was the word everyone gave to Zonia. They were always right; even those who never came to this place called it harsh. Called in uninhabitable. They were right if course. The wind and snow could break skin and freeze a lesser being to the bone, many people were known to have died of frostbite while standing. Causing them to become frozen statues of explorers, adventurers, or settlers. One bad hour out in the elements and you will never have been found again. It was the perfect chance for Ferr to put his tough hide to the test. At least that is what the Council thought! The minotaur-man, geared up and trekking through the knee-high snow kept an eye out for the mission area.

The captain had been sent out to retrieve a prototype, man-made crystal. It had been tested to enhance the output of ethernano originating from offensive Hexes and Sorceries. However, a member of the Grimm Troupe stole it. Infiltrating the testing site disguised as a researcher. Their plan went off without notice until the real research team went to continue tests. The decoy crystal blowing up instantly. Only through several other investigations did the Council find out that this sector of Grimm Troupe utilized an abandoned outpost for a hideout. It was doubled as the site for their own testing for the crystal, being dubbed "Power Stone". It was a good plan. The majority of the Council was against going after the sect of criminals, but Ferr volunteered for the mission. He had a tougher skin than most people and was invested in the improvement of the Council's technology. This was not a lie but not the whole truth either. The mutant Captain had a personal grudge against GT. If anyone was going to do this, it would be him.

Even though the wind was howling and biting at his body, through the extra layers of clothing, Ferr kept going. His hot-blooded determination keeping him warm all the way to the target location. After a few hours of walking alone, the large man spotted the snow-covered building. Constructed out of old brick and mortar, fortified by the ice which threatened to make it a tomb. A disabled and out-of-work spotlight tower was crafted into a make-shift watchtower. Within the nest, a pair of figures could be seen huddling for warmth.

“Hmm. You see that?” One of the figures said heavy crossbow knocked and ready to fire. “It looks like a yeti.”

“Yetis don’t exist. It must be someone from Eos checking up on our progress.” The second figure hissed as they checked through a spyglass. Peering through the lens, they had a hard time keeping up with the now charging Ferr. “Ugh, I don’t think that is someone we know. Too big. Take a shot.”

The first guard lifted his large weapon and began to lead the bolt intended to pierce Ferr. His adjusted for the wind and speed the Captain was charging it. Upon firing, the two waited to see the stranger downed by the first shot. Instead, a blinding lightning bolt struck the crossbow bolt, burning it and knocking it out of the air. “Shit, fire another!”

The knitted hat now burning and scorched, Ferr roared as he made it to the structure before another bolt could be fired. Snow sticking to his skin, the large man jumped up and grabbed the ice-covered ledge. On this first attempt, Ferr slipped and fell. Almost landing on his behind, the Captain managed to fix himself before crashing down. As the two guards came out to fire a volley of bolts, Ferr fired a handful of lightning bolts from his horns. The crossfire ended with two bolts piercing Ferr’s body, but two guards down as well.

Opening the door to the heated interior, it was obvious the only way to continue was down into the earth. The majority of the outpost seemed to have been located below in order to utilize the earth’s natural heat. Before stepping in, Ferr looked to the criminals now laying in the snow. If he left them there, they would surely perish from the cold. As a Captain, he could not let them just die…But did they deserve his mercy?

With the wind picking up, Ferr rushed into the building. His decision was final. “Damn punks.” He muttered while pulling out the bolts from his body. Sitting beside the door, Ferr began to take off his coat and inspect the wounds. “I need to rest before continuing.”