act15mini

Oh.

'When the box is opened, Andskotarnir will realize.'

...We've already opened the box.

Th-This is the Sami branch office, right? What's going on in here?

Uh, something dangerous.

...Or, you could call it a major discovery.

A completely new type of plant. Or even a completely new type of phenomenon!

Hah. Director Maryam really sent us an amazing gift.

But, something's off...

If Director Maryam and Arges knew this flower was so dangerous, why did they send it back anyway?

Why didn't the Director try to stop us from studying it?

What kind of question is that? Since when do explorers fear danger?

A phenomenon that flies in the face of everything we take as common sense... This is an absolute scientific gold mine!

Should we prioritize forming a larger team to study it in-depth?

Um, I think our search-and-rescue come first. We'll locate Director Maryam, and simultaneously open up a route for those who come afterwards.

Oh right, we also need to hurry up and ask the Director what he wants to name this new plant species.

I'll record a description to submit as a report. Please take my recording back along with the sample, Mr. Messenger.

Also, have HQ submit a report to the Exploration Society announcing this discovery as soon as possible!

...Understood.

I have to admit, the Exploration Society is much more efficient at getting teams together for this kind of thing.

Some of them don't even have the patience gather a team. You know who I mean, Magallan, like those explorers famous for preferring to work alone.

Yeah, some of them are my good friends. Even if you're always making fun of them.

But this discovery is much more valuable than any of my previous explorations.

I think this joint venture will attract not only explorers, but also researchers in the fields of biology, geology, and meteorology to join the expedition. More and more people will become interested in the icefield.

Haha, once we're back from the rescue operation, things might get so busy here we won't even recognize the place.

How are you feeling, Magallan?

I remember you mentioning before that you wanted to see if this so-called endless icefield really does have an end.

Well, now you're one step closer to your dream!

Well, that's hard to say...

Before Magallan can join her colleagues in celebration, she feels Typhon tugging on her hand.

...Huh?

(You want to talk to me... outside?)

What's wrong?

Well, Arges said there was no point trying to stop you, because you might find a way to discover everything about Sami on your own.

Just as Sami's warriors are willing to sacrifice their lives to hold the northern front, the southerners—yet to receive the revelation of their destiny—will continue exploring to lift the veil from this land at any cost.

But before you people get too caught up in your fantasies, I have to remind you of something.

This is also so you don't wind up as misfortunate as Arges said.

Misfortunate?

...The Cyclopes's vision. The last thing she saw was a tragic ending.

If you're ever in trouble, find me.

...Thank you.

Magallan suddenly feels a slight chill.

She turns her head, and inexplicably, a snowstorm is raging outside the window.

*cough* *cough*, *cough*... Hah...

You... understand the feeling of pain very well. More than most Sami, who've resigned themselves to it... *cough*, *cough*...

You understand how to torture someone. You Sami beasts... have no shortage of tricks.

Urgh... *cough*, *cough*... Hah... Engulfed in your witchcraft, I can't even feel the pain of being pierced by an ice pick.

I just want a clear answer.

What is the Black Mark, and why have you smuggled in? Answer me.

I can always end this sooner.

Hah... Hahaha. You'll regret this, witch. Letting me die here... will do nothing but make Sami suffer more!

Sami does not care about your foolish ambitions.

Ambitions? Hardly.

I've come here to die, and I'm more than happy to do so!

This information... will never be sent back to Ursus. And you'll regret it.

...Speak.

The Black Mark... is a missing member of the Emperor's Royal Guard.

I found his footprints. Black footprints.

His Dominion has collapsed. The demons have completely taken him... Hah, he will contaminate your land for all of eternity!

And nobody alive... knows where he is now.

You— Urgh—!

Let these words linger in your ears before the cold takes away your consciousness forevermore.

The Sami know neither fear nor panic.

We have guarded the mountains for hundreds of years. We are Sami's fangs, to sever the demons' tracks.

You and your ilk... are not even 'enemies.'

...The affairs of the Ursus end here.

Haha. O Fate, your warning has once again drawn my gaze back to the contaminated land of Sami...

How could I have ever forgotten my duty?

I understand now, that is time for me to return to the wind and snow of the icefield.