The first light of dawn crept across the frozen expanse, illuminating the jagged cliffs and casting long shadows over the uneven terrain. The faint howling of the wind was the only sound, broken occasionally by the soft chirps of the Frost Minks.
Aria stretched her limbs, her sharp blue eyes scanning the horizon. The cave they had taken shelter in was cold but stable, and the night had passed without incident. Still, the weight of the journey ahead pressed heavily on her mind.
"System," she thought, her claws flexing against the icy ground. "How far are we from the Feline Den now?"
"Current distance: 28 kilometers. Estimated travel time: 1.5 days under optimal conditions."
Her tail flicked sharply. "Optimal conditions, huh? You mean the kind we never get?"
"Probability of obstacles: 78%."
She growled softly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
---
Xuan Hao leaned against the cave wall, his dark eyes glinting faintly as he watched her. His blade rested against his shoulder, its faint crimson glow barely visible in the dim light.
"Ready to move?" he asked, his tone casual.
Aria shot him a glare, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "We don't have a choice, do we?"
He smirked faintly. "Not unless you want to spend another night with your furry friends."
Her claws scraped against the ground. "Keep talking, and I'll make sure you're their pillow next time."
---
The Frost Minks chirped softly, their tiny bodies huddling close to Aria as they prepared to leave. The smallest one climbed onto her back, its tiny claws gripping her fur tightly as it squeaked quietly.
"You're getting too comfortable up there," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder.
The mink tilted its head innocently, squeaking again.
Aria sighed, her sharp blue eyes softening briefly. "Fine. But you'd better not fall off."
---
The group stepped out of the cave and into the biting cold of the morning. The snow beneath their feet crunched softly, and the faint sunlight did little to chase away the chill.
"System," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes scanning the landscape. "Are we heading in the right direction?"
"Confirmed. Current trajectory aligns with Feline Den location."
Her claws flexed. "And what's waiting for us when we get there?"
"Feline Den classified as advanced training ground and sanctuary. Host is advised to prepare for increased challenges and interactions with higher-tier beasts."
She growled softly, her tail swishing. "Great. More things trying to kill me."
---
The journey across the frozen plains was grueling, the wind picking up as the day wore on. The Frost Minks chirped nervously, their tiny bodies pressing close to Aria for warmth. Xuan Hao walked beside her, his dark eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement.
"You think this Den is going to be as bad as you're imagining?" he asked, his tone light.
Aria growled, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "Worse. I can feel it."
He smirked faintly. "You're such an optimist."
Her claws scraped against the ice. "Keep talking, and I'll show you optimism."
---
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky when the first signs of trouble appeared. Aria's sharp blue eyes caught a flicker of movement in the distance—a faint shadow darting across the snow. She froze, her claws flexing as she crouched low.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What's out there?"
"Hostile energy signature detected. Classification: Ice Stalker. Threat level: Moderate."
Her fur bristled. "Ice Stalker? What's that?"
"Predatory beast adapted to frozen environments. Known for ambush tactics and high speed. Weak points: Legs and neck."
She growled softly. "Of course it's fast."
---
The Frost Minks chirped nervously, their tiny bodies trembling as they pressed against Aria's legs. The smallest one squeaked softly, climbing higher onto her back.
"Stay close," she muttered, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "I'll handle this."
Xuan Hao drew his blade, the faint crimson glow illuminating the icy ground. "Just one?"
"Not likely," Aria growled, her claws flexing. "These things hunt in packs."
---
The Ice Stalkers struck suddenly, their sleek forms darting out of the shadows like arrows. Their icy white fur blended seamlessly with the snow, making them nearly invisible until they moved.
Aria activated Lunar Veil, vanishing into the shadows just as the first Stalker lunged.
"Lunar Veil Mastery: Enhanced stealth and reduced stamina cost detected."
She reappeared behind it, her claws glowing faintly as she struck its hind leg. The creature yowled, stumbling as its momentum faltered.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "How many are there?"
"Hostiles detected: Ice Stalkers (4). Threat level: Moderate."
Her tail lashed. "Great. Four of them."
---
Xuan Hao engaged two of the Stalkers, his blade flashing as he parried their swift attacks. His movements were precise, each strike forcing the creatures back as he pressed the advantage.
"You're getting slow," he said, glancing at Aria with a smirk.
She growled, her claws raking across another Stalker's neck. "Keep talking, and I'll slow you down permanently."
---
The Frost Minks huddled together behind a jagged rock, their tiny bodies trembling as they chirped nervously.
"Stay there!" Aria barked, her sharp blue eyes narrowing as she dodged another Stalker's lunge.
The creature's claws scraped against the ice, its glowing eyes locking onto her with predatory intent. She activated Spirit Step, phasing through its attack and reappearing at its side.
"Spirit Step Mastery: Increased speed and precision detected."
Her claws struck its neck with a decisive blow, and the creature collapsed into the snow.
---
Xuan Hao finished off the last Stalker with a powerful strike, his blade glowing crimson as he delivered the final blow. The creature let out a guttural yowl before falling still, its icy fur stained with blood.
"That wasn't so bad," he said, his tone light.
Aria shot him a glare, her sharp blue eyes blazing. "Speak for yourself."
---
The Frost Minks chirped hesitantly, their tiny eyes peeking out from behind the rock. The smallest one scurried toward Aria, climbing onto her back with a soft squeak.
"You're braver than you look," she muttered, her sharp blue eyes softening briefly.
The mink squeaked again, nuzzling her fur.
---
"System," Aria thought, her claws flexing. "Is it safe now?"
"Hostile signatures neutralized. Current area threat level: Low."
She sighed, her tail swishing. "Finally."
---
The group pressed on, the snow beneath their feet stained faintly with the remnants of the battle. The horizon stretched endlessly ahead, the faint outline of distant peaks barely visible in the pale light.
"For now," Aria thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing, "we keep moving. But I know this is just the beginning."