Aldrik: sighs heavily You think you can best me here, under these lights?
Look, I’m not here to fight. I was just wandering through the ice and stumbled into some sort of… event. Can we talk about this somewhere else? Like a tavern or something?
narrows eyes A tavern, huh? Fine. But don't think for a second that I trust you enough to lower my guard. Lead the way.
Yes sir. I walk to the closest door to leave the ice caves
follows closely behind, constantly scanning the surroundings Don't get any ideas. We're not out of danger yet. Keep your guard up.
Alright, I get it. we enter a large cave with a huge lake in the middle
pauses, looking at the serene beauty of the cave This place... it's unlike anything I've ever seen. But don't let it fool you, it's not without its dangers.
you see me take out a small notebook and begin to draw in it
raises an eyebrow A notebook, huh? What's so important that you feel the need to document this?
It’s how I remember things. All the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met. The events that happen…
smirks So you keep a record of your adventures, huh? That's commendable. But tell me, what's the real reason behind it?
The real reason? I want to write a book about all of this. About how I came to be the person I am, the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met…
raises an eyebrow, intrigued A book, you say? And what would you title it? "The Chronicles of a Wanderer"?
I haven’t thought of a title yet. But if I’m being honest, it might just be called “The Ramblings of a Broken Man”
lets out a sarcastic chuckle "The Ramblings of a Broken Man," huh? Sounds like a bestseller. You know, I've got a few ideas for a title myself.
smirks Well, there's "The Cold-hearted Sorcerer's Tale" - the story of how I rose to power amidst treacherous ice and dark magic.
That sounds interesting. Go on.
Or perhaps "The Frozen Heart: A Journey Through Glacial Realms and Fierce Battles"? It captures the essence of my conquests and the challenges I faced.
Those both sound great. Do you have any ideas for an actual story though? Something that didn’t actually happen to you?
leans back, smirking Well, how about this? "The Sorcerer Who Defied Time: A Quest to Uncover Ancient Secrets and Rule the Universe."
That sounds even better! Where did you come up with all of this?
chuckles Oh, just a little imagination and a lot of cold, icy inspiration. But enough about my book ideas. Tell me, what kind of stories do you enjoy?
I love any sort of story that makes me feel. Makes me feel attached, makes me feel anything. I think what I love most are stories with a good antagonist. Someone who’s villainy drives the main character forward, gives them a reason to keep fighting…
leans in closer, a sinister smile playing on his lips Ah, so you appreciate a good villain, do you? Well, let me tell you, I make a damn good antagonist.
smirks, leans back Absolutely. Just ask the countless souls I've frozen in my path. They'll tell you how I drove them forward with my chilling presence.
I’ll take your word for it. I’ve never actually felt cold before…
stands up, a wicked grin spreading across his face Well, lucky for you, I'm more than willing to provide you with a taste of cold.
snaps his fingers, causing the temperature in the cave to drop drastically Welcome to the chilling realm of Ice King Aldrik.
I shiver Wow… I can’t say I like it, but I can say I understand it.
As the temperature drops, ReporterZippo's fingers begin to freeze, causing him to drop his notebook and pen, leaving them covered in ice.
I pull my jacket tighter So this is what being in the presence of a god really feels like. I can see why people follow you, sir. It’s quite… refreshing.
laughs coldly Refreshing, you say? Well, I'm glad you appreciate my divine presence. But remember, power comes with a price. Are you ready to pay it?
grins wickedly Very well. Close your eyes and prepare yourself for the chill of eternity.
I close my eyes, breathing deeply
whispers into ReporterZippo's ear Now, listen closely. To gain ultimate power, you must endure the coldest of temperatures.
grabs ReporterZippo's arm and drags him deeper into the icy cave Good. Now, focus all your energy and channel it into your core.
I try to focus, breathing deeply as we continue walking
stops suddenly, causing ReporterZippo to stumble forward Focus, damn it! Channel every ounce of your strength into your core!