His pulse bounces. The freezing air doesn't bother him. The tense fear clinging to his back is colder than any weather.

The red orbs lining the pink glow from Pholy's hand growl with ferocity. One wrong move would spell certain doom. It's a standstill.

"What should we do?"

"The manfi is scared, I'm not sure plowing through is the best course." Torque is strained but oddly calm, he must have been in similar situations before.

"Can we fight them?" Kolin asks, his voice broken and fragile. The boy looks petrified.

"We don't know what they are, fighting a pack could be troublesome..." the man scratches his stubble beard. "Pholy."

"Yes?"

"Can you clear a path?"

"...I can try."

Torque nods and signals her up to the front of the carriage. She creeps up slowly so as to not disturb the beasts. Their growls enlarge in volume, just how many are there?

Pholy's flame grows brighter and larger. She concentrates, preparing to fire a blast straight ahead.

...

Tension at a climax, Torque initiates the attack.

"Go."

All in an instant, the blazing fushia ball explodes out of Pholy's hand, barreling into orbs ahead. Cries tear through the brittle air and the red figures begin their assault.

Torque grabs the reigns and whips the manfi forward. The carriage jolts forward, sending Pholy flying back into the main carriage along with the other three. Aureole catches her and props her up.

Crunching snow approaches the carriage and the howls of beasts trail close behind. The vehicle shakes violently, tossing around the passengers.

Desperately trying to not fall out, everyone grips tightly to their seats. Left defenseless, a sudden assault catches them off guard.

Out from the fog jumps a creature coated in ice. A singular red bulbous protrudes from above its fanged mouth. Sharp, jagged claws lunge toward Korlin's dreadful eyes.

Acting on instinct, Sirius reaches out and grabs the wolf's leg. As it is made of ice, his grip is swiftly retreated. Thankfully, it stalls the beast's velocity enough for Korlin to duck out of the way.

The ice wolf topples onto the railing and Sirius slams his foot into its behind, throwing it over the edge.

"Thank you, Sirius..." Korlin is paralyzed in shock. The boy is caressing his neck as if it's been cut.

"Is everyone alright back there?!" Torque doesn't take his eyes off the road.

"We're fine!" Sirius exclaims, his eyes franticly watching for the next assault. "They're made of ice, what should we do?!"

"Ice? Pholy, can you melt their armor?!"

"Uh- maybe?! I don't know!"

Suddenly, the carriage jolts as they run over loose rubble.

Torque stiffens his posture. He swallows a thick lump stuck in his throat.

Looking over, on the side of the snowy path is another carriage.

Only this one has tipped over and lies in pieces.

Multiple ice beasts take shelter and guard the exterior of the fallen vehicle. But there is something amidst the rubble... Something that shouldn't be there. Something horrible...

A body.

The creatures gnaw on the flesh of the corpse. Its skin and white hair have been dyed black from the blood pooling out its throat.

Snow is piling over it.

This poor soul looks to have been a merchant of sorts. Herbs and other goods are scattered around their burial ground.

"That's horrible..." Aureole covers her mouth and turns away.

Pholy comforts her. Korlin remains in a state of shock from before, he doesn't know of the body they're passing by.

Sirius continues to stare at the body until it too is consumed by the fog. Outside of media, the boy has never seen a dead body in person. The experience is disturbing, to say the least.

They don't have time to concern themselves with the dead person, as they are now, they still have to try and not become one. The wolves continue their pursuit.

"We should be nearing the outpost! We just have to make it there! Fend them off for as long as you can!"

On cue, another ice beast leaps in from the side. Pholy sets her fist on fire and hurls it at the wolf. The dog cries and stumbles backward, the thick sheet of ice drips liquid, shrinking slowly. Its head thrashes from side to side. The red bulbous that replaces its eyes grows in size.

Now with a flaming ice monster on board, Sirius grips the railing and hurls his feet toward the monster. The beast rams into the wall of the carriage, shaking it due to the weight, but sinks its fangs into the rail to remain inside.

Now right beside Korlin, the boy is freaking out. His once proud and determined personality is shattered into that of a scared child.

Pholy aims her finger and precisely snipes the bulbous on the beast's head, flying it backwards into the storm. Pholy turns around to face behind the shaky carriage. She sets ablaze and releases a torrent of pink flames toward the tracking monsters.

Distant whines fizzle out as the majority of the beasts lose their traction. But not all of them.

