After a brief moment of contemplation, Moon decided to take Mirage with them to the hidden realm.

Although the realm was certainly dangerous, Moon was confident enough that he could protect Mirage from most threats, especially with Selene contributing to their capabilities.

Having a mount inside could prove to be useful. Whether it was mobility, rapid retreat options, or the ability to carry additional supplies and loot.

"Are you sure about that?" Selene asked, a hint of genuine worry crossing her face. "The realm might have a hazardous environment that Mirage couldn't handle. Extreme temperatures, toxic atmospheres, terrain his hooves can't navigate..."

Moon nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm sure. But before we leave, I need to get him some protective equipment. He can't go in completely undefended."

Selene nodded, no longer questioning his decision. Since Moon had clearly thought this through and made his choice, she wasn't going to waste time arguing about it.

'He must have his reasons, and a mount could genuinely be useful inside depending on the realm's layout.'

With that settled, both departed toward the Trading Center branch located inside Rocketer Base. The facility was smaller and less well-stocked than Ironpeak's equivalent, but it still carried essential equipment and supplies for awakeners operating in the region.

After approximately five minutes of browsing, Moon emerged from the center carrying a B-grade protective armor set specifically designed for high-end mounts like the Direhorses which Kael and his team used.

The armor was lightweight—constructed from flexible materials that wouldn't impede Mirage's movement or speed. It provided solid defense against physical attacks like claws, teeth, and basic weapons. Most importantly, it possessed temperature regulation enchantments similar to Moon's Cloak of the Two Extremes, offering resistance to both hot and cold environments.

The environmental protection was less effective than Moon's cloak due to the lower quality grade, but it would still provide Mirage with significantly better survivability in harsh conditions than no protection at all.

Moon fitted the armor onto Mirage carefully, adjusting straps and ensuring nothing restricted the horse's natural movement. Mirage tolerated the process patiently, seeming to understand that this equipment was for his protection.

Once the armor was properly secured, Moon and Selene left Rocketer Base through the main gate, heading toward the rocky terrain where the hidden realm entrance awaited.

Moon mounted Mirage smoothly, settling into the saddle before looking down at Selene.

"Jump on. Let's go."

Selene was startled for a moment, clearly not having expected to share the mount, before nodding her acceptance. While Mirage was indeed a large horse with sufficient space for two riders, sharing meant she'd need to be in close physical contact with Moon throughout the journey.

She hopped onto the horse behind Moon, positioning herself carefully. Moon's low voice carried back to her. "Hold tight. The terrain is rough."

"Mm." Selene nodded, her hands reaching around to clutch his slim waist with firm grip.

Neigh!

Mirage charged forward at Moon's command, his long legs propelling them across the rocky landscape with surprising speed despite carrying two riders and wearing new armor.

The white horse had recovered enough energy to manage this sprint, and the prospect of spending more time with his rider seemed to invigorate him after the long, exhausting journey.

It took them approximately fifteen minutes of riding through the rugged terrain to reach the location Selene had marked on her map. The landscape had shifted from the base's immediate surroundings to a more isolated area with huge rock boulders, narrow passages, and sparse vegetation.

"Over there!" Selene pointed ahead toward what appeared to be a natural water spring emerging from the base of a cliff face. Clear water bubbled up from underground sources, creating a small pool before flowing down through channels in the rock.

"Inside that water spring there's a small hidden pathway. The realm entrance exists at the end of it."

Moon guided Mirage closer, his eyes scanning the area carefully for threats or signs that someone else had discovered this location. Everything appeared undisturbed. There was no signs of footprints, or evidence of recent awakener activity.

The water spring looked completely natural and unremarkable—exactly the kind of natural place that thousands of people might pass without giving it a second thought.

Perfect camouflage for something valuable.

Moon dismounted and helped Selene down before approaching the spring cautiously, his senses extended for any unusual mana fluctuations or hidden dangers.

"Show me," Moon said quietly.

Selene moved forward confidently, clearly having scouted this location multiple times already. She waded into the shallow pool without hesitation, the water reaching only mid-calf depth.

At the cliff face where the spring emerged, Selene pressed against what looked like solid rock. Her hand found a subtle gap, barely visible unless you knew exactly where to look.

"Here," she said, pushing aside a thin curtain of water to reveal a narrow opening in the rock face. "The pathway is tight for about ten meters, then it opens into a larger cave chamber."

Moon studied the opening briefly. It was wide enough for a person to pass through comfortably, and probably wide enough for Mirage to squeeze through carefully, though it would be a tight fit.

"Let's secure the area first," Moon said, scanning their surroundings one more time. "Make sure no one's watching or following."

Selene nodded and began a perimeter check while Moon prepared Mirage for entry into the unknown.

Whatever waited inside that hidden chamber, they were about to find out. And there would be no turning back once they activated that realm entrance.

After ensuring that nobody had followed them, nor did anyone see them, Moon slid under the water curtain. Mirage had also managed to squeeze in the opening after removing the Armour, before strapping it back on once he was inside.

Inside the large cave chamber, Moon's eyes landed on the realm gate that existed within.

"So this is it…it looks just like any other rift," Moon muttered, his eyes landing on the circular portal opening.

Selene nodded beside him before taking a breath. "Are you ready?"

Moon's gaze hardened before nodding his head. 'In a world where only strength determines everything, evolution is the only path of survival.'

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