The Corrupted Syndicate

Beneath, he wore a maroon and black armored bodice over a long-sleeved black shirt and matching trousers. Even so, it seemed woefully inadequate against the harsh chill of the wintery tundra.

"I was raised in the coldest reaches of my homeland; this chill is nothing to me. If you fear it may hinder your movements, worry not. I shall deal with our enemies swiftly, sparing you the burden," explained Zenos before jumping in.

The dragoness adjusted Zenos's cloak around her, feeling its weight and warmth as she steeled herself. With a quiet exhale, she followed her teammates deeper into the cavern. As they moved forward, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air sharp with frost.

Mattheos was already ahead, his blade drawn, eyes sharp and alert, every muscle tense as he assumed a battle stance. The rabbit moved with practiced precision, leading the way as though expecting danger at any moment.

Mavislin's pulse quickened, her own weapon ready at her side, senses attuned to the icy silence that surrounded them. Something was waiting in the dark.

The creature emerged from the shadows, its massive frame cutting an imposing figure against the misty landscape. With a swift, powerful motion, it threw its head back and released a deafening howl, pouring every ounce of its strength into the cry.

The sound was monstrous, reverberating through the air, creating a shockwave so intense it cracked the nearby rocks and sent tremors rippling through the cave walls.

The ground beneath the group shook, resulting in the rabbit stabbing the blade into the ground to balance himself. As the mist swirled and thinned, they adjusted to the terrain, their vision finally clearing enough to make out the beast standing before them.

Their first enemy had revealed itself, and it was nothing short of terrifying. Before them stood a colossal wolf, its fur a striking blend of grey and blue, rippling like storm clouds as it shifted.

Frosted antlers jutted from its skull, casting a chilling aura, while enormous glowing blue spikes ran down the length of its spine, pulsating with an otherworldly light. Small wisps of black mana swirled around its massive paws, dancing like shadows with a life of their own.

Its fluffy tail, sharp and crystalline, appeared to be sculpted from deep blue ice, cold and unyielding.

When the beast howled, it exposed rows of razor-sharp teeth, gleaming like knives beneath the pale moonlight. Its bloodred eyes burned with insatiable hunger, a predatory gleam that promised carnage.

The sound reverberated through the air, sending a shiver down Matt's spine. Despite its terrifying presence, the battlefield was eerily quiet—there were no minions or other threats lurking in the shadows.

Only this lone, monstrous being stood before them, its ravenous gaze locked onto its prey. A blanket of stillness draped the area, tension thick in the air, before Mattheos sprang into action.

With a fierce cry, he lunged toward the wolf, his blade slicing through the mist as he aimed for its side. 

But before the blow could land, a shimmering shield in the shape of a perfect snowflake materialized in front of the creature. The ethereal barrier, beautiful yet ominous, deflected Matt's strike effortlessly.

With a guttural growl, the shield pulsed, and in a flash, it sent a powerful shockwave through the air, flinging the rabbit across the battlefield. His body collided with a jagged rock, the impact sending a shuddering crack through the stone as he hit the ground hard.

The wolf wasted no time, lowering its head menacingly as the spikes along its back erupted outward, transforming into enormous icicles pulsing with dark, twisted mana. The deadly projectiles hurtled toward Mavislin, the air around them crackling with icy malice.

Yet the dragoness remained unfazed. Her eyes narrowed as Zenos, with deadly precision, stepped into view. In a single fluid motion, the Viceroy spun his scythe, deflecting the incoming spikes in a flurry of metallic sparks.

The icicles ricocheted off in every direction, shattering as they hit the ground. The wolf howled in fury, its glowing spikes instantly regenerating as if the attack had never happened.

It reared back, preparing to unleash another assault, but before it could act, Mattheos was already back on his feet. The rabbit, gritting his teeth, summoned every ounce of his strength and hurled his greatsword with deadly accuracy.

The blade flew through the air at lightning speeds, as it aimed for the wolf's neck. The wolf's eyes flickered in surprise, but it was too late. In an instant, Matt appeared beside his weapon, his hand gripping the hilt just as it neared the creature's throat.

With a powerful twist, he drove the sword deep into the wolf's neck, its flesh giving way to cold steel. The wolf let out a strangled roar, blood-red eyes wide in shock as the blade tore through its body.