With a slow exhale, Varun slumped back. The tension melted from his limbs. His lips curled into the faintest smile, a warrior’s final relief—not from defeat, but from passing the torch.

Varun:
“He’ll handle it…”

And with that, the tide of consciousness swept him away—
leaving only one figure standing between flame and final ruin.

Avi took one last step forward.

The battlefield… held its breath.

The land cracked beneath his landing—
a burst of white mist spread outward, chilling the air like winter claiming fire.

Avi stood still for a heartbeat. His icy aura pulsed, not in rage, but resolve. Each breath he exhaled turned to vapor in the heat-soaked battlefield, his presence the only cold in this infernal realm. Behind him lay his fallen comrades. Ahead, the rampaging inferno.

And so, he walked forward.

His boots crunched over the brittle, frozen terrain—each step calm, slow, certain.
Not a warrior charging into battle—
but an executioner delivering final judgment.

Volkazhar let out a wild, bone-shaking howl—
rage and desperation fused into one monstrous roar. With molten breath spewing from its nostrils, it charged like a rabid beast, flames igniting beneath its paws, cracking the frost-laden field.

But Avi… didn’t flinch.

With a flick of his hand, frost bloomed like lightning.

The Volkazhar’s front legs froze mid-lunge, encased in jagged ice. Momentum broken—its rear legs buckled high into the air.

Before it could crash back down—
a colossal ice fist erupted from the ground, conjured beneath the creature’s spine.

CRACK.

The fist slammed with unrelenting force into the beast’s back—
the sound echoed across the battlefield like thunder through a canyon. Volkazhar collapsed with a guttural snarl, pinned by its own weight and the frost rooting it down.

Still, it writhed.

Still, it screamed.

Still, it burned.

Avi (softly, his voice like falling snow):
“Stop struggling. You’ve already lost.”

With each word, he drew closer. His aura deepened—frost swirling like spirits around him, his glowing white eyes fixated like a beast tamer approaching a maddened animal.

Volkazhar shrieked and unleashed a flurry of fireballs—
dozens, hundreds, as if trying to erase Avi from existence in sheer panic.

But Avi raised his hand.

Spikes of glacial ice spiraled into existence mid-air, precise and jagged. They pierced each fireball mid-flight, shattering them into steam before they could reach him.
His walk never broke.
His eyes never blinked.

In this battlefield of blazing chaos, Avi didn’t seem like he belonged.
But that was the terrifying truth—he didn’t.
He was a storm from another world. An emperor of frost, walking untouched through hell.

Volkazhar, now cornered and trembling, unleashed its final gamble—
a scorching breath of flame, fueled by every last shred of mana and life it had left.

The sky ignited. A stream of white-hot fire roared forth like a dragon's death cry.

But Avi was already gone.

With barely a grunt, he launched himself high into the air—
an arc of pale blue light cutting through the inferno like a comet.

And for one moment, the battlefield held its breath.

He descended from the heavens—
a frozen meteor, encased in icy mana.
With a roar-less fury, his fist struck down, imbued with every ounce of his cold wrath.

BOOM.

The impact shattered the sound barrier.

The Volkazhar didn’t scream this time.
It simply… crumbled.

Its body disintegrated—flames extinguishing, mana unraveling—until nothing but frozen ash and shattered earth remained.
The crater that spread beneath Avi’s feet was littered with frosted spires, like nature itself had crowned him the victor.

Avi rose from the center of the impact zone. He stood amidst the ice, the cold wind fluttering his sash, his breathing calm—
a sigh escaping his lips, misting faintly in the heat-ravaged air.

He didn’t gloat. He didn’t smile.
He simply turned—because the battle was never about glory.
It was about protection.

He paused for a moment. His eyes narrowed.

Far, far in the distance—
someone was watching.

A presence. Silent. Hidden. Powerful.

But Avi said nothing.

He looked back toward the fallen—Varun, Ruslan, Yudhir. And he began to walk—ice fading beneath his steps, as if the storm was finally at rest.

Avi’s boots crunched across the rime-coated ground as he carried Yudhir over one shoulder and Varun cradled in his arms, while Ruslan stumbled alongside, still trembling. He placed them gently on a ledge high against the cavern wall—a sheltered nook bathed in pale, reflected frost.

Then he turned to the frozen cocoon of Ostap, kneeling to brush a layer of snow-like frost from its surface. With a whispered word, the ice cracked and fell away. Ostap slumped forward, unconscious but free of corruption. Avi guided him beside the others and stepped back, watching as his friends stirred.

Yudhir was the first to blink awake. He bolted upright, rubbing his head where flame had sent him crashing.

Yudhir (groggy):
“Huh… where’s that wolf bastard? Did we actually… win?”

Avi gave a calm nod, voice even as mist.

Avi:
“You’re safe. It’s gone. You can rest easy.”

Yudhir flexed a shoulder, wincing.

