Snow fell from the darkened skies, covering everything in pure white. It was the type of day that few would venture out-

Even so, a figure stood in the middle of a white field. Snow deep enough that it went up to it’s boots, past where it’s ankles would be.

The figure tilted it’s head up-

In the sky, what looked like a bird spread it’s wings wide- followed by a furious roar. At that point, it tilted it’s head forwards, diving towards the earth as it’s body followed the same movement.

Like a spear, it folded it’s wings to it’s side- but something was off. It dove straight towards the figure. Looking closely- it was no bird. In fact, it was much larger than any bird- about the size of a small house. It’s head was sharp and ended in what seemed like a point- but there was no beak. Of course not- it was a Beast.

A Wyvern to be specific. One of the four kinds of Beasts. It had four limbs, much like a Drake, but it’s front two were more like massive, scaled, wings. It was also only about half the bulk of a Drake, with a much sleeker and aerodynamic body.

Wyverns were arguably the weakest of the four Beasts. But it was still a formidable one to common folk- able to raze entire towns given the right opportunities. And among the four- it was the most persistent.

The figure moved forwards with a single step. Carving a path through the snow. It held up one arm and held it’s arm in a claw-like grip on the air in front of it’s chest. It’s other hand reached towards the Wyvern. As if about to grasp it within it’s hands-

It’s- or rather, her- long scarlet hair began to flow even though there was no breeze. Static slowly built up around her as small arcs of lightning began to jump from her and the area around.

The phenomena lasted for only a few moments before a thunderous clap shook the area followed by a bright flash for a single fraction of a moment.

It was in that instant that a bolt of lightning had emerged from her hand that reached towards the Wyvern.

“...” The lady smirked.

As the lightning connected, the Wyvern went limp. Arcs of lightning seemed to engulf it midair. It’s eyes locked in place as it dove- no…- as it fell from the sky. Unlike a few moments ago where it looked like a spear, sleek and precise, now it’s body tumbled through the air like a ragdoll.

It landed- if it could even be called that- a few dozen meters in front of the lady, with enough force that snow was thrown into the air, making it look like an explosion had just occurred.

As the area cleared, the Wyverns’ mangled, smoking, body became visible. Without a word, the lady’s dark crimson eyes gazed at the grounded Wyvern with a smirk on her face.

A smirk?

Looking at her clearly- her appearance didn’t bear much resemblance to an adventurer. Aside from her coat- there was little to no armour on her. Even then, the coat was only barely reinforced with metal plating. She seemed more like a model- especially since she didn’t even have any protective headgear, only letting her scarlet hair flow- without any wind at that.

Though- it didn’t seem like she needed any armour to begin with.

Behind her- a woman, covered in snow and some dirt, crawled up. She held her head down and grasped at her coat. She looked like a commoner- nothing really stood out aside from a small ruby pendant on her neck. With a sincere and genuine voice, she spoke-

“T- Thank you” she uttered over and over again as she pinched a small part of the lady’s coat. It seemed that she took care not to dirty her coat.

A young boy walked up to the two and bowed his head. The lady only glanced at the woman behind her, though when the young boy came up, a larger smirk formed on her face. Perhaps she thought of it as endearing-

Though the two were being genuine- a slightly grim expression was showing on their faces. An expression that one wouldn’t give to the person who saved them-

Though, it wasn’t out of the ordinary. Around them, the wreckage of a fairly large convoy. Dozens of carriages were ripped open, some were even carried some distance away and dropped to the ground. Among the wreckage, a handful of people were helping each other- tending to the wounded. A couple of adventurers were all sat on the ground, desperately catching their breaths. Though, around the site- something was more out of the ordinary-

The dead bodies of Wyverns-

WyvernS.

Yes, not a single Wyvern. There were three, including the one that the lady had just fell from the sky. Their massive lifeless bodies all had the stench of burned meat accompanied by faint smoke, presumably from the lightning that struck all of them.

With a single nod of her head, the lady walked away from the two.

“...”

Static-

Static slowly built up around her. Small arcs of lightning formed on the ground around her as she glanced towards the Wyvern that she just fell. Her eyes narrowed followed by her lowering her head ever so slightly. She licked her lips-

= = = = = = = = = = = =

Back at the merchant hub town of Langite, snow fell gently.

Some time had passed since the incident regarding the Drake and the adventurers.

Outside of the town, a figure wearing a dark grey armoured coat, accompanied by a beautiful lady, stood. It’s furious glowing eyes seemed to glare in front of it. Though it seemed that nothing was there. Only sparse trees and white snow as far as one could see.

