[A/N: edited]
"It's warm."
That was Aru's first thought as he stepped into the dense mist.
For some reason, the area shrouded in mist was warmer than its surroundings.
"Maybe the warmth is sustaining the diverse ecosystem of the Valley of Death," Aru speculated.
He paused, looking around cautiously and inhaling the humid, damp air.
The land around him was as barren as he had imagined. But to his surprise, he saw soil beneath his feet instead of snow.
The ground was muddy and damp, a stark contrast to the terrain just a few meters away.
Aru stepped on the slippery ground and walked a couple of meters forward.
Soon, his entire being was swallowed by the mist.
He could barely see the way back now.
"Aaah." Aru took a deep breath and looked back.
This misty area was notorious for making warriors lose their way. Once he entered, there would be no turning back, he realized this fact quickly.