[9:22] [10/1/102] [Snowbound Reverie Forest, Glaciera Country, Yaokurov Continent]
In the midst of a forest filled with towering spruce and pine trees with snow that reached up to the calves, a platoon of people trudged through the path. They maintained a steady pace, though most of them were clearly exhausted.
The region they were in was breathtaking, the trees reached up to 200 meters in height, these had an almost black bark with neddle like leaves which made each tree look like an arrow pointing to the sky, there was very little vegetation around them besides the trees, mostly shrubs, moss and some berry bushes resistant to the cold temparatures of the region, the snow was getting higher since winter was coming in a few weeks.
The group of 21 was dressed in white camouflaged heavy military jackets, the high collars shielding their necks and faces from the chilling cold wind. Their cargo pants matched the same white camouflaged style of the jackets, they wore hiking boots and white balaclavas to complete the ensemble. As they moved through the snow the wildlife around them didn’t hide, white owls perched on branches and rabbits peeking out from burrows beneath the enormous pines, all these animals watched with odd expressions, almost as if these creatures were used to such sights. Some animals, in particular, seemed to focus their annoyed glares on one specific man at the back of the group.
“I DON’T HEAR YOU! DO YOU ALL WANT TO RUN BACK TO YOUR MAMAS?” Bellowed a tall man from the rear of the platoon.
The rest of the group responded immediately, their voices echoing through the forest. “NO, SIR!”
“THEN KEEP RUNNING AND SHOUTING! IF WE DON’T FINISH THIS ROUTINE BEFORE MIDDAY, YOU'LL DO IT ALL AGAIN BEFORE THE HUNT!!” He grinned, clearly enjoying their torment.
Groans and muttered complaints rose from the group, but the man remained unfazed, determined to push them to reach their goal before lunch since food is equal to life for him.
They continued running for another two hours before finally stopping in a clearing where a camp had been set up in the middle of the snow. The camp spanned about 100 square meters, with snow piled up around its edges but not within the area itself, leaving ample space for the 21 soldiers to catch their breath.
The camp itself already had their barracks set up, which was one big tent that they could put their bags and arrange some new items they brought for the hunt together with the stock of weapons already stored in there, a smaller one on the side full of cooking supplies, one that was the field clinic and in the center of the camp was a big circular space for a bonfire with some benches around it.
They quickly began to relax after arriving, some removed their boots while others started a fire to prepare food. Ted, however, remained alert and kept scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. He was tired, no doubt, since their instructor had been particularly harsh today, especially with the new recruits. Ted knew there was no stopping him, his strictness was legendary.
‘This might be my last day in the City Corps.’ Ted thought, ‘I hope I can make a contract today. If not, I’ll probably end up as an unawakened hunter. At least I’ve got the skills to hunt while I work in the sidelines, maybe i’ll get another chance to awaken if today doesn’t work out.’
Ted had spent five long years on this daily grind. He had seen many come and go, some left dejected, unable to secure a contract and forced to abandon their dreams of a military career. Others left triumphant, soul contracts made, their futures secure. Ted was prepared for either outcome. If he didn’t get a contract, there were other ways to live, maybe even teaching survival skills or martial arts somewhere. Anything was better than giving up.
After scanning the trees for a while, Ted noticed some claw marks on a nearby trunk, but they were old, already covered by a layer of snow. There were also a few feathers to the south of the camp, but again, they looked old. No immediate threats, it seemed. Just as he was beginning to relax, someone called out to him.
“Ted, food’s ready, and the instructor wants to talk to you before everyone heads out to hunt.”
It was Helena, one of the new recruits who had joined just last week. Her red hair and bright green eyes stood out starkly against the white backdrop.
“Thanks, Helena.” Ted said while jogging back to camp.
Helena blushed slightly at him speaking her name so directly, but quickly regained her composure and returned to prepping the weapons for everyone. Ted pretended not to notice her reaction and made his way to the large bonfire where the food was being prepared. He had no interest in fostering any crushes, especially not from someone as young as Helena. At 21, it would feel inappropriate to entertain a 16 year old’s affections.
As he approached the makeshift kitchen, he saw Kev overseeing the cooking of their lunch. Kev was a good old friend of his, part of the same group of initiates as Ted, though he had six months left before his deadline with the corps.
“Hey, Kev, what’s on the menu today?” Ted asked with a smile.
