Sterling’s destination was the Sentinel Syndicate’s headquarters, located high above Sieghart Mountains. The boss had undoubtedly made his way back to HQ by now, but this only meant trouble for Akihiko. He thought he could do something kind as a way to apologize for his mishap in the tournament, and if possible, wanted to avoid a confrontation at any cost. However, he knew that he would be scolded once he reaches back. The thought sent a chill down his spine, almost as if the boss had been watching from a distance.
It wouldn’t be long now, Akihiko was slowly but surely approaching the mountain’s summit. Truthfully, he was in no position to continue, after all, he had made it this far on willpower alone. His body felt heavy and weak due to the trip; frankly, he didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. Perhaps it would be a smart idea to take a short rest so that way he could at least change his bandage. Akihiko laid his belongings against some rocks and reached inside his satchel for a bottle of water. As he tended to his wound, he heard a desperate cry for help up the steep path.
“Help! Can anyone out there hear me?! Help!” a man shouted.
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