The morning after Frozenfang's chilling ultimatum was a frantic blur of preparation. The children moved quickly, gathering their weapons and supplies, knowing they had little time to spare. The fear of what would happen if they failed to reach the tournament site in time loomed over them, pushing them to act with haste.
Eighteen of them remained, their numbers dwindled by the horrors they had faced. As they packed what little food they had, they knew they would need to rely on their survival skills to make it through the treacherous journey ahead. The group split into two, a necessary division to move more efficiently through the dangerous terrain.
Evelyn was quickly chosen to lead one of the groups. Her calm demeanor and natural leadership made her an obvious choice, and the others trusted her judgment. However, when it came to selecting the leader of the second group, there was immediate tension.
"Khalid should lead," one of the boys said, his voice loud and confident. "He's the strongest among us."
A few others nodded in agreement, but not everyone was on board. Some of the children exchanged uneasy glances, remembering the reckless actions that had nearly cost them dearly in their previous encounters.
"I don't think Khalid is the best choice," another voice chimed in. "He's too hot-headed. We need someone who can keep a cool head."
An argument broke out, with some children insisting on Khalid, while others were more hesitant, citing his impulsive behavior as a liability. The memory of how he had almost executed the purple-haired boy in a fit of rage was still fresh in everyone's minds.
Amidst the heated debate, a quieter suggestion was made. "What about Kenshin?"
The group fell silent. Kenshin, despite his blindness, had proven himself time and again. His sharp senses and calm demeanor had guided them through numerous dangers. But there were those who were skeptical, not because they doubted his abilities, but because they feared his condition would be a hindrance.
"How can we trust someone who can't even see where he's going?" one of the children muttered, voicing what several others were thinking.
Evelyn stepped forward, her gaze firm. "Kenshin has shown more awareness and courage than most of us. He may not see with his eyes, but he sees with his heart and mind. I trust him."
Her words carried weight, and after a tense moment, the group reluctantly agreed. Kenshin would lead the second group. Though not everyone was fully convinced, they had little choice but to move forward. Time was against them, and the decision had been made.
With the groups decided, they began their journey into the forest, the path ahead shrouded in mist and shadow. The woods were eerily quiet, the usual sounds of wildlife absent. The only noise was the crunch of snow beneath their feet and the whispering wind that seemed to follow them.
The deeper they ventured, the more the forest seemed to close in around them. The trees grew denser, their branches twisting together like skeletal fingers, blocking out the weak morning light. Everyone was on edge, their nerves frayed by the oppressive atmosphere and the knowledge that the Frostbound still lurked somewhere in the wilderness.
As they pressed on, Kenshin led his group with careful precision, his senses attuned to every sound and scent. He could feel the tension in the air, the fear that clung to them like a second skin. He knew that the Frostbound was their greatest threat now that the goblin leader had been dealt with. The creature was a force of nature, a relentless predator that could strike without warning.
Evelyn's group was not far behind, moving with equal caution. She kept a close eye on her companions, watching for any sign of the Frostbound. They had survived so much already, but the woods were treacherous, and one wrong move could spell their doom.
As they moved deeper into the forest, the temperature seemed to drop even further, the cold biting at their exposed skin. The children huddled closer together, their breath visible in the frosty air. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of their situation bearing down on them.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, both groups pressed on, driven by the need to survive and prove themselves in the tournament. They knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but they also knew that they had no choice but to continue. The Frostbound was out there, watching, waiting. And they had to be ready.
The journey was far from over, and the woods held many secrets yet to be revealed. But for now, they had one goal: to make it to the other side alive, and to face whatever challenges awaited them in the tournament.