*Chapter 14: Frost Realm*
> *System Alert: You have entered an Isolated Dimensional Instance – Trial Zone: Frost Realm
> Environment: Subzero
> Duration: Until Dawn or Death
> Restrictions: No External Help, No Potions, Core Abilities Only*
The moment Kenji stepped in, he staggered. Wind sliced like blades across his skin, and the cold bit into his lungs like venom.
He was standing in a vast, frozen wasteland—blue-white plains of ice stretching endlessly under a starless sky. His breath turned to frost midair.
> *Stat Effect:
> Vitality Drain: 2 HP per minute
> Stamina Drain: 5/min
> Bonus Activated: Iceborne Heritage – Resistance Increased by 40%*
He gritted his teeth and dropped into a meditative stance.
"This is a test… so pass it," he muttered.
---
*Hours In – Meditation and Resistance*
Kenji focused on his core.
> *Cryokinesis Training Engaged…
> Aero Support Syncing…
> Unlocking Atomokinesis Pathway: 22%… 37%…*
The cold became a sensation, not a threat.
Wind circled him like a guardian. Snowflakes halted mid-air before touching him.
His body adapted. The pain faded, replaced by stillness.
> *Passive Unlocked: Cold Efficiency – Energy Loss in Subzero Reduced*
*Atomokinesis – Level 1 Unlocked*
---
*Dawn Approaches*
From the horizon, a shadow loomed.
A creature—taller than a frost giant, skeletal with ice-covered armor and a breath like winter death—approached.
> *Mini-Boss Encounter: Warden of the Pale Silence
> Lv. 12
> Type: Icebound Undead
> Weakness: Wind Piercing, Core Strikes*
Kenji summoned his sword. It hummed with cold.
The Warden roared, cracking the ice.
Kenji activated *Wind Step*, appearing above the monster, slashing downward.
> *Critical Hit – Wind/Cryo Combo Strike*
> *HP: -170/300*
It retaliated with a spike of ice. Kenji blocked, then countered with a wind blast that shattered the creature's core from within.
It collapsed in a swirl of frost.
> *Victory
> Drop: Ice Elemental Core, 50 Drachmas
> Proficiency: + Cryokinesis (Lv. 2), Aero (Lv. 2), Atomokinesis (Lv. 1.5)*
---
*Outside the Trial – Hill of the Wind*
The moment he returned, a gust wrapped around him. A northern gale howled.
A booming voice echoed from the sky.
"MY SON, YOU HAVE ENDURED. YOU HAVE PROVEN THE STORM IS IN YOUR BLOOD."
A blinding flash lit the hill.
Kenji stood tall, wind and snow swirling around him like a crown.
---
*System Notification*
> *You have been officially claimed by Boreas, God of the North Wind.*
> Title Gained: Son of Boreas
> Bonus: Cryo/Aero Affinities x2 Progression Rate, Iceborne Gear Chest Unlocked
> Camp Reputation +50 – Divine Claimed Status
> Skill Unlocked: Arctic Step – Blink via Wind/Frost Path
---
Down at camp, campers watched from afar as the sky lit up.
Annabeth stared. "Well… he's not just mysterious anymore."
Percy grinned. "He's cool. Literally."
---
*End of Chapter 14*