The figure and lady were Arke and Cyrille.

All around them- nothing but sparse trees and relatively deep snow. Not a single trace of anyone else passing by either. It was obvious that they weren’t even on a road- which was an odd sight- normally most people would stick to the roads, especially when snow was falling, in case anything happened, they would be able to find help much more easily.

The two simply stood there.

“...”

“...”

A few moments of silence pass before Arke lifted his head towards the front.

It was at the same moment that reality distorted in front of them. Slowly- something materialized from the ground up. Black fragments and small pieces slowly appeared and came together, accompanied by a low humming. It looked like something was crumbling in reverse.

Four thin pillar-like things grew taller and taller. It didn’t take long for a vague silhouette to be visible. It looked like a horse- or specifically, it looked like armour that fully encased a horse. Of course- there was nothing inside of it- only web-like structure that supported it.

Once that thing had finished materializing, it lifted it’s hoof and slowly walked towards the two, moving in a rather inorganic manner. It was eerie- it’s head was jagged with no features. No eyes, nose nor mouth- it was simply a head. Or helmet-

It’s body was the same- small details weren’t present and instead were replaced by sleek, albeit jagged, armour. In fact- it was made of the same material as the armour plating found on Arke’s coat.

As it got closer, it turned it’s body to the side and knelt down in front of the two. It’s head was pointed in their general direction.

“...”

“Is something the matter?” Arke looked at Cyrille.

“That’s creepy as ever-” Cyrille shuddered as she looked at Arke mount the thing.

“I can’t help it if I don’t want it to tip over.” he replied.

Indeed, that thing was Arke’s creation. It wasn’t a horse- not a living creature- it wasn’t even an unliving creature- but to him, it was as good as a steed.

After a moment of hesitation- Cyrille got on top of the steed and wrapped her arms around Arke’s waist. He simply tilted his head ever so slightly to the side.

Small black strands materialized around Arke’s arms and connected them to the steed. At the same time, similar strands entangled onto Cyrille’s lower back, making sure she doesn’t fall. All while the steed had slowly adjusted it’s hooves, as if preparing for something.

Though, for a moment, it did nothing.

“...”

“Okay, everything should be good. Let’s go-”

With those words, the steed lowered it’s head and pushed down onto the ground, launching itself forwards. It’s movements bore some semblance to that of a horse- or a cheetah- a werewolf- something- but it wasn’t the same.

Every stride it took, it covered about twice the distance of even what a racing horse could cover. Everytime it slammed it’s hooves down, it felt as if the ground was shaking from the force. It’s movements were also much more rigid and mechanical. Though, even with all of that, the ride wasn’t rough at all.

Looking closely, the area that the two sat in looked as if it was slightly disconnected from the rest of the body somehow.

“...”

“...”

The two sped across the sparse forest about twice as fast as any other horse could and without slowing down or taking much of a breather. All while avoiding any roads. That by itself was odd- even if the trees were far apart, the ground was still uneven. Not the ideal place to gallop at full speed.

Every now and then- the steed looked as if it was about to trip, but before it could, it’s limbs would jolt forwards and correct itself with such speed and force that the ground that it hit felt like it cracked.

Such things would never happen on any of the flat and clearer, relatively, roads.

After travelling for a while, Cyrille spoke. “Hey- Arke, what do you think about how things are right now here? Or- I guess this world.”

“Hm? That’s out of the blue-”

Cyrille snuggled her head into Arke’s back.

“It’s a beautiful world isn’t it?”

At that moment, the two emerge from the forest and ran adjacent to a frozen lake. The snow covered mountain on the other side looked mesmerizing- like something that a person could only dream about.

“Beautiful huh” Arke glanced towards the frozen lake. He nodded. “It is- in it’s own way-” He paused. “And from the right perspective-”

Just like a world almost untouched by man. It was true- the sights that one could see were breathtaking. Especially at night or at dawn. It was a world mostly untainted by civilization- but that’s not the only thing the two had meant-

Cyrille chuckled. “It is- but broken as well.”

As the mountains gave off a beautiful view- so did something else give a horrendous sight. Not on the opposite side of the river where the mountain was, but right beside Arke and Cyrille. On their side- traces of a small battle. It was hard to notice since it was covered in snow- but small swords and other equipment was visible. All of them were rusted, shattered, forgotten.

Forgotten.

And they were- most likely, the two didn’t even notice those traces.

