The Moonlit Hollow lay quiet under the dim light of dawn, its frosted ground shimmering faintly as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. Aria stretched beneath her favorite rock, her sharp blue eyes scanning her surroundings. Her new makeshift barriers stood firm, the jagged rocks and fallen branches forming a crude yet effective wall around the hollow's most vulnerable points.
"Not bad," she muttered, her tail flicking. "For someone with no hands, I'd say I've done a decent job."
The Frost Mink squeaked from its perch on a nearby boulder, its bright blue fur ruffling in the chilly morning breeze.
"You better appreciate this," Aria said, glaring at the tiny creature. "Do you have any idea how much work it took to keep you and your friends safe?"
The mink tilted its head innocently, squeaking again.
Aria sighed, shaking her head. "Figures. You're probably just waiting for me to serve breakfast."
---
The Frost Mink wasn't entirely wrong. Her stomach growled, a sharp reminder that she hadn't eaten since her fight with the Frostscale Lizards.
"Alright," she muttered, rising to her paws. "Let's see what's on the menu today. And no interruptions this time, got it?"
The mink squeaked and bounded after her as she padded toward the stream. The fresh snowfall made tracking difficult, but Aria's sharp senses quickly picked up the faint scent of prey.
"Frost Hares," she thought, her claws flexing. "Easy enough."
Activating Lunar Veil, she blended into the shadows, her shimmering form disappearing against the snowy backdrop.
"Lunar Veil: 90% Progress."
She moved silently through the snow, her sharp blue eyes locking onto a small cluster of hares grazing near the stream. Their brown fur stood out starkly against the white, and their movements were quick but predictable.
Aria crouched low, her muscles coiling.
"Just one clean pounce," she thought, her tail swaying slightly for balance.
With a swift burst of speed, she lunged, her claws striking true. The hare let out a startled squeal before falling still.
The other hares scattered, their small bodies disappearing into the underbrush.
"Quest Progress: Sustenance Secured. +15%."
Aria settled down to eat, her sharp teeth tearing into the fresh kill. The warmth of the meal spread through her body, easing the lingering ache in her muscles from the previous day's exertion.
The Frost Mink watched from a distance, its round eyes glinting with curiosity.
"No," Aria said firmly, glancing at the tiny creature. "You're not getting any of this. Go catch your own food."
The mink squeaked in protest, but Aria ignored it, focusing on her meal.
---
By the time she finished eating, the sun had risen higher, casting long shadows across the hollow. Aria stood, stretching lazily as she scanned her surroundings.
The Frost Mink scurried to her side, squeaking softly.
"What now?" Aria muttered, narrowing her eyes. "If you're about to lead me into another mess, I swear—"
The mink squeaked louder, darting toward the edge of the hollow.
Aria sighed, her claws scraping against the frozen ground as she followed. "This better be important."
---
The mink led her to a narrow gap in the barriers she'd built the previous day. The snow here was disturbed, faint tracks leading away from the hollow.
Aria crouched low, sniffing the ground. The scent was fresh, carrying the sharp tang of a predator.
"System," she thought, her fur bristling. "What am I smelling?"
"Hostile entity detected: Frostfang Serpent (Beast Awakening Stage, Intermediate Phase). Threat level: Moderate."
Her tail lashed as she straightened. "A snake? Great. Just what I needed."
The Frost Mink squeaked nervously, pressing against her leg.
Aria let out a low growl, her claws flexing. "Stay here. I'll deal with this."
---
Following the tracks, Aria moved cautiously, her sharp eyes scanning the snow for any signs of movement. The trail led her to a small clearing just beyond the hollow's edge, where the Frostfang Serpent lay coiled near a patch of rocks.
The creature's icy blue scales shimmered faintly in the light, and its glowing yellow eyes locked onto her as she approached.
"Hostile confirmed: Frostfang Serpent. Preparing for combat."
Aria activated Spirit Step, phasing through the shadows as she moved to flank the serpent.
"Spirit Step: 75% Progress."
The serpent hissed, its long, sleek body uncoiling as it lunged at her.
Aria dodged the attack with a swift twist of her body, her sharp claws raking across the serpent's side.
The creature let out a furious hiss, its movements growing more erratic as it twisted and struck at her.
---
The fight was fast and unpredictable. The Frostfang Serpent's speed and agility matched her own, its sharp fangs glinting dangerously as it lunged again and again.
But Aria's precision and cunning gave her the edge.
She activated Lunar Veil, her shimmering form disappearing into the shadows as she darted around the serpent.
"Lunar Veil: 95% Progress."
Her strikes were quick and deliberate, each one chipping away at the serpent's strength.
The creature's movements grew sluggish, its hisses turning to desperate snarls as it struggled to keep up.
Finally, with one last lunge, Aria struck its exposed neck, her claws sinking deep into its flesh.
The serpent let out a final, pained hiss before collapsing onto the snow.
"Quest Complete: Eliminate Threats. +50 EXP earned. Minor Attribute Boost applied."
---
Aria stood over the fallen serpent, her chest heaving as the adrenaline coursed through her.
The Frost Mink appeared moments later, its tiny paws leaving faint tracks as it scurried toward her.
"You're late," Aria muttered, glaring down at the tiny creature. "Again."
The mink squeaked, tilting its head.
Aria sighed, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah. You're welcome."
---
Dragging the serpent's carcass back to the hollow was exhausting, but the sight of her newly fortified barriers gave her a small sense of accomplishment.
The other minks gathered around her as she dropped the serpent near the stream, their soft squeaks filling the air.
"Don't get used to this," Aria muttered, flopping onto the snow. "This isn't a free buffet."
The Frost Mink squeaked, nuzzling against her leg.
Aria sighed, her sharp blue eyes softening. "Alright, fine. You can have some. But don't let the others eat too much. I worked hard for this."
---
As the sun began to set, casting the hollow in a soft, golden glow, Aria curled up beneath her favorite rock. The Frost Mink settled beside her, its tiny body warm against her side.
"For now, this place feels safe," she thought, her sharp blue eyes drifting shut. "But tomorrow's a new day. And the Wildlands never stay quiet for long."
As the snow began to fall again, the Moonlit Hollow settled into a fragile peace, the faint sound of squeaking minks filling the air.