Sebastian's venomous identification confirmed Kael's suspicion - this frost-edged intruder matched Anthony's description of Yuri, sixth-level mage and Baiyu City's heir.
"Treacherous vermin!" The lion king retreated, golden fur matted with crimson. Its primal instincts bristled at the newcomer's calculated threat.
"Foolishness deserves reward." Yuri's staff traced glacial runes through humid air. "Your blundering made this hunt convenient."
"Frozen Abyss!"
Winter incarnate erupted from the mage's fingertips. Mercenaries staggered as their breath crystallized mid-air, armor frosting over despite channeled combat auras. Summer's forest transformed into blizzard wasteland within heartbeats, snowflakes swirling like vengeful spirits around Yuri's ice-crowned figure.
The lion roared, summoning whirling winds into a towering emerald barrier. "Zephyr Bulwark!"
Elemental collision shook the battlefield. Frost claws shredded through the tempest shield, crystalline fangs sinking into the beast's forequarters. Ice spread like parasitic vines across golden scales, locking joints in glacial prisons.
A pained bellow shook icicles from nearby pines. Fresh blood melted snow where the lion's flank struck frozen earth - Yuri's ambush exploiting vulnerabilities carved by Sebastian's earlier assault.
"Efficiency over valor," the mage remarked coolly, observing his immobilized prey. "You really should've waited for reinforcements, mercenary."
Sebastian spat crimson onto snow-dusted soil. "Says the scavenger feasting on others' labor."
Kael's fingers tightened around his dagger hilt. The battlefield now hosted two wounded predators and an opportunistic third - with undoubtedly more contenders drawn by the commotion. True to Mistwood's reputation, every shadow seemed to pulse with hidden ambition.
"The lion falls to this ice-wielder soon," Kael muttered, though disinterest warred with restless energy.
Amelia's fingers flexed near her blade. "Intervene?"
Before Kael could answer, new footsteps crunched through frostbitten undergrowth.
"Reveal yourselves, carrion crows!" Yuri's glacial command shattered the stalemate.
Laughter boomed from the eastern tree line. A broadsword-wielding man swaggered into view, scarred knuckles resting casually on his hilt. "Planned to stab your frosty back, Yuri. Pity you've grown observant."
"Daniel." The mage's voice dripped venom. "Come to die alongside your mercenary pet?"
Recognition sparked - this was Lord Roy's heir, peak fifth-level warrior. Kael's pulse quickened. Here stood the region's rising stars: Sebastian's earth, Yuri's ice, Daniel's unbridled fury. Each represented stepping stones toward his own breakthrough.
"Must gentlemen monopolize the fun?" A sultry voice purred from southern shadows.
All eyes snapped toward crimson silk swirling around alabaster thighs. The newcomer's "robes" clung like molten lava - hem barely grazing her upper thighs, neckline plunging to scandalous depths. Fiery tresses framed a face sculpted for temptation, ruby staff glowing in sync with her smirk.
Daniel choked on sudden laughter. "Chloe? Since when do whores hunt lion kings?"
Kael exchanged baffled glances with Amelia. Lieyang's marital prize held no appeal for women - yet here stood a fifth-level fire mage radiating calculated allure. The hunt's hidden stakes grew clearer with each interloper.
Chloe's pout could melt glaciers. "Can't a lady admire noble beasts?" Her gaze lingered on Kael's hiding spot, smile sharpening. "Or... intriguing spectators?"
Ice crackled. Steel hissed from sheaths. Five predators now circled wounded monarch - mercenary, mage, warrior, temptress, and shadows holding their breath.
"Two more spectators grace our gathering!" Yuri's frost-laden gaze pierced through autumn foliage, pinpointing Kael and Amelia's position.
The pair stepped forward without pretense, having abandoned concealment when complications multiplied. Chloe's arrival had shifted dynamics beyond simple predation - secrets coiled beneath this hunt like nesting vipers.
"Unknown variables improve drama," Daniel chuckled, though his grip tightened on broadsword hilt.
Sebastian leaned against a frost-rimed boulder, bitter laughter echoing hollow. "Vultures swarm carrion." Blood stained his teeth crimson as he surveyed the encircling predators - three human factions, two unknowns, and one enraged monarch.
Chloe twirled her staff, flames licking the encroaching frost. "Might we negotiate before bloodshed?" Her saccharine tone belied the inferno gathering at her feet.
The lion king's tail lashed frozen earth, golden eyes darting between human clusters. Every exit route now bristled with weapons and glowing staves.
"Speak quickly, temptress." Yuri's glacial staff pulsed in rhythm with his impatience. "Winter's bite spares no throat."
All blades and spells angled subtly toward the wounded beast even as threats volleyed between hunters. United in purpose yet divided in ambition, the circle tightened like a hangman's noose.