Rubbing her forehead, Astrid sat up on the bed and glanced across the room. Yusha was fast asleep, drooling with that familiar depraved expression. Astrid rolled her eyes and stood. In the living room, she grabbed a glass of water from the fridge, the cold liquid soothing her throat. She walked to the window, where the storm had dwindled to a chilly breeze. The darkness of the early morning swallowed the fog, and Astrid leaned her arms on the sill, the cold biting her skin.
"Maybe going to the city wouldn't be so bad…" she murmured, her eyes lost in the night.
But… the thought of leaving Yusha alone tightened her chest. Yusha was the first person she saw when she woke up, almost like a mother. Abandoning her felt wrong.
Unable to sleep, Astrid walked to the sofa by the fireplace and lay down. The flames danced, their steady crackle filling the silence. She realized the fireplace, always lit, likely used magic. An idea sparked. She extended her hand toward the fire, closing her eyes to manipulate it, as Yusha had taught her.
Then she remembered the chaos in the valley when she tried [Fire Ray]. No, not a good idea, she thought, pulling her hand back.
Instead, she sat on the sofa and began to meditate, as Yusha had shown her. Closing her eyes, she expanded her mind. This time, her awareness stretched further than before. She felt the mana imbued in the fireplace, its pulsing warmth. She felt Yusha in the bedroom, her warm breath contrasting with the surrounding cold. She felt the saussureas in the storage, their dense mana vibrating. Squeezing her eyes shut, she reached further, touching the dark horizon outside. She sensed animals hiding from the cold, the icy wind laden with mana, as if her body were everywhere at once.
Suddenly, something shifted. An intense darkness began to swallow everything, closing in around the house. There was no mana, no life—just emptiness. A growing anguish gripped Astrid's chest. She furrowed her brow, her breath catching, struggling to maintain her meditation. The darkness advanced, ferocious, until she could bear it no longer.
She opened her eyes, gasping, her heart racing. But the sofa and fireplace were gone. She was in a black void, save for a gleaming white wall stretching infinitely, as if touching the sky—if this place even had one. What… the hell is this? she thought, still seated, looking around. Nothing but the wall.
She tried to stand, but a voice echoed, cold and deep: "At last, thou hast awakened!"
A shiver paralyzed Astrid, fear locking her muscles. With effort, she looked at the wall. High above, a distant figure—a small person with glowing yellow eyes—stared at her. Despite the distance, the gaze was suffocating, stealing her breath.
What's happening to me?! My body won't move! she thought, panic rising.
The voice came again, now from behind: "Soon 'thou' shalt arrive, and it is thy duty to fulfill the cycle of creation."
Astrid tried to turn her neck, but it wouldn't obey. Her body was frozen, unable to react to the presence.
"Await the progenitor," the voice said.
Suddenly, Astrid opened her eyes, jolting upright on the sofa. The fireplace crackled softly, its familiar warmth contrasting with her rapid, heavy breathing, as if she'd woken from a nightmare.
What the hell was that? Did I fall asleep? she thought, scratching her head as she glanced around. That… felt too real… she concluded, her heart still pounding.
Ghosts and weird dreams… yeah, I'm out. I'm going back to bed., she muttered, standing with a sigh. But as she took a step, a light pierced the window, cutting through the darkness as if something illuminated from outside.
Astrid's eyes widened, her body freezing. She ran to the window, the fog outside obscuring her view. The light, like a flashlight, approached slowly. Ohhh, what now?! she screamed in her mind. Those lights were entirely different from the robot that came during the day, and Yusha always said this place was inaccessible, that no one could survive the journey here.
Without thinking twice, Astrid bolted to the bedroom. Yusha was there, clutching the blanket, rubbing against it with that sleepy, familiar… expression.
"H-Hey, Yusha! Wake up, someone's coming!" Astrid shouted, pointing at the window while shaking Yusha.
"Mmm… come in, boys… all seven of you…" Yusha mumbled, her usual depraved expression in place.
