act15mini

It's windy out here. Let's hurry to the outpost and get some rest.

Is the monster still there?!

It's been driven off, so we should be safe for now.

Phew... wonderful.

Hey, friends from Ursus! How is the situation over there?!

No casualties on our end.

Freya, do you still have any extra water? Bring some for our Ursus friends.

At once.

Phew. That was a little dangerous earlier. If you guys haven't helped out, some of our fledglings here might already be on their way to meet the ancestors.

Please, there's no need for that. We share a common enemy.

Where are you people headed to next?

We just happened to be passing by while performing our military duties.

The people of Ursus sure are stiff. We just fought demons, and you're still thinking about these 'military duties' of yours. Your brothers must be exhausted.

Come rest at our camp. Warm yourselves by the fire, and have some dried meat before hitting the road again, friend.

Then... I suppose it would be rude to refuse.

Hahahaha. There's no need to be so polite.

Freya, where's that water?!

I'm still patching someone up, give me a moment!

Forget about it then, we're bringing them back to camp for drinks!

Santalla!

What wrong?!

Double-check that there are no more demons in the area, while I take the wounded and our Ursus friends back to camp!

Got it, then I'll return when I'm done. Remember to leave me a spot under the tree!

But of course.

Get up, kiddos! Time to head home!

Listen up, soldiers.

Advance in formation.

Is this really a sentry outpost? It's so spacious!

And this tree smack dab in the center. Does Ursus have a custom of planting trees in the middle of buildings, Mr. Ivan?

It was planted by the Sami, and has been dead for a long time.

But fortunately it's sturdy enough to act as a much needed barrier out here in the snowfield. So we decided to let it stand rather than cutting it down for firewood.

There aren't any other trees in a hundred miles. So why would they randomly plant one right in the middle of the snowfield?

I wouldn't know.

Can I... collect some samples?

By all means.

(Ursine dialect) We've arrived at the dead tree outpost; the Witch has not bothered us.

(Ursine dialect) We've finished our investigation into the girl, too. Her background is unremarkable, but we can make use of her expertise.

(Ursine dialect) The border guards will move to your position as soon as they can. They'll take the girl and pass her on to the investigation team, who need someone to guide them across the icefield.

(Ursine dialect) Your role ends there.

(Ursine dialect) Understood. I'll go ahead and prepare the signal beacon to connect at any time.

(Ursine dialect) My apologies, little one.

My apologies, 'friend.'

What are you doing?! Lower your weapons!

My duty is to expand our territory for His Majesty the Emperor.

What?

From today onwards, this too is Ursus territory.

No, what? What exactly do you mean?!

Did I not make myself clear, barbarian?

This is the only settlement within a hundred kilometers. Once we occupy it, great Ursus will naturally be the master of this land.

As this is now Ursus territory, I must request that you leave.

We've been living here for ages, while all you've done is plant a flag! What grounds do you have to claim this land as yours?!

Because we're here now. No more reason is needed.

Hmm... In honor of our friendship and mutual assistance against the demons, I'll give each of you two choices. Leave this place at once, or become subjects of Ursus.

You and your people are excellent warriors, so our nation will gladly welcome you.

Of course, you must learn to speak Ursine, wear Ursus clothing, and most importantly, abandon your abominable and heretical beliefs.

You!

(Silently mouths a spell)

Caster, shut that witch up.

Urgh...

Freya!

Don't do anything foolish, and don't even think about resisting.

(Speaking in Sami) O old tree, I plead you bear witness in my stead...

HEAAAAARGH!!!!!

You leave me no choice, 'friend.'

All units, attack.

(Ursine dialect) Please speak.

(Ursine dialect) The wind from the direction of the border guards seems off, so there might be an incoming snowstorm. Find an open space to deploy a signal beacon for them, and upon making contact, take the target and leave the area immediately.

(Ursine dialect) Understood.

I see you're done collecting samples.

This tree has some amazing properties. Biologically speaking, it's completely withered. But what's strange is how parts of it still feel alive and well.

With more thorough research, I might even be able to publish a whole paper on it.

A great blessing to academia, no doubt.

But there's a snowstorm coming, so you'd better go shelter in the outpost first.

Ah, gotcha.

You're not joining me, Mr. Ivan?

I'm going to go check the scale of the storm, so that if the weather worsens we'll still have a chance to send for help.

Oh, okay.

Please, have some of this before you go.

I just heated up some water, so have a cup to warm yourself up.

That's alright, I'll be right back.

Mr. Ivan...

Wait, why am I hiding in here by the fire while he's hard at work outside? That doesn't seem right...

I'm an explorer, aren't I? How can I let my companion face this alone?

Maybe I should—

So cold...

(Looks towards window)

Oww, my face hurts...

The wind's picking up.

You need to be careful, Mr. Ivan.

That's...

Mr. Ivan?

No, that's not, that's—?!

A gust of wind kicks up waves of snow, pouring towards the outpost.

However, the waves seem to advance only sluggishly, at a controlled speed. As if commanded to do so.

This is not an optical illusion caused by the distance, but the wind and snow are indeed following orders.

They dare not let even a snowflake overtake their leader without permission.

And she, currently leading the wind's charge, holds her scepter high as she slowly makes her way towards the outpost.

One step, then another.

Smooth, steady, unquestionable.

Until the land is buried beneath the wind and snow.