Romulus: “Ah, I forgot to mention.”

They were now all standing before a flimsy layer. It was hard to describe, perhaps the term ‘blanket of air’ could work. It reminded Sorn of whatever it was he had broken through while falling through the hole.

So far, all the information Sorn had taken in was certainly interesting. However, most of it remained too fragmented for him to make any true conclusions. Assuming this was where Keilan’s mother had run to with Varian’s friend, this would also be the place where the Emperor had made his return and killed that friend. This would be far after the man with the weapon had arrived. He anticipated a chance to talk about this with the others, especially Oden. Perhaps he could connect more puzzle pieces through that method.

Another curious thing was how Romulus talked of events that occurred centuries ago as though they happened yesterday.

Romulus: “Past this area is a reason why our people live for as long as we do. It is a place where time stops, and organisms can act freely without their bodies aging. This will be the same for you as well.”

Well, that would explain quite a bit for Sorn.

Toren: “How tremendous is this? A whole land underground. Truly an amazing-”

Aria: “No one asked you Toren.”

Kaen: “I agree.”

Defeated, Toren glanced at Aira. She gave him a thumbs up and a pat on the back.

Crystal was the first to pass through the strange layer, landing onto the snow on the other side.

Crystal: “It doesn’t feel that different.”

Kaen: “Let’s hurry up and get those weapon fragments or whatever. I don’t want to be stuck in this dump longer than I need to.”

Oden turned towards Romulus.

Oden: “How sure are you that the weapon you mentioned will be the solution to breaking the seal?”

Romulus: “I merely repeat what our Father said. He has yet to be wrong about anything.”

Sorn turned to Toren, as he was closest to him. He kept his voice low, so Romulus wouldn’t overhear.

Sorn: “Any idea who this ‘Father’ could be?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Toren shook his head.

Crystal: “Uh-”

Both Sorn and Toren turned around to see Romulus standing before them. He was leaning down staring into their eyes. Clearly, Sorn wasn’t quiet enough.

Romulus: “You are telling me that you have not heard of Fenryr, the Great Beast of the Ice?”

Everyone turned to Oden, but not even he had the answer this time. Romulus was baffled by this, as he leaned back, putting a finger to his chin curiously.

Romulus: “That is most curious. The stories of his accomplishments here are endless. Though I suspect some of them could be fictional.”

Oden: “Many great parts of our history have been erased.”

Romulus: “I see. Whoever was responsible did a fantastic job in that case.”

As they neared the village, a similar man stood before them all, spreading out his arms happily as he welcomed them.

Unknown Lycan: “Welcome! Welcome! And here I was wondering where you had run off to Romulus! Who would’ve thought you would bring some more outsiders! Truly an occasion!”

Oden: “How often is it that people make it down here?”

Romulus: “You would be the sixth group from my memory.”

Aria: “How old are you?”

Crystal: “Aria!”

Romulus: “No, it’s fine. I am about 370 years old.”

Kaen: “That’s very old.”

Aria: “Good to know, Gramps.”

Toren: “The audacity of these children.”

Romulus grabbed the other Lycan by the neck. He was about a head taller, but the way he grabbed him made it clear they were extremely close.

Romulus: “Meet my little brother, Remus. He’s been with me through thick and thin, and he’s the most loyal companion you could ever ask for.”

Remus looked over the group with a spark of interest gleaming in his eyes.

Remus: “Are any of them-?”

Romulus pointed towards Keilan, who had been quiet ever since they had left the cocoon. Upon being pointed at, he greeted Remus with a scowl.

Remus: “Not in the best of moods huh. I assume he wants an explanation.”

Romulus: “Indeed he does.”

Remus: “That is all and well then! You will get the answers you need from our Father. Your only requirement is to open the Gate.”

Keilan didn’t respond, but Remus seemed unfazed.

Remus: “Regardless, please make yourselves at home here! You are of course, welcome to stay as long as you want, but I assume it is in your best interest to leave as soon as possible.”

Oden turned to the group.

Oden: “My opinion is for us to rest tonight and go straight for the weapon when we’re all up. Any objections?”

Aria: “I don’t really feel tired at all though.”

Remus smiled.

Remus: “That is because even your body is frozen in time! Your soul is what fuels you in our world. This means you can skip meals and sleep all while feeling at your best. Just don’t get injured, your soul will repair wounds but it will work far slower.”

Oden: “Noted. I appreciate the assistance you have given us.”

Romulus: “I believe we should now get them situated.”

Remus: “Of course! I have something to take care of, so I’ll leave you to it!”

The village itself was strangely empty. The huts were all made of wood. Romulus had explained that since they didn’t need food or sleep, shelter was also unnecessary. It only acted as a means to give them privacy, something that had become very valued over the course of their long lives.

Oden: “I notice that for people who don’t die, the population in this small area is miniscule.”

Romulus: “Immortality is not natural for us. We lead aimless and dreary lives, ones with neither meaning nor purpose. Even birthing and raising children has been banned for the past century by our Father.”

Crystal: “Why would he do that?”

Romulus: “I do not know.”

Kaen: “Isn’t he sealed up in his domain anyways? What’s stopping you from doing what you want?”

Romulus: “Any rule breakers are punished with a quick death by the Heavenly Wolves. Their ferocity is terrifying. The mere thought of their wrath would stop any Lycan in their tracks.”

Sorn: “What keeps you alive then?”

Romulus: “What do you mean?”

Sorn: “You said your life is empty right? Then why do you stay here?”

Romulus smiled at this question.

Romulus: “I have known many to commit an act known as ‘Living’. This is when Lycans leave the barrier to live a life where they age and eventually die. They create and live by their own rules, unbothered by the Heavenly Wolves. I have many times considered joining them. Luckily, I have always had my brother to support me, even in the most meaningless of times. Our Father also banned Living alongside parenthood.”

He stopped by a lane of large huts next to each other.

Romulus: “Feel free to recuperate here on your lonesome. None of us will bother you, I can assure that. I am sure you have much to discuss amongst yourselves. All I ask of you is that you contact me before leaving to gather the weapons. There are some instructions I can only give you when you are truly committed to the task.”

With that said, he bid farewell and left, leaving the group alone in front of four empty huts.

End.