Bloody Adventures-Chapter 31: The Last Hunt

Arthur dashed through the hallway of one of Frost Castle's seemingly endless, long corridors. He ascended the stairs to the second floor, where his and Adora's rooms were located. When he finally reached his destination, he knocked on Adora's door and waited. A few moments later, Adora creaked open the door just enough for Arthur to slip through the crack into her room.

Her room didn't look much different from his, except Adora kept hers just as tidy as when they first arrived, while his had become slightly disorganized during his stay. Arthur looked exhausted, as if he had seen a ghost. Well, in a way, that might actually be true.

"Arthur? What happened? Did you find something on your little expedition through the castle? You look like you've seen a ghost." Adora smirked slightly but watched him closely.

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"Sort of..." Arthur said, still catching his breath.

Adora's smile slowly faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "Alright, don't keep me in suspense. Tell me everything."

Arthur took a deep breath before recounting everything he had encountered beneath the castle—the enormous sigil etched into the gigantic gate the towering doors pulsating with an unnatural cold, and the whispers that slithered through the air like living things. He described the moment he touched the sigil, how his arm had nearly frozen on contact, and, worst of all, the shadowy figure that had watched him from the darkness before vanishing.

Adora listened in silence, her arms crossed as her expression darkened with every word. When Arthur finished, she let out a low sigh. "So, let me get this straight. You found an ancient, creepy-ass door covered in ice magic, heard mysterious whispers, and instead of leaving immediately, you touched it?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "It was glowing. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Not touch it."

"Well, too late for that," Arthur muttered, leaning back against the wall. "The real problem is, I have no idea what that door is hiding—or if whatever's inside can get out."

Adora tapped her fingers against her arm, deep in thought. "It sounds dangerous, but also important. If the door's connected to the magic of this land, it might explain why Lynx chose this castle as his base. He could be protecting it. Or worse, planning to open it."

Arthur nodded. "That's what worries me. And if he has anything to do with that door, then our next move is obvious—we need to figure out exactly what's buried out there."

Adora smirked. "So, what, a nice little trip into the frozen wasteland?"

Arthur exhaled. "Yeah. To the edge of the tundra. Nobu mentioned something about a canyon beyond the ice fields. If there are any answers, we'll find them there."

Adora nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Then we better prepare. If we're heading into the abyss, we won't be coming back for a while."

Arthur pushed himself up from the wall. "Before we leave, there's something else I want to do."

Adora raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"One last hunt," Arthur said. "With the Outskirts people. If we're going to be out in the tundra for gods know how long, I want to be at full strength."

Adora grinned. "Alright, let's see if you've gotten any better with that sword of yours."

The morning was bitterly cold, even more than usual, as Arthur and Adora stepped out into the snow-covered plains beyond Frost Castle's walls. A group of seasoned Outskirts hunters was already gathered, preparing their weapons and checking their supplies. Among them stood Hela, the huntress Arthur had fought alongside before. She shot them a knowing look as they approached.

"So, you two are coming along," Hela said, adjusting the bow on her back. "I thought you'd be off planning your next suicidal adventure."

Arthur smirked. "We are. But first, we need supplies. And I figured I'd get a proper hunt in before we leave."

Hela nodded approvingly. "Smart. The tundra's no place to go in unprepared." She gestured for them to follow. "Come on, we're tracking a herd of frost wolves. Stay sharp."

They moved swiftly across the icy terrain, boots crunching against the snow. The sky was a dull gray, with the occasional gust of wind howling through the frozen wasteland. Arthur felt the familiar tension of the hunt settle over him—the quiet focus, the way every step mattered. He exchanged a glance with Adora, who looked just as ready for a fight.

They found the frost wolves near a frozen river, grazing on what little vegetation grew beneath the ice. Massive, fur-covered creatures with unnaturally sharp fangs and thick hides, they were both formidable and valuable prey. Arthur crouched low, gripping his sword tightly as the hunters spread out, encircling the herd.

At Hela's signal, the first arrows flew, striking the hordes flanks. The beasts roared, some bolting in panic, while others turned to charge their attackers. Arthur dashed forward, sword flashing as he slashed at an approaching wolves leg, forcing it to stumble. Adora moved with deadly precision, her twin daggers cutting through fur and flesh with ease.

[ You have killed a Lesser Stalker, Frost Wolf. ]

The battle was quick but brutal. By the time the last beast fell, the hunters stood victorious, their breath misting in the frigid air. Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the satisfying ache of exertion.

Hela clapped him on the back. "Not bad. You're starting to fight like one of us."

Arthur smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Adora crossed her arms. "Now that we're done here, I'd say it's time to get moving."

Arthur nodded, glancing toward the distant horizon. "Yeah. Let's get to the abyss."

As they returned to the castle to gather their supplies, a thick fog began rolling in from the tundra, creeping over the ice like a living thing. Arthur hesitated at the gates, staring into the swirling mist. Something about it felt... wrong.

Adora stopped beside him. "You feel it too, don't you?"

Arthur nodded. "Like something's watching."

Hela stepped forward, glancing between them. "The tundra's restless," she muttered. "It knows something's coming."

Arthur exhaled, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Then we better move fast. Before it finds us first."