“This girl shall be our new priestess,” an elder had proclaimed, holding the newly born Elfina high at the end of her First Blessing Ceremony.

Unlike anyone before her, when Elfina received the great tree's blessing, the Isolation World Tree gifted her one of its branches — an unprecedented act. That branch was later crafted into the staff she carried even till now.

That was forty-five years ago.

For all those years, Elfina had done her best to meet everyone’s expectations as the chosen priestess. Yet deep down, all she wanted was to lie on the floor of her room and draw.

Her most cherished memory was from her childhood, when her mother took her to witness the sunrise above the Endless Tundra. The dawn’s light danced across the icy surface, weaving a harmonious waltz of bronze, orange, and yellow. She was utterly captivated. From that moment, her desire to see all the beauty the world had to offer and capture it in her paintings only grew stronger.

But as the Frost Elf’s priestess, she was bound to her duties.

Her primary responsibility was communicating with the Isolation World Tree to request the tree’s blessings. In exchange, the Frost Elf offered their unwavering faith, which helped the tree grow and maintain The Great Barrier. Thanks to the tree’s blessings, the Frost Elf enjoyed an abundance of fruits and herbs, even in the heart of this frozen land.

For Elfina, every day was a monotonous cycle.

She woke up, had breakfast, performed her prayers to the World Tree, trained her abilities as a [Healer], practiced crafting medicine, honed her skills with throwing weapons for self-defense, and finally went to bed. The same routine repeated, day after day.

Occasionally, when her yearning to see the outside world became unbearable, she would sneak out of the village. Heading south, she found solace in the company of her trusted companion, Abby, and indulged in her passion for drawing amidst the fleeting freedom.

Abby — a little wolf-like pup with gray fur and bright hazel eyes — was a Huskil gifted to her on her fifth birthday. Back then, he was small enough to sleep on her palms, but before she realized it, he had grown into a towering giant, large enough to serve as her mount. With Abby by her side, Elfina never feared even the most ferocious monsters lurking in the forest.

During one of her outings, she met a pair of twins from the nearby human village. They were younger than her, but the three quickly became close friends.

The girl was a whirlwind of energy, dragging them around the forest for adventures. She was strong and healthy, always ready to play whenever Elfina visited their village. The boy, however, was much like Elfina herself. He disliked physical activity and preferred to stay indoors. Frail and often sick, he rarely joined their games. Even so, both siblings held a special place in Elfina’s heart as her cherished friends.

As the years passed and they all grew older, Elfina resigned herself to her life’s monotonous routine.

“Is this it? Is this my life?” she wondered aloud during one of her drawing sessions away from the Frost Elf village.

She wished for change, any kind of change.

But the change that came was far worse than anything she could have imagined.

Eleven years ago, during one of her prayer sessions in the sanctuary, an alarm shattered the silence, signaling an attack on the village. Rushing outside, Elfina was met with chaos. Her kin were locked in desperate combat with twisted, nightmarish creatures cloaked in crimson fog.

The attackers were humanoid monsters, their limbs grotesquely warped and their features unrecognizable. Their assault was swift and brutal, cutting down many of the village's defenders. Even with support from the human village, the Frost Elf barely managed to repel those Fiend Forgers.

Elfina herself only survived thanks to Abby. Her loyal companion shielded her with his massive body, taking a near-fatal blow meant for her.

After the battle, the great tree began to wither under the influence of the crimson fog. The fog spread slowly, devouring the tree’s life force and creating a crack in The Great Barrier.

Beyond that crack lay the part of the Endless Tundra a Guardian had sealed long ago to halt the Abyss Walkers' invasion. From that moment on, danger loomed ever closer for the Frost Elf. The relentless crimson fog continued eating away at their World Tree, weakening The Great Barrier with each passing day.

When a human suggested seeking help from NorthStar, a free country further south, the elders initially resisted.

“No offense, but we can’t let those greedy humans move freely in our village,” one elder argued.

Despite their objections, the worsening situation forced them to reconsider. As the crack widened and the tree’s blessings waned, the elders reluctantly agreed to request assistance. The great tree was dying from within, and there was no time to waste.

Soon after, scholars and merchants from NorthStar arrived, eager for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thus began the biannual expeditions.

The Frost Elf offered the team lodging and shelter before they ventured beyond The Great Barrier into the Endless Tundra. During their stay, the Frost Elf and the Xanderson Clan hosted a modest trading festival, exchanging goods and materials needed for daily survival. The Frost Elf didn’t require money but relied on essential supplies the expedition team brought with them.

Once the festival concluded, the Frost Elves prayed to their great tree, asking it to open The Great Barrier slightly for the expedition team.

