Immortal Ice Empress: Path to Vengeance

Elenei landed back on the deck and looked back at the icy giant thoughtfully, "Why isn't it attacking us anymore?" It didn't make sense that it would just stop as soon as they got through it. 

"These northern waters, they belong to us humans. If that behemoth's got a shred of sense, it knows to respect these boundaries," Captain Jorvik appeared next to her and answered. 

Yet, Elenei's confusion only deepened. She looked out to see thousands of creatures moving freely beneath the waves. While most seemed insignificant in strength, the situation remained perplexing.

Observing her bewilderment, Captain Jorvik let out a gruff chuckle. "Here in the North, we prize the conquest of these seas more than any other continent. Allowing these lesser creatures to thrive, it's part of our way of life, a cornerstone of our economy. But mark my words, should something as mighty as that giant start its fury in our gulf, it'd upset the very balance we've strived to maintain."

"...I see." Elenei nodded in understanding. "So, they're rearing these beasts, huh?" She said, pointing at the ones under the water.

"Aye, that we are."

Suddenly, the giant in the massive ice wall gave them a menacing look before it sank into the ocean, taking the wall with it. As soon as it disappeared, the dark clouds above dispersed, and the Frostbite Channel opened up.

Everyone just gave it a lingering stare before they went back to work, but Mira continued to look in that direction. She didn't believe for a second that a sea giant coincidentally blocked her path right before she was about to reach the Northern Continent. 

'I don't even know what that thing is. It didn't seem like a living being, but it was too big to determine if it was being controlled. Is someone after me? Or is this just the work of the FLDIL making my life harder?' There was also a small chance that it was merely a coincidence and a sea giant just wanted to pop up right there, but until that was proven true, Mira wouldn't believe it. 

She also found it weird that it didn't continue to attack, regardless of the so-called border at the gulf. 

'Whatever.' Mira shook her head and turned away. 'I'll just think of it as part of my training.'

Walking over to the head of the ship, she looked off into the distance as the freezing cold wind brushed past her. 'We should be close to the Northern Continent now. I wonder how different it'll be.'

***

The Northern Gale continued its journey as the harsh cold wind swept across the deck, bringing with it light grey clouds that soon began to release a flurry of snowflakes. 

The cold was biting, very different compared to the usual comfortable and consistent weather on the Western Continent. Dominique, Hana, and Linnea quickly donned thick winter clothes, wrapping themselves in layers to ward off the chill.

An array activated around the ship, emitting a warm glow that countered the freezing temperatures. It also prevented ice and snow from accumulating on the deck, ensuring the crew could work without hindrance.

Captain Jorvik, unfazed by the weather, steered the ship with a steady hand. "We're almost there, lads and lasses. The Northern Continent awaits!"

As they neared the land, the outline of a massive dock became visible through the snow. It was a grand structure, capable of accommodating ships far larger than The Northern Gale. 

In a large tower, there were people waving large light sticks, directing all incoming and outgoing ships. 

Jorvik watched the signs and listened accordingly, soon anchoring the boat in his designated spot.

With the ship securely docked, Mira and her group prepared to disembark. However, before doing so, Mira approached Captain Jorvik, who was overseeing the final mooring procedures.

"Jorvik, any advice for the Northern Continent? Places to see, or things to do?" Mira asked, her eyes scanning the bustling dock and the city beyond.

Jorvik chuckled, scratching his beard. "Aye, there's plenty. Check out the Frostheart Market for anything you might need—best goods in the North. For information, head to the Crystal Spire; they'll have everything you want to know. Oh, and don't miss out on the Snowfall Feast, best damn food you'll taste."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And lass, don't be calling me to get you back to the Western Continent. I've had enough excitement for one lifetime."

Mira nodded a slight smile on her lips. "Understood. And for your troubles..." She tossed him a spatial ring, a generous bonus for the taxing journey they had embarked on.

Jorvik caught the ring, his eyes widening slightly as he saw what was inside. "Much appreciated, lass. Safe travels." He said, wanting Mira off his ship as quickly as possible. 