“Broken-”

They enter through an uneven area, though the steed still moved at the same speed and barely stumbled at all.

“Broken… haha- I guess I’m getting a little too deep now” Cyrille chuckled as she buried her face into Arke’s back once more. “Guess I’m a little sleepy-”

“...”

“You wouldn’t mind if I doze off for a bit, would you?”

“...”

“I’m not hearing a no~”

“Focusing on the steed, a little hard to-.”

“!?”

In an instant, the steed that they rode on had finally stumbled on the uneven terrain and almost fell over.

“... talk”

Cyrille held tightly onto Arke. Of course, before it could actually fall, it’s limbs moved with an incredible speed and force to correct itself. Much to the relief of Cyrille.

“A- ahahaha- yeah- right, forgot about that-”

= = = = = = = = = = = =

Some time had passed by in relative silence between the two. Arke and Cyrille had travelled a fairly large distance, all while still avoiding the roads. But- now, they were stopped.

On top of a cliff, the two gazed far into a field where a formation of horses galloped across. Among them, some had what looked like gigantic cylinders strapped to their sides. It looked like cannons if anything- though that didn’t make any sense.

Behind the formation of horses, a small caravan followed as closely as they could.

Cyrille squinted her eyes and leaned forwards, trying to make out what was on the banners that they flew. “Hmmm.”

“It’s one of the cavalry corps flying the Argent Moon”

“The royal army’s?”

“It seems so. They’re heading for the border again most likely” Arke sighed. “Another beast probably.”

“A beast huh.” Cyrille turned her head. “I wish you the best of luck” she whispered under her breath.

“...” Arke simply nodded.

“...”

It was hard to see at that distance, but the caravan wasn’t normal either. While half of them were normal wooden carriages, at the very back, a handful of them were made of reinforced material. Even metal. They were also escorted by a handful more of horsemen compared to the other carriages.

“...”

“...”

A few moments of silence pass by. Cyrille, most likely curious as to why they hadn’t moved, leaned to the side and slightly forwards, glancing at Arke.

“So- are we going?~”

Without a word, Arke pointed towards the formation of horses, but not exactly at it. Far from the main group, a couple of pairs were riding much further to the front, back and flanks of the group. With a few constantly circling the area. Those were the ones that he pointed at.

“Scouts. They’re heading towards the border, so there’s a good chance that they’ll be crossing out path. We have to wait, unless you want to start walking.”

Cyrille had deadpan look on her face as she heard Arke say “walking”.

“I’ll pass on walking in this weather.”

The black strands that entangled them slowly fragmented and disappeared. Once it did, Cyrille hopped off, followed by Arke.

“...”

In an instant, the steed they had just ridden on slowly cracked. Pieces of it fragmented and fell off before disappearing into the wind. It looked like a crumbling statue- a rather pitiful sight.

“It shouldn’t take too long- we’ll still make it there by nightfall” Arke said as he walked up to a boulder. He wiped off the snow and sat on it, keeping his leg inbetween him and the stone.

“I hope- I don’t particularly like spending the night in the wilderness. It’s just- ugh.” Cyrille went beside Arke and copied his position.

“You’re not the only one” Arke sighed. “I’d rather have a nice roof and a warm bath at the end of the day as well.”

Cyrille nodded. “A nice bed would be nice too- and a meal.”

“...” Arke reached into his pocket and pulled out a small container.

“Maybe a nice fireplace- wait, is that what I think-”

Arke nodded as he opened the container. Within it- small pieces of chocolate. He raised it towards Cyrille, who happily grabbed a small handful and slowly started eating one piece at a time. Savouring the flavour.

Silence befell the two as they enjoyed that small pleasure.

“Really- chocolate, warm baths, comfortable beds, among other things too. It really doesn’t feel like we’re adventurers.

“...”

“Well, I guess you’re not really one” Cyrille chuckled. “But I was one” she added before munching on a piece of chocolate.

“...”

“Most adventurers don’t have this kind of luxury, though I guess we kinda chose it to be that way-”

Cyrille’s expression grew soft and, slightly melancholic. It seemed that fond memories were going through her mind at that moment.

In that moment, Arke stood up, his head was turned towards the empty field. The royal army had already moved far enough that it seemed that they won’t be in their path.

“Shall we?”

Cyrille nodded, munching on the last few pieces of chocolate at once. A moment later, reality distorted and was followed by a low humming sound. Once again, Arke’s steed slowly materialized-

= = = = = = = = = = = =

The sky had grown slightly darker as the sun slowly reached for the horizon.

