The cold morning air rang with tension and the faint crackling of ice somewhere in the distance. Taren Highrock stood at the base of the route, adjusting the heavy straps of his pack on his shoulders, his gaze fixed on the pristine slopes of Everest. His massive figure seemed even more imposing among the mountain giants.

"Ready?" His voice, low and gravelly, broke the silence. He turned to his companion, his eyes—despite their grim focus—flickered with a warm light.

She stood beside him, wrapped in heavy wool layers, her cheeks already pink from the frost, but her gaze was as resolute as ever. She loved the mountains too—and Taren knew that on this climb, on the edge of what was possible, they would have to rely on each other like never before.

"This route is nearly untouched," he continued, nodding toward the wall of white ice ahead. "It’ll be a real challenge. But I’m with you, step by step."

The wind tore a cap of snow from a distant peak, as if the mountain itself was warning them. But Taren only smirked, extending his large hand toward her.

"Come on. The summit won’t conquer itself."