"Seven of you?! Wake up, you old perv!" Astrid yelled, shaking her harder.
Yusha opened her eyes slowly, still groggy, and slid her hand across Astrid's cheek.
"Oh, my sweet little girl, I know you want it, but you're still too youn—"
Astrid cut her off with a punch to Yusha's face, sending her flying to the other side of the bed with a dull thud.
"Ow, you little brat, why'd you hit me?!" Yusha screamed, jumping up, hand on her face where a red mark was forming.
"Someone's coming!" Astrid replied, pointing to the living room window, her eyes full of worry. "A light outside, remember? You said no one could get here!"
Yusha rubbed her face, still drowsy, and shook her head to clear her thoughts.
"Right, right, show me."
Astrid pulled her to the window, the cold wooden floor biting their bare feet. The light was still approaching, cutting through the fog. Yusha narrowed her eyes, trying to focus. The main glow, bright, was accompanied by smaller red and blue lights blinking in a pattern.
"That's… a Meka?" Yusha murmured, recognizing the light pattern. "What's a Meka doing here…"
She glanced back, catching sight of the calendar on the wall. A memory made her eyes widen.
"Ahh! Don't worry, he's someone I know," she said, her shoulders relaxing.
"Someone you know?" Astrid asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Through the window, a shape emerged from the fog—a metallic silhouette, heavy footsteps echoing in the snow. It was a robot, a Meka, that stopped at the cabin's entrance. Yusha walked to the door, the icy air rushing into the cabin as she opened it. Astrid, still puzzled, saw a hatch on the Meka slide open. A man stepped out, wearing strange clothing with cables attached to it, connecting him to the machine. His blond hair was streaked with gray, his blue eyes striking, and his height impressive.
A man… a real man, she thought, eyes going wide. Her only references to men came from Yusha's adult magazines and films.
"Good Lord, I'll never get used to this cold," the man grumbled, hunching and shivering.
"Ha! You used to be tougher than that, Eldric," Yusha teased, a mischievous smile on her lips.
"Astrid, this is Eldric," Yusha said, gesturing toward him. "He works for that person I told you about, and he's… an old acquaintance of mine."
Eldric looked at Astrid, his blue eyes lingering on her for a moment. A half-smile crossed his face.
"So it wasn't just delirium after all. You really became a mom, Yusha."
He detached from the Meka, the cables slithering back into the machine with a soft hum. He stepped inside and crouched in front of Astrid, meeting her gaze.
"So you're Yusha's little girl? Just so you know, you're way prettier than she is!" he said with a friendly smile.
Yusha yanked Eldric by the collar, pulling him back.
"Shut it, Eldric," she said, her face set in a mock scowl.
"What are you doing here at this hour, besides annoying me?" Yusha asked, crossing her arms.
"The boss said there was a double storm today, so she sent me to collect the saussureas," Eldric replied with a carefree grin.
Yusha rolled her eyes, sighing.
"At this hour? Knowing how deep the snow is?"
"Well, maybe I got a bit ahead of myself, haha," Eldric said, shrugging, which prompted another eye-roll from Yusha.
Astrid watched the exchange, sensing a strange tension in the air. Yusha seemed irritated, but her eyes betrayed something more—perhaps an old history that Astrid couldn't quite decipher.
"Alright, but what about that Meka? You know it won't handle the load, right?" Yusha asked, still suspicious as she glanced at the machine outside.
"Oh, that one's been modified and has a collection module. Don't worry, it'll manage the herbs," Eldric replied, his mischievous grin returning.
Astrid stayed silent, her gaze shifting between Yusha and Eldric. The unexpected arrival of a stranger, even if he was Yusha's "acquaintance," left her with a faint sense of unease.
Yusha shook her head, a low murmur escaping her lips, so faint that Astrid could barely catch it. She turned to Astrid, her loose hair falling over her shoulders as she pointed a firm finger at Eldric. "Come with me, Astrid. Let's prepare the herbs. Eldric, you stay there on the couch and don't touch anything," she ordered, her tone laced with a mix of authority and exasperation. Eldric just nodded, his smile unwavering.