Amidst the forests, a small figure sped through. With speed to rival that of a horse paired with the agility of a hummingbird. Something that no normal being could possibly do. But something that a magus was possible of doing.

Strapped to the light leather armour underneath, a row of daggers became partially visible under it’s cloak every so often as it moved.

The small figure’s ponytail flew behind it. At first glance, one could mistake the figure for a shinobi. Though, it was simply Eclair.

“...” her expression was- blank. Melancholic, even.

Of course, there wasn’t much in the way of conversation as she travelled by herself- but that didn’t seem to be the cause. Rather, this was her normal expression.

“...”

Constantly, she launched herself forwards with incredible speed. Though at the same time, it was incredibly silent. Even if one was to stand right next to her, there would be almost no sound as she moved.

“...”

After some time, something slowly became visible in the distance. Even though the sparse trees still obscured some view, it was impossible to obscure that thing

“...”

That thing that towered over everything else around it. It wasn’t created by nature- it seemed- nor was it created by people- it seemed-.

As Eclair reached the edge of the forest, she gradually slowed down before finally stopping just at the edge.

In front of her, that thing- an Ancient Construct- stood tall. Much like the Ancient Construct in Langite, similar in essence but not the same. It was much more dilapidated. Large parts of it were missing and it was covered in nature’s greenery, tinted by white snow atop it. From a distance, it looked like it was fracturing, revealing a pure white inside.

A town was built around it’s base, much like Langite. In fact, most other towns were also like this. Though, this one seemed to be bigger than even Langite. And Langite was a fairly large town by itself.

“Finally- Gestalt” Eclair whispered to herself.

She bundled herself up in her cloak, in an effort to stave off the winter breeze, before kneeling down. She paused for a moment, before launching herself forwards.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

“-headed towards the town center first” Cyrille asked.

The two were now walking on a road that led towards the town in front of them, Gestalt. It could’ve been easier if they simply rode on Arke’s steed instead, but for some reason, they dismounted some distance back while still inside the forest.

“So is the plan- or so I’d like it to be” Arke replied.

“Hmm- so we’re going tomorrow instead?”

Arke nodded once. “It’s getting a little late- I’d rather not at this time. We can just finish it tomorrow.”

Cyrille glanced to her side. “Well- if that’s what you want.”

“I know you’re tired-”

Before he could even finish, Cyrille covered her mouth and let out a small yawn. As if confirming what Arke was about to say before he could even finish it himself. He turned his head towards Cyrille and simply stared at her.

“... what?”

Arke pulled out a small deep blue vial that seemed to sparkle. Though before he could even say a word, Cyrille pushed his hand back towards him.

“Ah- don’t worry, we’re almost there. If I take that now, I won’t be able to sleep until morning.”

Arke nodded.

As they got closer, the Ancient Construct’s silhouette looked like it reached as far as the clouds- of course that wasn’t really the case. Behind it, the sky had slowly turned orange as dusk approached.

Beneath it’s towering presence, just outside of the town, a familiar figure was leaning up against a tree. It was searching for something in a fairly old looking pouch.

As the two got closer, the figure slowly raised it’s head, slowly revealing it’s face underneath it’s hood. It’s sharp eyes locked onto Arke and Cyrille as it immediately hid the pouch. The ponytail inside the hood had went around the side and was visible from the front, coming out from beside it’s neck in a fairly elegant manner. It was Eclair.

With a blank, melancholic smile on her face, she jogged towards the two. As if stating a message to everyone, a row of daggers could be barely seen from underneath her cloak every now and then. Aside from that, something else. An small empty bottle of healing potion was strapped to her side.

“Sir Arke, Miss Eclair, it’s good to see you both once again” she said, coming to a stop just in front of the two.

Her tone was happier, more cheerful and more elegant- high class even. A complete disconnect with how her face still showed a melancholic blank smile. A smile that her eyes didn’t show- Not that it seemed to bother any of them.

The two nodded.

“You as well, Eclair” Arke responded as he began to walk with the two.

“It’s good to see you again too Eclair, how was your trip” Cyrille asked.

A moment of silence passed by before Eclair turned her head towards Cyrille. As if she didn’t hear what she said- or rather it didn’t register with her at all.

“Pardon?”

“Ah- how was your trip?”

Arke slowly moved behind the two as they entered the town, letting them have their conversation. Perhaps he knew that he wouldn’t be able to contribute much even if he had wanted.