Yudhir:
“Good. My ribs still feel like I got run over by a battering ram. I need to lie down.”

He collapsed back onto the frosty ground with a soft grunt.

Ruslan sat bolt upright next, eyes wide—tears of relief and terror mingling on his cheeks.

Ruslan (voice cracking):
“Did it kill us? Are we—inside its stomach? No, no, no! I… I don’t want to die before saving Pskov! Big bro—where are you?”

Yudhir chuckled, brushing the snow from his tunic.

Yudhir:
“Whoa, easy there, kiddo. Take a breath. Look around—no giant flaming wolf here.”

Avi stepped forward and placed a steadying hand on Ruslan’s shoulder, frost melting at the contact.

Avi (softly):
“Deep breaths, Ruslan. I’m right here. As long as I stand between you and danger, no one will harm you.”

Ruslan flung his arms around Avi’s leg, burying his face in the frosty fabric. Avi smiled—a rare, warm curve—gently caressing Ruslan’s hair. Yudhir watched, pride flickering in his eyes.

With a groan, Varun rolled over, pushing himself up on trembling arms. A bruised smile flickered across his face.

Varun:
“Looks like we won, huh? Oof… my ribs still ache from our own attacks.”

Yudhir reached out and gave him a playful tap on the side of the head.

Yudhir:
“Quit whining, you big goof. Got myself lost for a month because you let Gabriel nab you. Avi was merciful—could’ve chipped more bones if he wanted.”

Varun (laughing through the pain):
“Sorry, sorry. Mercy, yes please—especially before I pull a stunt like this again.”

Avi shook his head, kindness in his gaze.

Avi:
“Don’t beat yourself up, Varun. It’s done. Ruslan, do you have any healing items in your pouch?”

Ruslan scrambled to his belt pouch and pulled out glowing healing beads, their runes flickering with life.

Ruslan:
“I’ve got some. One for each of you. But—where’s Ostap?”

They all turned as Avi gently shook Ostap’s shoulders. The tree-man’s eyes fluttered open, confusion and relief mingling in his gaze.

Avi exhaled softly, frost dissipating in his breath.

Avi:
“He’s safe. Let’s heal up, then talk.”

One by one, healing light pulsed from the beads—mending bruises, soothing burns, knitting flesh. In the hush that followed, the four of them—calm, courageous, bound by battle—prepared for the road ahead, hearts warmed by shared survival and an unspoken promise: together, they would face whatever came next.

Scene 6 : Splash of Adventure

As the warmth of the healing beads worked its way through their bruised bodies, the group sat quietly, catching their breath. Ruslan, however, remained fidgety—his gaze occasionally drifting to the still-frozen Ostap, a storm of unease brewing behind his eyes.

Avi noticed the tension immediately. With a warm smile, he reached over and gently ruffled Ruslan’s hair.

Avi: “Don’t worry, kiddo. Everything’s going to be alright. We’re all here for you. You’re not alone.”

Yudhir: “Yeah... we’ll fix him. We’re not leaving anyone behind.”

But the truth was far heavier than they let on. None of them had the heart to tell Ruslan that something—someone—was controlling Ostap like a puppet, and that the real target might be Ruslan himself. The only reason they were still alive was because Avi had shielded him every step of the way.

Yudhir and Varun exchanged silent nods. The thought of a shadowy enemy working for Emperor Drakuvor was unsettling. This wasn't over—not by a long shot.

Avi stood, brushing dust off his icy bracers as he surveyed the massive subterranean cave around them. The only way forward was clear: a narrow path hugging the banks of a steaming river, which glowed ominously with the red shimmer of magma flowing beneath the water.

A serene blue light flickered at the far end, like a beacon through the veil of heat.

Avi: “Alright. Time to move. I’m done babysitting wolves for today. Let’s head toward that blue light.”

Ruslan: (nervously clutching his pouch) “That path… doesn’t look safe. I’ve got a really bad feeling.”

Yudhir: “We’ve got no other choice. May the wind guide us… preferably not into boiling water.”

Varun: (peering over the bank) “Well… the stream seems like the easiest route. But how exactly do we cross it? Swim?”

All three turned toward him in perfect synch, slowly placing a hand on each of his shoulders with grins that screamed “we have a plan, and you won’t like it.”

Varun blinked. “Why do I feel like I just signed up for something dumb?”

Yudhir stifled a laugh, his shoulders trembling with the effort.

They approached the river’s edge. Steam hissed into the air as boiling water flowed beneath a deceptively clear surface. The glowing lava bed gave the river a deadly beauty—any misstep would be fatal.

Avi surveyed the surroundings and came up with a plan.

Avi: “I’ll craft a boat from ice. It should hold with a bit of mana reinforcement. Varun… you’ll steer.”

Varun: “Wait, wait, why is it always me?! Just because my magic is water-based doesn’t mean I know everything about boats!”

Avi: (innocently) “So… you don’t know how to build one?”

