Yuita and Kobayashi continued to hold the earthen barrier that protected the students.
Suddenly, a small portion of the barrier cracked, creating a tiny hole.
Seeing this, both Yuita and Kobayashi were shocked and grew alarmed.
But from that little hole, a voice emerged.
Ray: Sir.
Startled by the voice, Yuita and Kobayashi reacted quickly. Kobayashi leaned forward to peek through the hole and assess the situation.
He saw Ray had shielded the area around him with his own earth magic, and was attempting to break through Yuita's barrier.
Kobayashi: Sir... It's Ray.
Hearing that, Yuita's eyes widened. He raised his right hand toward Ray, and in that instant, the earth magic surrounding the area vanished.
Ray and a female student entered the protected space where Yuita and Kobayashi were, greeted warmly by the other students.
Before Ray's magic could collapse, Yuita sealed the area once again.
Kobayashi: Where's Hifung?
Kobayashi asked Ray urgently, anxiety creeping into his voice.
Ray: Hifung and Shelyn are still in the forest. We got separated by massive trees.
Kobayashi: What!?
Kobayashi and Yuita both grew tense with panic upon hearing the news.
---
Meanwhile, deep within the distant forest, Hifung and Shelyn were completely overwhelmed.
They had taken a longer path than necessary, blocked by towering trees.
Gradually, the storm had turned into a raging snowstorm, freezing and fierce.
Luckily, Hifung spotted a small cave nearby and quickly pulled Shelyn along toward it.
Suddenly, Shelyn stumbled and fell. Seeing this, Hifung rushed to her side and immediately lifted her in his arms.
He carried her into the cave with both hands.
Inside, he quickly sealed the entrance with jagged earth magic and lit a fire.
Shelyn collapsed weakly, trembling uncontrollably.
Seeing her in such a fragile state, Hifung summoned another flame closer to her to warm her up.
After some time, Hifung remained near the entrance, reinforcing the earthen barrier.
Shelyn sat against the cave wall, still trembling, while in front of her a small fire dried Hifung's soaked cloak.
Lowering his arms, Hifung walked slowly over to her.
Hifung: Are you alright?
Shelyn looked at Hifung with faint, fearful eyes, still shaking. After a moment's thought, she spoke.
Shelyn: Thank you... for saving me. If you hadn't come earlier, I might not be alive right now.
Hearing that, Hifung sat down beside her.
Hifung: Don't say that. You're far too young to lose your life.
Hifung: Even though we know… everyone eventually dies when their time comes.
---
Back outside the Deko forest, Yuita and Kobayashi continued to maintain the protective barrier.
Ray sat behind them, silently lost in thought—worrying about Hifung.
Inside the cave, Hifung and Shelyn sat close together, now wrapped in Hifung's cloak for warmth.
Shelyn rested her head on Hifung's right shoulder.
Seeing her like this, Hifung was suddenly reminded of Micyl.
He recalled moments in the hospital with her—the times they slept together, the kisses they shared.
The memories twisted in his chest like a blade. He clenched his teeth tightly.
His fists balled with pain.
Tears began to fall from his eyes as the memories surged.
As he wiped them away, he realized Shelyn had been watching him all along.
Shelyn: Are you okay?
Startled, Hifung quickly tried to compose himself.
After a few deep breaths, he looked at Shelyn, shook his head, and smiled.
Hifung: I'm okay.
Shelyn: Oh...
Hifung sighed.
Hifung: Huh... I didn't expect that storm to turn into a blizzard.
Hearing that, Shelyn's eyes went wide in panic.
Shelyn: What!?
Seeing her sudden expression, Hifung grew concerned.
Hifung: What's wrong?
Shelyn clutched her shoulders tightly, visibly anxious.
Hifung: What is it?
Shelyn lowered her head, trembling even more violently.
Seeing her like that made Hifung's concern deepen.
She began to speak in a quiet, trembling voice—fearful and desperate.
Shelyn: I-I... I...
Hifung: What's wrong?
She paused, her face filled with fear, before suddenly crying out in pain and clutching her stomach.
Shelyn: Argh...
She hunched over, both hands on her abdomen, shaking from the agony.
Hifung: Shelyn!?
Hifung rushed to her side, eyes wide with panic.
Hifung: What's happening!?
Slowly, tears began to stream down Shelyn's face.
Hifung: Shelyn, what's wrong? Tell me!
And then—she collapsed, unconscious from the pain.
Hifung froze, overwhelmed by panic. He didn't know what to do.
Hifung: Tch... If only Ray were here... He'd know what to do.
Frustration twisted in his gut. He was angry at himself.
---
Back at the shelter, Yuita and Kobayashi were still holding the earthen barrier.
Suddenly, they felt the pressure ease. Their magic grew lighter.
They let go of the spell.
The barrier crumbled, revealing snowfall drifting gently from the sky outside.
Yuita, Kobayashi, Ray, and the other students stood in awe at the sight.
Snapping out of it, Yuita spoke up.
Yuita: Oh right, this is our chance to search for Hifung and Shelyn.
Hearing this, Kobayashi nodded sharply.
Kobayashi: Yes, you're right. Let's go!
Suddenly, a voice stopped them in their tracks.
Ray: Wait.
Yuita and Kobayashi turned quickly to face him.
Yuita: What is it?
Ray: Look over there.
Ray pointed toward the sky ahead. A massive cloud was heading their way—fast and ominous.
Yuita: You've got to be kidding me!?
Kobayashi: What should we do, sir!?
Yuita thought for a moment, then answered with resolve.
Yuita: I trust Hifung. For now, we have to get the other students back to the academy.
Kobayashi was stunned but didn't argue.
---
Time passed since Shelyn had collapsed.
At last, she opened her eyes, slowly taking in her surroundings.
Realizing she was awake, Hifung rushed to her side.
Hifung: You're awake?
Hifung: Are you okay?
Shelyn hesitated to answer, but gathered her courage.
Shelyn: I... I only have three years left to live.
Hearing that, Hifung froze, stunned—but he didn't take her words seriously.
Hifung: Huh? What do you mean? You're fine. You're not sick or anything.
Hifung: How can you know something like that...?
Shelyn paused, then looked at Hifung with sorrowful eyes.
Shelyn: I am a cursed child.