a surprise. Now, let’s sort out the teams.”

With about fifty participants, they start deciding who goes into Golden Bat’s team and who joins Silver Wolf’s team.

“The first important member… it’s you, saint!”

Huh?

Me?!

“Indeed, having the legendary saint with us is a great honor! Now, which team will you join?!”

...

I sneak a quick sideways glance at Silver Wolf.

He catches my gaze and, without a word, gives a small, firm nod.

“I’ll go with Golden Bat’s team...!”

“Oh? You choose my side! Hear that, Silver Wolf? The saint believes I will win! Quite the responsibility!!!”

No, that’s not it.

Since Silver Wolf and Golden Bat are leading separate teams, they’ll be taking different routes.

That means Silver Wolf won’t be able to monitor Golden Bat’s actions.

Someone needs to keep an eye on Golden Bat, and that someone has to be me.

“I’m counting on you, Lord Saint... Please...!”

“I’ll do my best, though I’m not sure how much help I’ll be...!”

With determined faces, we shake hands.

By the way, I didn’t come alone; I have some companions.

First, my kids, Junior and Norito.

Both my eldest and youngest sons are here.

One reason for this hiking trip is to give my wife, Platy, a break since she’s expecting our third child.

While I keep the kids busy in the mountains, she can rest at home.

The kids are thrilled, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Let’s reach the highest peakkk.”

“We can do it!”

They’re brimming with enthusiasm for the climb.

I want them to enjoy this trip to the fullest.

And one more companion...

“Take care of things, Veil.”

“Leave it to me!”

The dragon Veil is with us, too.

It’s tough trying to keep an eye on two hyperactive kids all by myself.

We’re in the mountains, and the moment I take my eyes off them, who knows what kind of trouble they might find? That’s why I called Veil for backup.

Veil’s been a pro at parenting since Junior was just a baby, so I knew I could count on her.

So, Veil has joined our hiking adventure today.

“You humans sure are weird, huh? Climbing up this mountain for what? If it were me, I’d just transform and fly right over it!”

Well, from the perspective of the strongest creature, the dragon, that makes sense. But humans have this peculiar sense of humor that makes them enjoy their own inconveniences.

Mountain climbing might just be the epitome of that.

Even though it’s excruciatingly tough, and there’s a risk of getting lost, the only reward at the top is a sense of accomplishment.

And yet, people keep climbing mountains.

Why?

Because, as they say, “the mountain is there.”

Anyway, time to discuss the plan with Veil.

“...Have you been paying attention? We’re splitting into two teams until we reach the summit. I got stuck with Golden Bat... I got stuck with Golden Bat.”

It’s important, so I said it twice.

“That bat is definitely going to cause trouble along the way. It’s smart to keep a close eye on him.”

Veil... Who knew you’d be so sensible now?

You used to be the biggest troublemaker, and now she’s one of the most reliable members of our group.

“So, should we all join the bat’s team?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure about that.”

I have a nagging feeling of unease.

Silver Wolf chose the easiest and least strenuous path to the summit of Mount Ta-Kao.

Golden Bat hasn’t chosen a specific route yet, which is worrying.

“Knowing him, I bet he’ll pick the hardest route possible. He seems to think the more obstacles, the better...”

“He’s the kind who seeks meaning in the journey.”

Veil hits the nail on the head.

Because of this, if Golden Bat picks some nightmarish obstacle course, I worry about the kids being able to safely navigate it.

They’re still quite young, after all.

“That’s why I want the kids to follow Silver Wolf’s easier route. And Veil, you should go with them too, just to be safe.”

“So, we split up for this adventure? That’s a bit lonely.”

It can’t be helped.

Letting Golden Bat run wild is much scarier.

Just as we were about to split up...

“Wait... Junior?”

One of my sons, Junior, came to my side.

“What’s up, Junior? You should be with your big sister Veil.”

“Heavy work for Yute is quiet rest for old Eijjj.”

Huh?

What?

...Oh, ‘Heavy work in youth is quiet rest in old age.’ Got it.

For a second, I was like, ‘Who’s Yute and Eij?’ But basically, Junior’s saying he’s choosing the tougher path on purpose, right?

“Junior finds meaning in the journey, too?!”

Veil is shocked.

But I think it’s more about his age.

Junior is at that age where he’s starting to form his own identity and wants to assert his opinions.

He’s in the prime of his rebellious phase.

It seems like even he’s been swept up in that youthful urge to do the opposite of whatever’s expected.

“All right, if that’s what you want. Junior, you’re with me.”

“Are you sure, Master?”

“If it’s just Junior, I can keep an eye on him. Veil, you take care of Norito.”

My younger son, Norito, is growing strong.

He should be fine on the beginner’s path. If he struggles, Veil can help him out.

So, the plan is set.

Junior and I will take Golden Bat’s route.

Veil and Norito will take Silver Wolf’s route.