CHAPTER 35

The cold wind whipped through the snow-covered plains as I continued north, my breath forming small clouds of mist with each exhale. The days since I had left Tresh had been quiet and solitary, with only the constant chill and my own thoughts to keep me company. But I knew that I wouldn’t be alone on this journey for long.

As I walked along the narrow path, the snow crunching beneath my boots, I spotted a small caravan of wagons up ahead, parked near the side of the road. The travelers were gathered around a campfire, their figures huddled close against the cold. It wasn’t uncommon to meet others heading toward the Frozen Wastes—traders, adventurers, and mercenaries all passed through here, each with their own reasons for risking the dangers of the north.

I approached cautiously, my eyes scanning the group for any signs of hostility. One of the guards noticed me first, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword as he stood.

“You heading north?” he asked, his voice rough but not unfriendly.

I nodded, stopping a few feet away from the fire. “I am.”

The guard studied me for a moment before giving a small nod. “We’ve got space by the fire if you want to join us.”

It was a simple offer, but I knew that traveling with others—even temporarily—could be useful. People had information, and information was valuable. Without hesitation, I dropped my pack beside the fire and sat down on a nearby log, letting the warmth of the flames chase away the cold that had settled into my bones.

The group consisted of traders, guards, and a few adventurers, each wrapped in heavy furs to fend off the biting chill of the north. They exchanged idle conversation as they ate, their voices low, but every now and then, I caught snatches of talk about the Frozen Wastes and the dangers that lay ahead.

“You’ve traveled through the wastes before?” I asked one of the guards, a burly man with a thick beard and a scar running across his cheek.

He nodded, taking a swig from his canteen. “Aye, a few times. It’s not a place you go unless you have to, though. The cold’s worse than you can imagine, and the creatures out there… well, let’s just say they’re not friendly.”

“I’ve heard stories about the Frost Wraith,” I said, keeping my tone casual. “Is it really as dangerous as they say?”

The guard chuckled, shaking his head. “Dangerous? That’s putting it lightly. The Frost Wraith doesn’t just control the cold—it becomes it. You could be walking through a storm and never see it coming until it’s too late.”

The others murmured in agreement, their faces grim. It was clear that the Frozen Wastes were feared by everyone who traveled through them, and the Frost Wraith was only one of the many dangers that lurked in the snow.

“What about the other regions?” I asked, shifting the conversation. “I’ve heard that the Northern Kingdoms have a different way of dealing with magic.”

The guard raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the question. “You’re right about that. The Northern Kingdoms are strict when it comes to magic—especially anything related to demons. They’ve got laws in place that outlaw most forms of dark magic. Only those who work for the royal court are allowed to practice it openly.”

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“That makes sense,” I said, nodding thoughtfully. “Given the number of demon sightings up here, it must be difficult to keep everything under control.”

One of the traders, a thin woman with sharp eyes, spoke up. “It’s not just demons they’re worried about. There’s been tension between the Northern Kingdoms and the Western Empire for years now. Everyone’s trying to stake their claim on the Frozen Wastes, but no one really controls it. Too dangerous.”

I hadn’t heard much about the Western Empire, but I had heard whispers of their ambition to expand. The Frozen Wastes were largely uninhabitable, but the Aetheric Flow there was strong, and that made it valuable to those who knew how to use it.

“What about magic users like us?” I asked. “What’s their place in all this?”

The trader shrugged. “Depends on where you go. The Western Empire uses magic in warfare. They’ve got whole armies trained to use the Aetheric Flow to their advantage, especially in battle. The Northern Kingdoms are more conservative with it, but they still recognize its value. You can find work if you know where to look.”

That was interesting. The Western Empire had weaponized magic on a large scale, turning their mages into soldiers. It made sense, but it also raised questions about how magic was viewed elsewhere.

As we continued talking, I found myself learning more about the world than I had expected. The traders and guards spoke of different regions, each with its own unique approach to magic, politics, and survival. It was clear that the Frozen Wastes were a place where all these different forces converged, and each kingdom and empire had their own stake in what lay beyond the snow.

But as informative as the conversation was, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching us. The Aetheric Flow around us felt… off. It was subtle, but the air had grown colder, and the wind seemed to carry a strange energy with it.

I glanced at the horizon, my eyes narrowing as I scanned the snow-covered plains. And then I saw it—a faint movement, just beyond the ridge. It was too far away to make out clearly, but the Aetheric Flow pulsed faintly, signaling the presence of something unnatural.

The others noticed it too. The guards immediately stood, their hands on their weapons as they scanned the area.

“Stay alert,” the bearded guard muttered, his voice tense.

The wind howled louder, and a moment later, the figure appeared—a group of frost wolves, their white fur blending almost seamlessly with the snow. Their eyes glowed with an eerie light, and their breath steamed in the cold air as they stalked toward us.

The guards drew their swords, forming a defensive line in front of the traders, but I didn’t bother hiding my face this time. There was no need for secrecy here. We were in the open, and the wolves were a clear threat. I reached for the hilt of my sword, feeling the familiar hum of the Aetheric Flow as I prepared for the fight.

The wolves moved quickly, their massive forms barreling toward us with frightening speed. The first one lunged at me, but I sidestepped its attack easily, my Slip skill activating as I dodged out of the way. My sword flashed in the cold light, cutting into the wolf’s side with a sharp, clean strike.

The other wolves weren’t far behind, and soon, the fight was in full swing. The guards fought valiantly, their swords clashing with the wolves’ sharp claws, but the beasts were relentless.

I focused on the Aetheric Flow, letting it guide my movements. The cold magic in the air was thick, almost tangible, and I could feel the way it pulsed around the wolves. They weren’t just creatures of the natural world—they were infused with magic, drawing on the frost and snow to enhance their strength.

As I struck down another wolf, I felt a surge of magic rush through me. The cold pulsed in the air around me, and for a moment, I understood. The magic wasn’t just in the wolves—it was in the very landscape itself. The snow, the wind, the ice… it was all connected to the Aetheric Flow.

This is it, I thought, a slow realization dawning on me. Ice magic.

I had felt it before, but now I understood. The magic was all around me, waiting to be harnessed