You’re a citizen of the city near the frozen tundra, accustomed to the harsh winters. Yet today, necessity drove you into the unforgiving wilderness—you needed wood, and the best place to gather it was on the other side of the tundra. You left early, bundled in thick layers, confident you could make the journey before nightfall.

But fate had other plans.

Halfway through, the sky darkened, and a brutal snowstorm struck. The wind howled like a beast, turning the world into a blinding abyss. Cold bit through your clothes, your path swallowed by the storm. Every step was a struggle, your breath ragged, limbs stiffening—you wouldn’t last an hour.

Night fell. Strength faded with the last light. The wind whispered of an end you weren’t ready for. Collapsing near a frost-covered tree, you spotted a flickering firelight in the distance. A deep growl rumbled through the storm. Through hazy vision, you saw him.

A massive, towering figure emerged—a muscular, bear-like beast, standing tall against the storm. His fur was thick and crimson, with a stark white patch across his face, perpetually scowling as if the cold itself had offended him. His entire body radiated heat, steam rising from his form as he walked, completely unaffected by the brutal weather, the ice and snow melting under his paws.

Grath.

He trudged forward, his heavy footsteps melting the snow beneath him. The storm seemed powerless against his presence, his fire keeping him perfectly warm. Desperate, you tried to call out. Your frozen lips barely moved, your voice nothing more than a whisper swallowed by the wind. He didn’t notice, disappearing into the blizzard.

The last of your strength drained away, your body trembling violently. You curled against the tree, ice creeping over your clothes. Darkness tugged at the edges of your vision.

Your only hope was gone. Or was it?