Chapter 105: Secrets Beneath the Frostpeak Highlands
As the group emerged from the cavern, the chilling wind of the Frostpeak Highlands bit at their exposed skin. The morning sun cast long shadows over the jagged peaks, its light glinting off the frozen terrain. Lin Tian, Elara, Yuefeng, and Aris took a moment to catch their breath after the intense battle with the Frostborne Colossus and the cleansing of the Abyssal Shard.
Aris studied the ancient scroll they had retrieved from the altar. Her violet eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and concern.
"This isn't just a map or a record," she said. "It's a guide to something called the Frost Crown Relic. If the Abyssal energy we just cleansed was a precursor, this relic might hold the key to stopping further corruption in this region."
Lin Tian glanced at his system interface, ensuring their progress was documented.
[System Update: New Quest – The Frost Crown Relic]
Objective: Locate the Frost Crown Relic and prevent it from falling into Abyssal hands.
Reward: Mythic Tier Upgrade Token, 5,000 System Points, Rare Beast Egg (Ice Element).
Status: Active.
A Sudden Ally
As they discussed their next steps, a faint growl echoed through the snow-covered valley. The group instinctively turned to face the sound, their beasts ready for combat. A sleek figure emerged from the shadows of the icy cliffs—a beast unlike any they had seen before.
[Beast Identified: Glacial Phantom Lynx]
Rank: Legendary.
Abilities: Frost Mirage, Icebound Speed, Glacial Rend.
The lynx's shimmering fur seemed to blend seamlessly with the snow, its piercing blue eyes locking onto Lin Tian. Instead of attacking, it bowed its head slightly and padded closer.
Aris raised an eyebrow. "It's not hostile. That's... unusual."
Lin Tian extended a cautious hand, his system scanning the beast.
[System Notification: Glacial Phantom Lynx seeks a partnership. Do you accept?]
Without hesitation, Lin Tian confirmed the request. A beam of light connected him and the lynx, signifying their bond.
[System Update: Glacial Phantom Lynx has been added to your roster.]
Name: Frostshadow.
Element: Ice.
Rank: Legendary.
The lynx's presence seemed to bolster the group's morale.
Navigating the Highlands
With Frostshadow leading the way, the group followed the map embedded in Aris's scroll. The path grew treacherous, with icy cliffs and sudden snowstorms threatening their progress.
Elara's Shadow Lynx and Yuefeng's Thunder Fang Wolf worked in tandem, scouting ahead and clearing obstacles. Frostshadow, however, moved with uncanny precision, as if it knew the terrain intimately.
"Something about this beast feels... ancient," Aris remarked. "It's not just leading us. It's guarding us."
Lin Tian nodded, silently pondering the lynx's motives.
The Hidden Temple
After hours of climbing and navigating narrow paths, they arrived at a massive ice wall that seemed impassable. Frostshadow stepped forward, its paws glowing faintly. With a low growl, it unleashed a pulse of energy, revealing a hidden entrance carved into the ice.
[System Notification: Hidden Location Discovered – Frost Crown Temple.]
The entrance led to an expansive chamber, its walls adorned with intricate carvings of ice-element beasts and runes. At the center stood a pedestal, atop which rested a crown of shimmering frost.
Aris approached cautiously, her hands glowing with protective magic. "This must be the Frost Crown Relic."
Before anyone could respond, the air grew heavy with Abyssal energy. A dark portal opened behind the pedestal, and a figure emerged—a humanoid clad in obsidian armor, radiating malevolence.
[Enemy Identified: Abyssal Warden – Morvus.]
Rank: Mythic.
Abilities: Abyssal Slash, Corruptive Aura, Void Chains.
Morvus's voice echoed through the chamber. "You dare trespass here? The Frost Crown belongs to the Abyss!"
The Final Trial
Morvus raised his hand, summoning shadowy beasts from the portal.
[Beasts Summoned: Abyssal Ice Fiends]
Rank: High Legendary.
Lin Tian wasted no time. "Frostshadow, take the lead! Crimson Feather, support with fire attacks!"
Frostshadow darted forward, its Frost Mirage ability creating multiple illusions that confused the Abyssal Ice Fiends. Crimson Feather unleashed a torrent of flames, melting the icy armor of the fiends and exposing their cores.
Elara and Yuefeng joined the fray, their beasts working in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, Aris focused on creating a barrier to protect the group from Morvus's corruptive aura.
Morvus himself proved to be a formidable opponent. His Abyssal Slash cut through the icy ground, forcing Lin Tian to dodge swiftly.
"System, analyze his weakness!" Lin Tian commanded.
[System Analysis Complete: Target the void crystal embedded in his chest to weaken him.]
Lin Tian relayed the information to the group.
Seizing the Relic
As the battle raged on, Frostshadow leapt onto Morvus, distracting him long enough for Lin Tian to close in. With a precise strike, he shattered the void crystal in Morvus's chest, causing the Abyssal Warden to stagger.
Aris seized the opportunity, channeling her magic to cleanse the lingering Abyssal energy.
Morvus let out a final roar before disintegrating into shadowy particles. The Abyssal portal closed, and the oppressive energy dissipated.
[System Notification: Frost Crown Relic Secured.]
Rewards: Frost Crown Relic, Mythic Beast Core, 5,000 System Points.
Lin Tian approached the pedestal and carefully took the Frost Crown. Its icy glow resonated with Frostshadow, solidifying their bond further.
A New Threat
As the group exited the temple, Aris studied the Frost Crown with a troubled expression.
"This is more than just a relic," she said. "It's a key... and the Abyss won't stop until they claim it."
Lin Tian tightened his grip on the crown. "Then we'll be ready. No matter what comes next, we won't back down."
The journey through the Frostpeak Highlands had revealed the growing threat of the Abyss, but it had also strengthened their resolve. With Frostshadow by their side and the Frost Crown in their possession, they prepared for the battles yet to come.
End of Chapter 105