Astrid followed Yusha in silence, her footsteps echoing on the polished wooden floor. Her mind was still spinning, processing the day's events, Yusha's words, and the stranger now occupying their couch. Who is that person? she thought, her brow furrowing.
They reached a corner of the room where a wooden trapdoor blended almost seamlessly with the floor. Yusha pulled the lever with a swift motion, the creak of wood revealing a descending staircase.
Astrid knew about the basement where they stored the herbs, but she had never noticed this entrance so close by. They descended the narrow steps, the air growing colder and damper with each one. When they reached the bottom, the darkness was broken by an ethereal glow: jars lined up on shelves emitted a bluish light, pulsing like captured stars.
Yusha approached, picking up one of two organized boxes in the center of the room, its light weight contrasting with the volume Astrid remembered collecting.
"They're so light once they're packed," Yusha said, lifting the box toward Astrid with a hint of pride in her voice. "This is why Eldric is here."
Astrid's eyes locked onto the dense mana herbs, their outlines shimmering with an almost tangible energy. Incredible, she thought, recalling the massive pile the two of them had gathered. How had Yusha managed to compress it all into just two boxes? "Why are you giving all this to him?" she asked, curiosity slipping out as she studied the herbs. "Shouldn't it go to that robot that comes to collect?"
Yusha sighed, adjusting the box in her arms. "It's true, but these plants need special care. That robot, for instance, wouldn't even move if we loaded this into it—too much mana." She paused, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at the staircase, as if she could see Eldric through the walls. "Listen, Astrid. Eldric was sent to collect the herbs this time, but that's probably not his only goal. His intentions are written all over his face. Just… don't give him too much attention." Her tone was firm, but there was a trace of caution. "As good a soldier as he is, he's not someone you can blindly trust."
Astrid tilted her head, confused, a strand of hair falling over her eyes. "And what's his goal?"
Yusha let out a short laugh, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Haha, well. It doesn't matter, just keep in mind what I said." She pushed the other box against Astrid's chest, who caught it with a slight stumble, her arms awkward under the unexpected weight. The blue glow from the jars danced on Astrid's face, reflecting in her eyes as she adjusted the load. "But what do you get for giving this to them?" she asked, her gaze still fixed on the glowing herbs.
"Everything," Yusha replied, her tone softer now. "When I came to live here, Narui, one of the people who receives the herbs, started providing me with support for anything I need, as long as I supply these plants." She hesitated, a faint smile curving her lips. "If I sold them, I'd make a lot of money, sure, but money's no use out here. So, besides supplies, I request services. Before you came along, I used to ask for certain… services. They're expensive and hard to get out here. Narui's one of the few with equipment that can reach this place. It's a two-way street."
Meanwhile, upstairs, Eldric sprawled on the couch, the warmth of the fireplace heating his skin. He watched the flames dance, their orange glow reflecting in his eyes. To think Yusha's stories were real. She's actually taking care of a kid… Astrid's image flashed in his mind—her reserved demeanor, her watchful eyes. And she's a cute one… I wonder what that girl's seen, living with Yusha. A mischievous smile curled his lips. "Maybe this mission will be more interesting than I thought," he murmured, sinking deeper into the couch.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs made him turn his head. Yusha and Astrid emerged from the trapdoor, each carrying a glowing box. "Here are your precious little plants," Yusha said, shoving the box against Eldric's chest with a bit more force than necessary. Astrid carefully placed hers on the empty spot on the couch beside him.
Eldric took the box, his fingers brushing the jars as he marveled at their intense glow. "Wow, you got this much this time? Impressive, Yusha, you're really something else," he said, his voice carrying genuine surprise, though his smile held a hint of teasing.
Yusha rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her facade. "Now get out of here before I change my mind and toss you into the snow."
