Chapter 234: City of Arkansas (2) The Deadlight’s Concern
Lyan’s journey to the south, to the city of Arkansas, wasn’t short of obstacles. No matter how strong one is, a long journey is always dangerous and filled with challenges.
After dealing with the bandits, Lyan pressed onward, determined to reach Arkansas as swiftly as possible. The path ahead was treacherous, winding through the harsh and frozen wilderness of the Redania Empire. The cold was relentless, biting through his layers of clothing and armor, but he pushed on, fueled by his resolve.
The first major obstacle came as he traversed a narrow mountain pass. The snow had piled high, turning the path into a treacherous, slippery route. Shadow struggled for footing, and more than once, Lyan had to dismount to lead his horse carefully around particularly dangerous sections. The biting wind howled through the pass, making progress slow and arduous. But Lyan’s determination never wavered; he knew he had to reach Arkansas in time.
As they descended from the mountains, they entered a dense forest, the trees heavy with snow and ice. The path was obscured, and the shadows between the trees seemed to move with a life of their own. Lyan was on high alert, knowing that the forest could be home to both natural predators and hidden enemies. His hand never strayed far from the hilt of his sword, ready to defend against any threat.
One night, as they camped in a small clearing, the tranquility was shattered by the howls of a pack of wolves. These were no ordinary wolves; their eyes glowed with a supernatural light, and their fur was as white as the snow. Lyan quickly realized they were Winter Wolves. He stood ready, summoning a small barrier of ice to protect Shadow.
The wolves circled the camp, their growls echoing in the stillness of the night. Lyan’s eyes narrowed as he drew his sword, the blade gleaming in the moonlight. The first wolf lunged, but Lyan was faster, his blade striking true. The wolf yelped and fell, but the pack didn’t retreat. They attacked in unison, their movements coordinated and deadly.
Lyan fought with precision, his sword a blur as he struck down one wolf after another. The battle was fierce, the wolves relentless in their assault. But Lyan’s skill and determination saw him through. As the last wolf fell, silence returned to the forest. Lyan lowered his sword, his breath visible in the cold air, and checked on Shadow, who had remained calm throughout the fight.
"Looks like we’re not alone out here," Lyan muttered, patting Shadow’s flank reassuringly. "I’m sorry, I was just relieving my stress,"
Monsters that inhabit the frozen north seemed to be attracted to Lyan’s campfire and the scent of the dead winter wolves carried by the wind. Creatures like Frost Trolls, Ice Wraiths, and Snow Wargs circled the area, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. This part of the region was infamous, known as a death trap for travelers and even locals, especially during the harshest winters. These monsters, wielding the thick ice mana that permeated the surroundings, turned the cold into their weapon, hunting any unfortunate soul that crossed their path.
But this time, they had chosen the wrong prey.
Lyan, sensing the encroaching danger, remained calm. "I know, I know. I’ll let you guys take over from here," he muttered, seemingly to the thin air. But soon, a dark black magic circle filled with death mana appeared before him. The encircling monsters halted, their primal instincts screaming a warning as they felt the thick, oppressive sensation of death emanating from the circle.