The fall seemed to have dragged out. It seemed like hours yet it was only seconds until we felt as if we hit something and yet the log did not break. Instead it slowed down severely and the launched back upwards. It seemed as if fell of the cliff in to a waterbed. Perhaps a frozen waterfall, or perhaps there even was a water since we seemed to gain tremendous speed falling down. I was surprised that there was no impact as big as I imagined. Perhaps the area was the waterfall hit only had a small layer of ice or none at all.

The moment we fell being propped up as if from underwater to the surface we hit something. The impact was harder then the one we experienced falling down. I was surely curious what was happening but dared not to open our makeshift U-boat. Instead I used my Depth Sensing skill to confirm that we were in water. There seemed a small 1-inch pocket of air between us water we were in and some sort of hard surface. I could not tell what it was due to never being in this situation before.

Many different ideas came to mind but the most likely ones were that, either we were under the frozen Ice above the river, or a cavern or sort. I even held on to the makeshift plug to our U-boat from opening. I then noticed that it was dripping water slightly around it. It wasn’t a concern since we could use the storage transfer for this problem.

The ride in our makeshift U-boat became much more enjoyable with only a slight problem. The arrow pointing to the village seemed to slight turn to the west as time went by. Seems like the river did not go to the village and veered southeast and now we needed to go southwest. After talking with Amelia on what we should do she said that until we should continue traveling using this method since we still did not know how far it would be. Perhaps the river would veer in to the correct direction thus we stayed on the current route.

Another day passed and it was true, that the river constantly veered to left and right but this was where the arrow was now pointing almost directly west. I could feel that the ice cap was still slightly there but we had to get out now. We were going in a rather fast pace however it had to be now. We put away the bear hides and everything else that could be lost made sure our blessing was still active and had around 8 hours left on it. We also activated our Tattoo blessing, which I am going to start to calling “Spirit Blessing.”

I got my pickax ready to strike at the cap, which enclosed us, within the U-boat. It stopped leaking sometime ago and was stuck because of soaking up some water and expanding at the same time. Amelia hugged me by the waste as to not get separated.

5….

4….

3….

2….

1….

0….

I strike at the cap with all my strength with pickax at hand. It literally obliterates the cap striking in to the ice above the river. At the same time we both push off the log as not to let it drag us further in the river. We did not need to worry about breathing since we could breath underwater, however we closed shut our mouths because it seemed like the blessing was only an exterior factor. The water we took in was so icy cold that it was hard to breathe it. Perhaps further water training was necessary to adapt to colder water.

Luckily the Pickax was able to make a hole in the ice that was about ½ foot thick. I then helped Amelia through the hole, which was about 1-meter wide in a circular form. When Amelia got out she helped me out of the water as well. When we were out, only then did I notice that the water beneath the ice was rushing at an immense speed, frightening to be exact. I then looked at Amelia; she had all of the color in her face gone. Pale as if seeing a ghost. At the same time my ears, which were full of water now could hear. A huge crushing sound and I then proceeded to look the direction Amelia was looking.

We could see the entire landscape. We were roughly 5 meters away from the edge to another waterfall. I had my jaw drop. I was in astonishment that we actually got out 5 meters before the fall.

Approaching the waterfall drop and we can see that the waterfall itself was not frozen instead very active. It was only frozen up to the edge. Down below you could see huge rocks that lay there and the now tiny bits of the remainder of the log we were in, surely an instant KO to those without the Spirit Blessing.

We recovered from a gaze when we heard a slight voice. HHHHHHHOwWwwww???

Zen: Amelia did you say something?

Amelia recovered from her daze.

Amelia: No.

We franticly looked around but saw no one.

Zen: I must be hearing things.

Amelia: Probably!

In nearly 3 minutes being out of the water the clothes on us completely froze. Even though we did not seem to feel the cold we still realized that if we did not have the warmth blessing we would freeze to death. Without being able to die we would be in that state till time on Spirit Blessing ran out.

Amelia: Which way do we go now? Hopefully we don’t have to climb down.

Zen: It seems we are in luck and don’t have to climb down. Since now its pointing completely West.

Amelia: Then should we be off?

Zen: Yea we should and we also need to prepare camp soon or will definitely freeze. Dry the clothes while we are still under the blessings protection.

Thus before heading west we looked around and noticed a slight smoke, which came from a little Northwest of us.

Amelia & Zen: Look there.

Zen: Hmm can monsters also make campsites?

