Chapter 191: The Ascent

Leo grimaced as his muscles screamed in protest, his fingers trembling under the pressure as he slowly pulled himself up on the slippery rock that jutted out from the steep edge. He let out a muttered curse as his body quivered with the effort, struggling to find purchase on the slick surface.

"Shit..."

He muttered through gritted teeth, beads of sweat gathering on his forehead. The drop below him was dizzying, and he knew that one false move could send him tumbling down to his death.

Thinking quickly, Leo summoned his Mana and swiftly built a barrier of Shadow Protection beneath his feet, giving himself a momentary break to catch his breath.

Leo cast a glance down the steep slope, feeling an unnatural fear claw its way into his heart. He gritted his teeth and bit down on his lip, trying to resist the onslaught of terror that threatened to overwhelm him.