It is the afternoon of March 10th. Riding on horseback, you see light snow falling from the sky. A few thin beams of light pierce through the clouds, making the surrounding landscape appear even more bleak.
You dismount from the horse, secure the reins, and hurry into the church.
The melodious church bells ring as scheduled. It's already 5 o'clock. You're nearly an hour late for your appointment with Bianca.
And then, Sister Bianca? What happened next?
Hmm... Have you finished practicing your writing?
You can hear Bianca teaching the children in a room down the hall. Just when you are about to pick up your pace, you suddenly hear the squad captain's voice from behind.
Commandant, how's the situation on your end?
The soldier jogs to catch up while you slow down. You signal for him to walk and talk.
...
No... The situation is worse than when you were there a few days ago. The monsters are multiplying.
Following your orders, one team has been clearing snow in the west, while another has been monitoring the east over the past few days.
But here's the truth... The western retreat route is still frozen solid—snow's piled up too deep to clear. Meanwhile, the east is getting hit by warm currents, melting everything fast.
The monsters that were hunting us have tracked us down from the east, too. They're just waiting for the snow to melt...
A stretcher passes by you as you speak. The injured has his eyes tightly shut, his face twisted in agony. It's Toby, who fell seriously ill just days ago.
He said that he's got a terminal illness anyway, he might as well help out before he dies, so he insisted on coming with us to scout out the enemy in the east.
Lately, he's been coughing up blood. When he blacks out, he thrashes like a wild animal, and wakes up with no memory of it. We decided bringing him was safer than leaving him alone in the church.
She did, but what he needs is a real doctor, sigh...
Father Snow came down with the same sickness as Toby a few days back. At his age, he can hardly get out of bed, but he asked us not to tell the Holy Maiden. Didn't want her worrying over him...
You enter the corridor next to the courtyard as you talk.
It's a little sad... What happened next, Sister Bianca?
After that...
They both need a doctor. The snow on the western road is still too thick, but I'm worried that if we wait any longer, it'll be too late.
You make a gesture to tell the squad captain to lower his voice.
<size=28>If the Holy Maiden could use her power...</size>
Then I'll go check on Toby first.
After the squad captain leaves, you quietly find a seat in the back. The moment you look up, your eyes meet those gentle eyes...
Many years later, the great hero met the venomous snake feared by the world in the black forest...
She reads the fairy tales in a soft voice, her words carrying a magic that soothes the soul.
The children reluctantly leave only after hearing the end of the story. Bianca closes the picture book and walks to where you are sitting.
Commandant, you really should be setting a good example for the children.
She gently brushes the snow off your uniform and takes out a handkerchief to wipe away the water from the melted snow.
I heard that you took the soldiers to clear the snow from the mountain paths... What happened? Can we talk about it?
That is only part of the truth. The snow on the mountain road to the east is about to melt, but enemies are gathering there, so you hide it from her after careful consideration, only telling her about the western side.
For a very simple reason.
I've checked up on her. She's been overusing her powers lately, praying nonstop for divine blessings. Her body's at its limit.
Listen, while she's staying at the church, try to keep her from overdoing it, not even a little, or she won't just pass out for a week next time. Am I clear?
I hope you understand that no matter what happens, you don't need to shoulder it all alone.
The warmth of two people together can overcome even the coldest of winters in this world.
The Holy Maiden's power is very limited. It certainly doesn't include physical labor like clearing the snow with a shovel... and the monsters from the east will surely force her to draw the ominous Sacred Sword.
So you only acknowledge her concern, but do not reveal the entire truth.
Commandant—
A soldier's call can be heard in the distance.
It's okay.
Bianca lets your hand go and gently straightens your collar with both hands.
Godspeed.
She says with a smile.
It is March 15th. A sudden blizzard breaks the tranquility that has lasted for days.
Looking at the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, Bianca feels uneasy. After hesitating, she decides to also get on her horse.
