Chapter 17: [They are here for something more.]
The next morning, the mountain greeted them with an icy breath.
Snowflakes drifted thicker now, swirling in the cold wind as they pressed higher toward the peak.
Kael tightened his cloak and looked up. The path was rougher, the air thinner—and the chill bit deeper.
They moved steadily, cautious but determined.
Rank 1 beasts appeared frequently, their faint mana a dull glow in the swirling white. But this time, Kael noticed something strange: no system notifications popped up. No missions assigned.
He shrugged, deciding to rely on his own growing skill.
When a snarling Frostmane or a clawed mountain wolf charged, Kael met them head-on, his mana flowing smoother, stronger. His Moon Blade cuts were sharper, his reflexes quicker—his efficiency rising with every clash.
Selene moved like a shadow at his side, stepping in when a beast showed signs of danger beyond his control, her spells precise and deadly.
They worked in silent sync—Kael’s raw power tempered by Selene’s calm magic.
No sign of rank 2 beasts yet, just the steady rhythm of battle and survival.
And as the snow thickened, so did the bond between them.