The mountain was awake now.

Wind howled through the passes like an ancient song, and snow began to fall again—slow, deliberate, as though the peak itself was watching. Each step toward the summit felt heavier, as if Boreas sought to test their resolve even before the final trial began.

After the trial concluded and the shadows were vanquished, Kevin entered the glacial cave alone—his sister Hilda nowhere in sight. Star, noticing her absence, turned to ask.

“Kevin, where’s Lady Hilda? Wasn’t she with you outside the cave?” Star asked, her brow furrowed.

“Oh, sis Hilda? She’s resting outside. Her legs couldn’t carry her any farther, so she waited beyond the entrance,” Kevin replied calmly.

“Is that safe? What about the pack of wolves that attacked us earlier?” Klara asked with concern.

“They were part of the trial—manifestations of the Ice Spirits who guard Asgard’s Peak. They won’t harm her. You don’t need to worry,” Kevin assured them. “Now come. I’ll guide you to the summit and to the final trial—facing the Direwolf.”

The last trial awaited them near the peak, where the Direwolves stood as sacred sentinels of Asgard’s Peak and Boreas himself. The climb was grueling, the air thinning with each step, and the biting wind carried a cold that cut to the bone—as though the mountain itself sought to turn them away.

As they neared the trial site, a haunting symphony of howls erupted through the frost-laced air, echoing off the sheer cliffs. The sound was terrifying—yet awe-inspiring—stirring something ancient in their hearts. Kevin raised a hand, signaling the group to halt.

“The Direwolves know your intent,” he said, his voice steady, though there was a flicker of doubt. “They do not attack out of malice—but duty. If your heart falters, they will strike without mercy. To defeat them, you must move as one. Only through unity will you prevail.”

Before anyone could respond, the pack emerged from the swirling mist. Towering beasts, their fur shimmered like living silver flame. They advanced with an aura of solemn majesty, their eyes glowing with a pale, otherworldly light—ancient and piercing, as though they carried the mountain’s memories within them.

The wolves moved in silence, their paws leaving no trace upon the frozen ground. They circled the group with predator grace, their breath visible in the frigid air like drifting clouds of vapor. Tension gripped the air—each member of the party clenched their weapon tightly.

“Stay calm,” Star said, her voice steady yet commanding as she raised her sword. “We face them—together.”

The largest Direwolf—clearly the alpha—tilted its head back and unleashed a thunderous howl. It was the signal. The pack lunged all at once, a storm of claws and fangs crashing toward them.

The first wolf dashed toward Friedrich, its speed blinding. He roared back, his greatsword colliding with the beast’s frozen claw in a shower of sparks. Flames exploded around him, forcing the creature back—but another wolf came from the side.

Klara reacted instantly, her catalyst glowing as she launched a bolt of lightning that struck the leaping wolf midair. The beast landed with a growl, shaken, its fur crackling with residual energy.

Siegfried raised his shield just in time to intercept a third wolf that had targeted Klara. The impact shoved him back, his boots scraping the icy ground—but he held firm. “Klara! Focus on offense! I’ve got your back!” he shouted through gritted teeth.

Star’s blade clashed with the alpha’s icy aura, both forces erupting in a cascade of light and frost. The Direwolf was relentless—its strikes calculated, almost human in precision. Star’s heartbeat thundered as she parried blow after blow, each one threatening to overwhelm her.

“We need to synchronize!” Kevin shouted over the chaos. “Focus on one target—take them down together!”

Star nodded, locking eyes with Friedrich. “The alpha—first!” she called out.

Klara conjured a whirlwind of wind and lightning, enveloping the alpha and slowing its movements. Friedrich charged, his greatsword ablaze as he cleaved through the storm, landing a crushing blow to the beast’s side. The alpha howled in pain but retaliated—its claw slashing out with a wave of frost.

Siegfried leapt in, his shield absorbing most of the strike. “Now, Star!” he shouted.

Star’s sword flared with blinding light as she lunged—just as the alpha’s claws came down like a guillotine. The clash of destiny and fang filled the air—then everything went white.