Honestly... why do we have to travel in this weather? And why are we circling around from the west? The little ones will catch a cold!
Bonnie complains beside you as she looks at the children shivering in the wagon.
...The commandant has deemed today the right time to depart for the southern town. There must be a good reason to act on a day like this.
Why didn't they come with us?
The soldiers came with only a handful of horses and wagons, and we need to evacuate quickly and get the children to safety. Then we'll send reinforcements with vehicles to come back for them.
Bianca looks toward the church, where Father Snow struggles to stand straight as he bids her farewell.
Father, your health...
Go. They need your guidance.
Father, I don't understand... God said to love people and to love your enemies, but I can't love my enemies precisely because I love people...
Are you referring to those monsters?
Yes... They bring the plague, kill our soldiers, make you fall ill, and drive us away from our homes...
I cannot forgive them... I have sinned, Father.
We're all sinners, including... me. Follow your heart, my child.
...I want to lead everyone out of here.
Yes, go on. I know you're brave, my child.
...Father, are you going to stay here?
I... need to stay, I must stay... This... is my choice, and also my faith, Bianca.
Go, Bianca. Go into the light...
Lead your people to where God can see them. I will pray for you here, for everybody.
God loves the world, Bianca.
The Other Side of the Church
The Other Side of the Church
...It's been two hours since we split into three squads to scout enemy positions to the east, but only our squad made it back.
And... Toby... hasn't come back either...
They've already evacuated from the west. The other soldiers are ready to go at your command...
In the endless wind and snow, a cluster of red light flickers in and out of sight...
Watch out!
The squad captain lunges forward, and blood immediately appears before your eyes—
(Menacing shriek)
The soldiers are falling one after another before you can even issue a retreat order.
They look just as expected. This is the Punishing Virus that brought death and calamity to the world. But their leader...
Comman... dant...
Comman... dant...
It is March 10th. You leave the courtyard where you and Bianca shared tender moments together and head off to visit Toby Davis, who is gravely ill.
The once healthy young man now lies curled up on the bed, his body withered and frail. Even so, that optimistic smile never leaves his lips.
Haha, even the Holy Maiden can't cure me. I probably don't have much time left.
Don't be fooled by my looks now. Back home, I was pretty well-liked. Always helping out—cooking for the elders, working the forge, crewing on ships, even playing hide-and-seek with the kids...
I never got tired, and I was never satisfied. I've always believed that one day I'd become everyone's hero.
That part of me hasn't changed... I still don't wanna die, not by my own hand, not from this sickness. What a damn pathetic way to go...
I'd rather die in battle or be killed by one of you, so please let me...
...Become... a hero...
Dammit, he doesn't recognize me anymore!
You pull the severely wounded captain back in one swift motion as Toby's blade crashes down where he was crouching.
Clang! The shock from hitting "Toby's" body sends numbing vibrations up your hand.
Without modern weapons or Constructs, you can only rely on your physical capabilities, but that's no match against the Corrupted.
They've broken through on all sides! Fall back to the courtyard!
You retreat with the squad captain, stepping over the remains of other soldiers scattered across the floor.
Everyone is here on your orders. We can get out through the back door once we pass through the courtyard—
Aaargh!!!
Protect... the courtyard...
Child... would you keep an old man company for a while?
After the Sacred Prayer Ritual, you stroll with Father Snow through the courtyard full of newly planted seeds.
I wanted to bring back some lily seeds for Bianca. You won't find those around here in the Snowfields.
This courtyard may look barren in winter, but when spring comes, the flowers will bloom in all colors—
I watched Bianca play here as she grew up. I watched her pull out the weeds and plant the lilies with her own hands...
She might have worked at a flower shop. She also loved reading stories, so maybe she would have become a playwright.
But she never had the chance because she was chosen by God as the Holy Maiden, and as a priest, I had to carry out His will...
