The Whispering Abyss was quiet as Xuian prepared for his next conquest. The Eternal Frost Domain, an unclaimed but resource-rich dimension, promised bountiful rewards—and significant dangers. He stood at the heart of the Whispering Abyss, surrounded by his growing forces. The icy winds that drifted from the dimensional gate leading to the Eternal Frost Domain chilled the air, a faint warning of the trials ahead.
The Phantom Knight stepped forward, kneeling. "Master, the Eternal Frost Domain is rumored to be guarded by Frost Wraiths and Cryo Behemoths. Shall I rally the army?"
Xuian shook his head. "This mission requires precision, not overwhelming force. If we draw too much attention, neighboring factions will take notice. I'll take a small strike team."
[System Notification]
Preparing for Dimensional Entry: Target: Eternal Frost Domain. Threat Level: High. Recommended Forces: 5–10 Elite Units.
Xuian chose his team carefully. He brought the Phantom Knight, the Void Wolf Pup, and two Chrono-Wraiths. Their combined abilities would allow for swift, calculated strikes and quick retreats if necessary.
"Stay sharp," Xuian said, addressing his team. "This isn't just about claiming the domain—it's about showing the other factions what happens when they underestimate us."
The Void Wolf Pup barked, and the Chrono-Wraiths nodded silently, their forms shimmering like liquid time.
Entering the Frost
The dimensional gate activated with a low hum, and Xuian's team stepped through. On the other side, they were greeted by an icy wasteland. The sky was a pale blue, with massive glaciers rising like mountains in the distance. The ground was covered in a thick layer of frost, and the air was biting cold.
[System Notification]
Dimension: Eternal Frost Domain. Status: Unclaimed. Resources: Frost Crystals, Eternal Ice. Environmental Effect: Frostbite (Reduces movement speed and stamina over time).
Xuian activated his Spectral Ember Cloak, the dark flames surrounding him keeping the cold at bay. His team followed suit, their spectral forms resisting the icy winds.
"Spread out," Xuian ordered. "Scout the area, but stay within range of the gate. We don't know what's out there yet."
The Phantom Knight and the Chrono-Wraiths moved silently across the frozen terrain, while Xuian and the Void Wolf Pup headed toward a nearby glacier.
An Unexpected Ambush
As Xuian approached the glacier, the air around him grew colder, and the frost beneath his feet began to crack. He stopped, his instincts on high alert.
A deep growl echoed through the air, and the ground trembled. From beneath the glacier, a massive creature emerged—a Cryo Behemoth. Its body was covered in thick ice, and its glowing blue eyes radiated malice.
[System Notification]
Entity Detected: Cryo Behemoth. Rank: A+. Abilities: Frost Armor, Icequake, Glacial Roar. Threat Level: Extreme.
"Perfect," Xuian muttered, drawing his dagger.
The Cryo Behemoth roared, the sound reverberating through the glacier. Shards of ice rained down, and the ground shook violently.
"Void Pup, flank it!" Xuian shouted. The pup darted to the side, its dark form blending into the shadows.
The Cryo Behemoth charged, its massive claws swinging at Xuian. He dodged with Phantom Step, reappearing behind the creature and slashing at its exposed flank.
The Chrono-Wraiths arrived moments later, their temporal abilities slowing the Behemoth's movements.
[System Notification]
Status Effect Applied: Time Lapse (Movement speed reduced by 30%).
The Behemoth roared again, slamming its claws into the ground and creating a wave of ice that knocked the Chrono-Wraiths back. Xuian activated his Spectral Ember Cloak, the dark flames melting the ice before it could reach him.
The Phantom Knight charged in, his greatsword glowing with spectral energy. He struck the Behemoth's leg, causing it to stumble.
"Now!" Xuian shouted, leaping onto the creature's back. He drove his dagger into a crack in its Frost Armor, channeling spectral energy into the wound.
The Cryo Behemoth howled in pain, its movements growing more erratic. Xuian twisted the dagger, and the creature collapsed, shattering into shards of ice.
[System Notification]
Entity Defeated: Cryo Behemoth. Rewards: 1500 Abyssal Coins. Rare Item: Heart of Eternal Ice.
Xuian picked up the glowing heart, its cold energy radiating through his gloves.
[Item: Heart of Eternal Ice]
Rank: A+ Effect: Enhances frost-based abilities and provides immunity to Frostbite.
"This will come in handy," Xuian said, slipping the heart into his inventory.
Securing the Domain
With the Cryo Behemoth defeated, Xuian and his team moved deeper into the Eternal Frost Domain. They encountered smaller Frost Wraiths and Ice Golems, but none posed a significant threat.
At the heart of the dimension, they found the core—a massive crystal of glowing blue ice, pulsing with energy.
[System Notification]
Dimension Core Detected: Eternal Frost Domain. Status: Unbound. Integrate into Domain Network? Yes/No.
Xuian chose Yes, and the core's energy surged through him, linking the Eternal Frost Domain to his growing network.
[System Notification]
Dimension Integrated: Eternal Frost Domain. Resource Generation: 500 Abyssal Coins/hour. Special Resources Unlocked: Frost Crystals, Eternal Ice.
"Another victory," Xuian said, turning to his team. "Let's head back. We've got more work to do."
End of Chapter 15