[Vol. 7] Chapter 186: Visitors to the Icefield
"Uwaaah… it's way too cold here! I feel like I could freeze to death…"
The moment a young girl in a thin white robe stepped onto the 30th floor, the Frozen Tundra, everything around her changed.
The eerie, dimly lit caves were gone, replaced by icy plains and a howling, frigid wind. High above, frost-covered birds blended into the swirling snow as they circled the sky. The distant roars of ice bears and snow monsters echoed across the vast landscape. Though the tundra seemed empty and quiet, every step could be a deadly trap.
The black-haired girl, alone in this frozen world, muttered complaints while glancing up at the sky. The snowstorm obscured the light source above, leaving only a faint glow. After a moment of thought, she raised her staff, its tip shining with a pure, golden radiance.
"Summon: Celestial Guardian, Lucas."
A golden magic circle quickly formed on the snow-covered ground. However, even after waiting for a while, the expected figure never appeared. The summoning had been blocked by some kind of force.
"Hmm~ Just as the reports said, teleportation is restricted here… but if it’s only at this level…"
Muttering to herself, she flipped her empty hand upward. A lush green tree sprouted from her palm, instantly transforming into a shimmering silver dagger.
She lightly grasped the handle and swung it casually in front of her.
"Slash!"
It was as if an invisible curtain had been cut apart. In the brief moment that the dark void was exposed, the golden magic circle flared to life.
A towering figure, over three meters tall, emerged from within. A massive warrior clad in golden armor. With a powerful voice, he knelt on one knee before the girl, his greatsword resting at his side.
"At your command, my master!"
"Mhm mhm~ Just as I thought, this is nowhere near as strong as Xiao Kong’s [Seal of Heaven and Earth]. This barrier is probably only around Tier 8 or 9 at best."
"My master, this appears to be the Tier 8 Dragon Spell, Frozen World. I encountered it a few times during my past battles. It is an exclusive technique of the [Frost and Arcane Dragons], one of the Seven Great Dragon Races."
"Oh?"
Hearing Lucas confirm this, Violet couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in mild surprise.
[Celestial Guardians] are special warriors created by Dawn using her divine power to fight against the endless tide of destructive creatures. Their existence is a crucial step in the Illusory World project and can also be considered part of the Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden’s army.
For a thousand years, these immortal warriors have followed the last command Dawn left before her departure. Through summoning and other means, they travel to different worlds, honing their combat skills and mental strength in battle. Their purpose is to become a decisive force when the time comes to turn the tide of war.
In fact, during the great battle when the ancient spirit realm was invaded by demons, they did answer the summons and played a vital role. Without them, the number of people Violet had to resurrect, and the burden she had to bear, would have been several times greater.
As for the deeper connections between the Celestial Guardians and the game Illusory World, Violet had yet to fully understand them. However, Lucas, as one of their leaders, was certainly more than just an ordinary NPC who had gained intelligence. Before he connected with the priestess in the game, he had undoubtedly fought countless battles. It was no surprise that he could recognize the nature of this sealing magic.
In fact, according to books and game knowledge, frozen space was indeed a signature ability of the Blue Dragon. While some details might differ from the game, in theory, if ice-based abilities evolved to their highest level, they could even freeze time itself, let alone block teleportation.
But…
"Lucas, are you sure this is Dragon Language Magic and not some other kind of ice-based power?"
The golden-armored warrior remained kneeling on one knee and respectfully lowered his head.
"Yes, my master. Lord Xiao Guang once discussed the characteristics of Dragon Language Magic with me. This type of spell is unique to dragons and has very distinct traits. As long as one has a basic understanding, it’s fairly easy to recognize."
Huh? Those two talked about this? When did that happen…?
Though a bit puzzled, Violet knew there was no point in getting caught up in small details. She thought for a moment, then raised her hand to open another magic circle.
"Contract Summon: Little Fang!"
"Awoooo!!!!"
A majestic golden-furred dog made a grand entrance from within the glowing light. A storm of divine and demonic energy swept through the area like a hurricane as it lifted its head toward the snowy sky and let out a long, powerful howl.
"Stop yelling! I’m trying to think!"
"Wuwu..."
But before the golden-furred dog could finish its howl, the girl's staff had already risen half a section higher and lightly but firmly knocked against its head. The roar was immediately cut off, replaced by a pitiful whimper like that of a small puppy.
Even though it had been disciplined so unceremoniously, and even though the petite black-haired girl wasn’t even tall enough to reach its lower belly when it stood, the mighty golden beast dared not resist in the slightest. Instead, it crouched down on the spot in a submissive manner, its large tail swishing back and forth, sending up clouds of snow as it patiently awaited further instructions.
Hmm… Why does it feel like Little Fang’s temper has improved a lot? Even with a pet contract, was [Little Fang] ever this obedient?
The thought flickered through Violet’s mind but quickly passed. She didn’t dwell on trivial details and instead focused on more important matters.
Just now, she didn't use the [Blade of Hollow Mark] for assistance just now, but it seems there's no problem summoning directly from the pet space. This method was indeed extremely high in priority. So far, the only time it had failed was back when she first arrived in the Ancient Spirit Realm.
But back then, Snow Wing had been able to descend into the realm via their contract, yet the little dragon girl, also a pet, couldn't. That had always puzzled Violet. Even now, she hadn’t found a reasonable explanation. What exactly was the difference?
"......"
After a brief moment of thought, the priestess decided against summoning Snow Wing as well. Since even Little Fang had successfully appeared here, then for the sake of the mental and emotional well-being of the people of Aibus... maybe it was best not to suddenly make their sun disappear for no reason.
Lucas and Little Fang both had around Lv. 80 combat power, while according to the available information, the strongest monsters in the Frozen Tundra Zone, were only at legendary-level at most. With their strength, it should be enough to break through to the 40th floor."
As for what came after… well, she’d deal with that when the time came.
Thinking this, the girl directly mounted the dog, jumped onto the fluffy back, grabbed a few tufts of its wonderfully soft fur to sit on, and pointed her staff!
"Move out! Full speed ahead!"
"Woooo!!!!!"