The haunting, guttural howls of the wolves echoed through the forest, growing louder with each passing moment as the group raced onward. The once frigid air had mellowed, transformed into a gentle spring breeze that carried the promise of life. Around them, the snow had nearly melted away, and the forest teemed with vitality. For the first time in ages, the forest came alive with the sweet melodies of chirping birds and the rustling of animals in the underbrush. Frotia had been a desolate wasteland, its once-thriving wildlife claimed by the frigid grasp of Fenrir's dark magic, emanating from his mountain fortress that turned fertile lands into frozen graveyards.
Drawing closer to the Gorge, the group knew that Hollowhaven, the Bridge city, was within reach. The sun had dipped below the horizon, but their determined pace continued. The chorus of howling wolves faded into the distance, replaced by thunderous explosions reverberating through the land.
Argus, his voice tinged with urgency, commented, "That must be Enkidu, still battling them." Even from this distance, Enkidu's formidable aura was palpable, exuding monstrous power.
After a couple of hours, they reached the Vastsea Gorge, and across the expanse, the Grand Sand Ocean of Babylon stretched out before them. The Vastsea Gorge was a profound chasm that delved deep into the underworld, and few who ventured into its depths had ever returned.
"Don't tumble in, or Hades will claim your soul," Xiah chuckled, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.
Edrigan, as monotone as ever, countered, "That's a mere myth. There's no concrete evidence of an underworld entrance in the Vastsea Gorge."
Xiah remained undeterred, asking, "How much farther to Hollowhaven?"
Akiko, always the resourceful one, climbed a nearby tree, scanning the horizon for any sign of the bridge city. "I see it, less than an hour's run," she announced, gracefully descending from her perch.
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Ryden, his voice laced with anticipation, chimed in, "Yes! I could use a drink."
Argus, displaying confidence in his words, suggested, "We should hasten our pace. We can rest once we reach the safety of the city. Just show them the emblem Enkidu gave us, and it should secure our passage. The wolves won't dare approach the city."
Edrigan nodded in agreement, and the group picked up their pace, now only a couple of hundred yards from Hollowhaven. However, just as they approached the city's threshold, the Hati emerged from the trees.
Hati, Hati is the elder of the two brothers, and his appearance reflects his dominance. He stands tall and imposing, with a muscular and heavily scarred physique that testifies to his countless battles. His wolf-like features are enhanced with supernatural attributes—his piercing yellow eyes seem to burn with an unholy fire, and his fur is a sleek, dark gray that allows him to blend seamlessly with the shadows of the wilderness
"I'm taking one of you with me, you little bastards!" he roared as he leaped toward them. But a purplish-green vine with thorns burst from the ground, ensnaring his foot and pulling him down.
Emerging from the distance, Enkidu rode atop a spectral bull, his voice resonating with power. "Hati, why are you so stubborn? You should have fled with your cowardly brother." With a gesture of his hand, the vines released Hati, and Enkidu sent him tumbling into the abyss of the Vastsea Gorge.
Enkidu turned toward the group and urged, "What are you waiting for? Skoll will be bringing reinforcements, and I can't linger in the north any longer. Make your way to Hollowhaven. Good luck."
With that, his spectral bull leaped toward the gorge but defied gravity, running on thin air to the other side.
Edrigan contemplated aloud, "Interesting. He must possess some form of a remnant—maybe a bull or specter remnant."
Argus reminded them of their immediate task, "Edrigan, there's no time to dwell. We need to move. Now."
"Certainly," Edrigan replied, and the group pressed onward, nearing the gates of Hollowhaven.
Hollowhaven was a breathtaking city, suspended high above the Vastsea Gorge. It stood as a testament to human ingenuity and cultural diversity, its architecture a mesmerizing fusion of nomadic traditions from across Mythosia. The city bridged the realms of Frotia and the Grand Sand Ocean of Babylon, offering a safe haven amidst the natural wonder of the gorge.
Approaching the Northern Gate, a pair of guards, their feline features hidden beneath their nomadic attire, called down to the approaching group. "State your business," one of them demanded.
"We seek entry and passage to Babylon," Argus replied, holding up the emblem Enkidu had given them.
"Very well," the guard conceded, and the gates swung open. As they did, a warm rush of air welcomed the travelers, a stark contrast to the freezing wilderness they had left behind. The guard post and barracks flanked the entrance.
"Let's go," Argus beckoned to the team. They had made it to the sanctuary of Hollowhaven.