The midday sun illuminated the dusty road, casting long, sharp shadows around the travelers. The surrounding landscape was green and vast, without a trace of the snow waiting far to the north, where the Ice Tyrant Troll had begun weaving its icy spell. Leo watched, leaning against a nearby tree, as Brugo negotiated with the carriage driver. A robust man with a thick beard, the driver seemed wary, though his interest grew as Brugo gestured and spoke with his peculiar enthusiasm. Leo rolled her eyes and sighed. Brugo had his own way of doing things.
Beside her, Rurik, the imposing tank in gleaming armor, watched the scene with his arms crossed and his helmet tucked under one arm. Rurik, always upright and with a deep voice, observed Brugo like an older brother supervising a younger sibling who, though talented, needed a little restraint.
Brugo had begun his persuasion strategy with one of his favorite methods: using his commanding presence. Standing nearly two meters tall, with a strong build and an expression that could shift from jovial to intimidating in an instant, he knew how to make his words resonate. When the negotiation started dragging on, Brugo took a step toward the driver in a way that might seem threatening to anyone else. The smile on his face contrasted with the intensity in his gaze.
"Come on, good man," Brugo said in his deep, resonant voice, "you know we're heading to a dangerous place. Not just anyone ventures into the Frozen Lands. And you'll have the honor of transporting a group of A-Ranks, warriors who will return as heroes."
Leo could see the discomfort in the driver. With a half-smile, he glanced sideways at Brugo's size, and for a moment, his eyes flicked to the curved blade hanging from the leader's belt. As if seeking permission from his own common sense, the man scratched his beard, still undecided.
Leo let out a soft laugh, inaudible to Brugo but loud enough for Rurik to raise an eyebrow and look at her curiously.
"And what's so funny, Leo?" Rurik whispered, his tone calm and solemn.
"Just Brugo and his… method," she replied quietly, crouching a bit more behind the tree to avoid being spotted by Brugo. "Look, Rurik, when he talks about 'danger' like it's some kind of prize… it almost makes me laugh. But the poor driver seems to be taking the bait."
Rurik gave a faint smile beneath his beard, though he quickly returned to his serious demeanor.
Brugo, meanwhile, noticed the driver's hesitation and, as if he could read his mind, softened his expression. He stepped back, relaxing his posture, and offered the driver one of his sincerest smiles.
"All I'm asking for is a small discount," Brugo added in a friendly tone, clasping his hands behind his back. "I'm not asking for a rebate that will ruin you. But, considering how far we have to go, you could give us that margin. And in return, we'll have a great story to tell when we come back—the story of how a good man helped us reach our destination."
At that moment, Leo noticed the tension in the driver's face start to fade. However, Rurik, sensing that Brugo was getting carried away with his speech, stepped forward. He placed a firm hand on the leader's shoulder, and Brugo, though he gave him a curious look, accepted the interruption.
"Sir," Rurik said formally, looking at the driver with his helmet on, which, in Leo's opinion, didn't make him any less intimidating. "What my companion is trying to say is that we don't intend to take advantage of your generosity. We understand that your trade deserves respect, and we'll make sure not to take more than you can offer."
Leo smiled to herself. Rurik, always so diplomatic, knew how to smooth out Brugo's words when things could get complicated. It was like a balance the team had learned to maintain: Brugo charged forward with all his energy, and Rurik softened the edges when necessary.
"Well… alright, I suppose," the driver finally responded, scratching the back of his neck and sighing. "Just a small discount, but no more. I can't risk my earnings for tales of heroes."
Brugo grinned broadly and gave the driver a friendly pat on the shoulder, nearly making him stumble.
"I knew you were a good man!" Brugo exclaimed enthusiastically. "I assure you, your children will tell this story, and one day you'll also say that you helped the adventurers who faced the Ice Tyrant Troll."
As the driver nodded, a mix of resignation and pride on his face, Leo and Rurik exchanged a look of mutual understanding.
---
Leo settled inside the carriage, letting the bumps of the road sway her as her thoughts wandered far to the real reason for her unease on this mission: Trent. Ever since Lihan had given them that warning about his misgivings regarding Trent, she hadn't been able to shake the shadow of doubt about the enigmatic S-Rank. There was something about him, something in the way his eyes seemed to measure everyone around him as if he always had a plan in motion that no one else was a part of.
It was true that Rei and her elven friend Ashe were also S-Ranks, and Leo knew they could defend themselves against any attempt Trent might make against them, but still, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with that man—even if she couldn't pinpoint what it was.
The sound of metal clinking from the other side of the carriage momentarily distracted her. It was Rurik, calmly sharpening his sword under the light filtering through the window. Brugo, reclining with his arms crossed and a satisfied expression after the negotiation observed her out of the corner of his eye.
