Even though the earth had yet to freeze, the wind blowing through the Northern Lands had already turned frigid. Based on how things were in the previous years, within two months, the first wave of snow would descend onto the world. The seven months of winter would become the greatest challenge of all lifeforms residing in the north.
Those who managed to adapt will survive; the strong survive while the weak are eliminated. Nothing was more suited to serve as the cold-blooded and merciless examiner than the harsh natural world.
In the Northern Lands, the short period before the end of autumn wasn't an optimal period for one to travel around. After all, one might very well end up getting trapped on dangerous terrain when the first wave of snow sets. However, I did not have the privilege to be picky.