The past few days were filled with tension as the people of Nirvania could somehow know what was going to befall their country. Even though it was a gloomy moment, the citizens of Nirvania tried to retain whatever humour they could muster, showing solidarity and resilience instead of panic about the impending war.

The citizens of Nirvania knew that their soldiers were marching off to a just cause, defending their way of life from those who seek to infringe upon it. They had faith in their soldiers, who had been training all their lives for this very day, which they knew would be inevitable given the temperament of their neighbours, Miran. Right now, just before the flames of war get ignited, everyone in Nirvania is trying to relish the last peaceful and precious moments with their loved ones…

I pushed open the door to a small wooden house as quietly as possible. As I entered the house, I was greeted by a gentle voice, "Is that you, Frost? Your mana signature has always been…unique."

I replied calmly, "It's not been easy tracking you down, my dear sister, Freya." A woman was seating on an armchair with her back facing me. Her beautiful white silk-like hair flowed down below her shoulders. This was my twin sister, Freya, also known as the Snow Witch.

Freya is a member of the 10 Saints, and the pride of my family, until she vanished below the radar one year ago. Neither the Kingdom nor my family could discover her whereabouts, though she frequently communicated via letters. However, as twins, I always had that indescribable synergy with her, the same one that I observe in my pupils, Julian and Julia.

I asked, "Freya, what have you been doing all this time? Nirvania is about to go to war and you're seating right here comfortably? What's gotten into the dear sister I know who always fought for what's right?"

Freya replied calmly, "Well, I wouldn't use the word 'comfortable' to describe my current state. However, all I've got to say is that I've other priorities in life now other than simply serving Nirvania, which I still love nonetheless."

I walked over slowly to the front of my sister and was stunned by what I saw. My sister was still as beautiful as ever, but her slender figure had undergone a few radical changes.

After all, she was swollen with child, and looked full-term and ready to deliver any moment. Her waistline was relatively unchanged, but her womb was definitely gravid and protruded outwards, her navel popping out slightly as well.

I asked with a horrified expression, "When did this happen? Who's the father?" Freya caressed her belly as she replied with a smile, "Well, my child was conceived about a year ago. The father is a man I love greatly, for he has been the sole person in my entire life to treat me as a precious individual instead of a symbol of pride that our family and kingdom has always regarded me."

Freya continued, "For many years, people always kept their distance from me due to my strength and status but he was different. He treated me like an ordinary woman worthy of his love and kind treatment. I naturally got attracted to him and things progressed so rapidly, leading to my current pregnancy. He's aware that I'm carrying his child and has not left my side as we're ready to accept our responsibilities as parents-to-be."

I retorted sarcastically, "You look like you're going to pop anytime. Where's your dear…partner now?" Freya sighed as she continued stroking her belly in order to soothe the vigorous life within, "He said he had something important to do and left 3 days ago, promising to come back in time to witness the birth of our child. This little rascal is really naughty, kicking me at inopportune times. I hope it won't be born before my love comes back."

Suddenly, Freya yelped in pain as she clutched her womb tightly. I went up to her with a worried expression and asked, "You sure you're alright? Should I stay here at least until the baby's born? I don't feel safe leaving you alone in such a precarious state."

Freya recovered swiftly and she chirped cheerily with a wink, "Don't worry, that was just a false contraction, meant to prepare me for the real thing. Your niece or nephew is really active, would you like to feel it?" Without warning, Freya grabbed my hand and placed it gently on her enormous womb. I felt ripples under the skin of her taut belly and I smiled unconsciously.

Freya teased, "You ought to look at your face! You look so excited to see your niece or nephew! I can only hope that he or she can grow up happily and be showered with love from all family members. Do you think I'm a little too idealistic, Frost?"

I stroked her belly gently before replying, "No, your wish is simple. Whatever's done is done, I promise to look after him or her well, you can be assured of that." Freya closed her eyes, gently smiling as she placed both hands on her belly as though holding the most important thing in the world.

Freya replied, "Thank you, Frost. I know that you'll make a great uncle. I hope my unborn child can learn from you and emulate your strengths. Back to business, I know about the upcoming war against Miran, but you can see that I'm not suited for battle in my present tender condition.

Hence, I hope that you would take over my position as one of the 10 Saints. After all, I believe that you would surpass me in no time, given your affinity with ice magic and your mastery of the magic weapon [Frostfang]."

I replied stoically, "However, sister, neither my magic nor [Frostfang] can match up to your Enigma Ability, [Absolute Zero], the strongest Ice technique which far surpasses generations of Ice magicians within our family, a family well-established in Ice magic. Try as I might, I can never surpass you, Freya."

My sister used one of her hands to pull back her hair, the other hand remaining on her abdomen as she spoke, "I believe that you too, possess [Absolute Zero], it's just that you have yet to awaken it. After all, I heard that certain Enigma Abilities are hereditary and since we are twins, there's a fair chance that you might share it with me. Before you go, a souvenir from me."

