The relentless wind swept over the settlement as Arthur and Adora perched atop the abandoned ice house, gazing over the bleak expanse. The Frost Castle stood ominous in the distance, its frozen spires cutting into the twilight sky, a monument to power and abandonment.
Arthur exhaled, watching his breath crystallize in the frigid air. "You really meant what you said back there, didn't you?"
Adora remained silent for a moment, her golden eyes locked onto the fortress. "Of course, I meant it. Lynx has to die."
Arthur leaned back, resting on his hands. "I mean, I get it. The guy's a tyrant. But are we really going to pick a fight with the so-called 'strongest Cursed alive in this part of the Cursed Lands' the moment we set foot here?"
Finally, Adora turned to face him, her expression grim. "You saw the people in the Outskirts, Arthur. You heard what Nobu said. Lynx could help them, yet he chooses to let them suffer while he sits in his castle, hoarding power and resources. He's abandoned them to die."
Arthur ran a hand through his hair, considering her words. "Okay, yeah, he's a bastard. But let's be realistic. We just got here. Maybe we should gather more intel, train, figure out what we're dealing with before we go declaring war."
Adora scoffed. "Obviously, I wasn't planning on storming the castle tomorrow. I'm not reckless."
Arthur smirked. "That's debatable."
She punched his arm without hesitation, and he made an exaggerated show of wincing. "Ow! Alright, fine, point taken. But seriously, what's the plan?"
Adora exhaled slowly. "First, we get stronger. Second, we earn trust here, figure out what's actually happening inside the castle. Third..." She turned back toward the looming fortress, eyes blazing. "We take him down."
Arthur let out a low whistle. "That's a tall order. But fine, I'm in. You'll need me, anyway. I add a certain charm to this operation."
Adora gave him a flat look. "You're an insatiable blood-drinker with terrible humor."
"And yet, here we are," Arthur gestured between them. "You, me, unstoppable duo of chaos."
She sighed. "Let's just get some sleep. We'll talk to Nobu in the morning."
The following morning, Arthur and Adora found Nobu sitting near one of the few remaining fires in the Outskirts, methodically sharpening a worn hunting blade. The sun barely cut through the overcast sky, offering little warmth.
"Morning," Arthur greeted, stretching. "So, tell us—what's life like out here?"
Nobu let out a dry chuckle. "Short. Miserable. Cold. Take your pick."
Adora crossed her arms. "How do you manage to hunt in these conditions? Isn't the tundra swarming with Frost Elves and other monstrosities?"
Nobu nodded. "Oh, it is. But we don't have a choice. If we don't hunt, we die. Simple as that."
Arthur frowned. "And Lynx? He just lets you fend for yourselves?"
Nobu's expression darkened. "Lynx doesn't care about us. We're not 'his people.' The ones inside the castle? They're his warriors, his workers, his loyal subjects. Out here? We're nothing. Strays. Expendable."
Adora clenched her fists. "That bastard really thinks he's a king."
Arthur sighed. "Well, that settles it then."
Nobu raised an eyebrow. "Settles what, exactly?"
Adora straightened. "We want to join the Hunter group."
Nobu blinked, caught off guard. "You're serious?"
Arthur shrugged. "Yeah, might as well. Seems like the best way to get stronger and understand the full scope of this place."
Nobu studied them for a moment before letting out a short laugh. "You two really are crazy."
"Debatable," Arthur said with a grin.
Nobu shook his head. "Well, if you're serious, you're in luck. A major hunting group is heading out today. You won't get a warm-up—you'll be thrown straight into the fire."
Adora smirked. "Perfect."
That afternoon, Arthur and Adora stood among a group of hardened hunters, each clad in salvaged armor and gripping weapons forged from scavenged metal and ice. Nobu surveyed them before giving a curt nod. "Alright, rookies. Welcome to hell. Hope you don't die on your first day."
Arthur cracked his knuckles. "I feel right at home."
The hunting party was larger than expected, nearly a dozen fighters of varying skill levels. Some were grizzled veterans, their faces worn by years of struggle, while others were younger, desperate to prove themselves. A woman named Hela, clad in thick furs and carrying a curved ice-etched blade, approached Arthur and Adora.
"You the new recruits?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Arthur grinned. "Recruits might be a strong word. More like 'volunteers with questionable decision-making.'"
Sela smirked. "Well, at least you've got humor. You'll need it."
The group began their march into the frozen expanse, the icy wind biting at their skin. They traveled in silence for a while, the only sound the crunch of snow beneath their boots. Nobu eventually raised a hand, signaling for a stop.
"Alright," he said, turning to the group. "We've tracked a pack of Frost Wolves in this area. They're fast, they're vicious, and they don't hesitate to kill. If you're too slow, you're dead."
Arthur rolled his shoulders. "Sounds fun."
Nobu ignored him. "Stick together. If you see a wolf alone, don't engage it—it's baiting you. Work as a team. Sela, you take the right flank. Adora, Arthur, stay with me."
The group moved forward cautiously, weapons at the ready. The sky darkened as storm clouds gathered overhead, and the wind howled through the ice-covered terrain. Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the tundra.
Arthur barely had time to react before a massive Frost Wolf lunged from the shadows, its crystalline fangs bared.
The hunters scattered, shouting commands and readying their weapons. Arthur sidestepped a snapping jaw, striking back with a well-placed kick, while Adora slashed through another with swift precision.
Nobu barked orders. "Hold the formation! Don't let them separate you!"
More wolves emerged from the storm, their glowing blue eyes piercing through the snowfall.
And just like that, the true hunt had begun.
But this time they decided who gets hunted...