"What's on your mind, Little Rat?" Brugo asked, narrowing his eyes with that curious gleam that always defined him.
Rurik sighed upon hearing that nickname directed at his companion but said nothing. Instead, his electric yellow eyes gave Brugo a tired look, which only made Brugo grin.
Leo rolled her eyes but still shrugged because she knew it was useless to try and hide. Brugo, as much as he distracted himself with jokes and laughter, had a special knack for sensing when something was bothering her or any of their other teammates.
"Maybe I have some concerns, Brugo," Leo admitted with a sigh. "It's… that guy Trent. Lihan seemed genuinely worried when he asked us to keep an eye on him. And I might not know Lihan very well, but he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would lie about something like that." Not to mention that she had a bad feeling about Trent, though she kept that to herself for now.
Brugo let out a hearty laugh that echoed throughout the carriage, catching the attention of the driver and the rest of the team. His deep, booming laugh lightened the mood—or at least that's what he aimed for whenever things got serious.
"Bah! Trent might be a little… odd, but what S-Rank isn't? You can't climb that high without a touch of madness. And Rei and Ashe are S-Ranks too; they can handle themselves. I trust Rei to keep anyone in line, even Trent if it comes to that."
Leo knew Brugo said this to reassure her, but the unease still stuck in her chest. Trent wasn't just "odd"; there was something else about him, a presence that seemed capable of reading the intentions of others even before they were clear to themselves. She had felt something strange in Trent's gaze, as if he were evaluating her and analyzing her—even catching him once watching Lina and herself after returning from a previous mission, with an intensity that had made her uncomfortable.
Always attentive, Rurik leaned slightly forward, setting his sword aside to look at Leo and Brugo.
"If I may share my opinion..." his voice was calm, a solid rock amidst the sea of Leo's restless thoughts, "maybe Lihan saw something that we haven't picked up on yet. It wouldn't hurt to heed his warning. You never know with S-Rank people."
Leo nodded, feeling grateful for Rurik's words. At least someone understood the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Brugo remained pensive, his half-smile reflecting both his usual nonchalance and a hint of curiosity and seriousness.
"I'll keep an eye on Trent if that puts your mind at ease, Little Rat," Brugo said, shooting her a sly look. "But I trust Rei. Trent wouldn't be able to fool her without her noticing."
Leo nodded again, though she knew her unease wouldn't disappear until she saw Rei and Ashe herself and confirmed that everything was fine. She trusted Rei too, but Trent's presence felt like a shadow that could slip through even the strongest of allies.
As the carriage's rattling brought them closer to their destination, Leo noticed Lina silently watching the landscape pass by with a quiet, worried expression. She hadn't said much since their departure, and while Brugo and the others were focused on the mission, Rurik, ever perceptive, caught the pensive look on her face.
"Are you worried about leaving Ivan back at the guild?" he asked in a low voice, moving a little closer to Lina in an effort to ease her concern with conversation.
Lina turned away from the window and nodded, a faint, melancholic smile crossing her face.
"Yes... I can't help it," she admitted. "I know it's only for this mission, but it feels like we're leaving the kid behind. He sees us as his family, and... even though he understands he can't come, it doesn't make it any easier."
Leo nodded, letting out a sigh. Ivan had been her companion on several previous missions, and while his youthful energy could sometimes be exhausting, it was also refreshing. He had a genuine strength and determination that reminded her of her own beginnings.
"It's strange not having him with us," Leo admitted, feeling her cheeks heat slightly. Then she crossed her arms and stared at the carriage floor as if answers could be found there. "Even though I know this mission is too dangerous for someone at B-Rank, I can't help but feel like we're leaving him out. He sees us as a team, as a family. And what we're doing now... that affects him too."
Brugo, who had remained silent until now, joined the conversation with an uncharacteristically understanding expression.
"That was his decision too, you know?" Brugo said with a touch of approval in his tone, his eyes gleaming with pride. "He gave us that speech before we left, remember? The one about waiting for us at the guild while he trained to get stronger. He didn't want us to worry." A smile played on his lips as he spoke.
Leo recalled the scene vividly: Ivan's enthusiasm, his cheerful insistence that he'd wait for them, the thumbs-up, and his promise that when they returned, he'd be a stronger warrior. The memory brought a warmer, more genuine smile to her face. Lina and Rurik smiled too, fondly recalling the young man.
"Yeah..." Lina sighed before letting out a soft laugh. "That was so like him. It's hard and strange to go on a mission without him, even if it's only for a few weeks."
Rurik nodded, sharing the same nostalgic expression. Although the young warrior was often a storm of energy and enthusiasm, that spark was something that united them and kept their spirits high. Despite his age and B-Rank status, Ivan had proven to be a loyal and courageous friend.