Amelia: They could, although I hope its not monsters camp.

Zen: Either way we need clothes, which we can change in to. We should go check either way.

Amelia: Yea lets look at the bright side of things.

We then proceeded to walk that direction. The clothes made sounds, as the icy clothes would crumble luckily it did not really ruin our clothing. It took us 3 hours until we approached the campsite. When we arrived at the campsite. We could see there was a pot boiling on a fire, with no sole in sight.

Zen: This gives me the creeps. There seems to be no one there.

Amelia: Then lets take this opportunity to see if there is any clothing.

We quickly spotted a tent and cautiously looked in and it too was empty. Amelia went in and spoke out for me to hear.

Amelia: Seems like it has places for 4 individuals. They must be nearby, or even already watching us.

Zen: Any clothes?

Amelia: Yea! All of them seem to be human as well.

Zen: Good get dressed. I’ll stand guard and then we will switch.

She quickly got redressed and walked out side. It was very plain but almost fit her too perfectly. It wasn’t compressing or any of the sort. In fact it was very baggy but looked exceptionally well on her.

Zen: That clothing seems to be good for sleeping. In fact it looks like pajamas.

Amelia: I think they are. For this type of weather these are great pajamas.

Zen: Ok well my turn.

I then traded spots with her and went in. I saw that there were two different types of clothing. Seems like this campsite either abandoned or they’re out hunting while the water was boiling in the big pot outside. Either way I found a pair that seemed to fit me more. To be exact they were much bigger then me but still fit me, however also very baggy. Seems like the beings that this camp belongs to be rather big people.

I hence went outside and saw that Amelia was using the fire to cook the bear meet she took out of the storage.

Amelia: I think we should wait for the people. We did take their clothes without permission. Perhaps we can even make something to eat for them, in exchange.

Zen: I agree we aren’t in a hurry either way. Perhaps I’ll even make a shelter for us while we wait.

There was snow everywhere, so I then proceeded and took out the 1x1x1 meter block of wood I had chopped up from my storage and placed in near the fire to use as a table. I also took one more out and chopped it in to small little logs to keep the fire burning. Even though the fire it self seemed like it was enchanted since it would burn for some time without needing more fire wood.

Either way a bigger fire in my mind is better than a small one. I then proceeded to biggest tree that surrounded the fire. Somehow there were many trees with a width of 2 – 3 meters. After making choosing which way I wanted the tree to fall I proceeded to cut the tree. 10 minutes later chipping away at the tree using only my elemental hand combat. The tree gave way and fell roughly 5 meters away from the fire. The fall of the tree would surely summon the owners of the campsite I thought.

I paid little attention since I noticed that so far no monster or person crept up. That is when I proceeded to carve the tree with my hands again. The shape was similar to that of the U-boat. Instead the door was to the side instead of the top. I made a 1-meter round entrance, and then made a whole inside 2-meters tall and ½ -meter wide and 4 meters deep to the left side of the tree. After that was done made one shelve 2 meter wide, by 3 meters deep and about a 1-½ -meter high, on right side of the ½ -meter walkway and ½ -meter high from the bottom of the walkway. It was like a small cabin at this point. I though this was enough and walked outside. I saw that there was no one else other then Amelia and I. It was some hours after I had cut the tree down and the sun was already going down. Seems like the sunsets earlier in the mountains.

While the sun set and it had become quite dark and enjoying the food we heard a shout. “Mila it smells delicious. What did you catch and you have better made some for us.” Three figures stepped out of the brushes in to the camp. The three figures of people were carrying three huge bags or who knows what it was.

Stranger: Who are you two and what did you do with Mila?

Everybody was staring weirdly at each other. We could only see their eyes reflected by the fire next to us, since they stood in the shadows. No one made a move to get his or her weapons out. At that moment from the other direction of the campfire stepped out of the forest another figure, which also stayed to the shadows. They seemed experts that could read shadows like it was their second nature.

Mila: They did nothing to me and I was just watching them to get a general impression. Mind I tell you one interesting thing though. I went fishing at the icy river and guess what. They fished themselves out from underneath the frozen river. Just 5 meters away from the waterfall, still don’t quite understand how 2 humans were able to survive the freezing water and even force their way out of the river that had nearly ½ foot of ice over it. Even look at what they are wearing. Our pajamas that would actually make me freeze in being in the cold atmosphere over 2 hours.

Stranger: Ha ha ha that’s the best joke I have ever heard. Although I can see they are definitely wearing our pajamas.

