**Morning at the Tavern**

The past few weeks had brought Alex and Yuki closer together. Each night, they shared the same bed, their bond growing stronger. Their mornings were filled with laughter and conversation, and it felt like they had known each other for much longer than they actually had.

One morning, Alex went down to the tavern for breakfast and spotted Lila sitting at a table. He approached her with a smile. "Morning, Lila."

Lila looked up, her expression softening. "Morning, Alex. I'm sorry about how I acted the other night."

Alex shook his head. "I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have forgotten you like that."

Lila sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "Thrain told me we should be heading out soon."

Before Alex could respond, he heard Yuki's voice behind him. "No!"

He turned to see Yuki standing at the top of the stairs, her eyes wide with concern. "Yuki, you can come with me, my love," Alex said, his voice gentle.

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Yuki hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Well, alright then. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow," Alex replied, a smile spreading across his face.

**A Sudden Shake**

Just as they were about to sit down for breakfast, the ground beneath them began to shake. The dishes rattled, and patrons in the tavern looked around in alarm. Alex, Yuki, and Lila rushed outside to see what was happening.

In the distance, a massive figure emerged from the trees. It was an ice giant, towering at least 30 feet tall, its body made of solid ice and snow. The creature's eyes glowed with a cold, blue light as it lumbered towards the village.

Alex turned to Yuki and Lila. "Stay back, I'll handle this."

"Be careful," Yuki said, her voice filled with worry.

Lila nodded, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "We're right behind you if you need us."

**Facing the Giant**

Thrain joined Alex, his face grim. "This won't be an easy fight, Alex."

Alex nodded, drawing his katana. "I know, but I have to do this."

Thrain placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't die, my boy."

As they approached the ice giant, Alex could feel the cold emanating from its body. The ground beneath their feet was frozen solid, making each step treacherous.

The giant roared, its voice like the grinding of glaciers. Alex steeled himself, raising his katana. "You will die, beast."

**Cliffhanger**

As Alex prepared to face the towering ice giant, the villagers watched in fear and anticipation. The air was thick with tension, the ground still trembling from the giant's movements. Alex's heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was unwavering.

This concludes Chapter Twenty