Climb The Wall

Staring up at the stone walls of the fortress, I wrap my arms around myself and begin looking for another way in. Unfortunately, it takes a total of ten steps before figuring out that there isn't one. To my right is a mountain wall I *know* I can't climb, while to my left is a cliff. It's actually a really well-placed defensive position. Now, if only it wasn't in my way.

I really want to get out of this cold.

Looking around some more, I stared up at the wall. ... It's not *that* high, right? I mean, I don't exactly have another option, so the only way in… is up.

Great.

I rummage through my bag and pull out the rope I packed, wondering how in the world I’m going to do this. Climbing was never my thing. I can barely handle gym class, and now I’m about to scale a stone wall like some medieval thief. But standing here doing nothing won’t get me anywhere, so I wound up my arm and throw the rope with as much strength as I could muster.

And missed. Then I made it... and the rope fell because there wasn't anything to hold it.

It took a couple tries to get the other end of the rope to stay up there for long enough for my bugs to fly out and tie the other end of the rope. Recalling my bugs, I put a foot against the wall and wrap the rope around my wrist a few times to secure it.

The wall wasn't exactly smooth, so it made the whole process a little easier. However, that didn't change the fact that, by the time I was halfway up, my hands and feet were burning.

As I slowly made my way up, my breath became shorter, and my heart was pounding. At some point, it became hard to keep moving. My arms were aching, and my grip felt like it was slipping. Looking up at the ledge, I could barely see it. Everything was blurring, and I knew if I didn't move, I would fall.

It's exhausting, pulling myself up, inch by agonizing inch, but finally—finally—I reach the top.

Panting, I haul myself over the edge and roll onto my back on the snow-covered wall, staring up at the cloudy sky. My entire body feels like jelly. Every muscle aches. My fingers are so cold, I’m not sure they’ll work again. But I did it. I actually did it.

But I still don't get a mission complete window.

Guess I have to climb *down* now. Why does this have to be so strict? I'm *already* here. I climbed the mountain! What more do they want?! With a groan, I sit up, rubbing my aching shoulders. I can't stay here. As fun as it would be to lie here and try to recover, I'd rather not freeze to ****.

Pulling my rope up from its side, I look over the edge into the courtyard and stare down.

It looks way higher from this angle.

Swallowing, I drop the rope and begin making my way down. It's much easier, since gravity is working with me now. Still, the descent isn't exactly comfortable, and I almost slip a couple of times. Once I finally touch solid ground, I hear a familiar chime, and sure enough, a blue screen appears in front of me.

Quest: The Seven Thousand Steps - Complete!

+500 Points

You may return to the Home Base at any time by thinking [Return Home].

You have 24 hours remaining until **** return.

I can’t help but feel a small sense of victory. I have time to explore this place, figure out what’s going on. Or maybe rest for a bit. Honestly, I might just pass out right here and call it a win.

Then a voice cuts through my thoughts—low, quiet, and old, but powerful enough to make my pulse jump.

"Who goes there?"

Shit.