CHAPTER 41 – SHARD OF FROST

The frozen tundra dungeon was a world of death. Blizzards howled across a wasteland of jagged ice, and every breath felt like swallowing knives.

"I can barely move…" Kai shivered, his sword arm stiff.

"Keep moving or you'll freeze solid," Ryujin said coldly, leading the way. His breath was steady, eyes sharp.

Suddenly, the ground cracked beneath them. A towering Frost Giant Berserker erupted from the ice, its eyes glowing like blue flames. It carried a colossal axe, its swings shattering the frozen ground like glass.

"This thing's strength is insane!" Ariana shouted, casting protective barriers as the giant's roar shook the dungeon.

Ryujin darted forward using Void Step, slashing at the giant's legs, but its hide was thicker than steel. One swing of the axe caught him mid-air, slamming him into an icy wall. Blood spilled from his lips.

Kai rushed forward, barely deflecting another fatal blow aimed at Ryujin.

"Not today, bro!"

Ryujin pushed himself up, eyes glowing with fury. He whispered a new technique.

"Dark Moon: Eclipse Slash… Ascendant Form."

A shadowy crescent slash erupted from his katana, engulfing the giant in black energy. The Berserker roared as its body was cleaved clean in half, collapsing into shards of frozen flesh.

From its corpse, a crystalline Frost Shard floated into Ryujin's hand. He looked at Kai and Ariana, who were still catching their breath.

"You saved me back there," he admitted softly.

Kai smirked.

"Damn right I did. Someone's gotta keep you alive, demon boy."

Ryujin allowed the faintest smile.

"One shard left."