On average, an expedition into the Endless Tundra lasted anywhere from a week to a month. Each time the team returned, they brought back a trove of strange, metallic-looking objects. These relics from another era fascinated the scholars and became the primary focus of their efforts.

The expeditions also had a secondary purpose, something that was essential to maintaining the integrity of The Great Barrier and ensuring the safety of the Frost Elf.

This year’s first expedition was supposed to follow the same routine, but something went terribly wrong.

The withering World Tree shook violently, its massive form trembling as crimson fog oozed from its bark. The fog spread, and more cracks appeared in The Great Barrier, unleashing an overwhelming number of Fiend Forgers and Abyss Crawlers that had been sealed within.

If not for the humans from Xanderson Village and the expedition team, the Frost Elf might have faced extinction that day.

“Please heal,” Elfina whispered with unwavering faith. Like the other [Healers], her devotion to the World Tree remained strong despite their limitations. However, the blessings they received only allowed for up to ten healings per day, even for those who had reached their 3rd Ascension.

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To compensate for the limited healing, Elfina and her fellow [Healers] relied on herbs to craft remedies for the combatants. One of the most vital remedies for delaying the symptoms of crimson fog exposure was the Blood Stopping Pouch, its core ingredient being Bleeding Berries.

As the priestess, Elfina bore witness to her kin suffering day in and day out. Worse still, she could feel the anguish of their great tree, which struggled to fight back the crimson fog, maintain their garden of fruits and herbs, and sustain The Great Barrier. Each of these monumental tasks demanded an immense amount of faith from the Frost Elf.

The unrelenting pressure weighed heavily on Elfina’s heart. At times, she felt as though their great tree’s suffocation mirrored her own.

When the enemies were finally dealt with, there was finally a brief respite to tend to the wounded. Meanwhile, the expedition team returned to NorthStar to regroup and promised to organize another expedition within a few weeks.

Weeks passed, and while there were no further attacks, the situation remained dire. Those afflicted by the crimson fog showed no signs of improvement, and the strain on the village only grew heavier with each passing day.

That day, after Elfina had exhausted her healing Skills, she noticed their stock of Bleeding Berries was running dangerously low. Seizing the opportunity for a much-needed breather, she volunteered to gather more.

Even though the Frost Elf fought daily for survival, the world outside their village remained indifferent, untouched by their struggles.

While gathering berries, Elfina lay on Abby’s broad back. “I wish I could do more,” she murmured, burying her face in Abby’s warm fur.

The loyal Huskil barked twice, his deep woofs filled with a reassuring tone.

“Thanks for encouraging me, Abby.” She rubbed his thick neck affectionately. “Let’s gather some more berries and head back soon.”

After filling a sack with Bleeding Berries, Abby suddenly snapped his head toward the horizon and growled.

“Okay,” Elfina said, immediately leaping onto Abby’s back and gripping his fur tightly. The massive wolf-like dog bolted away from the unseen danger, paws pounding through the snow as quickly as they could manage.

But no matter how fast they ran, they couldn’t outrun the Bearowl that descended on them from the sky. Its hulking form crashed into the snow with a thunderous slam, narrowly missing them as Abby jumped to the side, dodging the attack.

Elfina’s heart pounded in her chest. She had no healing Skills left, no remedies to turn to, and running seemed their only option. But the odds weren’t in their favor. The snow slowed Abby’s movement, and the Bearowl’s massive wings gave it an undeniable advantage.

To make matters worse, crimson fog swirled around the crazed beast, amplifying its strength. Its bloodshot eyes locked onto Elfina with unrelenting madness. Its jaws chewed on the mangled remains of a Meat Bee and of its mate. With a sickening gulp, it swallowed, let out a bone-chilling roar, and charged.

Abby dodged to the side with nimble precision, claws raking at the Bearowl. The beast bled briefly, but the wound closed almost instantly, as if mocking their efforts.

Elfina’s hands trembled, but she steeled her nerves, reaching for her throwing knife. Just as she had practiced countless times, she aimed carefully and hurled it straight at the Bearowl’s eye.

It didn’t work. The monster raised its massive paw, deflecting the knife effortlessly. It roared with fury, then lunged at them in a relentless frenzy.

Abby twisted and leaped nimbly to dodge the Bearowl’s frenzied attacks, but Elfina’s heart raced as she desperately rifled through her pouches for something useful.

“Found it,” she muttered with shaky determination, pulling out a handful of crushed black leaves. “Abby, back up and don’t breathe for a moment.”

The leaves were from a special herb mixture known for its potent, rotten egg-like smell, often used by hunters to distract Bearowls in emergencies. Not only did the stench repel the beasts, but the herbs also caused a burning sensation in their sensitive eyes, doubling its effectiveness.

