Frostbound

I wasted no time and gulped the rich purple liquid down. Holding it for too long made me nervous for some reason, like it would disappear if I stared at it for too long.

Austin had said he felt like a warm glove slid over him and like staying in the sun for too long.

Mine felt nothing like that.

It felt like super chilled liquid going down my throat that sapped all the body heat out of me. It almost felt like my throat was frozen as the liquid passed through it like I was drinking liquid nitrogen.

The chill started to spread throughout my body and my breath fogged as it exited my mouth even in the jungle heat around me. The essence worked its way through my body and I could feel it seep into my bones, into my muscles and skin. Its chill pervading throughout my body.

It wormed through every inch, saturating my entire body in its cold touch. It felt painful at first but became comforting as the sensations continued. Like I had played in the snow for too long and had a bone-deep chill.

I understood now why Austin had said it felt like staying in the sun for too long. The process had a pleasantness to it that edged the line of painful. Toeing between the two as the effect persisted.

As the chill of my body subsided, I felt the strength that was left behind. It was invigorating in a way I had never experienced before. My body felt refreshed and stronger than ever. My muscles denser and my bones sturdier.

Now all that was left to do was test it.

I looked expectantly at Jonathan and he just sighed.

"Alright, let me get my shields," He said defeatedly. He didn't like fighting with me because he said I hit like a bus. Even the blows I held back on rattled his arms uncomfortably.

We took a few steps outside the gate and we were ready.