The ant-like creature let out a loud, guttural roar, its body coiling tighter. It looked like it was about to lunge forward and attack.
Ice and Sara tensed, ready to defend themselves if necessary. But Walter remained calm, his eyes narrowed in concentration.
The ant-like creature finally lunged towards them, its huge mandibles snapping like scissors. But before it could reach them, the orb in Walter's hands glowed even brighter, and a blast of icy energy shot out, freezing the creature in mid-air.
The ant-like creature was frozen solid, its body encased in a thick layer of ice. It hung there, suspended in midair, its mandibles still clicking uselessly.
Ice and Sara stared in disbelief, their mouths hanging open. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed.
Walter lowered his orb, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He seemed satisfied with the outcome, as though he knew exactly what would happen.
Ice and Sara just stared at the frozen creature, too dumbfounded to speak. They had never seen anything like it before.
After a moment of stunned silence, Ice and Sara finally managed to find their voices.
"What just happened?" Ice asked, his voice incredulous. "How did you freeze that creature like that?"
Walter glanced at the frozen creature, then back at Ice and Sara. "Like I told you," he said, "my ice spirit is very powerful."
He chuckled, clearly enjoying their amazed expressions.
It was already late for any further discussion Walter has to go in different direction from them and he said his farewell to them.
After parting ways with Walter, Ice and Sara continued on their journey, heading towards the village. They were both feeling a mixture of wonder, excitement, and trepidation from their encounter with the beast and Walter's powerful ice spirit.
As they walked, they discussed what they had just experienced, trying to make sense of the events that had unfolded.