Leo stayed silent, but her smile betrayed her agreement. She wouldn't admit it, but she had grown fond of the loud, cheerful boy. Sure, she liked silence, but she had gotten used to Ivan's noise, and not having him on this mission felt both unsettling and uncomfortable.
"He's got guts, that's for sure," Rurik added. "That determination of his reminds me of how I started... it's refreshing."
Brugo let out a small chuckle, looking at his companions with an amused expression.
"I can't deny that I'll miss him," Brugo admitted, though he tried to downplay his words with a wave of his hand. "He's loud, yeah, but I really like his optimism. It's contagious and refreshing for the group." Brugo glanced out the carriage window for a moment. "If he keeps training like he said, maybe one day he'll surprise us all."
Leo, who had been listening quietly, added, "He might just be a kid now, but we all know he has the potential to go far. He's proven his loyalty time and time again, even if that means staying behind while we head into danger."
Lina nodded, letting her companions' words ease her worry a bit. She knew Ivan would be fine at the guild, training and preparing for the day he could join them on higher-level missions. His enthusiasm and drive to improve were his greatest strengths, and that gave them all some peace of mind.
With a final sigh, Lina closed her eyes, recalling the image of Ivan bidding them farewell with a smile and saying, *"I'll show you that staying behind was the right choice! Just wait and see—I'll get stronger while I'm here at the guild. Oh, and don't forget to bring back as much loot as you can!"*
Leo nodded silently. Although her concern for Ivan hadn't disappeared, Brugo and Rurik's words gave her some comfort. It was true: Ivan needed time to grow stronger and reach the level of those who faced the dangers of A-Rank. But deep down, Leo knew the young warrior had the potential and courage to go far.
With one last glance at her companions, she leaned back in her seat, allowing her thoughts to settle. She knew Ivan would be fine and that, when the time was right, they'd reunite for a mission, facing whatever challenges the world threw at them as the team they had always been.
The carriage continued its journey, carrying with it Lina's worries, now replaced by a renewed sense of hope. She knew that when they returned, they'd find the same Ivan, only with an even brighter spark of strength—or at least, that's what Leo hoped.
The silence that followed the conversation about Ivan was broken when Brugo, after a long sigh, spoke again, his tone more serious than before.
"Alright, guys... let's refocus on what lies ahead." The seriousness in Brugo's voice immediately caught everyone's attention in the carriage. "The Ice Tyrant Troll isn't a creature we face every day. This one's legendary, and its power is beyond what some could even imagine."
Lina nodded, feeling the weight of Brugo's words settle over her. She'd heard stories about the Ice Tyrant Troll, colossal creatures possessing overwhelming strength and a rare ability to alter the weather around them. Their mere presence could reshape the very environment, covering it with snow and ice, freezing everything in their path. It wasn't an ordinary beast.
She knew monsters that could alter the weather weren't a joke and could be extremely dangerous.
"The weather is already shifting around it," Rurik said, gazing toward the horizon as though he could see the effects of the monster in the distance. "We haven't traveled far, but since we entered this region, the temperatures have dropped noticeably. If it keeps advancing, this area will become inhospitable in no time. And it's not just the cold we need to fear… its strength is something we have to watch out for. One well-placed hit, and it could kill us. We need to be prepared for what's coming."
Brugo nodded firmly, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Exactly. The Ice Tyrant Troll isn't just strong. It's cunning. Reports say it's been attacking nearby villages, but never the same place twice. It's constantly on the move, and its intelligence makes it even more dangerous. This isn't just a monster that attacks on instinct. It's an enemy playing the game of war. It's testing its territory, gradually expanding its power." Brugo spoke with a strange weight in his voice.
Leo listened intently, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. Her mind began working rapidly, considering possible scenarios and strategies. Something was unsettling about the way Brugo spoke about the Troll as if he knew it more closely than he let on.
"And what else do we know about it?" Leo asked, her voice reflecting a concern she couldn't completely hide.
Lina glanced at her, noticing the seriousness on her face. She, too, had doubts. The Ice Tyrant Troll wasn't just a physical threat; in her mind, it seemed as though this creature had something more—something they couldn't fully grasp.
"Not much more," Brugo replied, though his expression grew more focused. "What I do know is that it's not just dangerous because of its strength. It can turn the terrain to its advantage, create snowstorms out of thin air, and freeze its enemies with its icy breath. Not to mention, its skin is tougher than it appears. And the worst part... the Ice Tyrant Troll might not be the only thing we're up against. There could be ice or snow creatures accompanying it. We can handle one, but what if there's more?"
The mention of ice creatures made the atmosphere even tenser. Everyone knew they weren't just facing one enormous threat but a series of potential ambushes from monsters the troll might summon.
"This sounds like a nightmare," Rurik commented, frowning as he tried to process everything Brugo had just said.
Lina, as if unable to stop thinking about it, turned to him, her expression worried but determined.
