Chapter Text
Frozen wind wafts up from the depths of the dungeon to meet the glacial exterior of the Deepfrost Citadel. The ominous building topped with snow and ice stands imposing and impassable. Ice spikes surround the bridge leading to the entrance. Dark blues and purples highlight the black stone holding the structure steady. The sun beams down from the heavens, but there is no warmth to be had in this frozen wasteland. Tango has always been immune to the cold, though, being an Ice Blaze - a rare variation of the Blaze family. The nether had never been kind to him.
Tango, hair sprinkled with shimmering icicles, stands at the entrance of the Deepfrost Citadel, his dark robe waving in the frozen wind flowing from the doors. His creation, the thing he’s spent his whole life constructing, is finally done. The creatures lurking within are deadly and ravenous. They will guard the secrets within well.
Ravagers, wardens, traps. These are the things that will test those brave enough to attempt his dungeon. Everything of incredible value is buried beneath three levels of trials and behind an impenetrable door. Well, mostly impenetrable. To the adventurer who proves themself to be of amazing skill and wit, there is a way to pass the tests and retrieve Tango’s treasure. The secrets he has hidden around the four levels of the Deepfrost Citadel will allow the adventurer to win the most precious thing Tango has in his possession. He’ll hold that answer close to his chest until the time comes.
Tango turns around to face the impressive bridge guiding the prospective adventurers to their momentary doom. Pulling the letters from his pocket, he stares at the circle seal with an upwards and downwards ‘T’ and grins, his heart leaping in anticipation. Tango has studied various adventurers from every corner of the world and picked the ones he believes have the tools to complete the trials. With a flick of his wrist, the letters burn in blue fire, magically transporting directly to the doors of their intended targets. Only those with the letters can find this place. And that’s how it was always meant to be.
Breathing in a calming breath of freezing air, Tango sweeps back around and strides into his home of blocked off corridors which only he can access. A giant hall with wide walls and a high ceiling filled with ice, blue flames, and a room designed for each invitee spreads out around him as he crosses to the staircase leading up. This next room is where they will unlock the dungeon with frozen shards Tango will mysteriously leave for them. Every week another set will appear in their provided homes.
Instead of entering the dungeon, Tango turns in the opposite direction and holds his hand against a seemingly normal section of wall. Blue magic circles his hand and the next moment he vanishes, slipping through the cracks to appear on the other side of the dark stone. Striding silently through the hallway lined with crackling blue fire, Tango makes his way into the tower he will watch them from. Yes, he will observe each and every venture into his dungeon. No, they will never know.
Tango sits within an ice blue circle covered in glyphs drawn to aid in astral projection. He clasps his hands loosely in his lap and closes his eyes, calming his breathing and heart. Obviously, there’s no point in watching the dungeon at the moment considering not one of the adventurers could have arrived yet. Still, he must ensure the chosen people have received his invitation and are on their way.
Hidden from society for his entire life, Tango has never existed in any record. This has given him the marvellous opportunity to achieve what no one else ever has; the perfect test. Now, it is time. Everything is ready. The chosen are coming.
Will they succeed? Only time will tell.