A white dot fell from the sky and covered the area in white. The trees and grass lost their vibrant colors and took on a lifeless tone. In the wild, four souls with dark presence walked along these cruel roads. Torment and pain lingered in their hearts.

“Aria, is he alright?” Ella asked.

“I don’t know, Ella,” Aria replied, her gaze fixed on a small black dot moving across the snow-covered field. Rain slowly followed behind. Faye remained nearby, but there was no sound, only the silence of falling snow. At least he could walk on his own.

Ella nodded in understanding, reached a hand out, and touched the snow. “Second warning already came. Are he gonna make it?”

Aria grabbed her sword and slashed at a branch, clearing the way. No words from the blue saint.

“Are we going back to camp?” Ella asked, pulling out her own sword to help Aria.

“Yes,” Aria answered.

“Is it... our fault?” Ella asked.

“Yes,” Aria admitted.

Ella’s head lowered, her face darkening. Her hand trembled, the weight on her feet growing heavier. Aria gently touched Ella’s shoulder, but no words were spoken, only a warm sensation of mana emerged.

Ella touched Aria’s hand and said, “Thank you.”

“Me too,” Aria replied, glancing back to check on Rain’s condition. The black dot continued its walk. “We should return to camp before sunset.”

Ella nodded and followed Aria through the withering forest.

Hours later, they finally reached the camp. That had set it up before they left for the Hope Chest. Snow fell on their tools and items, but they were still visible due to their shape. The half-prepared pot and cooking tools remained where they were left.

Aria stood and gazed at the earth stove manipulated by earth magic. Her hand tightened around her sword.

“Should we find another place? Perhaps a cave, where the snowfall would be less?” Ella looked at Aria and prepared to follow her decision.

Aria sheathed her sword and responded, “It’s okay. We don’t have time for unnecessary actions. Items are just items, and places are just places. He won’t come back until he finishes delivering the divine message to the holy central.” With that, she used the fire starter tools. Warm fire started in the winter.

“Are you cooking? Let me help. I’ll search for grains and ingredients,” Ella offered as she walked away.

Aria reached hand to pot, cold of silverware felt her hand. The weight of the pot had become heavier than before, perhaps because it was filled with snow or because her heart carried more pain. She placed it on the earth stove, watching as the snow inside slowly melted into water. She carefully emptied all the water from the pot, her dark eyes reflecting the fire. Her chin wrinkled and her hands trembled.

“Cursed fate!” In frustration, kicked the earth stove. It turned into ice and shattered into pieces, causing the pot on top to fly away.

“Who needs your damn light, you bastard! How ridiculous, this fire! Just a joke of a tool, decided our own fate with ease. Hah! only fire! I can do it myself.” She grabbed a nearby log and used her water manipulation to drain out all the wetness and water, making it completely dry. With force, she tore it into small kindling and retrieved her volcanic fire starter.

Click! Click! but the fire refused to start as she wished.

Click! Click! She exerted more force, but still no spark.

Click! Click! ever much she tried, fire was not starting at all. “What an eclipse! Why does he do that as if it’s so easily?”

Thod! Frustrated, Aria threw the rock away, burying her face and hugging her knees tightly.

“Darn it, why is it always me, mother river…” The temperature around her dropped slowly, causing the snow turned into flake crystals.

“Is it too much to ask for happy? Can you please just… Give me… Just once,” her voice filled with longing.

“Why is it always me? Everyone is gone...”

“Why did you all have to leave me alone like this?”

“Why did you save me? I also wanted to go...”

Plod, plod, someone approached closely.

“I’m sorry... Ella, I accidentally broke the stove. Please help me, use your tool to start a fire,” she said without lifting her face.

Slosh! Someone was cleaning the wet floor. Cling, clog, log-woods moved and arranged. Rustle, rustle, leaves and straw placed on.

Crack! Crack! Stone touched together.

Crack! Crack!

“That stone... we can’t use it. It’s an old volcanic stone,” Aria said.

