Milo shivered, rubbing his arms for warmth as he listened intently to Guide's gravelly voice. The biting cold of the tundra gnawed at his jungle-toughened skin. Guide spoke of the creatures that roamed this Arctic wilderness: the polar bears, the snow foxes, the fierce wolves that looked like a legion of pale wraiths. Milo had braved the hot, humid jungles of Chiang Hai, but he'd never experienced anything like this. Everything was so starkly white and barren. He was familiar with danger, but this was a different kind of peril, one that was silent and relentless. "Snow Drifters," Guide began, "are deceptive and cunning hunters." He traced a diagram in the frost-covered ground with a stick. "They blend seamlessly into the snow, making them nearly impossible to spot until it's too late." Guide glanced up at Milo, his eyes serious. "Their fur is pure white, and their fangs are razor sharp. If you encounter one, do not engage. Your best chance is to climb a tree or find higher ground. But good luck finding any trees here." Milo nodded, committing the details to memory. "Then there are the Frost Sirens," Guide continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "They lure their prey with enchanting songs that can be heard for miles across the frozen wasteland." His brow furrowed, concern etched deep in the lines of his face. "Their appearance is striking - humanoid, with pale blue skin and long, flowing hair like icicles. Under no circumstances should you follow their song. Plug your ears and run." "Got it," Milo muttered, his mind racing with images of the deadly inhabitants of the tundra. "Lastly," Guide said, gesturing towards the perimeter of the outpost, "you must respect the boundaries that protect us from these creatures." He led Milo to a series of carved runes embedded in the icy ground. "These ancient symbols create a magical barrier that repels Snow Drifters and Frost Sirens alike. Never venture beyond this line without activating the wards." "How do we activate them?" Milo asked, hating the idea of relying on such unfamiliar magic. "Simply touch the runes with your dominant hand and speak the incantation. It will create a temporary barrier as you pass through, but always ensure it's active when you return." Guide demonstrated the process, his breath visible in the frigid air as he spoke the words of power. Milo watched closely, absorbing every detail. He knew that their survival depended on mastering these wards, as well as understanding the dangerous creatures that lurked just beyond the outpost walls. "Remember," Guide warned, "these barriers are our only defense against the terrors of the tundra. Keep them active and respect the boundaries." "Understood," Milo responded, his voice firm with resolve. He'd faced countless challenges before, but this frozen world was entirely uncharted territory. With Guide's guidance, however, Milo felt better prepared to face the perils of the tundra and reunite with his friends. ... Pacing the confines of the outpost, Milo's boots crunched on the snow beneath him. Every step intensified his anxiety as he replayed the moment his group was split up through the portal. He couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at him, fearing for the well-being of Xu Wei, Alexis, and Marco. The outpost felt like a cage, holding him back from searching for his friends. "Guide," Milo called out, trying to keep his voice steady. "How long has it been since I arrived here?" "About twenty hours," Guide replied. "My friends," Milo said. "Do you think they're okay?" "I know you're worried, but if they're anything like you..." Guide chuckled. "If they're anything like you they'll find their way, I'm certain of that." Milo clenched his fists, frustration simmering inside him. "But what if they don't? What if they're lost, or worse?" His thoughts raced, images of his friends facing Snow Drifters and Frost Sirens tormenting him. "Stay calm," Guide advised, placing a firm hand on Milo's shoulder. "You can't help them if you lose yourself to fear." Taking a deep breath, Milo tried to center himself. But the icy wind howling outside the outpost only heightened his sense of isolation and helplessness. He couldn't escape the feeling that his friends needed him now, more than ever. "Maybe I should go look for them," he suggested, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. "Patience, Milo," Guide cautioned. "Your friends will make it. Trust in their abilities. Rushing headfirst into danger won't bring them back any faster." He knew Guide was right, but the thought that his friends might be suffering while he stood here safe behind the magical barriers was unbearable. Gazing out at the vast snow-covered landscape, Milo felt small and insignificant against the seemingly infinite white expanse. "Xu Wei, Alexis, Marco," he whispered under his breath, "please be okay." He couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that settled deep in his chest. But with every gust of wind that swept through the outpost, Milo also felt a flicker of hope. He knew that if anyone could survive this harsh and unforgiving environment, it was his friends. "Guide, what should I do now?" Milo asked. "Stay vigilant and prepare yourself," Guide advised. Milo nodded, determination pushing back against his fear. He would be there for his friends, no matter the cost. And together, they would conquer the tundra's dangers and find their way back to each other. ... Milo's breath caught in his throat as he spotted a flicker of movement on the horizon. He squinted, trying to make out shapes through the thick curtain of snow that swirled around the outpost. His heart hammered against his ribcage, anticipation and hope surging through him like wildfire. "Guide!" Milo shouted, his voice almost lost to the howling wind. "I see them! They're alive!" "Slow down, lad," Guide said, straining to see what had caught Milo's attention. "Be sure before you get your hopes up. The tundra can play tricks on the eyes." But Milo knew what he saw. As the figures drew nearer, their forms became unmistakable, despite the frost clinging to their clothes and the exhaustion etched onto their faces. Xu Wei led the group, summoning gusts of wind with every step to clear a path for Alexis and Marco, who trudged behind him. Milo smiled as his friends trudged closer, his relief palpable. He could barely contain the emotions that rushed through him. After what seemed like an eternity, they had finally found each other again. "Xu Wei!" he called out, joy and relief coursing through him in equal measure. "Alexis! Marco!" "Is that... Milo?" Alexis panted, her voice barely audible against the wind. "You're alive!" "Ha! I knew we'd find our way back to you!" Marco's laughter rang out like a beacon, drawing them all closer together. "I knew you could survive on your own." Milo laughed too as they gathered around him in a group hug, their frosty clothes and weary faces unable to hide their happiness at being reunited at last. "I thought I'd never see you again," Milo said quietly, tears stinging his eyes as he finally allowed himself to feel the weight of his loneliness lifting from his shoulders. His friends exchanged glances before Xu Wei spoke up in a gentle voice. "But here we are," he said, giving Milo's shoulder a squeeze of reassurance. "And we're not going anywhere." As the weary trio stumbled into the protective embrace of the outpost's wards, Milo found himself at a loss for words. The relief of seeing his friends alive and relatively unharmed left him speechless, but their smiles – tired, yet radiant – spoke volumes. "Words cannot express how glad I am to see you all," Milo finally managed, his voice cracking with emotion. "You have no idea how worried I was." "Likewise, my friend," Xu Wei replied, his usual calm demeanor belied by the tremble in his voice. "We've had quite the journey." "Tell me everything," Milo urged. "I need to know what you've faced out there." "Later," Alexis interjected, her dark eyes clouded with exhaustion. "For now, let's just be grateful that we're all back together." "Agreed," Marco chimed in, a weak grin on his face. "I don't think I could take another step without collapsing." "Rest, then," Milo said, his own weariness catching up with him. "We'll swap stories later and figure out what to do next." "Deal," Xu Wei nodded, his breath frosting in the air as they began to settle in for the night. Milo couldn't help but smile as he watched his friends huddle around the fire, their faces alight with relief and joy at being reunited. The challenges of the tundra were far from over, but with his friends at his side, they seemed less daunting, more manageable. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead – and conquer it, just as they always had.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.