Early in the morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, Marcus, Kael, and Lira gathered at the cozy inn's dining hall for a quick breakfast. The mood was a mix of excitement and tension as they shared a warm meal—eggs, bread, and some smoked meat. Once they finished, the trio loaded supplies, weapons, and gear into their sturdy black SUV.
Kael slid into the driver's seat, adjusting his gloves. "Everyone ready?"
Marcus gave a thumbs up from the passenger seat, and Lira nodded, settling into the back.
As the SUV rolled out of the bustling trade hub of Virelia and onto the forest road, the city slowly disappeared in the rearview mirror. Trees zipped past them as they headed toward the ruins in the Greybluff Hills.
"Let's talk formation," Kael said, eyes on the road. "Lira, you stay at the back and support us. I'll hang just behind Marcus for ranged cover."
"Sounds good," Marcus agreed. "Frontline's mine."
Lira smiled softly. "Got it."
After a few hours, they reached the ruin's entrance. A massive stone gate stood before them, carved with ancient runes and enshrined in timeworn majesty. It was unlike anything they'd seen before.
"This ruin's on a different level," Kael muttered.
Lira's eyes sparkled. "It's beautiful…"
They activated the ruin seal using their USA credentials, and in an instant, light enveloped them.
When the light faded, they found themselves standing in the middle of a snowy wasteland. Cold wind bit at their cheeks, and snowflakes drifted lazily from the grey skies above.
Marcus exhaled, seeing his breath. "It was a desert last time. Now snow? These ruins are seriously wild."
They all activated their Prana Senses, but the area seemed void of immediate threats.
"Strange," Kael murmured. "No hostiles nearby."
"Let's move. Stay alert," Marcus said.
He conjured a small orb of fire and handed it to Kael and Lira. "For warmth."
They pushed through the snowy field when they felt it—a tremor in the earth. Marcus's eyes narrowed.
"Something's coming," he said.
Three massive bear-like beasts burst through the snowy ridge ahead, roaring thunderously as they charged.
Lira instantly cast Prana Boost on Kael and Marcus. Blue aura shimmered around them, and Marcus's muscles tensed with power.
Marcus stepped forward, feet heating the snow beneath him. Fire flared gently from his soles and sword hilt as he took his signature draw stance.
Kael, already preparing, fired an arrow at the lead bear's eye—it struck true, blinding it. A second arrow, infused with Earth Prana, launched into the bear's skull, dropping it.
Marcus remained still, deep in concentration. Flames licked the corners of his lips as he used his Breathing Technique.
As the remaining two bears lunged, Marcus vanished and reappeared mid-strike—"Flame Draw: Fire Dragon Roar!"
A roaring slash of fire exploded from his blade, incinerating one bear instantly. The shockwave pushed the third back, stunned.
Kael pierced the final beast with two clean shots to the heart.
Kael smirked. "Showoff."
Lira clapped her hands in awe. "You two are amazing!"
They scavenged supplies from the fallen beasts and moved deeper into the ruin, encountering more of the snowy bears. Marcus and Kael handled them with lethal efficiency, protecting Lira, who healed minor cuts and bruises with her Prana. A slash on Kael's thigh closed under her glowing hands, and Marcus's shoulder wound vanished beneath her touch.
Eventually, they reached an ancient settlement buried in snow. Large stone houses and pillars filled the area—but no humans were there. Instead, Ice Giants.
Twenty-five of them.
The giants towered over them with glowing blue eyes, muscular frames, and thick icy skin. They wielded clubs and axes made of frozen rock.
Marcus drew his sword slowly. "Looks like we've got company."
Kael loaded his bow. "Lira, keep your distance."
"I'll cover you both." She pulled out a small crossbow and activated her boost aura.
Kael's first arrow exploded into a giant's chest, sending it staggering. Marcus dashed forward in a flame-streaked sprint, cutting through legs and tendons with precise swings.
Lira's bolts distracted several giants long enough for Kael to finish them off. Her healing magic flowed constantly, closing wounds on Marcus's arms and chest mid-battle.
The ice battlefield blazed with fire and exploded with arrows. Marcus's sword left afterimages of red flame, and Kael's arrows flew like comets.
Then the ground trembled.
A larger being stepped forward—twice the height of the others.
The Ice Giant King.
An enormous ice sword formed in his hand, forged from pure Prana.
Marcus's eyes locked on the titan. "I've got the boss. You two handle the rest."
Kael nodded. "Got it."
Marcus surged forward, his aura exploding into a blaze. The two blades—fire and ice—clashed with a thunderous boom, sending snow and Prana flying in every direction. Several nearby giants were blown back.
They exchanged blows rapidly. Fire met ice. Sparks and snow blasted the air. Marcus ducked and rolled, slicing deep into the King's side. But he took a heavy slash across the chest in return.
"Not bad…" Marcus growled, blood staining his suit.
The King spread his arms, releasing a chilling storm that froze the battlefield. Marcus's flame flared in retaliation, forming a fiery aura that shielded him from the frost.
They leapt again, crashing midair. Metal clanged, roars echoed.
Lira and Kael finished the last of the giants with coordinated strikes. Lira boosted Kael's speed and fired bolts into vulnerable spots.
Kael turned, panting. "Marcus!"
The final duel was nearing its end.
The Ice King took a stance, lowering his blade to his hip. Marcus's eyes widened.
"A draw stance? You're kidding me."
Then he grinned.
"Let's do this."
Both stood still. The wind paused. Time seemed to freeze.
Then—boom!
They clashed in the center of the field, a single explosive blow.
Silence.
Marcus slowly turned. The King had a deep slash across his chest.
The giant collapsed, face-first into the snow.
Kael and Lira rushed to Marcus.
"You alright?" Lira asked, already healing the gash across his chest.
"I've been better," Marcus said with a weak grin.
Kael winced as Lira tended to a nasty scrape on his arm. "That was reckless."
Marcus chuckled. "Worth it."
As the snow settled, they spotted something behind the King's throne.
A treasure chest.
Marcus opened it cautiously. Inside, gold coins, rubies, and one curious object: a delicate bracelet made of translucent ice.
They all stared.
"It's beautiful," Lira whispered.
"You should take it," Marcus said.
Lira hesitated. "Me?"
"Yeah," Kael nodded. "You earned it."
She picked it up. The moment it touched her skin, the bracelet melted and became a glowing tattoo around her wrist.
"I… I feel… cold. But strong."
A swirl of snow danced around her fingers as she raised her hand. Ice Prana.
"I can use Ice Prana!" she exclaimed, eyes filling with tears. "I can fight… I can really fight now!"
Marcus smiled. "Welcome to the front lines."
They looked further into the chest. Alongside the treasure, there was a mysterious silver key.
Marcus picked it up. "Any clue what this unlocks?"
Kael shook his head. "Not yet. But we'll find out."
At the bottom lay a cloak and armor made of ice giant fur and leather, reinforced with elemental runes.
"This one's mine," Kael said, slipping it on.
They packed everything into the SUV and stood for a moment, taking in the snowy landscape.
"Let's head back," Marcus said, watching Lira test her ice powers nearby.
Kael nodded, already at the wheel.
They drove off into the wintry mist, ready for whatever mystery the next ruin would bring.
To be continued...