476 The Plan
Erik, Marcus, Ava, Alexia, and Garrett had left the Lumisgrove's mystical, alluring confines, setting their sights on where they had last seen the Ursus Glacialis. Compared to the lush, emerald canopy they had seen at the Lumisgrow, the snow-laden forest seemed distant and hostile.
Erik's strategy was straightforward. He hoped to use the beast as a distraction and create chaos to avoid Frant's soldiers, or at least lessen their numbers, while retrieving the seeds from the Auburn Pine.
The young man's heart pounded as he gazed at the forest. He and the others were aware of the dangers posed by the Ursus Glacialis, but despite the risks, they knew that finding the beast and turning the predator into an unwitting ally was their best chance for completing their mission.
It was not a task that any of them looked forward to. Marcus wore a stoic expression of acceptance. Fear wouldn't be able to defeat Ava, but she was visibly apprehensive. Alexia was calm and collected but thought this plan was riskier than charging into the soldiers and fighting them. Garrett was also calm, but his eyes betrayed his concern.
The Ursus Glacialis was easy to locate because it was only necessary to search for the devastation it had left behind due to its massive size. They trekked for hours across the desolate landscape. The only sounds that could be heard were the crunches of boots on fresh snow and the harsh, gusty winds.
The Ursus Glacialis became more visible as they progressed deeper into the icy realm. Massive footprints were etched deep into the snow, tree trunks were scratched and gnawed, and a faint, grumbling growl echoed in the distance. The team pressed on, their anticipation growing with each step. They knew they were getting closer to their goal - capturing the first-ever footage of the legendary Ursus Glacialis. The signs of its presence were becoming more ominous, fueling excitement and a sense of caution among the group.
Erik led his companions with the prospect of facing the beast, growing closer with each step. Uncertainty and anticipation twisted together in his stomach, forming a knot. Nonetheless, a sense of determination shone through his eyes. The Ursus Glacialis was close by. Their risky strategy was entirely dependent on the outcome of this encounter. It was a desperate bet to turn the tide in their favor.
"Look at these tracks; they're fresh," Marcus said, his usually soft voice ringing out clearly in the snow-covered forest.
His gloved fingers traced the deep imprints in the frost-covered earth, each indentation a stark reminder of the monstrous size of the beast they were searching for. "We are getting closer," he added.
"Good," Erik said.
The group fell silent as the gravity of Marcus' words became clear.
The forest around them was a disaster zone. Mighty trees, hundreds of years old, stood shattered and broken, their proud trunks ripped apart by the Ursus Glacialis's tremendous strength. The forest floor was littered with snow-dusted branches.
reaching upwards as if in prayer to the cloud-swathed sky. Their bark was frost-encrusted, 10:09
transforming the entire forest into a monochrome display of winter's harsh beauty.
The beast's weight had decimated the undergrowth and pounded it into oblivion. The path it had blazed was a wide scar, a battered patchwork of battered foliage and churned earth punctuated by massive, chaotic divots where the Ursus Glacialis had planted its massive paws.
A thick carpet of fresh snow crunched underfoot as they navigated the terrain, echoing eerily in the profound silence. Even though battered, the trees remained majestic, their skeletal branches reaching upwards as if in prayer to the cloud-swathed sky. Their bark was frost-encrusted, transforming the entire forest into a monochrome display of winter's harsh beauty.
After waiting a quarter of an hour, they could finally see the Ursus Glacialis; its massive form carved an imposing silhouette against the snowy forest. It was a frightening manifestation of primal power and raw ferocity, and its sapphire fur glinted menacingly in the waning light of the winter sun. It searched the surrounding wilderness for prey while sniffing the air and moving its massive head back and forth, but it could not find any signs of life.
Their hearts were thumping wildly in their chests as they dove for cover behind the thick trunks of the trees covered in frost. They maintained their distance and watched the enormous beast stalk around in an agitated state while the faint tremors caused by its movements reverberated throughout the snowy ground below them.
Ava, the fastest among them, took a step forward due to her brain crystal power. Her determination could be seen in the set of her shoulders and her unwavering gaze as she stared down the monster from a distance. "I'll lure the creature as planned," she said, her voice steady despite the danger lurking just a few paces away. The rest of the group exchanged glances, their trust in Ava evident as they nodded in agreement. With a final, reassuring smile, Ava began her calculated approach towards the towering creature, ready to execute their daring plan and save their village from its destructive path.
Without another word, she dashed from her hiding spot, sprinting across the white landscape with grace and speed that belied the difficult conditions. She spread her arms wide as she approached the beast, her loud, clear voice echoing through the still forest. "I'm here, you stupid beast! Come on! Try to catch me!" she yelled, defiance echoing in every syllable.
The Ursus Glacialis stood perfectly still for a split second, its eerie blue eyes riveted on the brave human standing before it. After that, it lunged forward, launching itself into the pursuit of the agile figure with a mighty roar that shook the core of the forest to its very foundations.
Ava's heart was pounding in her chest as the beast started chasing after her, but she could keep her sliding strides long and sure, and her path was unwavering as she led the creature away.
The roars of the Ursus Glacialis and the loud crash of its charging pursuit filled the air, providing a spooky soundtrack to their situation.
As Ava ran from the monstrous beast chasing after her, Erik and the others watched her with their breath caught in their throats.
"Let's get moving!" Erik yelled.
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