Extra's Path: The Eternal Frost Monarch

Chapter 181: Unknown Ruin

"Albert, what did the boss tell you about this ruin?" the burgundy-haired man asked the bearded man beside him, whose name was Albert.

Albert shrugged lightly. "She didn’t tell me much. But she did say this is a temple dedicated to some god."

Boris raised an eyebrow. "Hmm... now that’s interesting. You never told me that before. I mean, we’ve been searching for this place for so many days."

Albert glanced at him. "Well, you never asked."

"Tch!"

After a brief silence, Albert looked toward Boris. "By the way, Boris. Did you send our location?"

Boris nodded. "Yes. I already did that."

"Good." Albert replied with a nod.

The two men continued descending the ancient stone staircase. Each of them carried a burning torch, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows across the damp walls while illuminating the darkness ahead.

The deeper they went, the colder the air became. Finally, they reached the bottom. Before them stretched a massive underground hall.

Towering stone pillars stood in perfect rows on both sides, forming a long path that disappeared into the darkness ahead.

Each pillar was covered with intricate carvings and ancient patterns that had somehow survived the passage of countless years.

The craftsmanship was astonishing.

Albert slowly looked around with amazement.

"Wow... this place really is incredible. Despite being buried underground for so many years, it still looks this well-preserved."

Boris slowly scanned the surroundings with his torch. "Yes... but this place gives me chills." he admitted quietly.

The two cautiously walked farther into the hall. They examined the walls, pillars, and carvings as they advanced, trying to find anything unusual.

Soon, their eyes landed on an enormous stone door standing at the end of the hall. Both of them walked toward it.

Albert looked at the gigantic entrance with curiosity. "Will this lead us to another chamber?" he wondered aloud.

Boris scratched his beard thoughtfully.

"Maybe."

He stepped forward and planted both hands against the heavy stone door. With a deep breath, he pushed with all his strength.

Nothing happened. The gigantic door didn’t move even the slightest bit.

Seeing Boris fail, Albert immediately stepped beside him.

"Move over."

The two men pushed together. Their muscles tensed. Veins bulged across their arms as they poured more strength into it.

Still... The door remained completely motionless.

Not willing to give up, they circulated mana through their bodies to increase their physical strength. Once again, they pushed.

Nothing happened. Then they tried pulling it.

Again nothing happened.

They even attempted to slide it sideways. Yet no matter what they did, the ancient door refused to budge.

Albert finally stepped back and let out a tired sigh.

"I think I know why it didn’t budge at all."

Boris turned toward him.

"Why?"

Albert pointed toward the massive stone door.

"This must have originally been the entrance to the temple. Since we’re underground now, the other side is probably buried beneath tons of soil. Of course it won’t open."

Boris blinked for a moment before nodding in realization.

"Oh... you’re right."

Albert dusted off his hands.

"Let’s go to the other side of the hall. We might find another door."

"Agreed."

The two men turned around and walked toward the opposite end of the enormous chamber.

As they had expected. There was indeed another stone door.

It was just as massive as the first one. However...Unlike the previous entrance...

This one was slightly open. Both men exchanged cautious glances.

Without saying another word, they slowly approached it.

Albert placed both hands against the heavy stone door. Boris did the same.

Together, they pushed.

GRRRRRR...

The enormous stone door slowly slid open with a deep grinding sound that echoed throughout the silent temple.

A gust of ancient, stale air escaped from within. The two men instinctively tightened their grips on their torches before carefully stepping inside.

The chamber beyond was another vast hall. The torchlight swept across the darkness as they cautiously examined every corner.

At first... They found nothing.

The room appeared completely empty.

Then their torchlight fell upon something standing at the very center of the chamber.

Both men froze. Their eyes widened.

Towering before them was a gigantic statue.

Albert’s voice trembled. "Th-that’s... the god..."

---

It was getting late in the evening.

SCREEECHHH!!

A spider-type monster let out a shrill, agonizing scream before its enormous body collapsed onto the forest floor.

BOOM!

Dust rose into the air as the monster twitched a few times before becoming completely still.

Noah let out a long breath and casually ran a hand through his silver-white hair, fixing the strands that had become messy during the battle.

"Fuu... We’ve killed quite a lot of monsters along the way." he said with a satisfied smile.

Mary looked at him before lowering her gaze.

Her hands were still tightly gripping her wand. "Yes... but you killed most of them." she said softly.

Her eyes drifted toward the pile of monster corpses scattered around them.

After a brief pause, she continued in a guilty tone. "And you helped me kill so many as well... Honestly, you deserved those kills yourself."

Her shoulders drooped as she looked down at the ground with a dejected expression.

Noah watched her quietly. He tried his best not to think she looked cute.

Unfortunately...He failed. Even when she was feeling guilty, she somehow managed to look adorable.

A faint smile appeared on his face. He walked over to her and gently placed his hand on her head.

Slowly stroking her soft hair, he spoke reassuringly.

"Don’t worry, girl. If I really wanted those kills, I would’ve simply stolen them myself."

Mary’s cheeks instantly turned red.

She quickly stepped away from him while covering her head.

"H-Hey! Don’t do that!! You’re always like this! Hmph!" she protested with an embarrassed pout as she looked away.

Noah couldn’t help but chuckle. With a teasing smile, he tilted his head.

"Always like what? Care to elaborate?"

Mary looked back at him nervously. Although embarrassed, she still gathered enough courage to speak her mind.

"Y-You... You know... You’re always saying sweet things to girls..."

She hesitated before asking, "Do you know what people like that are called?"

Noah folded his arms and smiled. "What? Please tell me."

Mary pointed at him with a trembling finger. "Y-You’re a playboy... Y-You’re a womanizer... A-And you’re... you’re a simp!!"