The distorted terrain of the Moonlit Hollow glinted under the artifact's fierce glow. Jagged shards of ice stretched skyward, reflecting the golden light, while the air shimmered with residual energy from the artifact's surge.
Aria crouched low, her sharp blue eyes fixed on the approaching hostiles. The Frost Mink huddled behind her, its tiny body trembling as it squeaked softly.
"Stay back," she growled, her tail swishing. "This one's going to be rough."
Xuan Hao stood a few feet away, his dark robes shifting in the icy wind. His blade gleamed faintly, and crimson energy flickered around him like an aura.
"You always get the worst company, don't you?" he said, his tone calm but edged with amusement.
Aria growled softly, her claws flexing against the frozen ground. "If you're not going to help, stay out of my way."
He smirked faintly, his dark eyes narrowing as he shifted into a ready stance. "I never said I wouldn't help."
---
The hostiles closed in, their movements deliberate and deadly.
Four Abyssal Wolves led the charge, their glowing red eyes locked on the artifact. Their sleek black fur blended with the shadows, their sharp claws digging into the frost-coated ground.
Behind them, two Frostscale Lizards slithered forward, their icy blue scales shimmering in the golden light.
And towering above them all, a Frostfang Drake loomed, its glowing yellow eyes burning with primal fury. Its massive form cast long shadows across the hollow, its icy breath misting in the cold air.
"System," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What am I dealing with?"
"Hostiles confirmed: Abyssal Wolf Pack (4), Frostscale Lizards (2), and Frostfang Drake (1). Estimated individual threat levels: High to Extreme."
Her fur bristled. "Anything useful to add?"
"Recommendation: Prioritize disabling Frostfang Drake. It poses the greatest threat to host and artifact."
Aria growled softly, her claws scraping against the ground. "Easier said than done."
---
The Abyssal Wolves lunged first, their sharp claws slicing through the snow as they charged toward the artifact.
Aria activated Lunar Veil, her shimmering form disappearing into the shadows as she intercepted them.
"Lunar Veil II: 80% Progress."
Her claws raked through the nearest wolf's flank, the creature snarling as it stumbled back.
Xuan Hao moved swiftly, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. One of the Frostscale Lizards struck at him, its icy tail lashing out, but he sidestepped effortlessly, landing a devastating blow to its side.
The Frostfang Drake roared, its massive body barreling toward the artifact as its glowing yellow eyes burned with predatory intent.
Aria reappeared in front of the drake, her sharp claws flexing as she crouched low. "Not so fast."
---
The Frostfang Drake lashed out with its tail, the force of the strike shattering a nearby shard of ice.
Aria dodged narrowly, her sharp blue eyes blazing as she darted around the creature. She struck at its legs, her claws raking against its icy scales, but her blows barely scratched the surface.
"System," she thought, her tail swishing. "This thing's tougher than it looks."
"Analysis indicates reinforced scale structure. Recommend targeting joints for maximum damage."
Her fur bristled. "Could've mentioned that sooner."
---
Meanwhile, Xuan Hao faced off against the Frostscale Lizards. Crimson energy flared around him as he countered their strikes, his movements fluid and precise.
One lizard lunged at him, its sharp claws swiping through the air. He parried with his blade, the force of the clash sending a ripple of energy through the frozen ground.
The second lizard circled around, its icy tail lashing out in a coordinated strike.
Xuan Hao dodged narrowly, landing a counterattack that left deep gashes in its scales.
"You're not bad at this," Aria muttered as she darted past him.
He smirked faintly, his dark eyes gleaming. "You're welcome."
---
The Abyssal Wolves regrouped, their glowing red eyes locking onto Aria as they moved in coordinated strikes.
She activated Spirit Step, phasing through their attacks and reappearing behind them.
"Spirit Step Mastery: Enhanced stamina efficiency detected. Minor Attribute Boost applied."
Her claws raked through the nearest wolf's hind leg, the creature yelping as it collapsed.
Another wolf lunged at her, its sharp teeth snapping dangerously close to her neck.
Aria twisted mid-air, landing a devastating blow to its side that sent it tumbling into the snow.
---
The Frostfang Drake roared again, its icy breath freezing the ground around it as it lunged at the artifact.
Aria growled, her sharp blue eyes narrowing as she intercepted the creature once more.
She targeted its joints, her claws striking with calculated precision. The drake snarled, its massive tail lashing out in a desperate attempt to shake her off.
"Host vitals critical. Recommend evasive maneuvers," the system warned.
"Yeah, I noticed," she muttered, dodging narrowly as the drake's tail slammed into the ground.
---
Xuan Hao finished off the last of the Frostscale Lizards, his blade dripping with blood as he turned to face the Frostfang Drake.
"Need a hand?" he called, his tone light.
Aria growled softly, her tail swishing. "Just take care of the wolves."
He smirked faintly, stepping forward. "As you wish."
---
The Abyssal Wolves were relentless, their glowing red eyes blazing as they circled Xuan Hao.
He moved like a shadow, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision.
One wolf lunged at him, its sharp claws aiming for his chest. He sidestepped effortlessly, landing a counterstrike that left the creature howling in pain.
The remaining wolves hesitated, their movements faltering as they realized their advantage was slipping away.
---
Aria delivered a final, calculated strike to the Frostfang Drake's leg joint, her claws tearing through its tough scales.
The massive creature roared, its movements growing sluggish as it stumbled.
"Quest Complete: Disable Frostfang Drake. +300 EXP earned. Major Attribute Boost applied."
Aria collapsed onto the snow, her chest heaving as the adrenaline coursed through her.
Xuan Hao dispatched the last Abyssal Wolf, his blade gleaming faintly as he turned to face her.
"Not bad," he said, his tone calm. "For a guardian."
Aria growled softly, her tail flicking. "You're still annoying."
He chuckled softly, sheathing his blade. "And you're still stubborn."
---
The Frost Mink scurried over to Aria, squeaking softly as it nuzzled her side.
"For now," she thought, her sharp blue eyes drifting shut, "the hollow is safe. But this artifact is only going to bring more trouble."
As the snow began to fall, the Moonlit Hollow settled into a fragile peace, the faint hum of the artifact a constant reminder of the challenges yet to come.