The snowstorm hasn't eased; the mana-charged winds continue to howl like vengeful spirits, sweeping through the white wastelands. The air itself hums with pressure from the lingering presence of countless magical beasts.
Gilgamel, Dean, Dodo, and Flurry make their way along the snow-buried ridges, moving southwest toward Eversnow City. Each step crunches into the frost; each breath fogs and crystallizes in the air.
But as they advance, a subtle sense of dread builds. The mountains are unnaturally silent between roars, as if every lesser creature has fled or perished.
Dodo, ever alert, suddenly halts. Its fur bristles, tail stiff, and its low growl vibrates like a string about to snap.
Gilgamel's senses sharpen instantly, "What's wrong?"
Suddenly, the ground shudders.
A deep tremor rolls beneath their boots, rhythmic and powerful
Boom…
Boom…
Boom… like the heartbeat of a colossal creature beneath the snow.