The jaws of a beast latch onto the wood right beside Aureole. Startled for a moment, she quickly grabs the frosted lips and struggles it out of place. Pholy rushes over and drives her blazing hand into the beast's bulbous. The wolf unlatches its fangs, falls from the carriage, and rolls as a flaming ball backward into multiple others.

"There it is!"

Torque's call gathers everyone's attention. In the distance, a faint silhouette of a flag can be made out.

Pholy turns once more and sends out one last inferno toward the remaining monsters. The last few shrieks cry out and the road finally grows quiet.

Everyone sighs a breath of relief. The assault is finally over.

Korlin's hands are shaking, fear is built in his tired eyes. He tries to tuck his cowardice under a nonexistent rug.

"Pholy... that was amazing..."

"He's right," Aureole agrees. "Thank you so much!" She hugs her steaming friend.

"Nice work," Sirius says.

"I'm glad we brought you along!" Torque roars. "You're a miracle worker."

Pholy scratches the back of her head, smoke rising from her ears. Clearly embarrassed, she thanks everyone.

"...Are you alright?" Sirius directs his question to Korlin.

"Ha... yeah, I was just a little startled..." The boy sinks into himself and diverts his gaze from the group. "I hate dogs..."

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

Still catching their breaths, the carriage slowly winds down as they approach the outpost's entrance.

From the outside, it looks like a heavily fortified, wooden fort. Spike traps, catapults, and watchtowers line the perimeter. It seems well-guarded for everything besides fire, but that shouldn't be much of an issue here.

A number of guards eye the carriage as it draws near. All of them exhibit snow-white hair and versatile, lightly colored armor that would be hard to spot amidst the snow. A groan escapes the manfi's throat as its advance comes to an end.

Stolen novel; please report.

Torque clears his throat and rises from his seat.

"We come from Auretta! We've come to-"

Without hearing another word, the massive wooden gate begins to fall toward the carriage. Like a draw bridge over a moat, the door lowers and collapses into the snow.

"Quickly! Inside!"

A guard from within the outpost shouts for them to enter. Torque grabs the reigns and swiftly brings the carriage into the settlement's walls.

Inside the outpost looks like one would expect. Spaced-out wooden buildings and igloos are dotted around. Snow lies abundant on the ground and falls onto the roofs of all the buildings and huts.

There is a lack of presence and people. While the outpost is large in size, there are very few inhabitants walking about. Though some stare at the newcomers entering their home.

The gate they entered through is hoisted back up by the guards. They struggle to pull the chains, but eventually, the door is placed firmly back in place. Once the effort is concluded, two guards make their way to the carriage.

"What were you all thinking coming out here? It's suicide traversing out there!"

"We didn't realize it was so dangerous," Torque replies. "What were those things?"

"We don't know," the guard is frustrated. "About a month ago they showed up and swarmed the surrounding area. Us in the outpost are calling them hoarbanes."

"Just showed up, huh?"

"Mm, since then we haven't been able to leave. Our powers are useless against them, and their skin is tougher than any steel. Nothing we throw at them as any effect."

"Is that why trade has been cut off?" Aureole asks, stepping out of the carriage.

"That's right, is that why you all are here?"

"Yes, we came to discuss the sudden silence from Alsi. The whole market has been getting thrown off balance."

"Is that right..." The guards sink into thought. "Hey, you all didn't happen to run into Olly out there, did you? He's a merchant friend of mine who left last night. He couldn't stand being cooped up in here for so long."

"..."

The group falls silent.

"Did he take a carriage out?" Torque questions, his tone sorrowful.

"...Yes, he did. Why..."

Torque sets his feet on the ground and places his hand on the guard's shoulder.

"Sorry, those bastards got to him."

"..."

Both guards lower their heads.

"I told him not to go out there... That idiot..." The other guard pats his partner on the back. "Now we have to go and tell his mother..."

"Thank you for letting us know. I guess it's better to know than to constantly worry about him," the guard's voice croaks.

"Mm..." Torque lowers his own head.

The rest of the group steps out of the carriage, Pholy being the last to exit. Upon her touching foot, the guards perk up in shock.

"An ember...? What are you doing here?" Concern is displayed on his face.

"Um..." Pholy has no idea what to say.

"She came as a guard to Miss Aureole here," Torque injects. "When we were attacked, her flames seemed to repel the beasts."

"Really?!" The guards shout together.

"That's great news. If that is the case, please go see the King. If your flames can break the hoarbanes' armor, we may have a chance to rid them from this area."

