As Arthur approached the domain’s outer boundaries, something stirred in the depths of the supernatural winter that had claimed this territory for generations.
Deep within the forest, on an ice bed carved from ice so ancient it had become harder than diamond, a presence that had slumbered for a few days began to wake. The disturbance was subtle at first.
A slumbering beast, whose form dwarfed three-story buildings, slowly lifted eyelids that hid eyes that could freeze mountains.
Each eye was the size of a human.
The Winter Beast’s awakening sent ripples through the forest itself.
Temperatures that had remained constant for millennia suddenly dropped further, and ice formations that had achieved perfect equilibrium began shifting and reforming.
Its breath emerged as visible clouds that hung in the air like frozen air, each exhalation creating snowfall that settled on the icebed. The creature’s massive form remained mostly hidden within its ice-carved lair.
When the Winter Beast’s consciousness fully emerged from its rest, every creature within five kilometres felt the change.
The domain that had been cold had become colder, cold winds spreading to nearby territories.
This was not merely a powerful creature awakening. This was winter given consciousness, cold made flesh, the embodiment of ice itself.
The Winter Beast had felt the intrusion, and for the first time in centuries, it was curious about what had dared to approach its sanctuary and remain alive.
As Arthur walked deeper into the territory, he suddenly felt the temperature increase dramatically beyond what it had been at the boundary. The supernatural cold that had defined this domain for a long time was intensifying with each step, creating an environment that would have killed unprotected humans within moments of exposure.
His eyes narrowed as understanding flooded his brain, then a smile broke across his face with excitement.
"He knows," Arthur muttered as he continued walking forward despite knowing that the Winter Beast knew of his presence.
By now, Arthur was one hundred percent certain that the beast controlling this domain operated at level 25 or higher. The environmental manipulation he was experiencing could only be achieved through someone capable of domain abilities that transcended normal magical capabilities. This wasn’t simple territory control—this was reality-warping power that redefined the meaning of strength within its area of influence.
Yes, the beast was going to be extraordinarily powerful. Yes, the fight would be more challenging than anything he had faced in this region. Yes, the domain abilities would create complications that required careful planning and flawless execution.
Arthur’s anticipation only increased as he contemplated the upcoming encounter. He wanted to test himself against a creature wielding domain abilities, to see how his own capabilities measured against opponents who could rewrite a portion of reality according to their will.
If he couldn’t defeat such a beast with all of his accumulated power, enhanced equipment, and legendary summons, then he simply wasn’t worthy of claiming victory. The challenge represented exactly the kind of opposition that would prove whether his strength was genuine or merely illusion.
Arthur soon arrived at the heart of the Winter Beast’s domain, where the supernatural cold reached levels that approached absolute zero. Before him rose a creature that defied conventional description.
A being whose presence made Arthur careful.
Arthur felt no shock at discovering the beast was already awake and waiting for his approach. Of course it was. Any creature capable of turning a plot of land into ice would possess senses that detected intruders long before they reached its central lair.
"I’ve been waiting for you," the Winter Beast spoke with a hoarse voice.
Arthur could see that each word created visible clouds of frozen air that lingered for some time before disappearing.
The Winter Beast’s eyes landed on the two legendary creatures positioned beside Arthur.
The Cackle Queen and Pride stood ready for combat, their forms radiating their power despite being clearly outmatched by the domain-wielding giant before them.
"You’ve tamed them, huh?" the Winter Beast observed with obvious interest, his massive head tilting slightly as he assessed the group before him. "You are quite strong for your level, I must admit.
Most creatures at your level would never achieve dominance over legendary-rank predators. In fact, I’ve never seen a person tame a legendary-rank predator at your level. You are quite a special one, aren’t you?" The Winter Beast smiled.
The Winter Beast was an incredible specimen that combined the worst aspects of giant and bear physiology into something that went beyond both.
Standing nearly forty feet tall, even in his relaxed posture, his humanoid frame was covered in fur so white that it was easy to mistake for snow. Massive arms ended in claws that appeared to be carved from ice itself, while his broad shoulders suggested strength capable of moving mountains.
Most remarkably, he possessed the rare gift of speech—an ability that indicated intelligence far beyond normal beast consciousness.
Arthur studied the magnificent creature before responding with directness. "I’m here for a herb. The Pyro’s Lotus."
Arthur then went about explaining how it looks to the winter beast.
Seeing that the Winter Beast displayed no immediate aggression despite their territorial intrusion, Arthur found no compelling reason to initiate combat. His purpose was to acquire the herb, not claiming another legendary summon. While adding such a powerful creature to his collection would certainly be valuable, Charlotte’s deteriorating health took priority over expanding his combat capabilities.
If he could obtain the Pyro’s Lotus through negotiation rather than violence, that would be ideal. Especially given the power of the winter beast.
As for claiming the Winter Beast as a summon, such ambitions could wait until his sister’s life was no longer hanging in the balance.
The Winter Beast regarded Arthur with eyes that held depths of amusement. "Ahh, the Pyro’s Lotus," he rumbled with obvious recognition.
Without warning, the massive creature reached deep into his own fur, his enormous hand disappearing into what appeared to be a natural pocket within his natural coat. When his claws emerged, they held something that made Arthur’s eyes immediately focus with laser intensity.