Mind over matter. C3 (Floor 2/?)

Episode 9: Man in the snow.

Kamari stepped cautiously from the bunker into the icy wilderness. Suddenly, the boy from earlier rushed out behind him, calling out breathlessly, "Kamari! Wait up, I've got one more thing!"

Kamari turned around, puzzled. "What's up?"

"Have you seen or heard anything about someone called Apex around here?" the boy asked, eyes filled with hopeful urgency.

Kamari frowned thoughtfully, then shook his head. "Sorry, haven't heard of anyone named Apex."

Disappointment flickered across the boy's face, but he quickly recovered, smiling faintly. "Alright, well... see you later then," he said with a wave.

Kamari waved back, turning once more into the snowy void ahead.

After a while of walking, Kamari stumbled upon a man sitting quietly in the snow, legs crossed, eyes gently closed as he hummed softly. Kamari hesitated, uncertain if he should disturb him. Before he could speak, the man opened one eye, gazing knowingly at Kamari.

"I've been waiting for you," the man said calmly.

"Me?" Kamari asked, bewildered. "Have you... seen a Hotel around here by any chance?"

The man merely gestured for Kamari to sit. Though hesitant, Kamari complied, settling beside him.

"Imagine beautiful greenery and nature," the man instructed gently.

Kamari closed his eyes skeptically, picturing soft green grass surrounding him. "How does the greenery feel?" the man prompted.

Kamari imagined his fingers brushing against the blades, the texture soft and comforting. "Feels... peaceful," Kamari admitted.

"What does it sound like?" the man continued.

Kamari envisioned the gentle whispers of a calm breeze rustling the grass around him. His tension gradually eased.

"And how does it make you feel inside?"

Kamari took a deep breath, suddenly feeling serene, until something cool tapped his forehead. Startled, his eyes flew open—rain was gently falling. Kamari stared in disbelief; it had never rained on Level Two before.

Around them, the snow melted rapidly, revealing fresh, vibrant grass beneath. Kamari's eyes widened. He'd assumed everything beneath was lifeless.

Meanwhile, back at the campfire, the gathered survivors stared skyward in awe, joyful at the unexpected rain. But as quickly as it started, the rain ceased, and the snowfall resumed.

Kamari looked at the man beside him, astonished. "Did you do that?"

The man shook his head knowingly. "No, Kamari. You did."

Before Kamari could question further, the man gently grasped his injured arm, the warmth of his touch seeping through the cast. A sudden sensation surged through Kamari's limb, and to his astonishment, the pain vanished completely.

Kamari flexed his healed arm, removing the cast with disbelief and gratitude flooding his expression. "Thank you—"

"There's no need for thanks," the man interrupted gently. "But I believe the place you're seeking is to the north." He pointed decisively.

Standing quickly, Kamari nodded gratefully and took off running. "Good luck," the man called softly after him.

Far away, atop an imposing building, stood a knight clad in dark blue armor, silently observing the horizon. Behind him, a swirling portal appeared, and a young boy with blonde hair and piercing Turquoise eyes stepped through.

"You wanted me?" the boy asked hesitantly.

The knight turned slightly. "Any progress on the bounty?"

The boy sighed. "I've asked around about Apex, but no luck. Are you sure you can cure her?"

The knight responded confidently, "I'm a man of my word, Joshua. But as it stands, even if you found Apex, you wouldn't stand a chance. I've brought you something to change that."

From his armor, the knight withdrew a syringe filled with a shimmering rainbow mixture. Scribbled hastily on the tape covering it was the word "ANIMAL."

Joshua's eyes widened slightly. "Is that a—"

"Serum? Yes," the knight interjected smoothly, offering it forward.

Joshua took the syringe without hesitation, plunging it into his arm immediately.

"You didn't even let me finish explaining," the knight remarked dryly. "It's a Nature Serum—animal branch, specifically."

"I don't care if I might die," Joshua responded fiercely, determination blazing in his eyes. "If this is what it takes to find a cure, I'll take that risk without thinking twice."

The knight nodded slowly, respect flickering briefly in his expression. "Very well. Listen carefully: within the next minute, you'll either die or become a Guardian. Let's hope that Nano Fraction gives you the luck you need."

Joshua braced himself as the serum began to take effect, his fists clenching tightly.