[Monta Republic]
[Horn Fort]
In the early morning, two soldiers, one old and one young, led a pack horse out of the city, heading towards the mountains west of the city.
Like most Monta cities, Horn Fort was also situated in a valley. However, the valley where Horn Fort was located was larger, and the slopes surrounding the city were gentler.
Leaving the main road, passing through the village on the outskirts, and following a winding path trodden by shepherds, the two soldiers struggled to climb up to the mountaintop.
The higher they climbed, the sparser the surrounding vegetation became, and the steeper the path grew. The white mountain body began to be completely exposed on the surface, and occasionally, rocks would break off and roll down the slope, dangerously passing by them.
By the afternoon, they finally reached their destination—a simple stone hut on the ridge. Both the men and the pack horse were already exhausted, drenched in sweat, with their knees and legs shaking.
