The Creature Of The Frozen Wake
A deafening crash shook the winter-shrouded desert, sending tremors through the cave and jolting Tsukiko from her slumber.
The air was filled with the howling wind, which swept into the cave, carrying with it swirling eddies of snow. Tsukiko's gaze snapped towards her companions, whom she had laid to rest, hoping the warmth of the cave would help them recover from their fever.
But as she looked at them, she saw that they were not awake, their faces contorted in discomfort. The wet rags she had placed on their foreheads and necks, in an attempt to calm their fever, seemed to have had little effect.
Tsukiko's brow furrowed in concern as she gently removed the rags, her mind racing with the possibility that their condition might be worsening. But before she could ponder further, the cave was rocked by another massive thud, like an earthquake, shaking the very foundations of the ground.
And then another, and another, each one sending tremors through the cave, making it difficult for Tsukiko to maintain her balance. The situation was growing increasingly unsettling, and Tsukiko couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly amiss.
What could be causing these massive vibrations? Tsukiko's curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped out of the cave, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of what might be happening. And then, she saw it – something that defied explanation, something that shook the very foundations of her understanding of the world.
As Tsukiko emerged from the cave, she was confronted with a sight that defied comprehension. Before her stood a colossal, furry structure that seemed to touch the sky.
Cautiously, she inched closer, her heart racing with every step. The structure resolved into a massive, paw-like foot, reminiscent of a bear's, but on a scale that was simply unimaginable.
Tsukiko's gaze traveled upward, tracing the contours of the creature's body, which seemed to be crafted from the very essence of winter itself.
The creature's fur was a brilliant white, like freshly fallen snow, and its back was adorned with a rocky, crystalline structure that seemed to be grown from the earth itself.
Icy crystals, each one as large as a boulder, jutted from the creature's hide, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the surrounding landscape.
Tsukiko's eyes widened as she took in the creature's head, which seemed to pierce the clouds like a mountain peak. The sheer scale of the beast was awe-inspiring, leaving Tsukiko feeling like a tiny, insignificant speck of dust.
Her breath caught in her throat, Tsukiko froze, her body locked in a statue-like pose. She dared not move, dared not breathe, lest she draw the creature's attention. The beast's every step sent shockwaves through the earth, causing the ground to tremble beneath Tsukiko's feet.
Was this truly a Kardia Beast, a creature of this world, the mirror realm? Tsukiko hoped against hope that the creature had not noticed them, that it would simply pass them by and continue on its way.
She waited, her heart pounding in her chest, as the creature took another step, its massive body undulating as it moved.
As the creature vanished into the distance, Tsukiko stood frozen, her gaze still fixed on the spot where the beast had last been seen. The silence that followed was oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of her own ragged breathing.
And then, something strange began to happen. The snow that had fallen in the creature's wake started to melt, the frosty climate giving way to the scorching heat of the desert. Tsukiko's eyes widened in astonishment as she watched the transformation unfold.
How was this possible? The creature's mere presence had affected the atmosphere, altering the very fabric of the environment.
Shaking off her bewilderment, Tsukiko turned her attention to her companions. She made her way back into the cave, her movements quiet and deliberate.
As she entered, she was greeted by the sight of Ryo stirring, his eyes fluttering open as he struggled to sit up. His face was flushed, his skin hot to the touch, and his movements were slow and labored. But despite his obvious weakness, he managed to speak, his voice low and husky.
Tsukiko's gaze met Ryo's, her golden eyes locking onto his as she took in his disheveled appearance. her leather armor creaking softly as she moved.
Her tawny brown hair was mussed, with drips of snow clinging to the strands. A faint smudge of exhaustion marred her features, but her eyes remained bright and alert.
"What...what's going on?" Ryo asked, his voice cracking with effort.
Tsukiko's expression was grim, her eyes clouding over with concern. "You've been asleep for a while," she said, her voice low and soothing. "We're in a cave. I found shelter for us."
Ryo's gaze drifted around the cave, his eyes scanning the rocky interior with a mix of curiosity and detachment. "The others?" he asked, his voice neutral, almost indifferent.
Tsukiko's eyes narrowed slightly, as if expecting Ryo to show more concern. "They're still asleep," she replied, her voice measured. "But they seem to be recovering. The fever is breaking."
Ryo's expression remained impassive, his eyes never leaving Tsukiko's face. "I see," he said, his voice flat. "And what about...whatever it was that passed by outside?"
Ryo narrowed his eyes, stretching languidly. "And what's with the dramatic entrance?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I was having a great dream about doing absolutely nothing. You know, the usual: staring at the ceiling, watching paint dry..."
Tsukiko's expression remained serious, but a hint of amusement danced in her eyes. "Glad to see you're feeling better, Ryo. But we need to talk about what just happened."
Ryo's gaze narrowed, his interest piqued despite himself. "What did happen? I only remember bits and pieces. And by 'bits and pieces,' I mean nothing at all."
Tsukiko hesitated before launching into an explanation. "A massive creature passed by our location. It was unlike anything I've ever seen before. Its presence seemed to bring the snow with it, and once it left, the snow melted away."
Ryo's eyes widened slightly, his fascination getting the better of him. "That's...fascinating. So, the creature was the cause of the abnormal weather patterns? How delightfully absurd."
Tsukiko nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It seems that way. I've never seen anything like it before."