"So, what now? Is it just a matter of fighting and surviving?" she asked, searching for a more solid answer—something that would tell them how to face this titanic challenge.
Brugo shrugged his tone still grave.
"No, not just surviving... This isn't just about brute strength. We know we don't have the advantage of terrain; the troll owns this place. But we have something it doesn't: strategy. This isn't about confronting it directly. We have to use the environment to our advantage and reduce its mobility. With its size, that won't be too difficult," Brugo said with an enthusiastic grin, his two fangs gleaming with excitement at the challenge ahead.
Leo, absorbing Brugo's words, crossed her arms and gazed at the snow-covered landscape in the distance.
"Reduce its mobility… and how do we plan to do that?" Leo asked, though she already had an idea of what Brugo meant.
The group leader smiled confidently, the same smile he always wore when he had something planned.
"That high-caliber rifle I carry isn't just for show. It has an impressive range, and with this baby, we can handle any ice creatures that might exist. Plus, the troll isn't immune to damage. Even though it's tough, well-placed attacks can be effective. But we need to coordinate like we never have before. Every move has to be calculated. We can't afford mistakes, or it could cost someone their life—whether it's one of our group or someone else's."
The air was filled with palpable energy as each of them processed what this mission entailed. It wasn't just about defeating a monster. It was about facing a beast that dominated its environment, one that didn't just attack impulsively but was intelligent, tactical, and all the more dangerous because of it.
Lina, who had been quiet for a moment, raised her head, looking at her companions with a determined glint in her eyes.
"Do you think we can do it?" she asked, not just seeking answers but also reaffirming the confidence she felt in facing what was to come.
Brugo nodded, and his smile, though tense, showed the unshakable determination that had always guided his group.
"We will, Lina. If there's one thing we've learned in our time together, it's that there's no enemy we can't beat if we stand united. We're going to face the Ice Tyrant Troll. And not only that, we're going to survive." He grinned with arrogance.
Leo, feeling the strength of Brugo's words, nodded as well, ready to give it her all. If there was one thing she'd learned during her time with this team, it was that when they fought together, there was nothing they couldn't overcome.
And so, with the icy wind blowing harder as they traveled, the group mentally prepared for what lay ahead. The Ice Tyrant Troll was close, but as always, Brugo and his team would be ready to face it, knowing that despite the magnitude of the challenge, their unity would be their greatest strength.
For a few minutes, the atmosphere remained silent.
The air was thick with tension as the group advanced slowly through the snowy terrain, the idea of confronting the Ice Tyrant Troll growing more real and imminent. Everyone was focused, processing the magnitude of what this mission entailed. However, the silence was broken once more when Brugo, noticing the heavy mood, decided to lighten things up.
"Alright, guys, relax," Brugo said in a low but firm voice, glancing at each of them, trying to restore their confidence. "Don't forget, we're not in this alone. Rei and Ashe are out there, too, on the mission, just like us."
Lina nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of confidence and gratitude. She knew that the two Rank S adventurers, Rei and Ashe, not only had the skill to protect themselves but were also formidable allies in a battle of this caliber.
Leo, who had been staring straight ahead, frowned at Brugo's words. Somehow, he always managed to project a calmness she herself didn't feel as if nothing could bring him down, as if he always had an ace up his sleeve. Still, Leo couldn't shake the worry gnawing at her, though Brugo seemed to be trying to ease their collective fears—at least in front of the rest of the group.
Brugo nodded to himself as he crossed his arms, leaning against the wall of the carriage, his face displaying a reassuring smile. "Rei is an exceptional hunter. For her, tracking and taking down monsters is child's play. And Ashe, well, that sorceress wields powerful magic. There isn't a creature they can't handle. If anyone can lighten the burden of facing that Ice Tyrant Troll, it's them."
Lina sighed in relief, feeling Brugo's words partially soothe her worries. However, the concern over the challenge posed by the Ice Tyrant Troll still lingered, floating in the heavy atmosphere of the carriage.
"Don't forget that we'll have reinforcements," Brugo continued, as though it were just another item on the list. "And I'm pretty sure that with that, we'll have a real chance at defeating the creature."
Rurik nodded silently, looking at Brugo with a slightly serious expression. The presence of Rei and Ashe on the mission, coupled with Brugo's optimism, seemed to ease his concerns somewhat, though they still lingered beneath the surface of his deep, calm voice.
Leo, who had been reflecting on what Brugo had said about Rei and Ashe's skills, let out a sigh of relief. At least having them on the mission alongside their group made her feel like the weight of the task wasn't solely on their shoulders.
Leo recalled the rumors about Rei's abilities—her knack for tracking and handling any kind of beast—and Ashe's magic, as destructive as it was effective. That made it clear that the mission, though dangerous, had a higher chance of success with a team like theirs.
