"It's the only place where a beast like that can be contained," the leader said sharply.
"We didn't have a choice. Now, let's focus on treating our wounds and reporting back."
The group nodded reluctantly, their faces filled with exhaustion and relief.
None of them had noticed the mysterious caterpillar that had crawled out of the portal and disappeared into the snow.
Far from the mages, the tiny blue caterpillar continued its journey, muttering to itself,
"She's here. I can feel it. I'll find her before anyone else does... no matter what."
.................
At night.
Gu Jin was sitting in the middle of her room, preparing to use the awakening stone to awaken two new elements.
Her hands were steady as she carefully examined the stones and gathered her thoughts, but just as she was about to begin, there was a soft knock on her door.
She paused, her brow furrowing.
Who could it be at this hour?