Using her [Absolute Zero], Freya created a small flower of ice with several petals and an intricate, life-like design. She said softly, "Take this as a memento of your dear sister. This flower is a product of my Enigma Ability and would never melt and disappear so long as I live. Please accept this as a farewell gift before you depart for war."

I smiled as I accepted her gift wholeheartedly with both hands, placing the flower on my chest pocket like a brooch. I said proudly, "I would wear your flower as a badge of honour and become the symbol you were meant to be. Don't worry about the outcome of the war, focus on taking care of yourself and your unborn child."

I placed a hand on her belly once again and stroked it as a way of saying goodbye to my dear nephew or niece before standing up to leave. I didn't want to turn back to see her one more time, for I knew I would be seeing a face wrecked with tears.

I don't want my last memory of my sister to be a sad one, as I only want to keep those joyous memories we shared together…

Today is the last day before we set out for the most vital mission of our lives, which has heavy consequences on Nirvania's sovereignty should we fail. Of course, none of us are more nervous than Adeline, since her own father's life is at stake here. I can only hope to offer a listening ear and help her ease as much of her burden as possible, but knowing my girlfriend, she would rather resolve her problems on her own.

As war is inevitable, I thought of using today to cheer up Adeline, to give her a morale boost before we depart. However, sadly, I'm a failure of a boyfriend as even though we've been together for almost a year already, I still do not know her interests and hobbies that well!

Fortunately, I have great friends in Julian and the rest of the gang. We've decided to make it a group date so it wouldn't be so awkward for Adeline and me. Of course, the star of the day has yet to be notified, because we want to keep it a pleasant surprise.

We kick-started the day with a surprise visit to her home in the early morning, with me personally bringing along her favourite strawberry shortcake for breakfast. Adeline took the surprise pretty well, and the smile on her face was so bright and genuine that it made me feel on cloud nine. Truly priceless.

We then went out together as a group exploring places in Nirvana we hadn't been to before. In this aspect, I got to thank my happy-go-lucky Master, Ray, for increasing my knowledge on places of interest within the capital, as I effectively became the tour guide for my little group.

Of course, I never failed to pay a little more attention to my special one, much to the chagrin of the others. We tasted many exquisite food, tried several different products such as clothing and even played with a few kids on the street.

It was heartwarming to see everyone so happy, but there was still an uncomfortable feeling lingering within me, knowing that all of this would come to an end soon. I tried to conceal my resentment which was boiling within me. Why must wars be waged? Especially when there are simply no winners and only losers at the end of the day? I can never understand those warmongers from Miran nor can I forgive them for ruining the lives of several innocents.

Somehow, Adeline could sense my negative emotions and she held my hand tightly, looking at me with a concerned expression. I smiled back at her as I tried to dispel all negative emotions within me. I won't want to ruin her day after all.

After a fruitful morning, we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at one of Adeline's favourite food jaunts. Adeline was a simple girl really, she was easily pleased but I could tell that she particularly enjoyed the pancakes from this shop that Master always treated us when we had successfully completed a mission.

When lunch was concluded, our group split up, each wanting to spend the last precious moments with their families. I was no exception and since Adeline had no family here in Nirvania, thus we spent time at my place instead with my sister and father.

My sister, Yuri, thoroughly enjoyed herself playing games with Adeline and I believe Adeline felt likewise too with the joyful expression on her face. I was glad I could help her forget her troubles back at home, at least for a day. After all, sometimes, the most enjoyable moments in life need not be the most complicated, they can be as simple as spending time with family.

After enjoying dinner at my place, I walked Adeline home. It was a new moon, which meant that the night was especially dark. However, thanks to the lighting invented by the combined efforts of magicians and scientists from the Research Council, Nirvana was a beautifully lit spectacle to behold.

When we reached her place, Adeline held both of my hands tightly as she said, "Thank you so much for organising this all for my sake." I looked directly into her beautiful eyes and replied with a warm smile, "It was my pleasure. Seeing you happy makes me happy too."

Adeline blushed slightly as she stuttered, "You know…we've been together for quite a long time and yet, we've never…kissed before. Judging the severity of our mission, I don't want to leave any last regrets before we embark on our trip. Would you oblige me with just one farewell kiss?"

Without warning, I lurched forward, using both of my hands to cup her chin and tilt it towards my face, fulfilling her request with the most passionate kiss I could muster. She reciprocated my gesture by wrapping her arms around me, bringing me closer to her as we both closed our eyes to savour the moment.

Sadly, all things have to pass and I released my hold on her chin. Likewise, she released me from her embrace and said shyly, "Thanks once again, I'll never forget what happened today." She then turned and skipped back quickly into her house.

I smiled as I muttered, "I won't forget today either…it's been one of the best days of my life." My pleasant mood was interrupted by the public warning system on our city gates. The lights which flashed ominously and the echoes of the bell were harbingers of doom that caused reality to sink in.

This world is cruel after all…and I swear I'm going to set it right. One step at a time…and it starts with this mission.