However, something Leo noticed was that Brugo hadn't said a word about Trent. She observed how, despite the confidence in his words, Brugo's gaze briefly darkened before shifting the topic with a forced smile, as if he wanted to conceal any doubts about Trent. Leo wondered why Brugo preferred not to speak about it, but she didn't dare ask. Somehow, she knew that if he wasn't addressing it, it was because he wanted to give Trent the benefit of the doubt.
Still, she couldn't help but think about the uncertainty that Trent brought with him. Was he a true ally or just someone who jeopardized the mission without anyone realizing it? And more importantly, could he be trusted?
For now, she had to focus on what they could control: the mission, the Ice Tyrant Troll, and the safety of her companions. Even so, Leo would keep a watchful eye on Trent in case he made any move against Rei, Ashe, or any of the other Rank A members.
For now, the only real challenge was keeping her focus on the path, moving forward, and hoping there wouldn't be any more surprises along the way.
---
Brugo stared at the vast, frozen expanse of Yrdrast from inside the carriage, watching the snow swirl in the air like a thick, gray curtain. The storm was fierce, roaring across the plains and cloaking the trees as though they were shadowy figures frozen in time. Beside him, Leo adjusted her protective goggles with determination, while Lina, already bundled tightly in her hood, gazed out uneasily.
"Ready?" Brugo asked his voice firm despite the sound of the wind whipping through in icy bursts as the carriage door opened.
Rurik, his own goggles fogged by the cold and still not wearing his helmet for better visibility, nodded and added, "We'll need shelter if we want to keep going without freezing solid. In this storm, we won't get far. The visibility is terrible."
Brugo chuckled, a deep, raspy laugh that contrasted with the hardness of his expression.
"What's the matter, Rurik? Can't stomach a little snow?" Brugo joked, though he soon nodded seriously. "You're right. Let's look for a cave, something to shield us. We won't last long in this cursed land if we keep going like this."
He turned to Leo, who was always sharp and alert, already scanning the terrain with her keen eyes, capable of catching details that would escape the others.
"Leo, any sign of a nearby cave?" Brugo asked.
Leo observed the terrain, her eyes analyzing the shapes and shadows amidst the falling snow. Despite the storm's difficulty, her skills as a rogue allowed her to pick up subtle clues in the landscape.
"There might be something up ahead, to the north. There's a slight dip in the terrain—it could be an entrance to a cave, but with all this snow, it'll be hard to tell for sure until we get closer," she replied, her voice calm and focused.
Brugo nodded and led the way at the front of the group, his enhanced troll senses helping him perceive shifts in the air currents and temperature variations. With each step forward, Brugo felt a tingling on his skin, a primal intuition guiding him. The wind seemed to ease as they approached as if the storm itself was retreating before their advance.
"This is ridiculous," Brugo remarked aloud, his words barely carried by the wind. "This isn't a storm—it's a damned infernal gale. If we keep this up, we'll be buried under tons of snow before we reach the cave."
At that moment, as though in response to his words, the storm began to subside abruptly, as if the wind had simply given up. The change was so sudden that the group couldn't help but stop, surprised by the sudden calm enveloping them.
"Is anyone else seeing this?" Lina asked, looking at the sky, where the snow now fell more gently as if the wind had tired of its struggle.
"Well, at least we're not frozen popsicles any more," Leo joked, her teeth chattering slightly. She shrugged. "Like they say, don't look a gift horse in the mouth," she shouted, making sure her voice carried over the waning storm.
Brugo let out a low laugh and glanced at Rurik, who seemed equally astonished by the sudden calm. "See? Sometimes things aren't as bad as they seem. You just have to wait for the right moment."
Rurik, with a cautious expression, didn't seem entirely convinced. "Or it's just the eye of the storm. We'd better not let our guard down too much—we don't know if it'll come back stronger."
Brugo nodded, though his tone remained optimistic. "You're right, but for now, we've got an opening. Let's move while we can before it picks up again."
After a long two-hour trek with the group hastening their pace to reach the cave as quickly as possible, the storm roared back with a predatory force, increasing everyone's anxiety.
"You've got to be kidding me," Leo muttered in frustration. "Come on, we're not far from the cave. Just a few more steps, but even then, we shouldn't underestimate this shift in the weather."
"Seems like you haven't lived long enough, little rat," Brugo replied with a wide grin, using the nickname he always gave Leo. It was his way of teasing her, though he deeply respected her. "This little bump in the snowstorm won't knock me down."
Rurik, who had been focused on keeping his footing, turned his head toward Brugo, his expression more serious than ever.
"That's not what Leo is referring to, Brugo," he said, his deep voice tinged with concern. "You never know what an unpredictable storm like this could do to us. It could kill us just as easily as an S-rank monster—or worse."