Ryo's gaze lingered on Kenzo's limp form, his eyes scanning the pale, flushed face. The crimson hue that painted Kenzo's cheeks was a stark reminder of the fever that still ravaged his body.
Ryo's thoughts drifted back to the events that had led to Kenzo's condition, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. It was a sentiment he quickly suppressed, his expression remaining impassive.
As he turned his attention to the others, he noticed that they all wore irritated expressions, even in their unconscious state.
Their faces were scrunched up, as if they were struggling against some unseen force. But Kenzo...Kenzo was different. He lay there, motionless, his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Ryo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with thoughts of Kenzo's condition.
Just then, Mei stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she struggled to sit up. Tsukiko was immediately by her side, helping her upright and offering words of comfort. Ryo watched the exchange with a detached air, his thoughts drifting to the fact that Tsukiko hadn't offered him the same level of care.
A wry smile played on his lips as he thought to himself, "Oh well". It was a small, bitter taste, but one he was accustomed to.
As Mei sat up, rubbing her temples, Ryo's gaze shifted to Tsukiko. She was watching him, her eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Ryo's expression remained neutral, but Tsukiko's eyes seemed to hold a hint of curiosity, as if she were trying to read his thoughts. The moment hung in the air, heavy with unspoken words, before Tsukiko finally turned back to Mei, helping her take small sips of water.
As the last of the group stirred to life, Ryo sat cross-legged on the cave floor, cradling the mysterious canteen in his hands. He marveled at its seemingly infinite capacity for water, and his mind wandered to the peculiar changes in the water's temperature.
When they had first received the canteen, the water had been refreshingly chilled, a welcome respite from the scorching desert heat.
Now, however, the water seemed to be at room temperature, as if the canteen had somehow adapted to their surroundings. Ryo's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued by the canteen's strange magic.
Hitomi's voice cut through the air, echoing off the cave walls as she asked, "Wait, what about the Terragrim? Did it return to the village?" Her brow furrowed in concern, recalling Lyra's words about the creature's ability to find its way back to the village if they had arrived at their destination and left its back. But they hadn't reached their destination yet, and they had left the Terragrim's back...
Tsukiko's calm, soothing voice reassured Hitomi, "Don't worry, I've already instructed the Terragrim to stay put using the rope."
She nodded towards the cave entrance, and Hitomi's gaze followed, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the massive, scaly beast waiting patiently outside.
Koki approached Tsukiko, his eyes shining with gratitude as he knelt down before her. "Thank you, Tsukiko," he said, his voice sincere. "You've put yourself through so much to help us. Your arms..." He trailed off, his gaze drifting to Tsukiko's arms, which were indeed marred by the rigors of her efforts. Koki's expression softened, his eyes welling up with emotion. "You've helped us at the cost of your own life. I...I don't know how to repay you."
Tsukiko's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to brush off Koki's gratitude. "It's nothing, really. I'm just older than all of you, so it's only natural for me to feel a bit responsible." Ryo watched the exchange, a small smile playing on his lips.
He remembered when they had first met in the forest, Tsukiko had always had a kind and nurturing nature. Even during their training sessions in Caliginia, she had always put the needs of others before her own.
Ryo's gaze lingered on Tsukiko, his eyes narrowing as he pondered the enigma that was her kindness. He didn't dislike genuinely kind people, per se, but he found them perplexing, like creatures from a different realm.
Why would a human willingly put themselves in harm's way, sacrificing their own well-being for the sake of others? It defied the fundamental principles of human nature, or so Ryo believed. Humanity, as he saw it, was a species driven by self-preservation, where individual survival was the paramount concern.
And yet, here was Tsukiko, consistently putting the needs of others before her own, as if she were immune to the instincts that governed the rest of humanity. Ryo's mind whirled with the contradictions, his thoughts tangling in a web of confusion.
He couldn't help but feel that Tsukiko's kindness was a facade, a mask that hid some deeper, more sinister motive. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw only sincerity, only a genuine desire to help others. And that, more than anything, left Ryo feeling bewildered.
Mei's voice cut through the air, her tone detached as ever. "We should get moving soon." Her words were met with a chorus of groans and weary expressions, but Akari intervened, her hands glowing with a soft, healing light. "Wait, let's not rush. I'll make sure you're all fully recovered first."
As Akari tended to each of them, her healing magic washing away the lingering effects of the fever, Ryo's gaze drifted to Kenzo. Even after Akari's healing, Kenzo's expression remained vacant, his eyes empty of their usual spark.
The fever may have been gone, but the damage to his mental state was clear. Akari's expression faltered, her eyes clouding with concern as she realized that Kenzo's mental condition went far beyond a simple fever.
Ryo, meanwhile, focused his attention inward, his senses tuning into the familiar hum of his Kardiamagia. His left wrist began to give off a dark glow, and a holographic screen flickered to life, displaying a stream of characters and data.
Ryo's eyes scanned the information, his brow furrowing in surprise.
『Scenario of the Lice's Aspirant』
Dark magic: stage 19,
Lesser necromancy: stage 17,
Resurrection: stage 16
Threat perception: stage 20
「Aspirant is almost ready for a succession」
Ryo's gaze lingered on the final message, his mind racing with questions. What did it mean, exactly? Was it a warning, a prediction, or something else entirely? The words seemed to hint at a deeper purpose, something that he was being groomed for. But what kind of succession was he being prepared for?
....