On Snowhearth 4, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), just before dawn, Alistair packed his belongings, including his basic survival tent, as he watched his cave recede into the distance. He had spent the past three months in the outer zone of the Whisperpine Expanse, training his body and abilities. As a teenager, he was aware that some of his powers could release tremendous force, and his body was still developing. After months of dedicated training, he had finally gained the ability to unleash much more explosive power.
However, leaving the outer zone posed a new challenge: surviving the intense blizzard that awaited him. As he walked slowly toward the outpost, the freezing temperatures made it clear that he needed protection. Although the sun was rising, it did little to alleviate the chill. The system advised him to open up his gifts, which included a full-body armor equipped with a heat source to prevent frostbite and the risk of freezing to death in the harsh weather.
"System, I'll open the gifts. Let's see what surprises await—oh no, it's freezing out here!" The system presented him with three gifts: one was a full-body armor, while the other two were random items.
The system announced, "You have received Excellent Grade Armor: Winter Vanguard Armor. This armor is specifically designed for intense winter conditions and provides high resistance against both Snow Elemental Aura and Frost Elemental Aura. It includes winter gauntlets on both arms that enhance your ability to combat snow-type beasts and monsters during snowy weather or winter seasons. Additionally, the armor has an adjustable size feature, allowing it to fit you perfectly, no matter your dimensions. Lastly, the armor is made of lightweight steel, which means it's easy to wear but also has strong durability and will not get damaged easily."
Alistair stared at the system with a puzzled expression as it continued to the second gift.
"The second gift is a random gift box that anyone can open; it's more of a surprise gift. I recommend giving it to someone in secret. Since it's a random gift box, what it contains can be good or, at times, disappointing."
The system then presented the third gift. "The third gift is an Anti-Cold Pill. This pill grants immunity to cold temperatures for 10 minutes. However, in freezing conditions, it only provides resistance instead of complete immunity. The Anti-Cold Pill is available in areas where there is a minimum value of 25 Bronze Scales. However, in snowy regions, the price increases to 5 Silver Talers due to the high demand, especially when people find themselves caught in blizzards or winter storms."
After that, Alistair put on the full-body armor known as the Winter Vanguard Armor. The armor adjusted to his size, and he no longer felt the intense cold as he slowly began walking through the blizzard. His visibility was poor, but since it was morning, there were some signs of life. He noticed a plume of red smoke rising in the sky; it was the outpost signaling with flares to guide those like Alistair, who were in the outer zone.
When he arrived at the outpost, he was stopped by the winter guards for an identification check. "Stop for a moment," one of them said. Alistair presented his silver hunter badge, and the guards allowed him to enter. He then asked one of the guards, "Excuse me, sir. Is the military hiring new soldiers to join the Frostgate army?"
The guard, clad in heavy gear, replied, "Yes, they are. You've come at the right time; they are currently distributing application papers to join the army. The reason is that the Winter Rampage is set to happen in a month."
Curious, Alistair asked, "What is the Winter Rampage?"
The winter guard explained, "The Winter Rampage occurs when snowy wild beasts or monsters go berserk due to a lack of resources like food and water. This causes them to rampage and attack the Frostgate Fortress. Although there is a protective barrier, elite monsters can slightly breach it, so the military always needs more manpower during the twelfth month. Hurry now, as this week is the recruitment week."
Alistair thanked the winter guard and walked toward the entrance gate of Frostgate Fortress. As he entered the fortress, he noticed that the temperature increased due to the barrier surrounding the City of Winter and the fortress itself. Although he decided to keep his full body armor on, he didn't feel hot because his Steel Body prevented him from sensing extreme temperatures. This magical protection shielded him from cold and heat, allowing him to wear armor comfortably. However, it was less effective against high or low extremes of temperature, as its primary purpose was to protect against harmful weapons.
He asked locals for directions to the military recruitment site, which he discovered was located outside the City of Winter. After searching for a few hours, he found a camp with many military tents and joined the line to wait for his turn. From morning until afternoon, he waited patiently, and after being the 356th recruit, it was finally his turn.
The winter guard officer instructed him to fill out some forms and present any identification. Alistair showed his silver hunter badge, and the officer nodded in acceptance of his recruitment. "Here is your recruitment badge," the officer said. "Keep this; at the end of the recruitment week, it will be one of the requirements to enter the qualification test before you can join the army. Okay, next please!"
Alistair received his recruitment badge and then set out in search of an inn to rest his weary body. A week later, on Snowhearth 11, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), he arrived wearing full body armor. He was determined to get there as early as possible and became the 55th recruit to arrive. As he looked at the podium, he noticed several Winter Guard officers, and at the center stood a high-ranking officer distinguished by numerous medals and an air of authority, resembling a commanding officer.
To the right of the podium, another officer was diligently taking notes, seemingly checking attendance. After a few hours of standing, the commanding officer stepped forward and, with a loud voice, announced, "Those who remain have qualified to take the test. Those who arrive late will not be allowed to enter. Out of 3,674 recruits, only 1,189 are permitted to proceed to the qualification tests. Now, follow us to the testing site." Alistair followed the Winter Guard soldiers as they guided him and the rest of the recruits to the testing location.