"Ha... right," Pholy is very uncomfortable with all the attention. Korlin gives her a look that further fuels her embarrassment.

"Where is the king located?" Aureole asks, patting Pholy on the back.

"His abode is located just down the main path. It is the largest house so you can't miss it."

"Thank you very much," Aureole gives a polite bow then walks up to guard. She wraps her arms around the guard and then swiftly retreats.

The guard gives the other one a bashful look and then clears his throat. "O-of course..."

A pang of jealousy wells up within Sirius. Why did she hug him??

"S-should we head over there?" Sirius suggests.

"Mm," Aureole agrees with a smile.

They begin their walk but quickly notice that Torque is not following.

"Are you coming Torque?" Korlin asks. Everyone stops to face their driver.

"No, I unfortunately cannot stick around here," Torque hops back into the carriage.

"What do you mean? You can't go back out there."

"I need to go meet up with Rawlin and confirm I've delivered you all safely. Besides, I need to get the second half of my payment." The man gives a cheesy smile.

The guards still lingering back the group.

"If you go out there, you might not make it back alive. You should just stay here until we can clear this mess up."

"I'll be fine," Torque hops down and pats the guard on the shoulder. He then steps forward to Sirius and the group. "I made it here, didn't I? Leaving here will be a breeze. This isn't my first rodeo."

"You sure? The lord should be here in a couple of days anyway," Sirius reasons.

"Mm, I don't like the idea of staying in the same place as that man for long. I just need to hand back this insignia and collect my payment. Trust me, I'll be fine. Besides, I need to go see my brother, don't I? I'll let him know I met you all, I'm sure he'll be thrilled."

"..."

"Thank you, Torque!" Aureole rushes over and throws her arms around the man. She retracts herself and then bows subtly. "I appreciate your service. I hope we can meet again."

"As do I! I wish you luck in settling all this. And may you have luck in your election, I'll support you in any way I can!"

"Mm, thank you..."

Torque nods then turns over to Korlin.

"It was a pleasure to chat with you. I don't think I've met such a kindred spirit in years!" The man extends his hand to the boy.

"Ah, the pleasure is mine," he accepts the hand and shakes it wholeheartedly. "I wish you safe travels in your adventure!"

Torque nods and faces the ember.

"Thank you, you really saved our skins."

"It was no big deal, just doing my job..."

"Mhm," Torque teases. The man leans to Pholy's ear and whispers: "Don't let the boy's teasing get to you too much."

Pholy's ear steams and Torque chuckles.

The man climbs back into his seat and grabs the reigns. The guards hesitantly lower the gate and Torque motions the manfi to turn around.

Facing the blizzard before him, the man faces the group once more. Unease spelled all over them, he gives them a great grin.

"Best of luck all of you... may we meet again."

With those final words, Torque gives a final wave and escapes into the wintry fog.

The gate shuts once again, leaving Torque's fate up to everyone's imagination.

"He'll be fine," Korlin confidently claims. "He got us here, didn't he?"

"I suppose..." Sirius responds, knowing full well that is thanks solely to Pholy. While Torque told him to trust him, Sirius can't bring himself to do so.

While a fleeting sense of concern lingers above him, Sirius doesn't feel fear for the man. It's not like he'd known him for long. Or really gotten to know him.

It's not like he cares for the man.

While he's disappointed in himself for thinking so, Sirius is more upset at Aureole hugging the man rather than him leaving.

"Let's go," Pholy begins down the main snowy path.

"Mm."

The four step through the snow, toward the King's hut.

⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗

Everyone in the outpost seems to bear the same traits. White hair, sharp noses, and pointed ears. Their ears aren't quite on the same level as Aureole's ears, as they are shorter and structured like a human's apart from the tips.

As they walk along the road, stares from the few snowsquallers barrage them. Especially Pholy. Being an ember, the inhabitants are naturally fearful of such a being.

achoo

Pholy sneezes and sniffles. Very threatening.

Korlin looks as if he has just heard the cutest thing ever. Which it certainly was a contender.

"Bless you," Sirius says on reflex.

The girl is totally taken off guard. So is Aureole.

"Bless you? What do you mean bless you?!"

"Huh- oh, when someone sneezes from my old world we usually say, "bless you.""

"Why??"

"Uh..." Sirius looks to Korlin. "Do you know?"