Brugo nodded, his grin unfading.
"Don't worry, I understand that," Brugo remarked. "I don't underestimate the storm, my friend. But I also don't underestimate the survival skills of an elite group like ours."
Lina, who had remained silent until then, shook the snow off her shoulders. As they walked, the wind seemed to intensify further, and the snow was quickly covering the path. Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer and spoke.
"I think we can all agree that we need to find shelter soon," Lina said, glancing at Rurik. He looked restless, his eyes fixed on the storm as if calculating the exact moment to act. "If this storm keeps getting worse, there's no way we can keep going much longer."
Brugo nodded, but his tone remained light, though a small spark of concern flickered in his eyes.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Brugo asked, glancing around with a defiant smile. "If we don't make it, at least we can say we tried, right?"
Leo let out a soft laugh, but her eyes stayed fixed on the horizon, determined not to let the storm defeat them.
"Come on, Brugo," she said, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Let's make sure this doesn't turn into one of those 'horror stories' about how we froze to death in Yrdrast's wind."
The storm showed no signs of letting up, but for a moment, the wind seemed to pause, as if the storm's fury was catching its breath. Brugo took advantage of the moment to quicken their pace. Visibility gradually improved, and the snowfall lessened. Although the air remained bitterly cold, the clearing skies gave them a glimmer of hope.
In the distance, Brugo spotted a faint rocky formation. Something in the air told him they were close. With his sharp Troll senses, he noticed a change in the wind's direction—a subtle signal that there was something there. He wasn't entirely sure, but the rocks seemed to emanate a faint warmth, suggesting the presence of a nearby cave.
"There it is!" Brugo shouted, pointing ahead with one hand. "Let's go, keep moving! That cave is our best shot."
With renewed urgency, the group quickened their pace, the wind now at their backs, calmed completely. As they drew closer, the terrain became clearer, and the entrance to the cave began to take shape in the icy landscape.
Rurik, who had been leading the group cautiously, scanned the surroundings to ensure there were no immediate threats. The storm had almost entirely subsided, but the icy terrain remained treacherous. With a quick gesture, he signaled the group to move toward the cave.
"We made it," Rurik said with a sigh of relief, the tension in his face starting to ease as he eyed the cave's entrance. "The storm isn't chasing us anymore."
Brugo, still smiling, stepped forward first, unhurried but determined. The cave would be their refuge for the moment, and that was all that mattered. He knew the calm was temporary, but for now, they could enjoy a brief reprieve—and that was all they needed before facing whatever lay ahead.
---
When Brugo's group entered the cave, the first thing they noticed was the moderate warmth emanating from a small fire burning in the center. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows on the rocky walls. The air was no longer as frigid as outside, but the cave's dampness made it slightly uncomfortable. The sound of the storm had faded, replaced by the occasional crackle of wood and the soft whistle of wind outside.
At first, they saw no one else. Brugo stepped forward, his calculating gaze scanning the area as if he already expected to find something—or someone. Then his eyes locked onto a solitary figure, almost concealed by the dim light near the fire. Trent.
The man sat on the far side of the flames, his posture relaxed, but his eyes were cold and alert. Despite his apparent calm, something was unsettling about his presence. He didn't seem surprised by the arrival of Brugo's team but watched them carefully, as though he had sensed their presence long before they entered. The atmosphere between them was tensely cordial, as if both men understood that while manners dictated civility, a silent competition was brewing beneath the surface.
On the opposite side of the fire, Ashe sat on the cold stone, looking at Trent with a calm but distant expression. It wasn't that she ignored his presence, but she didn't yet know him well enough to discern whether his attitudes were simply his nature or if there was something more behind his arrogant and watchful demeanor. Ashe's face, serious for a moment, softened when she noticed Brugo and his team. The initial surprise of seeing the newcomers quickly faded, as though their arrival was no longer a novelty.
Brugo smiled, but it wasn't a genuine smile. It was more of a sarcastic smirk, reflecting the part of him that enjoyed confrontations without outright violence. His gaze shifted to Leo, Lina, and Rurik, who entered behind him. Once everyone was inside, Brugo stepped closer to the fire.
"Well, well... looks like we're not alone after all," Brugo said, his voice laced with a calm tension as he regarded Trent without a hint of fear. "I imagine the storm wasn't much of a problem for you."
Trent raised his eyes, their piercing gray—almost silver—staring at Brugo with an intensity that didn't go unnoticed. His face remained impassive, but Brugo could detect the slight tension in his jaw. Trent had moved away from Ashe, sitting in a more distant corner, as if avoiding attention while remaining vigilant.
"I'm not so vulnerable as to get lost in a snowstorm," Trent replied, his tone calm but carrying that unmistakable air of indifference he always seemed to exude. He gestured around with one hand. "And it seems you all managed as well, huh? Lucky to find this shelter."
