Chapter 3: A Dangerous Journey

The biting cold outside was unforgiving. Hanfang wrapped himself in layers of clothing, but it did little to shield him from the relentless wind and snow. He trudged through the desolate streets, clutching his backpack filled with the remaining supplies he had managed to salvage. Every step was a struggle, but he kept moving, driven by the need to survive and understand his newfound powers.

As he navigated the icy terrain, Hanfang's thoughts wandered to his family. He wondered if they were safe, if they had found shelter, or if they too were struggling to survive in this frozen wasteland. The thought gave him a renewed sense of purpose. He needed to find them, but first, he needed to ensure his own survival.

Hours passed, and Hanfang's body grew weary from the relentless cold and exertion. He knew he had to find shelter soon. Just as despair began to set in, he spotted a faint light in the distance. Summoning the last of his strength, he made his way toward it.

The light led him to an old, abandoned cabin. It looked decrepit, but it was better than nothing. Hanfang pushed the door open and stepped inside, quickly closing it behind him to keep out the cold. The interior was sparse, with only a few pieces of broken furniture and a dusty fireplace. But it was shelter, and that was all that mattered.

He set to work, gathering bits of wood and debris to start a fire. As the flames flickered to life, the warmth began to seep into his bones, offering a small measure of relief. Hanfang sat close to the fire, allowing his mind to wander once again.

The memory of Hona's betrayal still stung. He had trusted her, let his guard down, and paid the price. But her treachery had also awakened something powerful within him. The green and red lights that emanated from his hands were a mystery he needed to solve. They had saved his life, but he had no idea how to control them.

Hanfang held out his hand, focusing on the sensations he had felt during the attack. Slowly, the green light began to flicker to life. He concentrated, trying to understand its essence. The light felt warm, nurturing, as if it held the power of life itself. He closed his eyes, willing it to grow, and was rewarded with a small, green flame dancing on his palm.

Encouraged, he turned his attention to the red light. This one was different—darker, more intense. As he concentrated, the red light flared up, burning with a fierce heat. It felt destructive, powerful. Hanfang realized that he had two opposing forces at his disposal: one for creation and growth, the other for destruction and disintegration.

As he experimented with his powers, Hanfang heard a noise outside the cabin. He quickly extinguished the flames in his hands and listened intently. The sound of footsteps crunching in the snow grew louder, and his heart began to race. He reached for his baseball bat, ready to defend himself if necessary.

The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was a man, heavily bundled in winter clothing, his face obscured by a thick scarf. "Don't be alarmed," the man said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "I saw your fire and thought you might need some help."

Hanfang remained cautious but allowed the man to enter. "Who are you?" he asked, his grip on the bat tightening.

"My name is Jin," the man replied, lowering his scarf to reveal a kind, weathered face. "I’ve been traveling, looking for survivors. It’s dangerous out there, but we have a small group nearby. We could use someone with your... skills."

Hanfang's curiosity was piqued. "How do you know about my skills?"

Jin smiled. "Word travels fast in these times. Plus, I saw the lights from your hands. You're not the only one with special abilities."

Hanfang's mind raced with questions, but he knew he needed allies if he was going to survive this apocalypse. "Alright," he said, lowering the bat. "Take me to your group."

As they left the cabin together, Hanfang felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this was the beginning of something new—an opportunity to understand his powers, find his family, and survive the Ice Age apocalypse.