He was afraid that if she stood next to him any longer, he'd have to prepare for an early grave.

With a final nod, Mira turned and led her group off the ship, Coralia following closely behind in human form, wrapped in a cloak that did little to hide her distinct appearance. 

Hana and Dominique waved at the crew, who smiled weakly and returned it before they went back to their work. 

Elenei and Rhydian tried to conceal their appearance, but their aura was so distinct that as long as someone looked hard enough, they could tell they weren't human. Meanwhile, Mira had also hidden hers and Dominique's tails so as not to attract a bunch of attention as soon as they landed.

The city that greeted them was a stark contrast to what they had seen on the Western Continent. Buildings of stone and wood, covered in layers of snow, stood tall and sturdy, designed to withstand the harsh climate. The architecture was a blend of practicality and artistry, with sharp angles and elaborate carvings depicting scenes of winter and mythical beasts on the walls.

People bustled about, their breaths visible in the cold air. Most wore heavy fur coats, jackets, or vests, regardless of their strength or status. The dialects varied, a mix of accents that hinted at the diverse cultures that made up the Northern Continent. 

Mira observed the city, taking in the sights and sounds. The energy of the place was different; even the weakest cultivator here seemed to carry a certain edge to them, a resilience born of living in such a challenging environment.

Dominique and Hana looked around with wide eyes, their curiosity piqued by this new and exotic place. Linnea kept close to them, preventing them from running off somewhere.

The group, led by Mira, made their way through the bustling streets of the Northern Continent's city, their eyes and ears taking in the new environment. Despite the freezing temperatures, even for cultivators, everyone was still out working, with vendors shouting to sell their goods and children playing in the snow, their laughter filling the air.

"This place is so different from the Western Continent," Hana remarked, her gaze lingering on a group of children chasing each other, their cheeks red from the cold.

"Yeah, it feels more... rugged?" Dominique added, trying to find the right word. She noticed that even the children seemed to have a certain toughness about them.

"The Northern Continent is known for its harsh conditions. I don't know much about it, but back in my prime, I met a few people from here and heard that while there are fewer humans, they are generally a bit stronger, mentally," Linnea explained, keeping a protective eye on the younger girls.

As they walked, Elenei and Rhydian remained slightly aloof, their senses alert. Despite their efforts to blend in, their unique appearances and auras drew occasional curious glances from passersby.

Mira, on the other hand, seemed to be in her element, observing everything with keen interest. While Coralia was pointing out various architectural features, explaining their purpose and design to Dominique and Hana.

"Look at that building there," Coralia said, pointing to a structure with intricate carvings of ice dragons coiling around its columns. "Those carvings aren't just for show. They're imbued with protective runes to ward off evil spirits and bad luck."

"Bad luck, huh?" Dominique mused, glancing at Mira with a playful smirk.

Mira rolled her eyes but didn't respond, leading them further into the heart of the city.

After wandering around for a while, the group grew tired and decided to find an inn to rest. They stumbled upon a quaint, cozy place called 'The Snowbound Haven.' The building was made of dark wood and stone, with a warm, inviting glow emanating from its windows.

"Looks like a good place to stay," Linnea noted, checking the surroundings for anything suspicious, but after not finding anything, she opened the door and let everyone in.

Inside, the inn was even cozier than it appeared from outside. A large fireplace crackled in the corner, spreading warmth throughout the room. The innkeeper, a burly man with a thick beard, greeted them with a hearty smile.

"Welcome to The Snowbound Haven! How can I help you folks?" he asked in a deep, jovial voice.

"We need rooms for the night," Mira replied, briefly explaining their needs.

The innkeeper nodded, quickly arranging their accommodation. "You're all set. If you need anything, just holler."

With their rooms booked, Mira turned to the group. "Anyone interested in checking out the Snowfall Feast? Jorvik said it's quite the experience."

Dominique's eyes lit up. "Yes! I've always wanted to try Northern cuisine!"

Hana and Linnea nodded in agreement, their stomachs rumbling at the thought of food.

"Let's go then," Mira said, leading them out of the inn.