Kev grinned back, “Your favorite, beef stroganoff! Grab a bowl.”
Ted chuckled while taking two bowls. Kev was the best cook he knew, someone who could easily find a job at any restaurant in Snowpoint City but he had his heart set on the military career. He often joked that it was a better way to meet girls. Though, as far as Ted knew, Kev wasn’t very good at talking to them.
“I need two servings this time, the instructor wants to talk about you know what.” Ted said, scooping up equal portions of rice and stroganoff.
Kev’s smile faltered slightly, “We both know what this probably means, but no matter what happens, you’re not getting rid of me. Four and a half years together already, we’re not just walking away from that, okay?”
Ted gave him a reassuring nod and a light shoulder bump, “Yeah, let’s just hope for the best.” He took the two bowls and headed north to find the instructor.
The instructor was easy to spot, towering at 2.2 meters tall and making him significantly larger than Ted’s 1.85 meters. He was scanning the northern part of the camp, having removed his balaclava to reveal his bald head and an impressive mustache. When he saw Ted, he gave a gentle wave while signaling for him to come over.
Ted handed him one of the bowls and saluted before sitting down on a nearby log. They ate in silence for a few minutes before the instructor finally spoke.
“So, today might be your last day in the Corps if you don’t make a contract.” He said, glancing at Ted, “You’ve been one of our best recruits, but i hope you understand that the contract is something that’s out of our control.”
He placed a hand on Ted’s shoulder, locking eyes with him, “No matter what happens, I believe in you. If you don’t get a contract today, I know you’ll still make it as a hunter. Hell, you might even start a guild or join one later on. But don’t give up. The five year rule’s been in place for decades and there’s nothing we can do to extend your stay.”
The instructor’s tone softened as he continued, “I heard from your mother that she had the same problem before she came to this city, she only got her awakening at the age of 22 years old. I know it’s a lot of pressure, but I also know you can handle it. I wish I could give you a soul shard, but those are well beyond my pay grade and the city doesn’t have the funds for it, well, it has the funds, but if it gives one soul shard to an initiate it will have to give one to everyone.”
Ted nodded, “It’s alright, sir. I won’t give up. I’ve still got options if things don’t work out, maybe even the Corps might need an instructor for survival training and martial arts in the future.”
The instructor chuckled, “With your skills, someone’s bound to pay you for lessons. People don’t forget ‘The Reaper’ that easily. I’ll talk to my superior and see if we can arrange something.”
Ted stood up and saluted his instructor again, “Thank you, sir. I’ll head out now and see how things go.”
“Good luck, Ted. May the snow bless your hunt.” The instructor said with a serious nod.
Ted made his way to the camp’s weapon area, where Helena had neatly organized the various tools for the upcoming hunt, he could see swords, bows, axes, and wands, all available for the platoon to choose from.
“Hey, Helena, can you grab my little one?” Ted asked as he approached.
Helena’s cheeks flushed again as she nodded quickly. “Yes, Senior, right away.”
She dashed into the tent and returned with a massive scythe that was slightly taller than Ted. He hefted the weapon onto his shoulder with ease. He had been using this scythe for three years now and though it initially drew odd looks, it felt right in his hands.
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Ted strapped on his gear and gathered a small pack of supplies: bandages, medicine, knives and containers for harvesting and storing any valuable parts from monsters.
He started walking west from the camp after getting his gear. His platoon had come from the south, where most of what they encountered were regular animals and not yet awakened beasts. The north was too dangerous for initiates, as it led to the deeper parts of the forest where the challenges became exponentially harder and the temperature declined more and more the further you went in. That left the usual options of west or east for everyone.
He moved at a fast but calm pace, familiar with many of the different camps they'd set up along the woods. He had almost memorized the area. The direction he was heading in led to some frozen ancient trees, which were known to house Snow Owls. Since they were nocturnal, he probably wouldn’t see any. A little further north lay a Frost Lizard cave, and if he went further west, there was a large frozen lake where elemental beings occasionally appeared along with beasts that went to drink water or graze some of the herbs that growed close by the frozen water reservoir.
As he walked, he noticed the first fresh tracks in the snow.
"Hm, this is a fresh paw print, probably from a reindeer or something similar." Ted muttered, kneeling in the snow to get a closer look, "It’s not deep, so it must be a light one, likely an agile beast or maybe a soul caster of sorts."
Standing up, he looked around and easily spotted the path the beast had taken. He crouched, trying to remain as silent as possible as he followed the tracks.