“-I can’t wait to get home and relax-”||“-did you hear that an adventurer single handedly take down three wyverns-”||”-excuse me, pardon me-”||”-oi, what’s up with that thing’s mask-”||”-the Argent Moon passed by earlier, I managed to talk to one of the officers, Sanya Degurechap-”||”-lucky bastard that guy is-”

Though, the chatter of the towns folk didn’t exactly give the two much peace.

“Ah” Eclair paused for a moment. “It was fine. The same as always, as one might expect. No complications aside from the cold weather. Why do you ask?”

Cyrille tilted her head. “Why? I was just concerned for you since we haven’t heard from you since we last met at the Drake.”

“Ah- I see. Well, there’s no cause for concern, as you can see” she replied, her blank smile showed clearly- though her eyes still seemed sad.

Of course, neither Arke nor Cyrille could actually see. Most of Eclair’s body was hidden underneath her coat. The only times that they could see were when the front of the coat opened up as she moved.

“That’s good to hear” Cyrille smiled. A genuine smile.

“How about you miss Cyrille?”

“Ah- yeah- ours was fine too-”

“We took a carriage ride to here after we finished with our work in Langite” Arke interrupted Cyrille- or rather, it felt like Cyrille was waiting for Arke to interrupt her.

“Yeah- as Arke said. Though, aside from that, nothing interesting really happened on the way. I’m sure you’ve seen the same views as us since we both came from the same direction.”

Eclair’s movements stuttered for a fraction of a moment. She had been stuttering every now and then for a while now. She glanced at Arke, then towards Cyrille.

“I- I did. It was quite a breathtaking view at some points. Though I couldn’t appreciate them as properly as I’d liked.” Eclair glanced towards the ground. “It was quite a shame.” She chuckled.

In their heads, the three may have been thinking of the snow covered mountains that they had passed.

“Haha- neither did we to be honest.”

As the three reach the center of the town, Eclair moved towards the front, facing the two. She bowed her head slightly and lifted it up.

“Well, this is where we must part ways for the time being.” She turned her head towards the side, to where she probably had to go to. “I appreciate it, sir Arke, miss Cyrille.”

As she was about to turn around and walk away-

“Eclair” Arke said as he walked up to her.

“Hm?”

He pulled out a small pouch and lifted it up in front of Eclair. Seemingly confused, she lifted her arms, opening her palms in front of her. Her coat had parted as she did, revealing light leather armour with daggers strapped across it and the empty bottle on her side. Small areas were also reinforced with metal.

He placed the pouch into her palms. With a confused look, she opened the pouch. Inside were gold coins. Her eyes widened for a fraction of a moment.

“That’s about a Catalyst’s worth.”

She looked at the pouch, then at Arke- then at the pouch again, then at Arke again- it seemed that something inside her broke for a moment.

“P- Pardon? We’ve already made our arrangements prior to this, I’m afraid that-”

“Think of it as a bonus.”

A few moments pass in silence between the three as people pass them by. Oddly, Cyrille simply looked at the two in silence, with a smile on her face.

“Is it really fine for me to receive this?”

Arke nodded. As if affirming his resolve, Cyrille also nodded.

“I- I’ve no words to express my gratitude, sir Arke” Eclair bowed her head once more.

She slowly pulled her hands back into her cloak, along with the small pouch of coins. In response to her words, Arke simply shook his head.

“Well- I’ve no intention of taking anymore of your time, Eclair.”

“A- ah, yes. Once again, I thank you for your kindness, sir Arke- and miss Cyrille” she said as she walked backwards, bowing a few more times.

Finally, she turned around and began walking normally- or at least relatively compared to walking backwards. Her step had a slight hop to it, not to mention her posture was much straighter than before. Of course, even a small pouch of gold coins was similar to how much some commoners make in a year or two of hard work.

“Are you sure it’s fine to give her that much?”

“Oh- that’s a surprise- for you to be against something like this?”

“No- it’s not that-... why?”

“It’s not easy to put faith in someone based simply on their kindness or altruism. As idealistic as that is, it’s also a weak chain. However, it’s much easier to put faith in someone when you know that they benefit from you more than anyone else. A mutually beneficial cooperation. The strongest kind of trust.”

Cyrille chuckled. “You try to sound cool and all- but I know you didn’t need to give her that much. But you did.”

“I didn’t particularly need to-”

“Your soft spot is showing. Really…”

“...” Arke responded with bashful silence-

“But still-... you bribed her, didn’t you?”