Chapter 104: Into the Frostpeak Highlands

The journey north to the Frostpeak Highlands began with a somber determination. Lin Tian, Elara, Yuefeng, and Aris trekked through dense forests, following the map's glowing guidance. Each step brought them closer to a region known for its brutal cold, formidable ice-element beasts, and ancient secrets.

Lin Tian's system chimed softly in his mind.

[System Notification: Region Transition Detected – Entering Frostpeak Highlands.]

Environmental Hazard: Severe Cold.

Tip: Use fire-element abilities or protection items to resist frost damage.

Beast Ranking: Rare to Mythic.

Lin Tian relayed the warning to the group. "Prepare yourselves. This region won't be forgiving."

The Frozen Path

Snow began to fall as they ascended into the highlands. The air grew colder, and their breaths turned to mist. Elara summoned her Shadow Lynx, which wrapped its shadowy tail around her shoulders like a cloak to stave off the chill. Yuefeng's Thunder Fang Wolf emitted faint sparks of electricity, keeping itself warm.

Aris, however, seemed unaffected by the cold, her violet eyes scanning their surroundings with sharp precision.

"Ice-element beasts dominate this region," she explained. "Many of them are territorial and won't take kindly to intruders. We'll need to tread carefully."

A Sudden Ambush

Their caution paid off as they crossed a frozen river. The stillness of the area was shattered by a sudden roar, and three massive beasts emerged from the snowbanks.

[Beast Identified: Frostfang Saberwolves]

Rank: High Rare.

Abilities: Ice Fang, Frost Armor, Snow Camouflage.

The saberwolves lunged at the group, their icy fangs glinting in the weak sunlight.

Lin Tian reacted instantly. "Crimson Feather, take the lead!"

His fire-element beast soared into the air, its wings igniting in a blaze of crimson flames. With a powerful flap, it unleashed a barrage of fireballs, melting the frost beneath the saberwolves' paws.

Elara joined the fight, her Shadow Lynx darting forward with incredible speed. Its shadow tendrils wrapped around one of the wolves, immobilizing it. Yuefeng's Thunder Fang Wolf charged another, bolts of electricity crackling as it collided with the beast.

Aris, meanwhile, stood back, her hands glowing with a faint silver light. "I'll support from here. Don't let them overwhelm you."

Victory and Discovery

The battle ended swiftly, the saberwolves retreating into the wilderness after their defeat. Lin Tian's system chimed again.

[System Notification: Battle Completed.]

Rewards: 500 system points, Ice Crystal x2, Beast Core (Rare).

Lin Tian bent down to examine the crystal. "These might be useful for upgrading ice-element beasts or crafting protective gear."

Aris nodded. "Hold onto them. We'll need every advantage we can get."

A Hidden Cave

As they continued, the group discovered a narrow crevice in the mountainside. A faint, icy glow emanated from within.

"This might be one of the marked locations on the map," Lin Tian said, holding the map up for confirmation.

[System Update: Location Identified – Frostpeak Cavern.]

Status: Abyssal Energy Detected.

Objective: Investigate the source of the disturbance.

Aris frowned. "We need to be careful. If there's Abyssal energy here, it's likely guarded."

They entered the cavern cautiously, the walls shimmering with ice crystals. The deeper they went, the stronger the oppressive aura became. At the heart of the cavern, a swirling black orb floated above an icy altar.

The Abyssal Shard

Lin Tian's system immediately reacted.

[System Alert: Abyssal Shard Detected.]

Description: A fragment of concentrated Abyssal energy.

Danger Level: High.

Recommendation: Destroy or cleanse immediately.

"We can't leave this intact," Lin Tian said.

As they prepared to confront the shard, the ice around the altar began to crack. A massive figure emerged, its body encased in crystalline ice.

[Beast Identified: Frostborne Colossus]

Rank: Mythic.

Abilities: Glacial Slam, Frost Nova, Abyssal Infusion.

"Of course it wouldn't be easy," Yuefeng muttered, summoning his Thunder Fang Wolf.

A Fierce Battle

The Frostborne Colossus roared, its massive fists slamming into the ground and sending shockwaves of ice toward the group. Lin Tian commanded Crimson Feather to counter with a fiery barrier, protecting them from the frost.

Elara's Shadow Lynx leaped onto the colossus, its shadowy claws tearing at the icy armor. Yuefeng's Thunder Fang Wolf launched a series of electrical bolts, targeting the creature's weak points.

Aris stepped forward, her hands glowing brighter. "I'll focus on the shard. Keep it distracted!"

As the battle raged on, Lin Tian's system provided a crucial tip.

[System Tip: Target the core beneath the colossus's chest to weaken it.]

Following the advice, Lin Tian directed Crimson Feather to launch a concentrated fire blast at the core. The colossus roared in pain, its movements slowing.

Cleansing the Shard

With the colossus weakened, Aris reached the altar. Her silver light expanded, enveloping the shard. As she chanted an incantation, the Abyssal energy began to dissipate.

The colossus let out one final roar before crumbling into shards of ice.

[System Notification: Abyssal Shard Cleansed – Frostpeak Cavern Stabilized.]

Rewards: Mythic Beast Core, Elemental Crystal (Ice), 2,000 system points.

The Next Clue

As the shard disintegrated, a hidden compartment in the altar opened, revealing an ancient scroll.

Aris picked it up, her expression grave. "This confirms my fears. The Abyssal threat is more widespread than we thought."

Lin Tian took a deep breath. "Then we don't stop here. Let's move to the next location."

The group exited the cavern, the rising sun illuminating the Frostpeak Highlands. Their journey was far from over, but with each step, they grew stronger and more determined.

End of Chapter 104