Mila seemed to be talking to another human which gave off an aura of being their leader.

Zen: Before you all continue with questions and all the fun stuff. Why not sit down and enjoy some meat and the prepared stew. It the least we can do for taking a pair of your clothes without asking. Oh and yes I am Zen and this is Amelia.

They all came closer to sit on the log next to the fire and warm up. That voice near the lake was probably Mila’s who seemed to be watching us, since then.

Stanger: Mila? Are they hostile?

Mila: Not that I have noticed. They too ate from that pot so it unlikely poison.

Once everyone approached the fire I could finally see they’re appearance. The female called Mila, seemed like an ordinary Human who seemed to be the same size as Amelia. Is quite the beauty with her huge busts, her hair fitted the rouge setting since every feature of hers was completely black, even dark black eyes. Her hair was slightly dark purplish though. She wore a rouges outfit with 2 small daggers on her side and small bow strapped to her back. She also wore a huge dark black fur coat, which covered her entire body.

The other female that also came in to view was tall, skinny also with even bigger busts. You could clearly see that she was an elf because of her appearance; well the ears gave it away with the slight pale whitish skin. Her hair was white like the snow with black eyelashes and blue eyes. She wore a supper fitted robe with a staff in her right hand. It was a staff that had a diamond like gem on the top. She too wore a fur coat but this time it was perfectly white in color.

The guy who seemed to talk out loud came in to view next. He was wearing full plate armor. However between the joints you could see thick fur poking out. He had no shield just a very broad sword that could be used as a shield, hanging on his back. He had a small beard and wore what looked a like a fur hat. Now that I mention every one of them had fur hats that I seemed to not notice at all.

Finally I was able to see the last person. When I saw him, I for some reason though about Robin Hood. From the anime I saw in school. All of his clothes seemed slimmer then the rest of the groups. Perhaps it has some enchantment for cold. We had 3 different bows hanging on his back. With tiny knives across his chest in a belt of some sort, an assassin or rouge mix I guessed. He looked human however something was off. I did not know if he truly was human. His skin was somehow different.

They all walked towards us and sat down without a second of hesitation. Were they that confident of their skills or was there another element? Perhaps they had certain skills that helped them.

Stranger: Well then. I guess introductions are in order as well as a few questions.

Zen: Indeed.

Stranger: Call me Birk and the elf over there her name is Shila, you already hear me call Mila over there. Finally my good old pal Frank.

Zen & Amelia: It is a pleasure to meet you.

Birk: Looks like they have manners at least.

Mila: Not everyone is a brute like you Birk.

Birk: Ha ha ha ha. I like it that way Mila. Ha Ha Ha HA

While these two began blabbering away the other too remained quiet as if shy or something.

Birk: Mila is it true what you said? They came out of under the ice on their own and not through one of your fishing holes?

Mila: Yup. In addition you should have seen the ice explosion that was caused, when the ice shattered flying skyward.

Birk: Your pooling my strings aren’t you?

Mila: Not at all

Birk: So lad and young Miss, mind you telling us your story and why you are here?

Zen: Sure. We are headed to the frontier village in the north.

All of these strangers had a sharp look at us. They all became cautious of us immediately.

Birk: Why are you headed there and do you know how to get there?

Zen: It’s a quest and yes I do know how to get there.

All of them stood up and placed their hands on their weapons.

Zen: Something wrong or is there something behind me?

Birk: HA HA HA HA. THIS IS INDEED A SITUATION.

Zen: Oh yeah? How so?

He was starring very strangely at us. He did not let up his guard with his subordinates standing there and furthering the conversation as to find information.

Birk: It is supposed to be a secret that there is a village on the new frontier.

Zen: Are you sure?

Birk: Yes only the King of New-Thorn and a select few know about this village and hired everyone that’s already there under exceptional secrecy.

Zen: How do you know I’m not one of the villagers?

Birk: Easy, because I know every single one who was sent there. I messenger between the frontier and us. To be exact even I have a hard time finding it.

Zen: Your lost. Right?

Birk: Yes, although we will find them eventually.

Zen: Let me guess on your orders. “You were told to make them retreat or prepare for some sort of onslaught?”

That is when they really took out their weapons from the sheaths.

Zen: Relax. Relax. What’s the big deal?

Birk: Since you know about something only a select few know about. I can only be cautious since you may be the apposing force, which threatens the little frontier village. Especially since you know the route already, signifies that you have some sort of spy information regards to it.