Varun: (sighing) “I mean… kind of. I may remember some stuff about boats. But I’ll need help. Hey, Ruslan—you’re up.”

Ruslan, having just secured Ostap with reinforced chains and several restraining spells, looked up.

Ruslan: “Lucky you! I used to hang out with boat-fixing uncles near the harbor. I know my planks and sails!”

Varun: (grinning) “Then let’s get to it. And Yudhir, quit laughing and lift something for once!”

The group sprang into action. Ruslan and Varun drafted the design. Avi used his ice to mold the hull and frame. Yudhir helped set the makeshift sails using sturdy cloth salvaged from ruins nearby. Within an hour, they stood admiring their work: a sleek, curved ice boat—majestic yet practical.

Avi: “I added some custom enhancements. Let’s just say… if we run into anything nasty, this boat’s got a bite.”

Ruslan: “Whoa, it looks sick! Like, if a glacier and a dragon had a baby!”

Varun: (puffing his chest) “Alright boys—ALL ABOARD! Your captain has arrived!”

Yudhir: (mock salute) “Wind’s steady and in our favor. Stay sharp, everyone.”

One by one, they boarded the boat. Avi carefully lifted the heavily-bound Ostap and settled him in. Yudhir took his post atop the mast, scanning the path ahead. Ruslan checked the boat’s balance and reinforced Ostap’s restraints. Varun, meanwhile, stood at the helm—radiating pure overconfidence.

Varun: “My noble crewmates! Are you ready for—ADVENTUUUUUUREEEEE?!”

All: (deadpan but together) “AYE AYE, CAPTAIN.”

Varun: “Chart the course! Set the sails! We're heading straight for the Sacred Regalia!”

The boat pushed off, gliding swiftly over the steaming surface. Avi maintained the hull’s integrity with bursts of icy reinforcement. Yudhir adjusted the sails for maximum wind efficiency. Ruslan kept a wary eye on Ostap while admiring the haunting beauty of this infernal river.

Strange creatures watched from the banks—shadowy imps dancing with sparks, bizarre lava-lizards sipping from the water’s edge, and jagged elemental beasts just barely out of reach.

Nothing swam in the river—everything feared the magma flowing below. But their boat moved with grace, cutting through the mist like an arrow.

And thus, four warriors (and one frozen problem) sailed deeper into the unknown, their bond stronger than ever, their spirits lifted by the thrill of journey and the warmth of newfound hope.

A grand adventure awaited.

The ship sailed like a silver blade over molten flame, majestic and bright, a beacon that drew the attention of prowling beasts. On the fiery banks, winged predators lunged from above, only to be swiftly struck down by Yudhir’s piercing wind-forged bolts. Varun, firm at the helm, wore the aura of a seasoned captain, eyes sharp, lips in a confident curl. Avi sat at the center of the deck, legs crossed, meditating, eyes closed but senses wide open, anchoring the entire boat with his icy energy. Ruslan stood near the edge, staring out with misty eyes, caught in a memory of simpler days sailing the gentle rivers of Pskov with his brothers.

Everything was going smooth—until something rammed the boat from below. A thunderous thud, like the slap of a titan's hand, rocked the vessel. The exit was near, a radiant glow just ahead, but now a new danger surged beneath them.

Yudhir stayed high on the mast, scanning the surroundings. Avi, unfazed, maintained his trance. Varun leapt to action, hands flaring with water sigils as he forced the waves to push them faster. The boat surged forward.

Ruslan was the first to see it—a disturbance moving in the lava beneath the riverbed.

Ruslan: (alarmed) "Guys… that thing below us… it's a Lavor Pike! A serpent born in magma streams, with heat-flickering fins and glowing molten scales! And… they never travel alone!"

Avi: "Then we’re going to have a whole pack of them on us. Everyone, hold your ground. I can’t move or the boat will collapse."

Yudhir: (grinning) "A pack, huh? Sounds like target practice."

Varun: (mock serious) "Hey! I’m the captain here! Ruslan, keep tracking their trail. Avi, what fancy tricks did you sneak into this boat again?"

Amidst the pressure, they still found time to laugh. Avi opened his eyes briefly, a sly smirk crossing his lips.

Avi: "I may have added a few modern enhancements. Left side: cannons. Rear: a machine-gun-like blaster. Top mast: long-range sniper. All powered by magic."

Yudhir: "You made a battleship out of ice? I’m impressed."

The moment to test those weapons came fast. The Lavor Pike pack burst through the lava surface, their serpentine bodies arcing like flame-tipped whips.

Ruslan: "Incoming!"

Yudhir’s sniper bolts, now infused with slicing wind energy, picked off the high-flying pikes. Varun channeled his hydrokinetic power into the machine blaster, sending bursts of water-infused projectiles into the fray. Ruslan, nervous but determined, manned the rear gun with Avi’s guidance echoing in his memory. One by one, the pikes fell.