The night had thickened into an almost tangible blackness, swallowing the frozen steppe-taiga whole. The cold wasn't just outside — it was inside me now, clawing through my bones like a beast with no mercy. The wind cut through layers of leather and wool, a savage howling that seemed to echo the rage of the frost itself. Every breath I drew was a razor slicing my lungs, every step a battle against the biting frost beneath Red's hooves.
Red shifted nervously beneath me, her breath a steaming ghost in the frozen air. Wise, my wolf companion, prowled just beside us, his silver fur bristling like the cold spikes stabbing through the night. His eyes, sharp and alert, never left the swirling shadows ahead. Behind us, the firebone stones — black volcanic rocks streaked with white veins — stood like silent judges, cold and unforgiving monuments to the harshness of this land.
I could feel the weight of the cold pressing on me, heavier than any armor or shield. It wasn't just the weather — it was the hunger gnawing in my gut, the exhaustion pulling at my limbs, and the growing sense that this night might be the last.
The System's voice echoed cold and clear in my mind:
[System Alert: Frostfang detected at 200 meters.][Final trial objective: Survive and defeat Apex Predator.][Warning: Extreme danger. Physical and mental exhaustion expected.]
I swallowed the lump rising in my throat and pulled my scarf tighter. This was no ordinary beast — the Frostfang was a legend even among the old riders who whispered stories by firelight. A predator born from the very fury of winter itself, with claws sharp enough to slice bone and breath that froze blood.
The snow shifted, shadows twisted, and then it appeared.
The Frostfang stepped out of the swirling snowstorm like a ghost made of ice and shadow. Its fur crackled faintly with frozen lightning, steam hissing from its open maw in the frigid air. Its eyes were twin torches of icy blue, burning with a cold intelligence and malice that made my blood run cold.
I muttered under my breath, "Well, I was hoping for a less... chatty welcoming committee."
The beast lowered its massive frame and charged, paws pounding the frozen ground like thunderclaps. The smell of ozone and frost filled the air, sharp and electric.
I barely had time to nock my arrow, frostfire energy pulsing along its shaft, before the Frostfang was on me.
The first swipe of its claw tore through the air where my head had been seconds before, sending shards of ice spraying like deadly glass.
I rolled to the side, snow biting into my cheek, heart hammering. The cold fire in my arrow flared as I loosed it.
The arrow struck true, embedding in the beast's thick shoulder fur. The Frostfang howled, a chilling sound that echoed across the barren steppe, but it barely slowed.
Wise leapt forward with a snarl, sinking teeth into the beast's leg and snapping fiercely.
Red circled anxiously, stamping the ground, nostrils flaring.
The Frostfang spun with terrifying speed and swiped at Wise. The wolf yelped and dodged, retreating but eyes blazing with fierce determination.
I gasped, breath ragged. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure this thing hates fans."
I lunged, knife drawn, aiming for a vulnerable spot beneath its foreleg. The fur was thick and frost-coated, but my blade bit in deep enough to draw blood.
The beast snarled and blasted out a gust of freezing breath, and I felt the cold slam into my chest like a physical blow. Coughing, I staggered back, taste of ice in my throat.
My fingers were numb, almost useless. I struggled to nock another arrow.
The Frostfang growled low and charged again, eyes blazing with fury.
I barely dodged the snapping jaws, snow and ice spraying into my face.
Red whinnied and pawed the ground, muscles coiled like a spring.
Wise circled, growling low, waiting for an opening.
Pain stabbed in my side where the claw had grazed me, sharp and cold like a burning brand.
I whispered, "Not my best day."
The world seemed to slow — cold biting sharper than ever, breath ragged, limbs heavy.
[System Alert: Endurance critically low.][New Skill Unlocked: "Frozen Resolve" — temporarily boosts Willpower and Endurance under 20%.]
A surge of cold fire sparked through my veins, steadying my breath, sharpening my senses beyond pain.
I forced myself to rise, muscles screaming.
The Frostfang charged one last time, jaws wide.
I grabbed a jagged shard of firebone rock — cold and sharp as death itself — and planted my feet.
As the beast lunged, I swung the shard hard, slicing deep into its flank.
It howled, staggering, eyes wild with pain and rage.
Wise bit deeper, teeth sinking into frozen flesh.
Red charged, hooves pounding, kicking the beast off balance.
Breath ragged, vision blurred, I drew my knife and lunged for its throat.
The Frostfang's roar was deafening — a sound of fury and defeat.
Then it collapsed, fur trembling, eyes dimming like dying embers.
Silence fell over the steppe, crushing and complete.
I slumped against a firebone stone, chest heaving, blood and frost mixing on my skin.
Every muscle screamed in protest, but I was alive.
The cold still bit deep, but a strange warmth blossomed inside me. Not from the fire I didn't have, but from something else — a stubborn refusal to give up.
[System Message: Trial Complete.][Rewards: Endurance +5, Skill "Frostfire Arrow" unlocked, Cold Resistance +10.][Passive Skill Activated: "Frozen Resolve" — boosts endurance and willpower during critical moments.]
I closed my eyes, exhaustion washing over me like a tide. The trial was over, but my journey had only just begun.
Red nickered softly, nudging me with her warm muzzle. Wise curled beside me, his fur a comforting shield against the endless cold.
For a moment, the world was quiet except for our breaths, the snow falling gently like forgotten prayers.
Then the System chimed again, cold and merciless.
[System Update: Prepare for Extraction.][Warning: Simulation termination imminent.]
My eyes snapped open.