The frost-covered expanse stretched endlessly before them, shimmering faintly under the pale light of dawn. Each step felt heavier than the last, the unforgiving terrain testing their endurance. The Frost Minks huddled close to Aria, their tiny chirps occasionally breaking the oppressive silence.
Aria trudged ahead, her sharp blue eyes scanning the jagged ice formations for signs of movement. The chill seeped through her fur, but she pressed on, her claws flexing against the frozen ground.
"System," she thought, her tail swishing sharply. "How far until stable terrain?"
"Estimated distance: 12 kilometers. Current terrain stability: 65%."
Her claws scraped against the ice. "Twelve kilometers? Fantastic."
---
Behind her, Xuan Hao kept a steady pace, his blade resting on his shoulder. His dark robes were battered, but his expression remained calm as he studied the path ahead.
"You're unusually quiet," he said, his tone casual.
Aria growled softly, her sharp blue eyes flicking to him. "I'm saving my energy."
He smirked faintly, tilting his head. "For the next fight?"
"For ignoring you," she snapped, her tail flicking.
Xuan Hao chuckled, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Fair enough."
---
The Frost Mink on Aria's back chirped nervously, its tiny body trembling as it shifted closer to her neck. Its companions followed in a loose line, their movements hesitant as they navigated the treacherous ice.
"Stay close," Aria muttered, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "This place doesn't feel right."
The smallest mink squeaked in agreement, pressing its tiny nose against her fur.
She sighed, her tail swishing. "Yeah, I know. I don't like it either."
---
The wind picked up, howling through the jagged ice formations like a mournful wail. The sound sent a chill down Aria's spine, her fur bristling as she crouched low.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes darting across the horizon. "Any hostiles nearby?"
"Hostile detection probability: 40%. Energy signatures faint but present. Classification: Low to Moderate threat."
Her claws flexed. "Faint? That's not comforting."
"Continued monitoring advised."
She growled softly, her tail lashing. "Of course it is."
---
Xuan Hao stopped abruptly, his dark eyes narrowing as he scanned the ice formations ahead.
"You feel that?" he asked, his voice low.
Aria growled, her claws digging into the ground. "Yeah. Something's watching us."
The Frost Minks chirped nervously, their tiny bodies trembling as they pressed closer to her side.
"Stay behind me," she muttered, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "And don't wander off."
---
A faint movement caught her attention—a flicker of shadow darting between the ice formations.
"There," she growled, her claws flexing as she crouched low.
Xuan Hao followed her gaze, his blade glowing faintly with crimson energy. "How many?"
"Not sure yet," she muttered. "But they're not friendly."
---
The first hostile emerged from the shadows—a sleek, feline-like creature with icy blue fur and glowing eyes. Its movements were fluid and predatory, its sharp claws gleaming like glass.
"System," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What is that?"
"Hostile identified: Frostshade Lynx. High agility, moderate durability. Weak points: Spine and chest."
Her claws scraped against the ice. "Great. Just what we needed."
---
The Frostshade Lynx lunged without warning, its claws slicing through the air as it targeted the Frost Minks.
Aria activated Spirit Step, phasing out of its path and reappearing in front of the minks. Her claws raked across the lynx's side, drawing a sharp yowl from the creature as it stumbled back.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "What's the best way to take it down?"
"Focused strikes recommended. Target weak points for efficient neutralization."
Her tail lashed as she darted forward, her claws aiming for the lynx's chest. The creature twisted, narrowly avoiding her strike before countering with a swipe of its own.
---
Xuan Hao moved in, his blade flashing as he intercepted the lynx's next attack. His strikes were swift and precise, each one forcing the creature back.
"Don't let it get away," Aria growled, her claws flexing.
Xuan Hao smirked faintly. "Wasn't planning on it."
The lynx snarled, its glowing eyes narrowing as it leaped toward him. He sidestepped smoothly, delivering a powerful slash to its spine. The creature let out a final, guttural yowl before collapsing into the snow.
---
The Frost Minks chirped nervously, their tiny bodies trembling as they huddled close to Aria.
"It's okay," she muttered, nudging them gently with her paw. "We've got it handled."
The smallest mink squeaked softly, pressing against her side.
She sighed, her sharp blue eyes softening briefly. "You're welcome."
---
The group pressed on, the air growing colder with each step. The jagged ice formations seemed to close in around them, their sharp edges casting ominous shadows over the path.
"System," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "How much further?"
"Estimated distance to stable terrain: 10 kilometers."
Her claws scraped against the ground. "It feels like we're not getting anywhere."
"Progress is steady. Continued effort advised."
She growled softly, her tail swishing. "You're full of great advice, aren't you?"
---
Xuan Hao walked beside her, his dark eyes scanning the horizon.
"Think we'll get a break anytime soon?" he asked, his tone light.
Aria growled, her sharp blue eyes flicking to him. "Do you want me to lie?"
He smirked faintly. "It might make me feel better."
"Then no," she snapped, her claws flexing.
Xuan Hao chuckled, shaking his head. "Figures."
---
The Frost Mink on her back chirped softly, its tiny eyes wide as it glanced over her shoulder.
"Relax," Aria muttered, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "We're fine. For now."
The mink squeaked hesitantly, pressing closer to her neck.
She sighed, shaking her head. "You're more paranoid than I am."
---
The path ahead opened into a narrow ravine, the jagged walls towering on either side. The air was still and unnervingly quiet, the only sound the faint crunch of their steps on the snow-covered ground.
"This doesn't look inviting," Xuan Hao muttered, his dark eyes narrowing.
Aria growled softly, her claws flexing. "It's the only way forward."
He smirked faintly. "You're not worried about an ambush?"
Her sharp blue eyes glinted. "I'm counting on it."
---
The Frost Minks huddled closer as the group entered the ravine, their chirps growing quieter with each step. The jagged walls seemed to press in around them, their sharp edges glinting faintly in the dim light.
"For now," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes scanning the shadows, "we keep moving. But I know something's waiting."