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Chapter 20 - Second Trial

As the countdown for the Second Trial reached its peak, my flashlight unexpectedly burst with blinding light. Everything around me turned chaotic – the ground shifted, and the air crackled with strange energy.

Suddenly, I was torn away from the jungle. I tumbled through a swirling mix of colors, feeling disoriented and weightless, as if I were nowhere and everywhere at the same time.

Just as abruptly, the wild journey stopped. I found myself on the frozen ground, struggling for breath in a bitterly cold, icy place. Snow and ice stretched endlessly, creating a desolate, frozen landscape.

Shivering uncontrollably, I stood up and looked around. The air was thin and freezing, biting at my skin with relentless cold. My breath turned into frosty clouds in the chilly atmosphere.

In the distance, I saw pointy mountain tops covered in ice, shining from the light of a strange sun. The land was tough and not kind, very different from the green jungle I was in before.

Fear gnawed at me as I realized the severity of the situation. I was alone in this icy wilderness, with no knowledge of its dangers or what trials awaited me here.

 The mysterious message from the god had brought me to this inhospitable realm, and I had no choice but to adapt once again, summoning every ounce of survival instinct to endure this new and chilling challenge.

As I stood in the frozen wasteland, my breath forming icy clouds in the biting air, another system notification materialized before me, casting an eerie blue light on the frost-covered ground. It read, "The battle with Fenrir will commence in 10 minutes," and a countdown timer began, slowly ticking away the seconds.

Dread gripped me once more, and my heart raced. Fenrir, the colossal wolf of Norse mythology, was a creature of immense power and cunning. My earlier survival skills honed in the jungle felt utterly inadequate in the face of this otherworldly adversary.

I knew I had to think quickly. My sword and spear, while formidable, might not be enough to defeat a creature of such legendary proportions. I had to exploit every advantage, and every weakness, if I were to emerge from this confrontation alive.

First, I looked around the icy place to find anything that could help. The big mountains were close, and their pointy tops might give me a good spot. Being up high could let me see the battlefield better and plan what to do.

I began to make my way towards the nearest slope, careful not to slip on the treacherous ice. Time was against me, and the minutes dwindled as I climbed higher, seeking a vantage point.

From this elevated position, I could see the frozen expanse more clearly. The alien sun cast an eerie, pale light over the desolate landscape, illuminating the vast, snow-covered plain. It was then that I spotted a potential advantage—an enormous crack in the ice, a big gap that went on for miles.

If I could lure Fenrir into the crevasse, perhaps I could trap him there, using the terrain to my advantage. It was a risky plan, and success was far from guaranteed, but it was the best strategy I could muster in the limited time I had.

With my plan forming, I descended from the slope and approached the edge of the crevasse. The ground here was unstable, with cracks and thin ice patches, but it was a risk I had to take. I needed to create a tempting lure, something that would draw Fenrir's attention and lead him into the trap.

I gathered a few sharp icicles and placed them strategically near the edge of the crevasse, creating a glimmering, enticing trail. The countdown continued, and with each passing second, my heart pounded louder in my chest.

Five minutes remained.

I positioned myself a short distance away, behind a large ice formation, my sword and spear ready. I had to remain patient and vigilant, watching for any sign of Fenrir's approach.

Two minutes.

The anticipation was nearly unbearable. The frozen landscape offered no solace, only an oppressive silence that amplified my fear.

One minute.

Then, the ground beneath me trembled, and a low growl echoed through the icy expanse. There was no turning back now. Fenrir had arrived, and the battle was about to begin.

With a final, steadying breath, I watched as the massive wolf emerged from the shadows, his eyes fixed on the glimmering icicles that led toward the crevasse. My heart raced as he drew nearer, and I knew that my fate hung in the balance.

As Fenrir approached the icy trail, I gripped my weapons tighter, ready to spring into action. The battle with this legendary creature was about to begin, and I was determined to give it everything I had.

With Fenrir closing in on the glimmering icicles, I watched with bated breath, my muscles tensed and my senses on high alert. The countdown timer had reached zero, and this was the moment I had prepared for.

As the colossal wolf's enormous paw descended onto the trail of icicles, I sprang into action. With a fierce battle cry, I charged forward, my sword and spear gleaming in the eerie, pale light of the alien sun. Fenrir's head snapped up, his cold, merciless eyes locking onto me.

I slashed at his flank with my sword, aiming to cripple his hind leg. The blade bit into his thick fur, but Fenrir's hide was tougher than I had anticipated. He howled in pain, a sound that reverberated through the icy expanse, but he retaliated with a lightning-fast snap of his massive jaws.

I narrowly avoided becoming his next meal, rolling to the side just in time. The impact of his jaws clamping shut sent a shockwave through the frozen ground. I knew I couldn't afford another close call like that.

I darted behind a large ice formation, using it as a temporary shield from Fenrir's relentless assault. The icy landscape provided some advantages; the slippery ground made it harder for him to gain traction, and I could use that to my benefit.

Peering out from my cover, I noticed Fenrir circling me, his eyes locked onto my every move. He was testing my defences, looking for an opportunity to strike. I couldn't let my guard down for a second.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my resolve and focused on the plan I had devised. I needed to lead Fenrir toward the crevasse, but it wouldn't be easy. I stepped out from behind the ice formation and waved my spear enticingly in his direction.

"Come on, you overgrown pup," I taunted, hoping to draw his attention. Fenrir growled, the sound echoing through the icy wilderness. He lunged toward me, his massive jaws snapping shut where I had been standing just moments before.

I danced away from him, leading him closer to the edge of the crevasse. With each step, I could feel the ground beneath me becoming more unstable. It was a dangerous game, but I had no other choice.

As Fenrir closed in on me, I made a sudden, sharp turn, racing toward the edge of the crevasse. He followed, driven by his desire to catch me. I sprinted as fast as I could, my breath forming frosty clouds in the frigid air.

Just as we reached the edge of the crack, I leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding being caught by Fenrir's jaws.

He was not so fortunate.

"Roar.. Roar. "

With a roar of fury and frustration, Fenrir tumbled into the gaping chasm, his claws scrabbling against the ice in a futile attempt to save himself.

But then suddenly...