Abby obeyed her command without hesitation, retreating as far back as possible while holding his breath. Elfina threw the small pouch containing the herb mixture at the Bearowl’s face. The beast slashed at it mid-air with its claws, scattering the powdery contents across its nose and eyes.

The reaction was immediate. The Bearowl roared in agonizing fury, thrashing wildly at its surroundings in a blind, uncontrolled rage.

“Now, let’s run awa—” Elfina’s words were cut off as Abby had already turned and bolted, speeding away from the chaos with every ounce of strength he had. Their destination was the Frost Elf’s village.

“Even the wildlife is affected by that crimson fog…” Elfina whispered, tightening her grip on Abby’s thick fur. Sweat soaked her shirt as her mind raced.

I must report this to the elders.

After sprinting for what felt like an eternity, Abby suddenly snapped his head toward the sky behind them.

Elfina’s stomach twisted. She slowly turned her head, her violet eyes widening.

The crazed Bearowl hadn’t given up. Its massive wings sliced through the air as it pursued them relentlessly.

Elfina pressed her lips into a thin line. They were nearing the edge of the Bearowl’s territory, which meant they were closer to Xanderson Village. It was their only chance. If there were hunters or warriors nearby, they might stand a chance of survival.

“Abby, head to the human village,” Elfina commanded.

Without hesitation, Abby veered off toward Xanderson Village, racing against the beast that refused to let them go.

They changed direction and ran. Despite their best efforts, the Bearowl cloaked in thick crimson fog drew closer and closer with each passing moment. The sound of snapping branches echoed louder and louder, crashing through the air like a warning bell of impending doom.

Elfina bit her lip hard enough to draw blood and gripped her staff so tightly that her hand went pale. “World Tree, Guardians, please bless me,” she prayed.

And then, hope appeared. Abby barked sharply, signaling that a human was nearby.

Relief flooded Elfina’s heart like a wave washing away despair. It was as though a massive weight had been lifted from her chest.

But fate was cruel.

Abby’s front leg caught on a protruding root hidden beneath the snow. Unable to react in time, he stumbled and fell, his momentum from running at full speed working against him. The sudden stop sent Elfina sprawling into the snow as well.

“Abby!” Elfina scrambled to her feet, only to witness a sight that froze her blood.

The crazed Bearowl descended from the sky, slamming its massive weight down onto Abby’s hind legs. The loyal companion let out a heart-wrenching yip of pain as the beast roared with unrestrained savagery.

“GET AWAY FROM HIM!” Elfina screamed, charging at the Bearowl with her staff raised high. She swung with all her strength, desperate to protect her companion. But the Bearowl swatted her away with a casual flick of its claw, sending her hurtling through the air.

Her back slammed against a tree with a sickening thud, and the force squeezed the air from her lungs. She collapsed to the ground, coughing violently as searing pain coursed through her body.

Even through the haze of agony, Abby’s bark reached her ears.

“Go get the human? How can I leave you here?” she screamed back at him, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to stand. Her muscles burned, her bones ached, and her mind reeled with fear and desperation. But none of it mattered, she wouldn’t abandon Abby.

Abby barked again, the sound carrying urgency and determination. With only his forelegs to move, he lunged at the Bearowl, refusing to back down. The best companion one could ever ask for fought fiercely, clawing and biting even as the monster’s claws raked through his fur.

Elfina’s heart twisted in anguish as she watched Abby’s unwavering resolve. She couldn’t let this be the end.

Elfina raised her trembling hand toward the brutal scene before her. Steeling herself, she staggered to her feet and ran toward the human village.

Her sudden movement drew the monster’s attention. With a feral roar, it turned its sights on her, opening its massive wings and taking flight, flying low to the ground. Abby, still clinging desperately to one of its legs, refused to let go.

Elfina’s legs burned with every step, her muscles screaming in protest. Each stride felt like she would collapse at any moment. But she didn’t stop. She couldn’t.

She ran until hope appeared before her. Relief briefly filled her heart, only for it to twist into despair as she recognized who it was.

It was Karl.

The frail, sickly Karl. Her friend.

“Karl, run away!” she shouted, her voice laced with desperation. If they ran in opposite directions, she could at least act as bait and draw the monster away from him.

Her words, however, fell on deaf ears.

Karl didn’t run.

Instead, to her shock, he charged at the Bearowl with a speed she could barely comprehend. His fist struck the monster square in the gut with a force so immense it knocked both Karl and the beast back.

Elfina’s jaw dropped as she struggled to process what she had just witnessed. Karl, the fragile, always-ill boy, had stopped the terrifying creature in its tracks.

Karl skidded across the snow, coming to a stop right in front of her. He cracked his neck casually and said confidently.

“Round two is going to be fun.”