Finally, that beam of light became clear.
Jason and the old man both saw this change.
Joy appeared on the old man's face.
Unconsciously, he quickened his pace.
Then...
He fell.
The steps that were originally filled with iron nails and scorching heat unexpectedly turned into a slope, covered in ice.
"No!"
The old man shouted loudly as he swiftly slid down.
A second or two later, the old man disappeared.
And Jason?
His whole body was firmly pressed against the slope,
then, moving upward inch by inch.
The higher he went, the steeper the slope became.
The higher he went, the harder it was to find leverage.
The scars on his body increased, while the temperature below him grew colder.
However, Jason didn't mind at all.
An iron will stronger than steel supported him to continue forward.
As for retreat?
He wouldn't.
He didn't want to experience that helpless choice again.
He didn't want to be the person offered choices by others.
He wanted to take the initiative.
