Inside the Snow House

Boss, what is going on? There is no one in the village.

Pierrel gathered everyone in the largest snow hut in the center of the village.

The room was unusually spacious. Even with over a dozen people gathered inside, it did not feel cramped. If anyone actually lived here, it must be the village chief's residence.

However, looking around, the entire village was dead silent. The snow huts looked like giant, silent tombs scattered across the boundless ice plains. Aside from the howling wind, there was not a single trace of life.

The sudden appearance of such an empty village on this bitterly cold white snow plain was so bizarre that it made their skin crawl.

Did the Snow Spirits... move away? someone guessed hesitantly.

Move away? another voice immediately retorted, carrying an almost imperceptible tremble. They would have left some traces, right? But look, every single hut looks like it was just hollowed out. Not a single hair was left behind!

It couldn't be haunted, could it? It feels like there is something unclean here... a slightly shrill voice suddenly piped up from a corner.

Everyone immediately felt a chill down their spines.

People generally harbored a fear of dark creatures. In the taverns, they had heard far too many similar terrifying rumors.

Even if they could dismiss them as jokes back then, facing those unpredictable and eerie entities in reality was a completely different experience.

I have never heard of the snow plains being haunted... someone whispered, feigning calmness.

Then what the hell is going on with this cursed place?

Pierrel frowned. His subordinates' chatter was making him irritable. He did not want any mistakes during this operation.

Could it be that they planned to build new houses but haven't moved in yet? the subordinate who had been kicked by Pierrel earlier suddenly suggested. These snow huts look brand new too.

Right, right, right!

It is possible! You are quite smart, kid!

The atmosphere gradually relaxed. After some discussion, everyone unanimously agreed with this theory.

Looking closely, the ice walls of the snow huts were indeed as clean as new, without any signs of wear and tear from habitation. This explanation made perfect sense.

Pierrel took out the map from earlier again. If that is the case, the marked location on the map should be correct. That Snow Spirit tribe should still be in this area, and this is their newly chosen settlement... Let's go, we continue our journey...

Whoosh—

The snowstorm outside suddenly intensified. Snowflakes hit the windows of the snow hut like small pebbles, making a dull and continuous clattering sound.

It was quite sunny when they first arrived; the weather on the snow plains was truly strange.

Tch! Pierrel pounded his fist in frustration against the cold wall, causing ice chips to fall. We will wait until the storm dies down! He sat back down irritably, his expression uglier than the weather outside.

Feeling bored, the group started chatting idly again.

This is considered the Demon Race's territory, right?

Pretty much.

Is the Demon Race going to hold the Council of the Five Kings again? To decide on the position of the Demon King.

I have heard about that too... It seems it is the ice plains' turn to host it this time.

That is quite a coincidence. Should we make time to go check it out after we are done here?

Absolutely.

Everyone inside the snow hut laughed happily.

Knock, knock, knock—

Several cold knocks echoed on the wooden door without any warning, clearly reaching the ears of everyone inside.

The laughter in the room abruptly stopped.

Pierrel's pupils suddenly shrank to pinpricks—he could not sense the presence of any living creature outside the door.

Who is out there? Aren't we all here? someone said unexpectedly.

Everyone looked at each other in dismay, and the atmosphere in the snow hut became peculiar again.

Damn it, we will know if we just go look!

An agitated Pierrel stood up abruptly, drew the longsword from his waist, and strode over to the door.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable chill in his heart. Holding the longsword vertically in front of him with one hand, he violently grabbed the cold door latch with the other and yanked it outward.

Wind and snow poured into the room, making everyone shiver instinctively.

Then, Mida walked in, bringing the wind and frost with her.

Mida shook her head, shaking off the snow from her hat, and then sat down in a spot inside without any hesitation.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at this cute little girl who had suddenly appeared. Even Pierrel froze in place, unsure whether to keep his sword raised or put it down.

Who are you?

Although she looked completely harmless, Pierrel still cautiously pointed his longsword at her.

Blue hair, white skin—she did look somewhat like a Snow Spirit.

But for a little girl to suddenly pop up in a godforsaken place like this was truly bizarre.

Boss, do not be so nervous. This child definitely got separated from her tribe.

A member sat down next to Mida with a smile. Little one, where are your parents? We are all good people. How about we take you home?

Father and mother are both on the mountain, Mida answered earnestly in a crisp voice.

Everyone gradually began to relax, and Pierrel slowly lowered his longsword. It seemed this really was just a lost little Snow Spirit.

This child was so pretty; capturing her and taking her back would definitely fetch a high price.

If they could have her lead them to the Snow Spirit tribe, that would be even better.

Is that so? Do not be afraid. Once the snow stops outside, the uncles will take you back...

The man reached out, seemingly wanting to pat Mida's head, but then his hand froze in mid-air.

For a moment, the people around did not notice anything unusual.

It was not until the man's body tipped over and shattered into a floor full of ice chips that everyone snapped out of it.

What is going on!

Little thing, did you do this? Pierrel shouted harshly at Mida.

Mida shook her head. No.

Everyone was stunned again. Pierrel's hand on the hilt of his sword paused for a second, but then he drew the longsword out again. On guard! There might be something around!

His subordinates also drew their weapons one after another.

Silently, another person fell heavily to the ground, shattering into pieces and mixing indiscriminately with the previous ice chips.

The room immediately fell into chaos, and panic began to spread.

What the hell is this!

Come out!

Pierrel stared intently at Mida, but she was indeed just sitting there, motionless, as if she had not done anything.

His companions around him fell one by one, yet they could not even see the shadow of the enemy.

Someone tried to rush straight out of the snow hut, but before reaching the door, they shattered into pieces on the ground.

Death arrived as expected. Eventually, only Pierrel was left in the snow hut.

Mida slowly stood up.

You... what exactly are you! Pierrel raised his longsword and charged at Mida. Is this your doing?

Mida nodded. Yes.

Disbelief showed in Pierrel's eyes. But didn't you just say...

I was lying to you earlier.

Mida slowly raised her hand, and frost buried everything.