"This is truly... breathtaking. This is what Darley-nee created?"
"Mhm. Big sister was far from the quiet and serene person she is now back then. This is what she created when she got a little too... carried away."
The conversation between Nearl and Byerley revolved around the mountain before them.
No wonder Nearl seemed to have lost her composure—the shape of this mountain was almost impossible to be the work of natural change.
"Remember the mountain's nickname?"
"'The Pillar of the Goddess'?"
"Exactly."
Byerley clapped her hands together, then struck a peculiar pose. To Nearl, Byerley looked as if she were cradling something in her arms.
"That's exactly what big sister did back then. She lifted the conical mountain and drove it into the earth like a nail. But you know, Nearl, nails are usually driven pointy-end first. The result is... this."
Yes, the so-called Celestial Peak, 'The Pillar of the Goddess.' Its overall form actually tapered from top to bottom, as if a wedge had been hammered into the earth.
No wonder people called it the 'Pillar of the Goddess.'
Nature could never have created such an anomaly. Newton himself would be flipping in his coffin.
Then again, maybe that's why the Newton of this world turned to theology in his later years?
"But big sister later turned over a new leaf, becoming steady and serious. The reason this mountain hasn't caused any problems is entirely thanks to her maintenance."
As she spoke, the car drove along a flat, nearly deserted asphalt road and passed through a grandly decorated gate.
Though no one was visible beyond the gate, the neatly trimmed shrubs and clean paths indicated this was no abandoned zone.
"Byerley-nee, it's so quiet here it doesn't feel like a scenic area. More like a secluded temple."
"That's because it's not open to the public. Ordinary people aren't qualified to enter."
Byerley directed the car to drive itself while answering Nearl's questions.
"Money is one thing, of course. The area around Celestial Peak is sparsely populated. Just clearing this estate and the road we drove on cost a fortune, not to mention the supporting facilities and utilities for the manor."
"But money alone isn't the main issue. Most people could save up enough in half a year or so. The other requirement is much harder to meet."
"The other requirement?"
Puzzled, Nearl followed her two sisters out of the car. It was only then she noticed several service staff approaching. Byerley took out three small black booklets and handed them over.
"This."
After they were checked, Byerley handed one booklet to Nearl, tilting her chin to signal Nearl to open it herself.
"This is... a climbing permit?"
"Exactly. Celestial Peak isn't a normal mountain. It defies common sense. Climbing it requires stronger physique, broader knowledge, and quick-witted adaptability. This permit is the symbol. Only those who hold it are allowed to climb."
"But for Uma Musume, the most challenging part for ordinary people—physique—is naturally met. It's much easier for them to obtain this permit."
Hearing this, Nearl found it surprisingly reasonable.
"The management is quite good. It's rare to see such sensible rules. But thinking from another angle, it also shows just how difficult this climb must be."
"Alright, alright, that's not for you to worry about. Come on, let's see the house we're staying in today. I tell you, because this place is so remote, even the 'inn' provides villas..."
Shoving her younger sister along, Godolphin hurried Nearl towards the residential area, leaving Byerley behind to handle the procedures with the staff.
"Payment confirmed, deposit returned. Thank you for your visit. Please remember to bring your tent when climbing. For every 800 meters in altitude on Celestial Peak, the climate and scenery change dramatically."
"Understood."
"Then please make yourselves at home. The facilities are automated. We'll take our leave now."
With that, the estate gates opened once more, and the staff promptly walked away just as before. Byerley could faintly hear their conversation.
"Three groups of visitors today? That's really rare for this time of year. Rich people sure have it easy."
"Don't talk nonsense. Isn't this job of yours easy too? Just do your job properly and don't get complained about. Lose this job, and you'll be in a real pickle."
The voices gradually faded. Byerley didn't pay it much mind, only a slight thought drifting through her mind.
'Visitors? Well, none of our business.'
Byerley walked away briskly, her thoughts elsewhere, so a small detail of address went unnoticed by her.
"Miss Mejiro, welcome. Please present your permit."
"Here it is. This is mine."
"Miss Mejiro Ardan, is it? Welcome to the Celestial Peak scenic area."
--+--
"Ah, we're here. It's the No. 6 villa assigned to us."
"Hmm, so... it's this big."
"What are you talking about? You're the one who insisted on dragging me out for some fresh air, saying I'd been in the lab too long. And now you want me to play tour guide?"
"How was I supposed to know you wanted to come somewhere this far? I thought we'd just be touring around Japan at most."
The girl with long black hair turned away, muttering.
"By the way, Tachyon, why are you so obsessed with the Pillar of the Goddess? Getting the permit was such a hassle."
"Because I love this mountain!"
The Uma Musume, who even in daily life wore an obviously oversized medical coat, stretched out her arms and waved them wildly, her expression terrifyingly fervent.
"Don't you know, Cafe? This mountain is less a miracle and more another world! Especially above 5,000 meters, the plants growing there are practically alien! Where do you think I get the materials for my incredible potions? Right here."
This surprised Cafe. She had never been interested in such things and was learning for the first time that the experimental materials came from here.
But then, a question rose in her mind.
"Tachyon, if that's the case, shouldn't those potions have been developed long ago? If you can gather them, others can too, right?"
"Though I don't know the specifics, it's very difficult. To break past the 5,000-meter mark... normal humans can't do it. And Uma Musume like me, who are clever and seek the unknown, there aren't many in the whole world. Those willing to keep climbing higher are probably even fewer."
"The 5,000-meter limit of the Pillar of the Goddess?"
"Mhm. The conditions for going above 5,000 meters are harsh. It's almost impossible for humans nowadays. Ah, I've said too much. Today is just for fun—no need to think so much about it."
Scratching her head and sighing, Agnes Tachyon pushed open the villa door first.
"Strange, there are unexpectedly many people today. Villas one, two, and three aren't for rent. I usually always get No. 4..."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.