Brugo's sarcasm became more evident as he stepped closer, crossing his arms with an almost mocking smile.
"'Lucky'? Is it that storms don't affect you as much as others, or are you just too arrogant to feel cold?" Brugo said, raising an eyebrow as his gaze flicked back to the fire. "Though to be honest, one might say we're both looking for something more than just shelter here."
Trent didn't respond immediately. His gaze stayed fixed on Brugo for a moment longer than necessary. The tension between them was palpable, though neither was willing to entirely break the barrier of civility they maintained. Brugo, with his relaxed and occasionally playful demeanor, and Trent, with his calculated seriousness, were engaged in a silent duel that could erupt at any moment.
"I have no interest in playing word games with you, Brugo," Trent finally said, his calm tone masking growing irritation. He shifted his gaze back to the fire as if dismissing the conversation. "But if you're looking for something more than shelter, I'd suggest you don't get too close."
The comment was a thinly veiled threat, and Brugo knew it. He wasn't the type of man to needlessly decode a challenge; Trent's tone had made it clear. But Brugo didn't let himself be intimidated. He never did.
"Ah, yes, of course," said Brugo, masking his expression of disdain and maintaining his smile. "I won't get too close. After all, we wouldn't want the great Trent to feel uncomfortable."
Brugo's response was an obvious provocation, but Trent merely glanced at him out of the corner of his eye before returning to his distant demeanor. At that moment, Leo, who had stayed on the sidelines throughout the conversation, stepped forward and sat near the fire. She looked at Trent and then at Brugo, knowing that an open confrontation wouldn't benefit them right now.
"Well, it seems the storm has left us with few options," said Leo, breaking the silence in a calmer tone. She couldn't help but notice the way Trent and Brugo studied each other, like two predators keeping their distance, constantly evaluating. "But I'm sure we're all here looking for a bit of warmth."
Brugo let out a light chuckle at Leo's intervention, realizing that, in some way, his companion always managed to ease the tension.
"Isn't that right?" Brugo said, looking at Trent with a sly smile. "Sometimes the warmth of a campfire is more comforting than boring conversations."
Lina, who had stayed slightly behind, finally approached the fire as well, seeking the warmth the storm had stolen from them. Her gaze shifted toward Trent and then to Brugo, noticing the growing tension in the atmosphere.
"I suppose we can all share this little refuge for a while," Lina commented with a soft smile. "We don't need any more trouble here."
Rurik said nothing and remained silent. Instead, he sat between Brugo and Trent in case their conversations began to escalate.
Ashe, who had stayed silent until that moment, observed the interaction between the two men. Although she didn't know Trent well, there was something strangely calming about him. His presence was absorbing, as if everything else in the cave faded in the face of his focus. She couldn't explain why, but she felt at ease in his company, almost as if the very atmosphere around him was shaped by his influence.
"True," Ashe interjected, looking at Lina with a soft smile. "We all need to rest, right? The storm doesn't seem like it plans on leaving anytime soon." Her tone was gentle, and although her words were meant to calm the situation, there was something in her voice that reflected a subtle submission to Trent's influence. No one noticed, except Trent.
"Right..." Leo muttered, narrowing her eyes as she glanced between Ashe and Trent, as if searching for something suspicious. But not noticing anything unusual, she shrugged for the moment.
"I didn't expect to see you all here," Ashe commented, looking at each of them with a kind smile. "It seems we won't be the only ones trapped by this storm. Looks like we all have something in common, after all."
Brugo smiled back, this time more sincerely. Although the atmosphere was still loaded with underlying tension, Ashe's intervention had managed to ease it, if only for a moment. He glanced at Trent and then at Ashe, giving a slight nod.
"The storm has a curious way of bringing us all together," said Brugo as he sat near the fire. "I think we're going to have a good time here... if we can manage to stay this cordial, of course."
Ashe nodded, maintaining her calm, while Trent, from his position on the other side of the fire, seemed more relaxed, though his gaze still held a hint of distrust.
Finally, the fire crackled softly between them, and for a brief moment, the atmosphere in the cave became less heavy. Everyone was aware that the storm outside still raged, but for now, sharing the shelter seemed like the most sensible option.
---
The conversation around the campfire continued calmly, even as Brugo's group finished settling in. Lina and Rurik shared the space near the fire, while Leo maintained her usual position on the outskirts, watching Trent and Ashe without much effort to hide her scrutiny. Brugo, meanwhile, sat with his arms crossed, his gaze roaming the cave and lingering on small details: the fresh boot prints on the ground, the remnants of ash in the fire, and the arrangement of personal belongings left by those who had occupied the space before them.
Then, something caught his attention. He frowned and turned his head toward Ashe and Trent, his tone taking on a brusque edge.
