Epel soon says, "Okay, Grim, no problem. I'll just have to find some other people willing to join the race."

Then turns to Briar and the others, "Say, why don't you all come too? Grim's already going. You'd be more than welcome to join."

"I think it sounds fun," Sereia says.

"It would be nice to go to a new place around this world," Briar says.

Trinket nods.

"Works for me," Jasper says.

"I think it would be nice to go there," Tanzanite says.

Epel smiles, "Great. I hope you like apples, 'cause you're in for a treat."

Then Grim says, "And you all might be able to be part of the sledathon. I forgot to mention that the sleds we use for it are magically operated.

"Say what? You got some weird sleds," Grim asks.

"Meemaw asked me to bring along some friends because the students here use magic," Epel says.

"Ah, I getcha. That's why you invited me, 'cause I'm gonna be a great mage. You've got a keen eye, Epel. Not that I'm racin', you understand!" Grim says.

"Yes, yes, you've made yourself very clear," Epel says.

"I think it sounds fun," Briar says.

"Yeah. Tanz saw the sledathon when we were kids so it will be awesome to join the race," Jasper says.

Tanzanite nods.

"Maybe you four can be in your own team. In the race, you'll need teams of four, so I'll need three others," Epel says, "But where am I gonna find people willing to take such a last minute trip?"

"Couldn't you just ask Vil and Rook? They're in your dorm," Grim asks.

"I mean, I could, but..." Epel says, sounding uneasy.

Epel then says in thought, "If I go home, I know I'm gonna relax and slip into my accent. But if Vil and Rook are there, I'll have to act all prim and proper, even around my family..."

And then Epel says, "...On second thought, that's not gonna work! There have to be other options, right?

"You could just leave it up to chance and ask the first people you see," Grim says.

"But that's so random..." Epel says.

"C'mon, let's see who's here..." Grim says, and looks around.

He soon calls out, "Hey! Sebek!"

Epel yelps in shock, "Erk! Sebek?!"

And soon enough, Sebek walks over, "What do you want?"

"Um, hello... I didn't see you sitting there," Epel replies, "So, I'm sorry to just spring this on you, but the thing is..."

Grim beats Epel to the question, "Wanna do a sled race, Sebek?"

"I think not," Epel refuses.

"Grk... But I haven't even given you the full rundown yet," Epel quickly says

Soon, Sebek says, "I happened to overhear your discussion. I thought it rather curious you were visiting home on a regular weekend. But unfortunately for you, I have no interest in a race that serves as a mere festival sideshow."

"Oh, Sebek..." Epel questions, before showing a smirk, "Have you got the WRONG end of the stick?"

"What? Why are you smirking?" Sebek questions, confused.

"The Mount Moln Sledathon ain't some sideshow. It's a brutal race. Competitors gotta follow the course all night long, nonstop," Epel says.

"For an entire night?!" Sebek asks, shocked.

"That's right," Epel says, "Just usin' magic won't cut it. You gotta have stamina or else you'll never make it to the finish line."

"Oho..." Sebek replies.

"Plus, the sleds are tricky to control. They're not what you'd call beginner-friendly. So I can't just take anyone from NRC. I need someone with an athletic mindset," Epel says.

Serai turns to the twins, "Hey guys, is that true. Well, since you've seen the race and are both from Mound Moln."

The twins nod in response.

Soon, Sebek says, "Intriguing..."

Epel continues, "Winning this race is a bit honor, y'know. The winners get full bragging rights. I imagine their friends and loved ones'll give 'em a big ol' pat on the back and say "You did good.""

Sebek remains silent.

Epel also remains silent.

Then Epel says, "Yep, sure is a pickle. Where, oh where will I find someone? If only there were a skilled athlete at this school who was equally strong with magic. Someone who was the very definition of brawny."

And Sebek quickly says, "But there is!"

"Really? Where?" Epel asks.

Sebek answers with confidence, "RIGHT HERE! I'll join your race and make this an easy win!"

"Yesss! It worked!" Epel says happily.

"It's different if the race is that intense. I never pass up a rigorous training opportunity," Sebek says.

"Thanks, Sebek!" Epel happily says, "But we still need two more people. Who else can I bring?"

"I doubt many will want to volunteer for some obscure festival race. Is Mount Moln even famous?" Sebek asks.

"Sure it is. You'll see..." Epel begins explaining.

But someone speaks out, "For the people of Harveston, in the Shaftlands' mountainous northern region..."

"Huh?" Epel responds.

And soon, Jade walks over, "It has long been considered a sacred place."

"Jade?!" Epel questions, shocked.

"Oh, hey. You were sittin' behind us, huh?" Grim replies.

And Jade says, "Pardon me, but when I heard you mention Mount Moln, I simply had to interject. I hear it radiates a mystical beauty that captivates mountain climbers the world over. It's also a popular subject for painters and photographers, given that the scenery at the foot of the mountain changes so much each season."

"Wow, Jade. You really know your stuff," Epel says, impressed.

"I've read a great deal about Mount Moln. It's something of an interest of mine," Jade says. Then says to Epel, "Epel... If it wouldn't be too much an imposition, would you allow me to join you on your trip?"

"Huh?!" Epel replies, confused.

"Harveston would be a prime destination for someone in the Mountain Lovers Club," Jade says.

"I'd be glad to have you!" Epel happily says.

Then Sebek brings out, "Shouldn't you tell him about the sled race first?"

"Oh, right," Epel remembers.

He explains to Jade, "So um, Jade... This trip involves a sled race as well. It's called the Mount Moln Sledathon..."

"Yes, I'm aware. I confess I eavesdropped on your entire conversation," Jade says, "It sounded like you were in a bind. I would gladly offer my assistance, if you'll have me. I'm curious to see what Mount Moln looks like at night when racing through it on a sled."

"So, you're more interested in the mountain than the race...? Well, either way, welcome aboard!" Epel happily says, "That's two down, one to go!"