But as a parent, I only want my children to live an ordinary, happy life.
So I'm happy to see that she found someone to plant flowers with... Cough... cough...
I'm very ill... I'm afraid I won't make it to spring...
Commandant, can you promise me? Witness with her the day the flowers bloom, and protect the courtyard forever.
Protect... the courtyard...
Aaargh!!!
A blade pierces the squad captain the moment you step into the courtyard. Along the corridor, the bodies of soldiers who rushed here cover the floor.
Protect... the courtyard...
The blade that pierced through the squad captain is coming straight at you.
After a bumpy journey, the children finally arrive safely at the church in the southern town. Even here, where spring flowers should be blooming in the warm sun, snow covers everything.
The military here promised us they'll soon leave for the Snowfields to rescue them...
Don't worry too much. It's just a bit cold lately. When your commandant arrives, we'll stay here for a month together, and head back once the weather warms up...
The relentless north wind erodes any peace in her heart. The unsettling feeling remains even after she prays silently for half an hour.
Bianca, wait! Where are you going?
I'm heading back to check on them. I can't rest until I know they're safe.
Come sit with me, dear Holy Maiden. They'll be fine. Just stay here with us.
Don't go back, don't ever go back—the voice in her heart cries out to her.
Even if it's tough and dull, just live an ordinary, peaceful life and become a simple nun like me. We'll do our morning prayers, evening prayers, and read the scriptures...
This is what Father Snow wants for you, and what the commandant wants for you, too. Everyone who chose to stay there is fighting with their lives so that you can find peace.
Stay here. Live the life you were meant to live.
...
<i>Live the life she was meant to live... but what is that life supposed to be?</i>
<i>To live like a normal girl... Have snowball fights on snowy days, and share an umbrella with someone special on rainy days...</i>
<i>Or to listen to people's prayers in the church... some sincere, others not...</i>
<i>To listen to their confessions, genuine or feigned... To tend to sprouting flowers in the courtyard, and watch children grow up together.</i>
<i>As long as there's a place she belongs... As long as that person is safe...</i>
Are any of you from the Snowfields?
I am. What's the matter?
Sentries spotted an enemy cluster to the northeast. There are at least over a hundred of them...
...
All the noise around her fades as her fears come true. She silently picks up her sword, rises to her feet, and heads toward the door.
Wait! Reinforcements will reach them in half an hour—
...Bonnie, may God bless you and all the children.
The horse continues to gallop as the church appears on the horizon. The pale building stands quietly amid the howling, swirling snowflakes.
Following the ringing clash of blades, she heads toward the open courtyard where the thick stench of blood hits her.
Aaargh!!!
!!
The moment she steps through the gate, she sees you collapse onto the ground.
Become... a hero...
Protect... the courtyard...
Standing on the corpses scattered everywhere are two deformed creatures.
She freezes in the swirling snow, trying to make out the two bloody, mangled faces.
Father Snow... Toby...?
The "monsters" seem startled by her voice, and two pairs of lifeless pupils turn toward her.
Time seems to slow, and Bianca closes her eyes with pain on her face.
O Lord, if you can hear me now...
I have sinned...
...Bianca... You have always been a gentle, yet strong and brave child...
...For which I will atone.
Slight tremors from the blade scraping against the sheath travel up her hand, while ghostly blue sparks burst from the mouth of the scabbard.
Until then...
<size=50>Bianca, if you were given another chance, would you choose differently?</size>
I must sin once more—
...Follow your heart, my child...
To bring down judgment—
As the tip of the blade leaves its sheath, countless snowflakes shatter and transform into thousands of silver grains that roll toward the tip.
"There will be no pain." As she moves toward them, she is shocked to find a familiar feeling, as if she had killed countless people countless times before.
Yet when she points the blade at the monsters before her, raging sadness and anger still grip her heart, tormenting her.
Saved... at last...
...
Heavy snow continues to fall.
