Chapter 81: 81: Final Mountain
Chapter 81: 81: Final Mountain
"The ground is a bit slippery. Be careful, guys." Fushigiro's voice was in front as he led his members to climb the last mountain.
Midway in their ascent to the mountain, it started to rain heavily. They could have chosen to rest, but they continue to proceed. Ominously, there are no Apokalips in sight given the traces of activity on the mountain. It's either there's no Apokalips or they are somewhere up there.
The former was Caleb's wishful thinking, proven by the virtue of cause and effect, given the traces of activity; Huge footprints, broken trees, hints of fighting, etc.... While the latter has almost certain possibility. He wasn't sure if they were on top of the hill or way down on the other side. Either way, he was ready to give his all.
Others might say that bravery is a fool. However, it can't deny that most brave men are the ones who cause changes in the world.
Bravery, at its core, is not about recklessness or thoughtless actions. Instead, it's the courage to confront adversity, stand up for what one believes in, and take calculated risks when necessary. It's a quality that propels individuals to step outside their comfort zones and challenge the status quo.
In his opinion, bravery doesn't mean the absence of fear; it means acting despite fear. Brave individuals acknowledge their fears but choose to move forward despite them. This determination to face fear head-on empowers them to tackle challenging situations. Caleb wasn't one to cower before fear after experiencing torturous, dumb ways of dying.
Positive change rarely occurs without someone taking the first step. Brave individuals are often the trailblazers who dare to question norms, challenge injustice, and propose new ideas. Their courage to take that initial leap can set transformative movements in motion. Discover stories on m-vl-em,pyr
Not only that, Caleb also looked up to the other brave ones. After all, acts of bravery serve as a powerful source of inspiration for others. When people witness individuals standing up for what's right or pursuing their dreams against all odds, it motivates them to do the same. One brave act can create a ripple effect, mobilizing a community or even an entire society.
Of course, that doesn't mean he would be brave for others. Instead, he wants to be brave for himself.
Why?
Brave individuals tend to be resilient in the face of setbacks and adversity. They're more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks, which is often necessary when driving meaningful change. Their resilience keeps them focused on their goals and visions. Albeit, not as exaggerated as those MCs in Cultivation novels who had willpowers as stable as Mt.Tai, unbreakable spirits, such bullshits and the likes.
Many significant advancements in history have been the result of individuals who dared to break barriers and challenge existing limitations. Whether it's in science, civil rights, or technology, brave individuals have often paved the way for progress. They aren't afraid to be seen as someone crazy and their ideas caused a revolution.
Caleb was an avid fan of them. For example...
Galileo Galilei was a brilliant astronomer who challenged the prevailing belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. His support for the heliocentric theory, which proposed that the Earth revolved around the sun, led to his condemnation by the Catholic Church. However, centuries later, modern astronomy confirmed the accuracy of his heliocentric model, establishing him as a visionary who reshaped our understanding of the cosmos.
Or...
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution was a groundbreaking concept that faced considerable resistance in his time. His idea that species evolved through natural selection, rather than being fixed creations, sparked debates and controversies. Today, his theory is widely accepted and forms the basis of modern biology, demonstrating how brave ideas can reshape scientific paradigms.
Or...
Marie Curie's pioneering research on radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes but also exposed her to radiation hazards. Her work laid the foundation for the development of X-ray machines and radiation therapy in medicine, showcasing how bravery in scientific exploration can lead to life-saving innovations.
Or...
Nelson Mandela's courageous fight against apartheid in South Africa led to his imprisonment for 27 years. Yet, his steadfast commitment to justice and equality, even in the face of adversity, ultimately resulted in the end of apartheid and his election as the nation's first black president. His legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and bravery in the pursuit of social change.
And...
Alan Turing's groundbreaking work in cryptography during World War II had a profound impact on the Allied victory. Despite facing discrimination due to his homosexuality, his contributions to computer science and code-breaking played a crucial role in history. Turing's story underscores how bravery in intellectual pursuits can change the course of world events.
'Who says bravery is a fool?' Caleb couldn't help but scoffed. As long as you're not a reckless fool, bravery is a good trait to have.
...
The bad feeling that he thought turned out to be true. When they took their first step on top of the hill on the last mountain, they saw six ten-meter golems. They have to fight those six Tier 9 golems if they want to reach the other side.
These golems were colossal, their forms resembling sculptures carved from the very mountains they guarded. Their bodies were rugged and weathered, with textures resembling the coarse surface of boulders. Each golem seemed like a formidable fortress brought to life.
From the depths of their rocky visages, eerie yellow eyes glistened like those of ancient toads. The stark contrast of their bright, otherworldly eyes against the rough stone of their bodies gave them an almost mystical quality, like sentinels with an uncanny awareness.
Even from a distance, Caleb could sense the weight of their presence. The golems exuded a palpable aura of strength and unwavering determination. It was as though the very earth around them bowed to their commanding presence.
Intricate patterns of crimson lines crisscrossed their stony forms, resembling veins coursing with molten energy. These red lines seemed to pulsate faintly, adding an enigmatic allure to the otherwise formidable guardians. It was as if ancient symbols of power were etched into their very beings.
The five golems stood unwavering, their colossal frames rooted to the ground like eternal guardians of the mountain. Despite their imposing stature, their stillness was serene, as if they existed beyond the passage of time, waiting patiently to block anyone who wanted to reach the other side of the last mountain.
"Is it too late to back down now?" Caleb asked with a wary smile.