The next morning, the settlement was in chaos.
A group of knights had discovered fresh tracks leading toward the mountains.
Captain Roland was speaking with the academy professors.
Adrian quietly joined the students.
Leon approached him.
"Where were you last night?"
Adrian looked at him.
"In my tent."
Leon studied his expression.
"Strange. I thought I saw someone near the settlement."
"Perhaps one of the knights."
"Maybe."
Leon didn't pursue the question.
Kael suddenly walked toward them.
"I found something."
He held up a piece of broken stone.
The same symbol from the wolf emblem was carved into its surface.
"Where did you find it?" Adrian asked.
"Near the northern entrance."
Kael pointed toward the mountain.
Captain Roland gathered the students.
"We've discovered an entrance beneath the old settlement. No one enters until the area is secured."
But before he could finish, the ground trembled.
A loud cracking sound came from the mountain.
Snow began falling from the upper slopes.
Then something emerged.
A humanoid figure stood on a distant rocky ledge.
Its body was covered in ice.
Its face was hidden behind a frozen mask.
Adrian's system activated.
[Unknown Entity Detected.]
[Species: Unknown]
[Classification: Ancient Human Variant]
[Bloodline Signature: Frost Dragon]
[Threat Level: Severe]
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
Frost Dragon.
Kael's future bloodline.
The creature looked toward the settlement.
Then it spoke.
"Return... the key."
Its voice echoed across the mountain.
"What key?"
The creature turned its head.
Its gaze settled on Kael.
"Draven."
Kael froze.
The creature knew his family name.
Leon raised his sword.
"Who are you?"
The creature ignored him.
"Your bloodline belongs to the mountain."
A wave of freezing mana spread through the area.
The knights immediately formed a defensive line.
Captain Roland shouted.
"Protect the students!"
The creature raised one hand.
An enormous ice spear appeared above the settlement.
Adrian looked at the sky.
This was no ordinary monster.
And whatever the ancient being wanted, it was connected to Kael's family.