Dungeon of Niflheim

The group discussed at length, diving deep into the possible scenarios depending on the adventurers guild\'s future findings as well as generating long term plans.

Seeing this Frost couldn\'t help but smile from ear to ear, his subordinates were very capable. Even without him being present, his territory would continue to flourish at an advanced rate. Another weight was lifted from his shoulders allowing him to once again look forward to his upcoming expedition.

"This topic clearly warrants much more discussion but unfortunately I\'m out of time." Frost spoke up just as the topic was truly getting underway, drawing the gazes of everyone in the room.

After silently waiting for a few seconds Frost stood up from his chair and placed a hand on Yuna\'s shoulder.

Knowing what was about to happen each of the council members also stood up and crossed their arms across their chests.

"Yuna I Frost, Lord of the Niflheim city-state hereby grant you the authority of interim Lord during my absence. Do you accept this mantle, to lead and protect the citizens of our flourishing city-state?"

Yuna felt goosebumps form across her arms as Frost\'s tone, stance and natural aura sent chills down her spine. Her beloved master was just too cool.

"Yes, master I promise to uphold your expectations to the best of my ability and not betray your trust." Yuna bowed her head in a very respectful manner, doing her best to keep a straight face.

"Very well, it is done, from now on any decisions regarding the development and running of the Niflheim city-state need your express approval, good luck interim lord."

"Congratulations Interim Lord Yuna."

"Greetings to the new Interim Lord."

As if perfectly choreographed each of the council members saluted Yuna and bowed their heads. Most enjoyed this little fanfare knowing that it sounded far more serious that it actually was.

"Un, I leave the territory in your capable hands ladies and gentlemen." Frost announced after Yuna took her seat at the head of the table.

"Good luck on your journey Lord Frost."

"Safe travels Lord Frost."

"Remember to bring back souvenirs." The last comment was made by Calder who had a large grin plastered across his face. His eyes glinting with the prospect of receiving something rare that could only be found deep within the Glacial mountains.

Frost eyed up his merchant friend and smirked "I\'ll see what I can do." He said before leaving room.

"Findley the Dungeon\'s defences will be under jurisdiction until I return, I\'ve already increased your spending limit by an additional 30%." Once he left the Lord\'s manor Frost opened up a telepathic communication channel with Findley, his right hand man.

"Thank you master, I won\'t fail you." The voice of a respectful soldier was heard in reply.

"Un." Frost nodded before connecting to some of his other monsters.

"Khuno there\'ll likely be a few incidents while I\'m away, coordinate well with Yuna and remember to keep a close eye on Nanna and Loki. I don\'t need to tell what will happen if something happens to either one of them right?" Frost\'s final words were laced with terrifying intent, so much so that even Khuno a B-rank monster felt his spine shiver.

"Of course milord, such a thing will never happen under my watch."

"Good, I\'ll see you in several weeks then."

"Safe travels milord."

"Kiba hurry up and get your ass to the gate!" After saying farewell to his left and right hand men Frost activated his soul connection and roared in an irritated manner causing a certain winged glacial tiger to spring to his feet and dash towards the city\'s main gate.

20 minutes later Frost arrived with Kiba as well as his contracted frost wolf at the City\'s new main gate. There by the side was a laidback Borris with a large Warhammer strapped to his back, plate armour that covered the majority of his body and a gourd of alcohol by his side. The man was certainly geared up for the adventurer of the lifetime.

"Are you sure you can move well in something like that?" Frost asked doing his best to hide his snigger.

Surprisingly however the moment he finished speaking Borris jumped to his feet, grasped his hammer and was standing right in front of him with a large grin on his lips.

"You should never judge a book by its cover young Frost, doing so may lead to an unfortunate accident." Said Borris in a sagely manner.

"….Thank you for the lesson." Frost was truly caught by surprise. He assumed that given the extent of his armour as well as his age that Borris would be heavily guarded but rather slow.

On closer reveal however he could see that the plate armour was not nearly as heavy as it appeared, plus the joints were incredibly flexible granting the wearer complete range of movement.

Borris himself was also a lot more physically fit than he first imagined, his ripped muscles were usually hidden behind thick heat resistant cloth. Underneath the man looked as spry as a man half his age, thanks to regaining his passion and drive. The pampering and good food of the Niflheim camp now city-state certainly helped as well.

"Is this something you developed here?" Frost asked curious about the armour he was wearing.

"Yeah, it\'s the first 4 star armour set I\'ve ever made [Moonlight\'s embrace]. A durable yet flexible plate armour that\'ll protect me as I travel under the direct gaze of the moon." This was an armour set built for someone travelling through the natural world, under open skies. A poetic and perhaps a little cheesy description but one that was common among artists such a Borris.

"Your wife helped me with the final forging, that lass is an utter monster, far more talented than I am." Though proud of his own accomplishments Borris raised his hands in complete surrender when it came to Daki. Her talent far outshone his own and not by a small margin.

"A year probably less and she\'ll already be at my level, haaaaaa almost makes you want to give up the craft when you see such a monstrous genius doing what took you decades to master." Though he sounded slightly depressed and clearly envious the fire that fuelled his passion was more ablaze than ever. Seeing Daki\'s capabilities only spurred him on more.

"Thank you Borris." Frost genuinely thanked him for all he\'d done while in his territory, especially the time he took to train and teach Daki.

"No need for thanks lad, I was more than happy to help out a diamond in the making." Daki would go far in her craft of this he was certain. By helping her in her early years he would cement his role in guiding this rising star.

After greeting Borris, Frost\'s gaze was then drawn to the individual standing next to him, who was also awaiting his arrival.

The person was bundled up in a mixture of monster leather armour and thick cloth that could combat the frigid temperatures of the Glacial mountains.

Their hair was tied up revealing its long length, but the style was clearly unisex, and it appeared rather dull and dry for the hair of a woman.

They had a thin sword sheathed at their waist, slighter thicker than a rapier, a weapon designed for quick attacks but that wasn\'t all. Adorning their hands were sturdy looking gauntlets with spikes along the knuckles and hidden along their sleeve were pockets filled with throwing daggers of some sort. It was almost impossible to identify this person\'s true battle style.

Frost couldn\'t help but smile at this sight finding the person truly mysterious, he was 100% sure that none of the visible weapons were their true style. The situation was either a very in depth ruse or this person was well and truly skilled in many different weapons.

\'It\'s probably a bit of both.\'

"V" Frost uttered the codename Avira requested resulting in the mysterious figure nodding their head and walking towards them.

Frost leaned down and whispered in the Princess\' ear. "You\'re actually quite enjoying this covert style aren\'t you?"

"Shut up!" Avira or V snapped with a fierce glare, her hidden cheeks reddening at being so blatantly caught.

It was true, ignoring the pressure she was under, and the loss of her closest confidants Avira was truly enjoying the act of travelling incognito, pretending to be some mysterious adventurer rather than a sheltered princess. She even spend 3 days thinking up the ideal codename that wouldn\'t give her away and wasn\'t too cheesy i.e. V.

"Hehehe" Frost laughed while under her glare finding her rather cute, teasing her and making her act naturally was much better than seeing her constantly on edge.

"Your weapons, are you truly skilled in them all or are they all a feint to add depth to your \'character\'?"