The icy chamber was bathed in the serene blue glow of the Eternal Frostheart. The divine spear stood resolute, its presence commanding, as if the entire omniverse bowed to its silent power. The crystal embedded between the spearhead and its shaft pulsed faintly, exuding an almost tranquil rhythm. But the calm was deceptive—Arfrotian and the Ice Phoenix both understood the devastation this artifact could unleash.
Zenian stepped forward, his dark wings casting a long shadow across the icy hall. His expression was resolute, his ambition burning brighter than ever. With each step, the cold intensified, as if the Eternal Frostheart itself was aware of the one approaching it. When Zenian finally reached out and grasped the spear, a shift in the air became palpable.
The divine crystal erupted in a cascade of light, its blue hue growing in intensity. The surrounding temperature began to drop rapidly. At first, the change was almost imperceptible, but soon, the icy chamber reached a temperature so low it surpassed comprehension. Ice formed in jagged spikes along the already frozen walls, layering upon itself until even the air seemed to crystallize.
The Extreme Cold
The temperature continued its descent until it stabilized at absolute zero. A heavy stillness engulfed the chamber, save for the faint crackling of frost spreading across every surface. The angels accompanying Zenian, unprepared for such a chilling manifestation of the spear's power, immediately reacted in alarm.
"This... this is madness!" cried one angel, his voice strained as he conjured a radiant barrier of light to shield himself from the cold.
Another angel gasped, her golden wings shimmering as frost crept along their edges. "Even our divine barriers can't hold back this cold! What kind of power is this?"
The frost pierced through their sorcery, an unstoppable force. Their hands, legs, and even their wings began to freeze, encased in crystalline ice that spread mercilessly.
"Hold together!" shouted one of the senior angels, his voice trembling. He struggled to maintain his composure, though even his barrier began to crack under the relentless frost. "This is the power of the Eternal Frostheart. It's far greater than we anticipated, but we cannot falter!"
Despite their resolve, it was clear the angels were overwhelmed. The sheer power of the spear was unlike anything they had ever faced.
Arfrotian's Resolve
Arfrotian stood silently, unmoved by the chaos surrounding him. The drop in temperature, devastating to the angels, was nothing to him. His mastery over ice, particularly the Permafrost—capable of reaching absolute zero—made him impervious to such extremes.
He observed Zenian carefully, his expression inscrutable. The radiant blue light of the Eternal Frostheart reflected in his eyes, but no fear or doubt marred his gaze. Arfrotian's calm was unshaken, his mind already preparing for what was to come.
This is the moment I've been waiting for, he thought. Let him hold the spear. Let him feel its power. Only then will he face the test that truly matters.
The Ice Phoenix's Dread
The Ice Phoenix, standing near Arfrotian, felt a pang of unease. She, too, was unaffected by the extreme cold. After eons of guarding the Eternal Frostheart in this desolate, frozen place, she had become one with its icy essence. Yet, the sight of Zenian wielding the spear filled her with a deep, gnawing dread.
Her icy blue eyes glowed faintly as she watched the frost spread across the chamber. Memories of a time long past flooded her mind, memories she had tried to bury. The sight of the spear, glowing with that familiar light, was like a wound reopened.
It's happening again... she thought bitterly, her hands tightening into fists. The same devastation, the same betrayal. I should have destroyed that spear when I had the chance.
She cast a glance at Arfrotian, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Despite his calm demeanor, she couldn't shake her worry.
He promised me, she thought. He said he wouldn't let this happen again. But can he truly stop it? Can anyone?
Her gaze returned to Zenian, her frustration mounting. And him... this traitor. Why should I yield to someone who betrayed me once? Who's to say he won't do it again?
Yet, she couldn't ignore the test Arfrotian had mentioned. Her mind raced as she recalled his words.
"Prepare yourself," Arfrotian had said before they entered the chamber. "The Eternal Frostheart does not choose its wielder lightly. There will be a test—a trial of will, strength, and purpose. Zenian will face it, whether he's ready or not."
The Ice Phoenix's inner turmoil was evident, though she maintained her composure outwardly. Her only solace was Arfrotian's presence, though even that felt tenuous.
The Chamber's Transformation
The cold aura of the Eternal Frostheart continued to spread, reaching every corner of the chamber. The already frozen surfaces now gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance, as if the spear's power was reshaping the very essence of the space around it.
Zenian's grip on the spear tightened as he gazed at its radiant crystal. His dark wings flared slightly, the frost creeping along their edges, though he seemed unfazed. His expression was one of triumph, though a flicker of uncertainty lingered in his eyes.
The angels, now almost entirely encased in ice, looked on in horror. They could no longer speak, their voices frozen along with their bodies. All they could do was watch as Zenian wielded the artifact that had brought them to their knees.
A Silent Tension
The Ice Phoenix turned her attention to Arfrotian once more. His silence was both reassuring and maddening. She wanted to demand answers, to know what he planned to do. But something in his steady gaze stopped her.
He's waiting, she realized. For what, I don't know. But he's waiting for something.
The chamber seemed to hold its breath as the radiant blue light of the Eternal Frostheart continued to grow. The cold was unbearable for all but a select few. And yet, amid the overwhelming power, a heavy silence reigned.