The Frostbound Peaks
The journey to the Frostbound Peaks was treacherous from the outset. The landscape gradually shifted from dense forests to barren, snow-laden terrain. Icy winds howled through the air, and every step felt heavier as the cold seeped into their bones. The peaks loomed in the distance, jagged and foreboding, their tops obscured by swirling clouds.
The group moved in a tight formation, with Haruto leading the way. Kaede had stayed behind at the temple, but her parting words echoed in their minds: "The Trial of Endurance will test not just your strength, but your will to survive. Stick together, no matter what."
---
As the snow thickened, Aiko wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, her breath visible in the frigid air. "It's colder than I expected," she muttered, her teeth chattering. "How far are we from the trial site?"
Rei, trudging just behind her, scoffed. "No idea. Tsuki wasn't exactly specific, was she? 'The Frostbound Peaks' could mean anything."
Haruto glanced back at them, his voice steady. "We'll find it. Let's keep moving."
Walking silently at the rear was Yoru, the newest addition to their group. He had joined them shortly after the battle at the Moonlit Temple, introduced by Kaede as a seasoned warrior and tracker who had fought against the Moon Cursed in the southern lands. With his dark hair tied back and piercing eyes that missed nothing, Yoru exuded an air of quiet confidence. Though the group had yet to fully trust him, there was no denying his skill in combat and his knowledge of the cursed lands.
Suddenly, Yoru stopped, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings. "We're being followed," he said, his tone calm but firm.
The group immediately froze, their hands instinctively going to their weapons. Haruto narrowed his eyes, searching the white expanse around them. At first, there was nothing but the howling wind and swirling snow. But then, faint shadows began to emerge from the storm—hulking, monstrous figures moving toward them.
"Moon Cursed," Yoru said grimly, drawing his curved blade.
---
The creatures emerged fully from the storm: six of them, each larger and more grotesque than the last. Their twisted forms bore patches of frozen flesh, and their glowing eyes burned with primal fury. The leader of the pack, a massive wolf-like creature, let out a guttural snarl that reverberated through the air.
"Get ready!" Haruto shouted, unsheathing his sword.
The battle was chaotic and brutal. The Moon Cursed were faster and stronger than anything they had faced before, their attacks relentless. Haruto fought with precision, his blade cutting through the icy air as he parried and struck. Aiko used her agility to evade the creatures' attacks, striking at their exposed weaknesses with calculated precision. Yoru moved like a phantom, his movements fluid and deadly as he took down one of the creatures with a well-placed strike.
Rei, however, fought with raw intensity, her spear glowing faintly as she channeled her Blessing. She thrust and slashed with fierce determination, each strike landing with devastating force. But despite their efforts, the group was slowly being overwhelmed.
"These things just keep coming!" Aiko shouted, narrowly dodging a swipe from one of the creatures.
"We need to finish this quickly!" Haruto replied, blocking an attack and countering with a powerful slash.
As the battle raged, Rei noticed something unusual. The leader of the pack, the wolf-like creature, seemed to be directing the others with its howls and growls. If they could take it down, the rest might retreat.
"Haruto!" Rei called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "The leader—it's controlling them! We need to take it out!"
Haruto nodded, his gaze locking onto the massive creature. "Cover me!"
The group shifted their focus, creating an opening for Haruto to charge at the leader. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his sword glowing faintly as he channeled his Blessing. The wolf-like creature roared and lunged at him, its claws aiming for his chest. Haruto sidestepped the attack and drove his blade deep into its side, twisting it for maximum impact.
The creature let out a deafening howl before collapsing to the ground. As its body hit the snow, the remaining Moon Cursed hesitated, their movements growing sluggish. Moments later, they retreated into the storm, their monstrous forms disappearing into the white expanse.
---
The group stood in silence, their breaths heavy as they surveyed the aftermath. Blood stained the snow, and the cold seemed even harsher now that the adrenaline was wearing off.
"Is everyone okay?" Haruto asked, sheathing his sword.
"Mostly," Aiko said, brushing snow off her cloak. "That was too close."
Rei leaned on her spear, her breathing heavy. "We need to keep moving. If more of those things show up, we might not be so lucky."
Yoru nodded, his expression unreadable. "Agreed. The trial site can't be far now."
---
They continued their journey, their pace slower but determined. After what felt like hours, they finally reached the base of a massive cliff. At its summit stood an ancient stone gate, its surface covered in glowing runes similar to those in the temple.
"This must be it," Haruto said, his voice filled with both relief and apprehension.
As they approached the gate, the runes began to shift, forming words in the language of the Moon. Haruto couldn't read them, but the message seemed to resonate within him nonetheless.
"Only those with unyielding resolve may proceed. Prove your endurance, or fall to the storm."
The ground beneath them rumbled, and the air grew even colder. The gate slowly creaked open, revealing a narrow path that led up the cliffside. The path was steep and treacherous, with jagged rocks and icy winds threatening to knock them off balance.
"This is the trial?" Aiko asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "Climbing a cliff in this weather?"
Rei smirked, despite the exhaustion in her eyes. "Sounds about right. Let's get this over with."
---
The climb was grueling. Every step was a battle against the elements, the icy wind cutting through their clothes and chilling them to the bone. The narrow path forced them to move in single file, and the sheer drop on either side left no room for error.
Haruto led the way, his determination unwavering. Aiko followed closely behind, her agility helping her navigate the slippery terrain. Rei and Yoru brought up the rear, their silence a testament to the difficulty of the climb.
As they ascended, the storm grew fiercer. Snow and ice pelted them relentlessly, and the howling wind drowned out any attempts at conversation. Haruto's muscles burned with exertion, but he refused to stop. He knew that if they hesitated, the cold would claim them.
---
After what felt like an eternity, they reached the summit. The group collapsed onto the snow, their bodies trembling with exhaustion. Before them stood a large stone platform, its surface etched with glowing runes. In the center of the platform was a small pedestal, atop which rested a crystalline orb that pulsed with a faint, silvery light.
"This is it," Haruto said, his voice barely audible over the wind. "The Trial of Endurance."
As they approached the pedestal, the runes on the platform flared to life, and a voice echoed through the air:
"Prove your resolve. Face the storm, or be consumed by it."
The ground began to tremble, and the storm intensified, the winds swirling around them with terrifying force. The group instinctively formed a circle, their weapons at the ready.
"This isn't over yet," Rei muttered, her grip tightening on her spear.
The trial had begun.