Deep in the valley, only the wind murmured.
The rocky gorge lay ahead, but the ground abruptly dipped, like an enormous scar, making for an intimidating sight.
It was as though some colossal creature had passed through and left a deep depression in the earth.
Louis raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop. "Not a sound."
Everyone immediately slowed their steps, remaining silent as they gradually approached the gorge.
Beneath the ice and snow at the bottom, an enormous outline loomed into view. Coil upon coil of a snake's body rose like a hill.
It was an Ice-veined Giant Snake, asleep.
A thin layer of frost coated its scales, refracting an eerie shimmer that sent chills down their spines.
Its body was as thick as a house and stretched for dozens of meters, curled among the icy rocks-a giant in every sense of the word.
Its head rested on a boulder ahead. Deep blue streaks of light were faintly visible through its closed eyelids, and its half-exposed fangs radiated a biting chill.
Its breathing was extremely slow, each exhalation bringing forth a layer of frost.
Even in hibernation, it exuded a suffocating pressure.
The instant they saw the colossal creature, every knight nearly stopped breathing.
Some stared wide-eyed, their spears trembling slightly in their hands; others instinctively stepped back, their faces pale.
Even Lambert swallowed, his Adam's apple visibly bobbing.
Yet Louis remained remarkably calm as he looked at the enormous figure. After all, he had mentally prepared himself before coming.
Seeing how shaken everyone was, he first gave a quiet order. "Everyone, fall back outside the valley."
He waved a hand, and the others immediately slipped out of the valley, relief washing over them.
Only when they returned to the valley entrance, far from the sleeping magical beast, did