The next morning arrived wrapped in frost, the lowlands of Verdant Hollow blanketed in silver mist. Cold dew clung to every blade of grass, and the birds remained eerily quiet. Riku stood at the edge of the south-facing cliffs with Kira and Ayumi beside him. In the distance, a crater-like formation dipped deep into the forest, exuding an unnatural chill.
> [Relic Location Confirmed: Cryostone Grave] [Warning: Temperature Anomaly Detected. Bring Thermal Buffs.]
Riku had already purchased thermal resistance gear from the system store, layering them beneath his standard outfit. His breath fogged as they descended into the crater.
"This place looks ancient," Ayumi said, rubbing her arms.
Kira placed a hand on her dagger. "And cursed."
As they descended, crystalline structures jutted from the earth like frozen spires. In the center of the crater lay a lone sarcophagus made entirely of translucent blue stone, inscribed with language none of them could read.
