As I connected the maze-like network of cave paths I doubted the true extent of knowledge that had been granted to me by the instructor. Was I just moving in circles without knowing? Or was I moving in the correct direction?
It was either the former or the latter but I hoped it was the latter.
The creatures although vicious were impressive; with the way they built the cave paths. The cave paths were adorned with crystals that lit the paths making sure that darkness never befell the paths again.
As Snowstorm moved towards the destination it could feel the slow warmth slowly encroaching into its bones. Its form phased in and out of fluidity allowing it to move effortlessly through tight crevices and wide paths alike.
As Snowstorm moved closer to the heart of the cave I could sense the rapid changes in air currents and temperature... I could tell when I was a few meters away from the heart of the cave due to the majestic light that shone into the end of the cave path that led to the heart of the cave.
At the heart of the cave, where the cave path widened into a grand center space just like the one where we fought the creatures, lay an enthralling sight: a vast, natural space adorned with glittering stalactites and stalagmites that seem to reach towards each other as if attempting to prevent any intruder from passing through.
The walls were richly colored, displaying hues of deep ochre, earthy browns, and hints of glistening minerals.
Amidst this breathtaking natural architecture, the sources of fire at different points near the walls emerge as a stark contrast.
Each of them a roaring fire pit, encircled by carefully arranged stones, blazed with an intense heat that cast dancing shadows upon the cavern walls. The fire pits led up to long spiraling tunnels that the fire burned into. They were the source of fire that heated the pots in those kitchens.
What maintained the fires up to the other end where they were being used was a mystery the gifted knowledge couldn't provide.
The fires' crackling echoed off the cave's walls, creating a soothing symphony of sound that reverberated throughout the space.
As Snowstorm moved further into the heart of the cave it felt the intense heat waves from the fires threatened to burst his bones into flames.
Considering the hotness of the cave and how the king of the Blizzardkin clan was able to survive and thrive near it made me terrified of it even more.
At the far end of the heart of the cave was a door, and unlike the other doors in the cave, it was more massive. If somehow Snowstorm could survive the maddening heat wave he would meet the king of the Blizzardkin clan behind the door but if he didn't I would have to start the journey over again with another creature. That would mean taking my body to the new cave paths where the cave pavers were, so I would be able to invade another cave paver's mind.
Snowstorm like every other cave paver possessed a skeletal frame covered in scanty, coarse fur that barely provided any insulation against the searing heat of the fires burning near the walls of the heart of the cave.
Its fur, once meager protection, now clung to its body in singed patches...
Agonized cries escaped the creature's cracked lips as its bones ached and its fur smoldered.
As the creature struggled to move within the large space limited by the stalactites and the stalagmites, its fur singed and charred, releasing a faint smell of burning.
Despite its torment, a strange sense of survival instinct kept Snowstorm from falling limp in surrender; a selfish pull coming from a mind invader that couldn't feel any of its pain.
As moments stretch into what felt like eternity, the creature hovered through the air determined to reach the door even though its vision was starting to be hazy.
'Just a few moments more' I thought as I made Snowstorm move just a few distance more even though it was already having so many signs of heat stroke.
I had to make it somehow before the creature gave in to the heat waves.