Second day of the journey.

  The forest grew quieter.

  Too quiet.

  The snow stopped falling.

  The air became heavy and cold, as if the forest itself had stopped breathing.

  Rin suddenly stopped.

  — Stop.

  Nika immediately drew her blades.

  The Elf slowly raised her hand — a magical light flared in her palm.

  Goosebumps ran down Mika’s skin.

  The ground beneath their feet began to tremble.

  A dull sound.

  As if massive stones were moving under the snow.

  Crack.

  Ice began to burst from the ground.

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  And from beneath the snowy surface rose two enormous ice golems.

  Three meters tall.

  Bodies made of blue ice.

  Eyes empty, glowing white.

  Frosty vapor drifted from their forms.

  Nika whispered quietly:

  — These are not just guardians…

  The Elf clenched her teeth.

  — They are his forces.

  One of the golems struck the ground.

  An explosion of ice scattered in all directions.

  — Spread out! — Rin shouted.

  The battle began.

  The first golem attacked Kael.

  A massive fist of ice crashed down from above.

  Kael rolled aside, snow exploding beside him.

  Nika struck the golem from the side — her blades left a crack.

  But the ice quickly began to restore itself.

  — They regenerate! — Mika shouted.

  The second golem charged at Rin.

  She dodged, but the удар caught her shoulder.

  Crunch.

  Rin dropped to one knee.

  Kael saw it.

  And something inside him shifted.

  Cold.

  Not outside.

  Inside.

  The first golem attacked again.

  Kael blocked the удар.

  The ice burned his hand.

  But he did not release his sword.

  His breath turned colder.

  The vapor leaving his mouth grew thicker.

  For a second, Kael’s eyes flashed pale blue.

  The Elf saw it.

  — Kael… no…

  But it was too late.

  He stepped forward.

  And struck.

  Not just with his sword.

  The power inside him burst outward.

  A wave of icy force passed through the first golem.

  Cracks spread across its body.

  Nika finished it — and the golem shattered into pieces.

  But the second one…

  It grew stronger.

  The ice around it began to thicken.

  As if the forest itself was giving it strength.

  — It’s a trial, — the Elf whispered. — He is testing you…

  The golem raised its arm to crush Rin.

  Kael rushed forward.

  Impact.

  Ice and steel collided.

  One second.

  Two.

  A crack ran along the golem’s arm.

  Nika and the Elf attacked at the same time.

  Mika unleashed a burst of fire.

  And with a united shout, they destroyed the second monster.

  The forest became quiet again.

  Only heavy breathing remained.

  Kael stood motionless.

  His hand was covered in frost.

  But not from the cold outside.

  Nika stepped toward him.

  — Did you see that?

  The Elf spoke slowly:

  — This is only the beginning.

  Somewhere far away…

  A sound echoed — like a metal step on ice.

  As if someone approved of what they had seen.

  And is waiting for more. ??