Zen: Your wrong. None of it is true. We actually came nearly further north then even the little village it self.

Birk: Lies there was no know village further north.

Zen: No I don’t come from a village. We come from my home. It only 4 of us living there though, the two elders told us to make our way here.

Birk: Elders?

Zen: Long story and I wont tell you who exactly. They told us to come help the new frontier village.

Shila: They also maybe shape shifters from the beast tribe.

Birk: I am more inclined in thinking you are the unknown beast tribe which can take form of regular humans. Which are thinking on attacking the village from inside.

The moment of pause occurred, which I didn’t mind and continue eating the steak in my hands.

Zen: Hmm. So how do I prove myself otherwise?

Shila: I can cast a spell to see.

Birk: Do it. Don’t even ask permission. We need to clear this up quickly.

She cast a high light spell of sort that surrounded the entire area.

Shila: That was a Tier 9 Dispel and nothing changed. Although I also cast a Tier 9 Identification Spell, it looks like they are really human. To be precise they are what we know as Immortal Adventures.

Birk: Ha ha ha ha. Seems you were telling us some truth after all. Where are you identification badges?

Amelia pulled something out and tossed it over to him.

Zen: Um what’s that?

Amelia: You don’t have one since you didn’t start at the city. It shows my: Name, Level, Profession, and Alignment.

Birk: Why does he not have one and how does a low level like you even survive this place?

Amelia: He just arrived to this world. Just because I recently hit level 45 you should not underestimate me.

Birk: You do realize that it took us 2 years to escort all those people in the village with just the 4 of us protecting them?

Zen: If you’re so high and mighty what’s your level? You did see hers after all.

Birk: I’ll tell you, only mine though it’s 250.

Amelia: How? I the strongest of the adventures is level 99. How can there be people with higher level then adventures.

Birk: Ha ha ha. Don’t compare me with that lousy bunch. You may not know this but actually the strongest person that of your kind that I met is over level 200.

Amelia: Some of my friends are level 99 and they have yet to get level 100.

Birk: That’s a secret I will not tell you. Lets get back to the matter on hand. What’s your real purpose to going to the frontier village?

Zen: Help them establish a stable village there. It will benefit us more then you know.

Birk: How so?

Zen: It will make trade easier with our home. :D

Shila: This is enough. While you were talking I cast several other spells and all of them indicated they haven’t lied as of yet.

Birk: Then we apologies for being a little hostile from our part.

Zen: I have a feeling that if Mrs. Shila weren’t here you would have dispatched us already.

With a huge grin on Birks face.

Brik: You will never know. Ha ha ha ha.

Zen: So anyone fancy something to eat. You lot seems terribly tired.

Shila: I will go first then. Since Birk does trust even us.

She began to eat and 15 minutes later nothing happened to her. They all began to eat.

Birk: Is this bear meat? I haven’t tasted this in some time. Where did you get this lad?

Zen: Near my home.

Birk: What level are you lad?

Zen: After killing a hundred bears with Amelia, mine rose to level 22.

Birk turned his head side ways and was saying in his mind what?

Birk: You a level 22 with that miss level 45, were able to kill a bear and a hundred at that?

Zen: Yup. XD

Birk: You are full of surprises. I too know level isn’t a perfect representation of ones true strength so I commend you on your feat. Can you tell me how you survived the freezing water and how you ended up there?

Zen: I guess I can tell you that much.

I then told the story as everyone ate. It had gotten pretty late. I even pointed at our new lodgings to show that I had made a similar thing, which we used under the water and on Ice travel.

Birk: That is quite a story. I am tired and ready to retire. Don’t worry this campsite is protected by high tier warding off spell and you can rest without worry. Do you mind giving us a hand in reaching the village since we are kind of lost?

We had a few minutes left of the warmth blessing and my intent was to sleep until I get it back.

Zen: Sure tomorrow lets set off tomorrow in exactly 8 hours from now.

Birk: Agreed. Why 8 hours?

Zen: Its part of our elders warmth blessing which keeps us from freezing, however for a certain duration of the day.

Birk: Ok till tomorrow then.

Everyone left to sleep and so did we. I closed our little cabin and summoned many bearskins to make it warmer and softer inside. Amelia joined me. The blessing wore off and we felt how cold it was. Well one thing went towards another and in the end we fell asleep side by side completely naked. Use your imaginations of how it went. XD

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