"Hey, already?" Eldric pouted dramatically, leaning forward. He glanced out the window, where the snow piled up in thick layers, the wind howling outside. "Look at that… I think I'm stuck here for the night. The snow's too deep for the Meka to move, and this mana storm's getting worse. It's practically suffocating me." He clutched his chest, feigning breathlessness, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Yusha let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms. "That's why you should've come during the day, you idiot. But fine, do what you want. Just don't think you're getting away with anything." Her glare was sharp, but there was a trace of familiarity, as if this banter was an old routine.
Astrid watched the scene, her mind trying to unravel the dynamic between them. There was irritation in Yusha, but also a reluctant fondness. And Eldric… his eyes seemed to light up every time they turned to her. Why does he keep staring at me? she thought, uneasy.
"Well, looks like we've got a long night ahead," Eldric said, settling back on the couch like he owned the place.
Yusha muttered something under her breath and headed to the kitchen. "Alright, Eldric, since you're here, I've got some things for you to handle," she called, her voice echoing as she disappeared. "I'm making some hojicha."
Astrid stood still, her eyes following Yusha until she was out of sight. Then she turned to Eldric, who was tucking his knees in to warm up on the couch. "You can grab a blanket from the cabinet if you want," she said, pointing to a piece of furniture by the fireplace.
Eldric grinned, rising with a fluid motion. He opened the cabinet, the scent of old wood and wool filling the air, and pulled out a thick blanket. Wrapping it around himself, he returned to the couch, his eyes meeting Astrid's with an almost childlike curiosity. "You know, kid, it's hard to believe Yusha dragged someone as pretty and talented as you to this middle-of-nowhere."
Astrid frowned, crossing her arms. "Talented? You don't even know me."
Eldric laughed, the sound loud and genuine. "Actually, I do. Yusha wrote a lot about you in her monthly reports. Though I didn't need those to notice." He leaned forward, the blanket slipping slightly from his shoulders.
"Yusha wrote about me?" Astrid blinked, surprised. "But we don't even have a phone here."
"Phone?" Eldric laughed again, shaking his head. "No, kid, it's other ways of communicating." He adjusted the blanket, his smile still playing on his lips.
"She wrote plenty. Even though the others thought old Yusha was losing it, I was always the most interested in her reports." Eldric's smile was inviting, his eyes still fixed on hers. "Like that time you fell into a snow crevasse, or when you tried to light the fireplace and nearly burned the house down, haha, it was all in the reports." He chuckled softly.
As Eldric spoke, his words brought those moments back vividly. "Why would she write about stuff like that?" Astrid murmured, her unease growing. She sat in a nearby chair, her eyes fixed on the fire to avoid Eldric's gaze. The warmth of the fireplace heated her skin, but it did little to ease the restlessness in her chest.
Yusha returned with a wooden tray, the earthy aroma of hojicha rising in wisps of steam. She set it on the table, pouring a cup for Eldric and another for Astrid. "Here, this'll warm you up," she said, her tone softer now.
Eldric took the cup, bringing it to his face and inhaling deeply before taking a sip. "Ah… your tea's always amazing, Yusha," he praised, his eyes half-closed in delight.
Yusha sat beside Astrid, her gaze fixed on Eldric with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "So, Eldric, besides the saussureas, what else brings you here? Usually, it's just the drone that comes to collect them." Her voice was direct, cutting. "And, if I recall, I told Narui I didn't want any visitors."
Eldric leaned back on the couch, the warm cup cradled in his hands. "You haven't requested those 'services' in a while. Me and the guys were starting to miss you," he said lightly, but with a provocative glint in his eyes. "And, of course, the saussureas are a good excuse to visit an old friend."
Yusha raised an eyebrow, suspicion clear on her face. "An old friend, huh?" she murmured, bringing the cup to her lips and taking a slow sip, the steam rising in gentle curls. Her eyes never left Eldric, as if trying to decipher the intentions behind that smile.
Astrid, sitting in the chair beside her, watched the exchange in silence. What are these services they keep talking about? she thought, feeling the tension in the air, as thick as the snow outside. There was a history here, something shared between Yusha and Eldric, but it remained just out of her grasp.