The bears surrounded the group, countless monstrous forms emerging from the swirling snow.
The adventurers froze, their eyes wide with fear. This wasn't how it usually went.
Normally, they hunted monsters they were already aware of in a clear location.
But now, it was reversed. For the first time, they were the ones being hunted in an unknown land.
Their breathing became heavy, panic spreading among them. Ronan glanced around, trembling, as if hoping a divine intervention would magically happen.
A sudden, solid thud made everyone flinch.
Bel stepped calmly off the killed bear's massive body, walking confidently to stand in the middle of their circle.
The bears began growling, inching closer, their eyes gleaming dangerously. Bel simply smiled, completely unbothered.
"H-hey, Iron Dude? Now's a good time to pull something..." Ronan stammered, his voice shaking.
But Bel didn't respond. He stood silent, intrigued by his own calmness. He wasn't afraid, not even worried.