"Wait a minute... where's Rei?" Brugo asked suddenly as if just now noticing the obvious. "Don't tell me she's outside... in this storm."
Lina, who had been sitting near the fire, looked up, and although she appeared more relaxed than Brugo, she too noticed the absence of the young Hunter.
"Wasn't she with you?" Lina asked, glancing at Trent and Ashe. For her part, Leo also straightened slightly, worried about the absence of the rifle expert.
Ashe, who had been absorbed in the flames, lifted her gaze with some hesitation. Trent, on the other hand, maintained his calm expression, almost indifferent. He was the one who answered.
"She went out hunting. The storm had calmed when she decided to leave," he said, his tone neutral but firm enough to avoid doubt.
Brugo let out a dry laugh, clearly unconvinced. His gaze shifted from Trent to Ashe, looking for confirmation or at least something to justify the situation.
"Really?" he said sarcastically, his tone teetering on the edge of acidic. "You sent Rei out hunting alone *because* the storm *seemed* to have died down? Great idea. What's next? Sending an archer into melee combat because they ran out of arrows?"
The comment hung in the air, charged with a mix of irritation and mockery. Ashe turned her gaze back to the flames, clearly uncomfortable. She hadn't expected that reaction, but she also seemed at a loss for words to defend the decision.
Trent, however, didn't let the tension escalate further. Calmly, though with a slightly defiant tilt in his posture, he responded.
"The storm wasn't that bad when she left. Besides, Rei is more than capable of handling herself. A Hunter like her knows how to measure risks," Trent said in an unconcerned tone.
Brugo snorted and let his shoulders drop against the cave wall. His eyes narrowed as he processed Trent's response, but he didn't seem satisfied.
"Oh, sure," Brugo said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Because storms in these lands are so predictable, right? One minute, everything's calm, and the next, you've got a blizzard freezing your very thoughts. I'm sure Rei, with her impeccable judgment, agreed with this from the start."
Internally, Brugo struggled to contain his frustration. He had spent enough time with Rei to know that she was stubborn but also reasonable. He couldn't understand how she had agreed to go out alone under such conditions. Sure, he trusted her skills, but that didn't mean she was invulnerable.
The echo of footsteps at the cave's entrance interrupted the moment, accompanied by the heavy sound of something being dragged through the snow. Brugo and the others turned their heads toward the entrance simultaneously, their senses instinctively on alert. What appeared was a figure wrapped in layers of fur and cloth, their breathing heavy and body bent under the weight of a massive dead elk slung over their shoulders.
"Well, look at this!" Rei's voice rang out in the cave, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she dropped the elk with a loud thud onto the ground. "A perfect storm for a hunt, they said. It'll be fun, they said."
Brugo raised an eyebrow as he watched Rei shake the snow off her clothes. He didn't bother hiding a mocking smile, though his eyes reflected a hint of relief at seeing her unharmed.
"Well, so you survived? And here I was already thinking about how quickly we'd have to dig you out from under a meter of snow."
Rei glanced with surprise at the new arrivals before rolling her eyes and smiling. She walked over to the fire, dragging the large elk she had captured in the middle of a snowstorm. At least she could say she'd earned another crazy adventure to share the next time she was drinking beer.
"How thoughtful of you, Brugo. Although, to be honest, the most fun part was when the storm decided to hit even harder just as I was dragging this big guy back," she said, motioning to the elk with a casual gesture.
Ashe winced with guilt and lowered her gaze to the ground, avoiding Rei's eyes. Trent, on the other hand, simply shrugged, as though the situation had been completely under control.
"I had total confidence you'd manage," Trent added in a tone bordering on sarcasm, though his usual calmness remained intact.
Rei studied him for a moment, as if assessing his response, but decided not to comment. Instead, she turned to Brugo, who was still watching her with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"And you, what are you doing here?" Rei asked, her eyes darting briefly to the other members of Brugo's team. "Did you recruit more people for your crazy plans, or did you just get lost and end up here by accident?" she joked.
Brugo burst out laughing and clapped her on the shoulder hard enough to make Rei wince.
"You know how it is. Where there's a storm, you'll find me. Besides, I had to come to save you from your poor decisions, didn't I?" Brugo said, his tone dripping with amusement.
Rei huffed, though a small smile tugged at her lips as she settled down near the fire. The playful insults between them were nothing new, and in a way, they were even comforting amidst the raging storm.
Brugo leaned back against the cave wall, crossing his arms as he cast a sideways glance at Trent. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something about that man that didn't sit right with him. His calm demeanor, his way of speaking... Everything seemed fine on the surface, but Brugo knew that sometimes the most suspicious thing was what appeared too perfect.
"We'll see what you're hiding, boy," he thought, though he didn't say anything out loud. He wasn't one to throw around accusations without proof. For now, he would just observe. There was always time to act later.