Crack! Fume! fire emitted, burned on scrap wood, fire connected to the log-woods and warmth started coming. Aria felt the warmth. So she lifted her head up, saw a black-cloaked man smiling at the fire.

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“Why is it always you,” Aria said, rested her head on her knees and observing Rain poking and fanning fire. “Why is it always you, hmmm?”

Rain took out some mushrooms from his bag, a big smile on his face.

“Mushrooms again? Is that the only thing on your menus?” Aria asked.

Rain moved his hand closer to the fire, intending to grill his food,

Plop! Water droplet hit his face.

“Dummy, you’re too close. Do you want to burn your hands again? Use a wooden stick instead,” Aria said.

Rain looked at Aria, still smiling. “Ah, Aria, don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

Aria’s mood lifted slightly. “With your sweet ingredients?”

“Even though it’s old, it can still be used, you know?” Rain answered.

“Um, I know... Rain, you go rest, I’ll do the cooking. It won’t look good if I let the patient cook the food,” Aria said, sitting up and walking closer to him. She put a pot on the fire. Rain sat nearby, attempting to grill the mushrooms again.

“Huh~, okay, I’ll put them in the soup, alright?” Aria grabbed Rain’s hand. It was cold but still had a hint of warmth, with the blood inside flowing. “Just sit there, okay? Rest first. I’ll cook an easy-to-eat mushroom dish, alright?”

Rain sat on a nearby rock, gazing at the flames. “See, Aria, the fire is dancing,” he said.

“Yes, I cook every day, I know,” Aria replied, cleaned the pot and prepared the other ingredients.

Rain watched Aria cooking from behind. Before long, Ella returned and noticed Rain’s presence and the slight change in the cook position, but she said nothing. Her hands were full of various types of berries, half of which were poisonous, but luckily she had also found a Chupachupa plant. Aria skillfully handled them and finally made mushroom porridge and berry gelatin for dessert. The smell of the warm forest filled the air as hot steam rose from the pot, fighting against the cold snow.

For the first time, the cursed child was allowed to sit near the bonfire with the saints.

Aria handed a bowl of soup to Ella.

“Thank you,” Ella received it.

“Um, eat it while it’s still hot. The weather is getting colder, and this will keep you warm entire night,” Aria said.

Aria quickly grabbed a bowl of her own and scooped some porridge from the pot. She added a few more diced mushrooms and sprinkled a little sugar on top. Carrying the bowl, she walked over to Rain and handed it to him. However, Rain not responded, his gaze fixed on the crackling fire. So, Aria took his hands and gently placed the bowl in his grasp. “Please eat it, don’t worry. It’s my bowl,” she said.

Rain smiled and expressed his gratitude, “Thank you… Aria. The campfire is so warm.”

Aria responded, “Um, tonight you can stay here. Please don’t go into the deep, cold forest again.”

Ella added in, “Yes, you can stay here, Raccoon. It’s dangerous and cold outside. Sleep here. I’ll keep watch during the night, so don’t worry about anything and rest well.”

Aria nodded and thanked Ella before turning her head back. “Eat and rest. Let’s prioritize that for now.”

Rain gazed at the fire and said, “Um, the mushroom smells so good,” with a smile on his face.

Aria noticed his smile and felt a slight relief in her heart. She moved back and grabbed a bowl for herself. After taking a bite, she noticed it tasted saltier than usual.

Fizzle! fizzle! Fire danced as the snow fell, transforming it into steam.

Two saints sat in silence, slowly ate their meal. They continued to converse with inner-selves, reflecting on the recent event.

As time went by, Faye returned, and her eyes reverted to their bright ruby color. Her dress became clean and clear again, so pristine that not even snowfall could taint it. She paid no attention to the other saints and simply came over to sit beside Rain.

Jingle! her hair amulets gently swaying.

