Bernd was in the lead, he was the tracker after all. Next to him was Hatsumi, arguing she was the best to deal with a surprise attack. The cats rode Chariot. Probably because Nyx was lazy and used the other cats to make it seem normal. At least that was my theory.

The rear of our group was formed by the mule and the guards. Their main job was not really to protect us. While they were experienced, our magic made us quite a bit stronger. Their job was mostly to look after the mule. Frank was with them as well.

We had been hiking for an hour when I noticed something. "I think I saw movement!" I said.

Bernd nodded. "Yeah, that's just rabbits. They won't attack a big group."

I blinked. "What sort of rabbit attacks anything?"

"They are blood rabbits. They drink blood. Everything in those mountains is dangerous, to some extent. But those rabbits are still mostly rabbits. Unless you are alone and your throat is exposed they are not much of a threat. Or you are stupid enough to sleep without a guard." Bernd explained.

"You need sturdy tents if you sleep in the open. And make sure nothing slips inside." Helena added.

While this was fascinating for me, she likely knew everything about the local wildlife.

"What about bandits?" Skadi asked.

"Bandits? There are caves where you could hide. But to survive out here long term they would need mages. While being outside the kingdom sounds nice in theory this whole area is just too hostile. And the foot of the mountains is heavily patrolled because of that. No, bandits are more likely a bit further south. The forests make far better hiding spots." Bernd explained.

"There are some caves at the foot of the mountain which are reasonably safe. A group of bandits used them a few years ago. But they did have a mage." Helena added.

"Forests… Has your father searched them for vampiric nightshades?" I wondered.

"Hm. I am not sure." Helena replied.

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"If we go for those stupid plants I am going to bring something that burns extra hot!" Cassie said.

"Wait, there are some tracks here." Bernd said, while holding up his hand. He looked at the ground and frowned. "That looks like a bear, a big one."

"A normal bear?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Almost everything in those mountains is magical to some degree. They can't survive otherwise. Some say the mountains here are cursed, or have a source of magic deep underground."

"What kind of bear are we talking about then?" Cassie asked.

"Rock bear. They have really tough skin. You want magical weapons or magic to fight them." He replied.

"Let's kill it!" Helena suggested.

Bernd looked at us, then he shrugged. "Your decision. I hope you know what you are doing."

Then he followed the tracks. They led us to a small cave.

"It's probably in there. But there could be other things. I am not entering." Bernd announced.

"The guards, the mule and Frank can stay here." Helena suggested.

Cassie conjured fire in her hand, to light the way. We did not bring any torches.

"I can take the lead. My vision is pretty good in the dark." Hatsumi offered.

"I will guard the rear." Skadi offered. An ambush was always a possibility. You never wanted your most vulnerable mages exposed. Nyx was in the middle, ready to engage where necessary.

Hatsumi did not hold a weapon. Instead her hands were covered in claws, made of blood. It looked kind of cool but I was not sure how well they would work.

We did not have to wait for long until we found our prey. "Incoming!" Hatsumi warned.

Then we heard a roar and saw the bear charge. It did not have fur, instead his entire skin looked like stone. Hatsumi tried to stop the bear, but a paw flung her away. It bought Nyx enough time to grow and pounce. The bear stumbled.

Next came Skadi swinging her axe. It was clearly reinforced with magic but it only penetrated a little. The bear roared again and shook itself. Hatsumi recovered and jumped onto the bear's back. Somehow her claws penetrated enough to hold onto it.

I was readying a necrotic bolt when Helena shouted: "Koyuki, can you summon some water underneath it? I will use it to immobilise it."

I nodded and changed my plans. Summoning water I could do. While Helena did not necessarily need my help this way it was faster. And it allowed her to focus on the ice part without worrying about creating the water herself.

A puddle appeared around the bear, who was distracted by our melee fighters. Then his feet began to freeze as Helena did her part. The bear roared again and managed to free one of his front legs. He tried to hit Nyx with it, but Nyx caught the foot in her mouth.

"Hatsumi, catch!" Cassie shouted and threw a bottle. "It will burn a hole through its armour!"

Hatsumi caught it effortlessly, then she poured the liquid on the bear's back. It started to smoke and sizzle. Skadi jumped onto the bear's back and hit the weakened area with her axe.

The bear managed to break free from the ice with another leg but Nyx was still attached to the other free one. Soon Skadi had created a big enough wound at the back for Hatsumi to bite. And the bear froze.

It looked weird, seeing the vampire on the bear, her head buried in the wound. The bear fell over and I saw the skin change. It was followed by a crunching sound. Nyx was chewing the leg.

Hatsumi raised her head, covered in bear blood. "Turns out it was using mana to harden the skin. It's a lot softer now." While she spoke the blood on her face was absorbed by her skin.

"Is it dead?" Cassie asked.

Hatsumi nodded.

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