"Um... it had something to do with people being scared of sneezes. They thought sneezes meant a demon possessed someone's body, so people started saying "bless you" to rid the body of the demon. I think..."

"Why would granting a blessing drive the demon away?"

"I don't know?! I didn't start the tradition!"

Pholy looks very unimpressed.

"What blessing did you give me anyway?" She asks Sirius with full seriousness.

"What blessing-? Oh! No, no, no, no, we don't have blessings where we come from, it's just words."

"So, you didn't give me a blessing?"

"No, I don't even know how to do that."

"Wait, so you two don't have blessings?"

"No, but apparently I have a shadow compatibility."

"You don't have blessings? But you already knew how to use magic, didn't you?" Aureole asks, very confused.

"Huh?"

"When you took down the wailian."

In their first meeting, Sirius retrieved Aureole's wristlet from a vicious beast. Sirius ripped off the wailian's wing and displayed considerable physical abilities.

"...I didn't use any blessing..."

"..."

She is left speechless. A faint blush emerges on her cheeks. Her pointed ears wiggle in embarrassment.

"Do you two have blessings?"

"I have my affinity as an ember, so I don't usually use any. But she does," Pholy nods over to Aureole.

"Really? What is it?" Sirius is excited for the opportunity to learn more about her.

"Oh, well..." Embarrassment takes hold of her. "I can technically create a mirage of myself, but..." She doesn't sound very confident.

"A mirage? Like a projection of yourself?"

"Mm, I have a light compatibility. But I'm not very good at it though..."

"I'd love to see it." It slips out of his smiling mouth.

"Maybe another time..."

"Alright, alright."

As they continue to proceed through the icy streets, Sirius notices Korlin trailing behind. With a slightly annoyed look on his face.

"What's up with you?" Sirius slows his march to match Korlin's.

"Man..." the boy sighs. "They don't say bless you here... I had a whole pickup line planned out."

"W-what? A pickup line?" Sirius laughs. "I gotta hear this."

"Alright, alright..." Korlin is unable to keep his smile at bay. He clears his throat. "I'd say god bless you, but it seems he already has."

...

Sirius' mouth is left open. He contains a relentless laugh.

"Dude," he laughs. "I'm glad they don't say "bless you" here."

"Shut up!"

Korlin puts Sirius in a headlock, and they chuckle, filling the desolate area with the sound of laughter.

Passing by huts and igloos, the squallers inside don't appear to be well.

They're ill.

Coughing and hacks erupt from within the buildings, envious stares burn into the backs of the healthy group walking down the street.

"An ember..."

"Are those Witch Spawn-?"

"What are they doing here...?"

Everyone is confused at the arrival of the group. And rightfully so, considering the situation outside the walls. That much is to be expected, but...

-Why is everyone sick?

If what Torque said is true, the squallers are not affected by the cold. So, there must be a virus floating around. And a serious one at that.

They shouldn't have any issues with medicine as they are the main source throughout the world. If their medical herbs can't cure it, it must be something really bad.

Suddenly, Aureole and Pholy stop moving forward. Sirius and Korlin stop in their tracks as well.

A boy around their age is advancing toward them.

He dons very loose armor, which is just hefty cloth, and a big, charismatic grin. His white hair is pulled back into a wavy, undercut ponytail. A strand of hair hangs loose in front of his eyes.

Two others follow behind him, but nothing in particular stands out about them.

"Welcome friends!"

The boy stretches out his arms, his voice radiating hospitality.

"What brings you all here-" He stops midsentence at the sight of Sirius. "A Witch Spawn... Two of them...? And an ember?" His grin fluctuates a bit.

"We are here to discuss trade with your king," Aureole bows. "We are heading there now."

"Ah, is that it? I take it you're from Lunalir... So, you've come to help us out then?" Charm is spilling out his features.

"Well, we just came to see what was going on and hopefully negotiate to resume trade..."

"Mm, I see..." The boy's smile widens as he steps closer. "Unfortunately, in order to resume trade our current problem at hand must be eradicated..."

"..."

"So, apologies, but it looks as though you'll need to help us out."

"I see... we'll see what we can do-"

"But first... you."

The boy directs his finger to Sirius.

"Me?"

"Mm, while I'm not sure what, I take it you have another goal in mind here. And as it stands, an ember and two Witch Spawns inside the outpost is unheard of. So," the boy is beaming with excitement. "In order to see if you truly intend to assist us... Upon my name as Kynn...

I challenge you to a duel."