If you want brainliest you have to hurry Read this excerpt from Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Besides, if the ascending path was more arduous and painful to clamber, I had one source of secret consolation and delight

Using context clues, what is the best meaning of "arduous"?

reduction in size or importance of something

spread out over a wide number of people

involving or requiring strenuous effort

very great or intense