The icy wind bit into Ryan's face as the group pressed forward through the Frostbound Expanse. The vast, snow-covered plains stretched endlessly in every direction, broken only by jagged ice formations that glinted under the pale light of the sun. The frost-resistant cloaks the guild had provided were a small comfort against the relentless cold.
Arya led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement. Grent trudged behind her, his hammer slung across his back and his breath visible in the freezing air. Lyra walked beside Ryan, her silver-blue cloak blending almost seamlessly with the snowy landscape.
"How much farther?" Ryan asked, his voice muffled by the scarf wrapped around his face.
Arya glanced at the map projected from her HUD. "We're close. Another hour, maybe less. The Core's energy is strong here—it's affecting the weather."
Grent let out a low whistle. "Stronger than the Spires?"
"Much stronger," Lyra answered, her tone grave. "The instability here isn't just affecting the region—it's spreading. If we don't act soon, it could cause a chain reaction."
Ryan tightened his grip on his sword. "Then let's pick up the pace."
The group reached the base of a massive glacier, its surface jagged and fractured with deep crevasses. The Core's energy pulsed faintly in the air, a rhythmic thrum that made the ground beneath their feet vibrate. Ryan's HUD flickered with interference, warning of high energy levels.
"We'll have to climb," Arya said, pointing to a narrow path winding up the glacier. "Stay close and watch your footing. The ice is unstable."
The ascent was slow and treacherous. The path was slick with frost, and the wind howled around them, threatening to throw them off balance. Ryan's heart pounded in his chest as he focused on each step, his sword strapped securely to his back.
Halfway up, Arya held up a hand, signaling for them to stop. "Do you hear that?"
Ryan strained his ears, but at first, he heard nothing. Then it came—a low, guttural growl, followed by the crunch of snow and ice. The sound sent a shiver down his spine, and his HUD flashed a warning: Hostiles Detected.
From the shadows of the glacier emerged massive creatures, their bodies covered in thick, white fur that blended perfectly with the snow. Their glowing blue eyes radiated malice, and their claws glinted like ice shards.
[Frostborne Predators] - Level 15
Arya nocked an arrow, her movements swift and practiced. "Spread out! Don't let them corner us!"
Grent roared, swinging his hammer as one of the predators lunged at him. The impact sent the creature sprawling, but it quickly scrambled to its feet, its growl deepening.
Ryan drew his sword, activating [Quick Strike] as another predator charged him. He dodged to the side, his blade slashing across the creature's flank. The predator howled in pain but didn't retreat.
"They're tough!" Ryan shouted, his breath fogging in the icy air. "Aim for the joints—they're weaker there!"
Lyra stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly with energy. She muttered an incantation, and a shard of ice materialized in her hand. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it hurtling toward a predator, the impact freezing the creature's leg in place. Arya followed up with a well-placed arrow, finishing it off.
The battle raged on, the predators relentless in their assault. Grent held the line, his hammer smashing into the creatures with earth-shaking force. Arya's arrows flew with deadly precision, each one finding its mark.
Ryan activated [Blade Tempest], his sword spinning in a flurry of strikes that cut through two predators at once. His HUD flashed with each kill: +200 XP.
Finally, the last predator fell, its body collapsing into the snow. The group stood amidst the aftermath, their breaths coming in heavy puffs of steam.
"Everyone okay?" Arya asked, lowering her bow.
Grent grunted, wiping sweat from his brow despite the cold. "Still standing. These things don't go down easy."
Ryan sheathed his sword, his gaze shifting to Lyra. "That ice spell... you've got more tricks up your sleeve than I thought."
Lyra offered a faint smile. "There's more to survival than brute strength."
They resumed their climb, the wind growing fiercer as they neared the top of the glacier. At last, they reached a plateau where the Core stood, its crystalline structure glowing with a brilliant, icy blue light. The air around it was frigid, the temperature dropping even further as they approached.
Lyra stepped forward, her expression grim. "The Core is more unstable than I feared. We'll need to act quickly."
Arya began unpacking the stabilization device, her movements efficient despite the biting cold. "Ryan, Grent, keep watch. The shadows will come—they always do."
Ryan nodded, his hand on his sword as he scanned the horizon. The Frostbound Expanse stretched out below them, a stark and unforgiving landscape. But as he stood guard, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Stay sharp," he muttered, his breath visible in the air. "This isn't over yet."