Chapter 87: A Painful Goodbye
The rhythmic pulse of the glowing carvings guided the group along the winding path. Each step brought them closer to the heart of the Feline Den, the air growing heavier with an energy that made Aria's fur bristle.
The Frost Minks chirped softly, their tiny bodies pressing close to her legs. The smallest one perched on her back, nuzzling her fur as it squeaked nervously.
"System," Aria thought, her claws flexing against the smooth stone. "What's waiting for us in this Den?"
"Feline Den classified as advanced training ground and sanctuary. Host will encounter feline beasts of various tiers, along with trials designed to encourage growth and evolution."
Her fur bristled. "Great. More trials."
"Host should prepare for intense challenges and potential confrontations."
She growled softly, her tail swishing. "You're just full of good news today."
---
Xuan Hao walked beside her, his dark eyes scanning the glowing carvings. His blade rested on his back, its faint crimson glow flickering like an ember.
"You don't seem too excited," he said, his tone light.
Aria shot him a glare, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "Why would I be? This place already feels like a nightmare."
He smirked faintly. "You'll survive. You always do."
Her claws scraped against the ground. "Keep talking, and I'll show you how much I enjoy surviving."
---
The Frost Minks chirped nervously as the air grew heavier, their tiny eyes darting toward the shadows that loomed ahead. The smallest one squeaked softly, pressing closer to Aria's neck.
"Relax," she muttered, glancing over her shoulder. "We're almost there."
The mink tilted its head, squeaking again.
---
The path opened into a wide clearing, its stone floor smooth and polished. At the center stood a massive gate, its towering frame adorned with intricate carvings of feline beasts in various poses—leaping, prowling, and roaring with silent power.
The gate's surface shimmered faintly, and a deep, resonant hum filled the air. Aria's fur bristled as she stepped closer, her sharp blue eyes narrowing.
"System," she thought, her claws flexing. "What is this gate?"
"Structure identified: Entryway to the Feline Den. Only feline beasts with approved status may pass."
Her tail flicked sharply. "And what about him?"
She gestured toward Xuan Hao, her sharp blue eyes narrowing.
"Non-feline entities are prohibited from entry beyond this point."
Her fur bristled. "Figures. Nothing's ever easy."
---
Xuan Hao stepped closer to the gate, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied its shimmering surface. "So, this is where we part ways."
Aria growled softly, her claws flexing. "You're not seriously leaving, are you?"
He smirked faintly, his tone light. "Doesn't look like I have a choice."
Her sharp blue eyes flicked to the gate, blazing with frustration. "This place is supposed to help me, but it's already a pain in the tail."
---
Before either could say another word, the air grew cold and still. A faint ripple of energy swept through the clearing, and a towering figure emerged from the shadows. It was a massive feline beast, its sleek black fur shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Its piercing golden eyes locked onto Aria, radiating an aura of overwhelming power.
"System," Aria thought, her claws flexing. "What is that?"
"Entity identified: Feline Elder. Classification: Immortal-tier beast. Role: Guardian of the Feline Den."
Her fur bristled. "Great. Another big shot."
---
The Feline Elder's voice was deep and resonant, carrying a weight that made the air feel heavier. "You have proven yourself worthy of entry, young one. But this human cannot follow you further."
Aria growled softly, stepping in front of Xuan Hao. "He's with me."
The Elder's golden eyes narrowed. "The Den is not for humans. His presence here is already an anomaly."
---
Xuan Hao smirked faintly, his tone casual. "Don't worry about me. I've survived worse."
Aria's sharp blue eyes blazed with defiance. "He's not just some random human. He's helped me get this far."
The Elder's gaze softened, but its tone remained firm. "It is not a matter of gratitude. The Den is sacred ground, and its rules cannot be broken."
---
The Elder's golden eyes flicked to Xuan Hao. "You should leave now. Staying longer will endanger you both."
Before Aria could argue, the Elder's paw glowed faintly, and a pulse of energy enveloped her. Her vision blurred, and the world seemed to spin as a sudden wave of dizziness overtook her.
"What are you doing?" she growled, her claws scraping against the stone.
The Elder's voice was calm but unyielding. "For your own good, this memory must be sealed. You cannot afford attachments that will hold you back."
---
"No!" Aria roared, struggling against the energy. "You can't do this!"
Xuan Hao's smirk faded, his dark eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. "Stop. You don't have to do this."
The Elder's gaze remained steady. "Her path is her own. Yours lies elsewhere."
---
The Frost Minks chirped frantically, their tiny bodies trembling as they pressed against Aria's legs. The smallest one squeaked softly, nuzzling her fur.
"It's not fair!" Aria growled, her sharp blue eyes blazing.
The Elder's voice was quiet but resolute. "Fairness has no place in survival."
---
The energy surrounding Aria intensified, and her vision darkened. The last thing she saw was Xuan Hao's faint smirk, his voice reaching her ears like a distant echo.
"You'll be fine. You always are."
---
When Aria opened her eyes, she stood alone before the gate. The Frost Minks chirped softly, their tiny bodies pressing close to her legs.
"System," she thought, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "What just happened?"
"Host memories sealed by Feline Elder. Emotional connection to non-feline entity suppressed for host's protection."
Her fur bristled, her claws flexing. "Suppressed? What does that mean?"
"No further information available."
She growled softly, her tail lashing. "Figures. Let's just get this over with."
---
The gate shimmered and opened, revealing a path bathed in soft, golden light. Aria stepped forward, her sharp blue eyes blazing with determination.
"For now," she thought, her claws scraping against the stone, "I'll keep moving. But something about this doesn't feel right."
The Frost Minks followed closely, their tiny chirps echoing softly as the gate closed behind them.