The rocky land is charred, slathered with ashes with fumes coming out of the cracks. The air is filled with a noxious smell of sulphur. Under the starry sky, Choi Minho stares at the bubbles rising on the surface of the yellow lake.
The entrance to the Vermillion Phoenix's Abode has been denied to him.
He's been here before.
Back then, he was looking for the gates to hell. Opening the gate of hell wasn't something an eleven-year-old child could go. He didn't have magic.
He pushes away the memories. Right now, it's not the time to reminisce. Choi Minho inhales the air, feeling tired. The Phoenix is offended. Maybe he shouldn't have lost his temper back then. If this phoenix doesn't meet him, how would he change her mind about inviting Wakana?
If Wakana never gets the invitation, then…
Mount O is based on Mount Osore (Mount Fear) in Japan. But it's not the same (nothing in this novel is). I was intrigued by it.