The silver light of the Lunar Conduit pulsed gently, casting ethereal shadows across the circular platform. Its melodic hum resonated deeply, the sound reverberating through Aria's chest as though the artifact were alive.
Aria stood at the edge of the platform, her sharp blue eyes locked onto the crystalline structure. Every fiber of her being screamed caution, but the artifact's presence was strangely soothing.
"System," she thought, her tail swishing sharply. "What exactly does this thing do?"
"Artifact analysis incomplete. Current classification: Energy stabilizer. Influence: Maintains equilibrium in local energy flows. Further interaction required for detailed analysis."
Her fur bristled. "Further interaction? Are you trying to get me killed?"
"Probability of harm from interaction: Low. Artifact classified as passive stabilizer."
She growled softly, her claws scraping against the rock. "Your definition of 'low' is always questionable."
---
Xuan Hao approached the artifact cautiously, his blade sheathed but his posture alert. The faint crimson glow around him flickered slightly, reacting to the artifact's hum.
"This thing feels... different," he muttered, his dark eyes narrowing.
Aria growled, her sharp blue eyes flicking to him. "Different how?"
He gestured toward the pulsing light. "Not dangerous, but... powerful. Like it's waiting for something."
Her claws flexed. "Well, whatever it's waiting for, let's hope it's not us."
---
The Frost Minks chirped hesitantly, their tiny bodies trembling as they peered out from behind Aria. The smallest one climbed onto her back, its wide eyes fixed on the artifact.
"You're not touching it," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder.
The mink squeaked softly, tilting its head as if considering her words.
Aria sighed, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "I mean it. Stay put."
---
The melodic hum grew louder as they stepped closer, its rhythm quickening like a heartbeat. Aria's fur bristled as she felt a faint pull, an invisible force drawing her toward the artifact.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What's happening now?"
"Artifact response detected. Host energy signature partially aligned with artifact properties. Interaction is recommended."
Her tail lashed. "You're full of great ideas today, aren't you?"
"Interaction is required to complete analysis and determine artifact function."
She growled softly, her claws flexing. "If this kills me, I'm blaming you."
---
Xuan Hao raised an eyebrow, his tone cautious. "What's your system saying?"
Aria shot him a glare. "That I should touch it. Which means I probably shouldn't."
He smirked faintly. "And yet, you're going to anyway."
"Keep talking," she growled, her claws scraping against the rock. "I'll let you touch it instead."
---
The Frost Mink on her back chirped softly, nudging her neck with its tiny nose. Aria sighed, her sharp blue eyes softening briefly.
"Fine," she muttered. "But if this thing explodes, I'm haunting all of you."
She stepped forward cautiously, her claws clicking softly against the rock as she approached the artifact. The silver light seemed to brighten, the melodic hum growing louder as she reached out with one paw.
---
The moment her claws touched the surface of the artifact, a surge of energy coursed through her body. The silver light enveloped her, and the melodic hum transformed into a deep, resonant tone that drowned out everything else.
"System," she thought frantically. "What's happening?"
"Artifact synchronization initiated. Host energy signature detected: Compatible. Current process: Stabilization and data transfer."
Her sharp blue eyes widened. "Data transfer? What kind of data?"
"Energy resonance patterns and environmental stabilization protocols."
She growled, her claws digging into the surface. "You're not answering the question!"
---
The artifact's light pulsed rhythmically, and for a brief moment, Aria's vision blurred. She saw flashes of images—a vast, frozen landscape bathed in silver light, towering feline figures that radiated power, and the Lunar Guardian standing atop the cliffs, its golden eyes solemn.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What am I seeing?"
"Artifact memory sequence detected. Current process: Energy transfer to host."
Her fur bristled. "Energy transfer? What does that mean for me?"
"Host energy reserves will increase temporarily. Additional skill unlock may occur."
She growled softly. "You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
---
The artifact's light dimmed suddenly, the melodic hum fading into a soft, lingering note. Aria staggered back, her claws scraping against the rock as she caught her breath.
Xuan Hao stepped forward, his dark eyes narrowing. "What happened?"
She shook her head, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "I don't know. But whatever this thing is, it just did something to me."
---
System Update:
Energy Level Increased: +15%
Skill Unlocked: Frost Veil (Passive):
Reduces visibility to host in snowy or icy environments. Increases resistance to cold-based attacks.
Aria blinked, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "Frost Veil? That's new."
"Skill derived from artifact interaction. Current compatibility confirmed."
She sighed, her tail flicking sharply. "At least it's useful."
---
The Frost Minks chirped nervously, their tiny eyes fixed on her. The smallest one climbed onto her back, squeaking softly as it nuzzled her fur.
"Relax," she muttered, nudging it gently. "I'm fine. Mostly."
Xuan Hao smirked faintly, his tone light. "You're glowing."
Her sharp blue eyes flicked to him, blazing with irritation. "Keep talking, and I'll show you glowing."
---
The artifact's light dimmed further, its presence now faint and unobtrusive. The melodic hum was gone, replaced by an eerie silence that filled the platform.
"For now," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing, "we've dealt with this. But something tells me it's not over."
---
The group began their descent cautiously, the cliffs shrouded in mist as the wind picked up once more. The Frost Minks huddled close, their tiny bodies trembling as they chirped softly.
Xuan Hao glanced at Aria, his dark eyes glinting faintly. "So, what's next?"
She growled softly, her claws flexing. "We survive. Same as always."