“Rain, are you feeling better now? Will you be able to see the full moon tonight? Oh, I forgot it’s snowing outside. It’s not good for your health. It’s safer to stay here by the warm fire. If the temperature drops or you feel uncomfortable, just let me know. I’ll help you light the fire. As for the moon, you can go another day, alright?” Faye said, noticing the bowl of soup in Rain’s hand. “Wow, what are you eating? It looks like a mushroom dish. Is it delicious? Have you tried it yet? Did you save some for me?”

Rain scooped up some porridge and took a bite, a smile spreading across his face. “Mmm, this is so delicious! Aria, you’re the best cook. It’s so warm and comforting, I can feel it nourishing my body. The mushroom fragrance pairs perfectly with the salt and pepper.” He grinned happily.

“Oh, it is that delicious. Aria can I have—” Faye turned her head and noticed Aria’s shocked expression, her eyes widening in surprise. Ella seemed equally was taken aback.

“Rain…” Aria said.

Faye sensed that something was off, and her eyes grew sharper. She swiftly scooped up a portion of his meal. Cool and plain, with a subtle sweetness. “There’s no poison or toxic ingredient,” said with monotonous.

“When did you give him this bowl?” Faye inquired.

“About ten minutes ago,” Aria replied, moving closer to Rain and touching his shoulder. “Rain, are you okay?”

Rain continued speaking, “Aria, your diced mushrooms are perfect. They’re easy to chew, making them great for children and elderly.”

Ella approached him and asked, “Raccoon…”

Rain slowly turned his head, his gaze fixed on an empty space. “Ella, have you eaten it yet? Aria’s dish was prepared with a mellow-touch.”

Ella’s eyes widen, shocked. “Is he getting curse?”

Rain suddenly burst into laughter. “Hahaha, Yes Rocky, I love the dish too!”

Faye’s eyes darkened. “Rain, can you hear my voice?”

There was no response from him as he continued to babble nonsense.

“Rain!” Aria shouted as shaken his body.

Rain chuckled, “Haha, I know, I know. All of you are too shy to talk while eating, but don’t worry, okay? I’m not angry at all, and neither is Ria. So many people are alive and safe. You’re both safe. Faye is safe too. She didn’t even harm anyone! Chu Chu, don’t tell her, okay? She doesn’t like compliments. Keep it a secret, you two, okay? She—”

Wink! Wink! Wink! Many tools emerged from the space box, they have small needle shape, one of them being Faye’s unique sword that resembled a large golden needle adorned with gems and jewels.

“What are you doing, Faye?” Ella exclaimed.

Faye ignored Ella’s words and instead focused her gaze on Aria, locking eyes with her. Aria nodded and stepped back to Ella’s position.

Faye controlled the magical tools to float around Rain’s body, the tip of the needle touching his skin. A shimmering light emitted, displaying various colors. The temperature rose and the snow in the surrounding area melted, while the gems on Faye’s sword glowed. However, the brightness quickly faded, one by one, and the lights turned dark and dull. Faye’s eyes widened. “Swear to the Fire of Knowledge. How is he still alive? This is completely the opposite form Life.”

“What happened to him?” Aria asked, her expression turning grim.

“This is forbidden. They created this solely to torment sinful men, making them regret their own sins or praise the virtue of the king before their lives come to an end. The pictures flash in reverse, slowly fading out of the correction time. Only eternal death awaits... Did you get cursed by God? I should have known. Not only do you have the cursed of vision, but perhaps on your hearing affected as well... Or all of your senses? If my assumptions are correct, you should have some resonance of time, allowing you to predict and compensate for all that is happening. Yes, that must be it. That explains why you often steer conversations away and bring up different topics—”

Aria listened to Faye, but didn’t understand at all. So she insisted on asking her question again, “Red witch, please tell me what happened to him.”

Faye’s sane returned and said, “Aria, he is no longer with us. He has been cursed by time and can no longer exist in our present. His time was dragging back.”

“Hahaha, yes, that’s right. I will always be by your side,” Rain chuckled.