'It must have passed by only a few minutes ago. It’s heading toward the frozen lake, probably to drink or eat something.' he thought as he tracked it.
About a kilometer from the lake, he saw something move ahead of him. He immediately crouched even closer to the ground, sitting perfectly still and controlling his breathing. After a minute, a small white reindeer emerged from behind a tree just within his field of vision. It stood around 1.2 meters tall with pristine white fur and small antlers that seemed to be new. It positioned itself near a tree about 30 meters away. Ted, dressed in his camouflaged jacket, was abke to blend seamlessly with the snow and could remain hidden behind some bushes.
Ted knew what was this beast, but he still one thing before coming closer to it, he quietly activated one of the few abilities available to those not yet attuned to soul energy.
‘Identify’
[Wintersprint Reindeer]
Soul Tier: 1 Star (Novice)
Physique: Iron (Low)
Ted immediately felt some information being given to his mind in the format similar to a photography of a silver display.
This was one of the most common monsters in the forest, but Ted found it odd that it was alone. Its tracks indicated it had traveled alone too, which was strange because Wintersprint Reindeers usually roamed in herds of hundreds.
'It seems to be quite young since its stats are so low, probably just a little bit over a year old since it doesn’t have "fawn" in its name.' Ted thought as he began creeping closer to the beast.
Most species of reindeers had a dash ability, perfect for hit-and-run tactics or quick escapes, so he had to make a deadly strike from the start to prevent it from fleeing and calling its herd.
Moving closer, he kept his scythe low to avoid any reflections of light through the bushes. Ted was only a few meters away when the wind shifted, blowing from his back toward the beast.
It sensed something was close to it, its body immediately started stiffening as it tried to camouflage itself.
Knowing he had no time to waste, he dashed forward, his scythe slashing upward toward the beast's neck. The reindeer reacted instantly, darting to the right, but not fast enough to avoid being cut across its left side. Blood immediately began pouring from the wound.
Ted didn’t relent, following up with a second slash, but the reindeer gathered the snow around it, it seemed to divide itself in front of him creating an afterimage of itself, one went to the right and the other to the left.
Without knowing which one was real he chose to struck at the right one, which exploded in his face with a burst of concentrated ice energy, pushing him back a few meters.
'This type of skill is always a pain, but it can’t keep making afterimages forever, especially not after that first hit.' Ted thought.
He charged again as the deer dashed left trying to hide it’s wound and it immediately created two more afterimages that came straight for him while it stayed back observing him. He dodged the first one and leaped over the second while slashing it at it’s back. It exploded, propelling him forward toward the real deer with his scythe already arching towards his goal. This time his scythe struck true, cutting deep into its neck. The afterimage left quietly dissolved itself as the deer collapsed headless onto the ground.
Ted waited a few moments waiting in front of the deceased deer, catching his breath before sighing, "Another failure... I still can’t find a compatible soul. I can’t figure out what i’m doing wrong, i saw other initiates in the corps made their contracts within the first week."
He shook his head, reminding himself, 'I can’t compare myself to others. The ritual depends on my luck and compatibility with the beast's soul. Killing it alone also raises the chances. I just need to keep trying until i finally reach what i want, not even luck will stop me from trying.'
He approached the beheaded beast and began skinning it, knowing the meat and hide would be useful. The meat, infused with soul energy, was especially valuable for consumption, while the hide could be used for clothing and decoration, though it wasn’t durable enough for armor even after the soul energy enrichment after death. Ted couldn’t absorb all the soul energy from the meat since he wasn’t awakened yet, but every little bit helped increase the odds of forming his first soul contract.
Some of the wealthier families in Snowpoint City even bought higher tiered beasts in bulk to help their children awaken more easily.
After packing the meat, hide and antlers into his bag, Ted headed towards the lake. The frozen expanse stretched for several kilometers, with its surface completely frozen. Despite the harsh conditions, many types of fish thrived in the lake, resistant to the cold due to either being awakened or having an innate afinnity to the cold.
Ted searched around the lake for fresh tracks but found most were from herds of beasts in the dozens. However, he did notice some unusual markings, these were long, sliding prints that suggested a water-dwelling creature, maybe some type of lizard or even a beaver had passed through.
He spent the next few hours searching for a new target while also foraging, collecting herbs that helped with muscle soreness, mushrooms growing by trees and some abandoned eggs he found on top of a frozen tree.
As the sun began to set, Ted made his way back to camp while thinking that not everything was lost yet.
He arrived just as night fell and headed to the tent where Helena was packing up.
"Senior, you're right on time as usual. Sorry to ask bluntly, but did you make it?" she asked, her eyes cast downward but with an expectant tone in her voice.
Ted sighed. "No, I didn’t."
He noticed the sadness in her eyes as she immediately looked up after he said it. Helena was a kind soul that genuinely cared for others without a trace of jealousy or spite. Most people in the corps wouldn’t have cared about his progress, or worse, they might have been envious. Maybe it was just her youth that kept her this pure, only time would tell.
Ted handed over his scythe and turned to see the instructor speaking with some of the new initiates that came in together with Helena. He exchanged a glance with Ted who shook his head negatively.
There was a hint of sadness in the instructor's expression as well. Despite his tough exterior, he cared deeply for his students.
Ted, feeling a need to distance himself, busied himself with tidying the camp. Some of the tents and equipment stayed since there was a protection of a defensive array capable of fending off beasts below 3 stars or with a physique lesser than silver.
He wasn’t avoiding the conversation, at least not entirely. He just needed some space and time to think about what would be happening with him in the future.
Once everything was packed, they started their journey back to Snowpoint City. After three hours of running, they finally could see the outskirts of their home. The city wasn’t massive due to its remote location but it had become a hub for hunting ice affinity beasts and harvesting herbs that also thrived in this environment, which boosted its population to around 25,000 civilians.
From a distance, Ted could see the massive dome that covered the city, a powerful defensive array atop the walls which were over five meters tall and 10 meters thick, the array emanated a far stronger energy than the one used at camp showing it’s higher tier of defense.
They passed through a side entrance restricted to City Corps personnel. Ted, not in the mood for conversation, quickly dropped off his insignia at the instructor's office and slipped out of the city, heading for the cabin left to him by his late parents.
The cabin was a modest wooden structure nestled in a small clearing near the city, it was a pretty simple house. Outside, there was a small shed which held lumber for the fire he needed for the oven. Inside the cabin itself, there were two bedrooms, a small bathroom with a sink, a shower which was infused with one heat stone, some holders for towels and higienic paper, a mirror and a toilet. A combined kitchen-living room was where the exterior door had the access tot the cabin and also where the interior doors to both bedrooms and bathroom were locatad, all of them on the right wall of the room.
This living room was 8 meters long and 5 meters wide, it had the kitchen close by the exterior door with a metal stove, a sink, a fridge which had a small ice stone infused in it and a small table in the side of it, there was no wall between the kitchen and the living room, which had a small table with four chairs, 2 bookcases filled with books Ted had gathered, a pretty big sofa on the end of the corridor with a circular knee-high table in front of it and two windows filled the room, specifically in the left and in the end of the room.
Ted grabbed some wood from the shed and started a fire in the stove, he then began sorting through the day’s foraging, ‘Herbs go here. I’ll cook some of the meat and eggs now, so the rest goes in the fridge. Mushrooms... they go in the hidden stash, no one needs to know about those.’
He quickly prepared his meal by reheating some rice from the day before, cutting some vegetables, boiling the eggs, searing a steak, and squeezing fresh orange juice. Once everything was ready, he dug in. Cooking was one of his favorite hobbies so he felt his food was pretty good, he wasn’t as good as Kev, but that didn’t mean his food tasted bad.
While eating, he cracked open one of the boiled eggs and noticed it was fertilized.
"Poor soul… Sorry, I should’ve checked before cooking. You were probably already dead before I found you though. I know some people eat fertilized eggs, but I don’t think I could do it."
THUMP
‘What is this?’
THUMP
Ted felt something calling to him, but he didn’t know what. It didn’t take long for him to figure it out what was happening.
THUMP
A tiny white flame rose from the egg, quickly darting toward his head.
‘A soul?’
THUMP
Before Ted could react, the flame shot into his mind and merged with one of his most treasured possession, his soul seed.
THUMP
The little flame fully integrated into the soul seed that was deep into a place he couldn’t really feel or even understand, a place which the awakened called the Ethereal Sanctuary.
THUMP THUMP THUMP
A wave of burning heat surged through his body, particularly in his stomach, left arm and back. Ted gritted his teeth, trying to endure the pain, but soon passed out on the cabin floor.