Story Reader / Festival Event Story / Shape of Thunder / Story
Snow cascades down, blocking most of your view. It's so dense that you can barely move, and you can't force your way through on willpower alone.
Tomorrow, once you charge into the main hall, there's no telling what will happen, and you will have no spare energy to worry about things outside.
Just in case, you have told both sides to brace for defense. If things go south, they can pull back down the mountain first—at least, they can find Babylonia's support there.
Even so, with Alpha around, perhaps there's not much to worry about.
You stagger back to the monk's quarters. Just as you catch your breath, a steady knock echoes on the rickety door behind you.
In a single fluid motion, Alpha sweeps her blade past your nose and drives it against the door, unconcerned that its bullet-slicing edge is mere inches from your face.
Her snow-white hair drifts across your face, close enough that you can practically feel her breath mingle with yours.
Boss! It's us! You in there?
It's late, and you're probably hungry. We've got some food for you.
Alpha stands at the doorway, completely silent, and doesn't seem interested in letting anyone in.
Even if we can't get enough to eat, we refuse to rely on handouts alone. As refugees, we're already at rock bottom—begging everywhere would only strip away our last shred of pride.
We... we're not asking for much. We just want to survive with our own hands. Whether you pray to Buddha or call on the gods, no one's coming to save you.
But, Boss... thank you for stepping in and saving us back then.
Th-thank you... for everything you do.
Ordinary folks, everyday people, they endure hardships without fanfare, barely noticed by anyone. Even so, they press on—like a tiny spark fighting to shine in this vast world.
The sound of boots on the snowy ground outside grows fainter. As you watch Alpha's posture relax, you can't help but speak up.
Hmph.
I don't keep weak humans as pets.
That doesn't pique my interest.
I've also seen humans who surpass most Constructs.
Alpha pulls her hand back, slides her blade into its sheath, tosses another log onto the fire with practiced ease, and settles down again.
You straighten up from your awkward stance, walk over, and open the door. To your surprise, two bowls of steaming vegetarian udon sit on the ground.
No idea where they found these ingredients, but in this frigid wasteland, they seem especially precious.
Though the bowls and chopsticks are chipped, the aroma is irresistible—it hits you the moment they're set down. With no side dishes, the udon's smooth, springy texture stands out even more.
In this bitter cold, the warmth of the food feels like the best comfort there is.
It's just as vital to really feel and appreciate the kindness others offer.
Alpha fixes her gaze on the bowl for what feels like ages, not making a move. Meanwhile, you keep your eyes on Alpha, equally transfixed.
Has nobody ever mentioned how rude that is?
Tsk.
...
It turns out your guess is spot on.
A hot bowl of noodles on a snowy day really hits the spot, making you feel deeply grateful.
Alpha levels a piercing glare at you, like she's warning you to stop grinning. You quickly avert your eyes and demonstrate by taking two loud slurps from the bowl.
Soft noodles slide into your mouth, their gentle flavor soothing. With your hunger satisfied, the day's tension finally unwinds.
Meanwhile, the awkward fumbling from someone makes you squirm in your seat.
No need.
Boring.
She takes a few cautious bites without revealing her thoughts. Then, with a sulky look, Alpha sets down her chopsticks as if pouting. It's rare to see her like this—life can be surprising.
Alpha's lips twitch almost imperceptibly, and she casually slides her bowl over. The clear broth sways back and forth, but not a single drop spills.
You said it yourself—don't waste it.
I changed my mind. Letting the illustrious Gray Raven Commandant spend time with me—just to "waste" it, really—turns out to be entertaining.
You push yourself to finish more than a single serving of food. That rare wave of over-fullness weighs on you, and you feel a drowsy heaviness set in.
After that tense negotiation, you are now in a safe spot, letting the adrenaline drain away. Fatigue inevitably closes in.
Wind and snow batter the door with heavy thuds, while darkness overhead blots out any sense of time. It's likely deep into the night by now.
It's almost impossible to imagine a scene like this, even in your wildest dreams.
Outside, the mountains are blanketed by snow; the world beyond is nothing but ice. The little monk's hut stands like a solitary boat drifting on raging white waters, carrying both of you through this turmoil.
Right now, your destinies intertwine, binding you as one.
Alpha turns to watch the dancing snowfall, each flake swirling gracefully against the dark sky. The lantern's faint glow flickers, highlighting her face with a delicate gleam.
Strong, beautiful, and resolute—Alpha is truly one of a kind.
Noticing your stare, she meets your eyes without hesitation. The flame flickering in her left eye seems surprisingly gentle.
Well done. Always keep your eyes on the most dangerous adversary.
But for now, you'd better get some rest while you can, at least until the blizzard dies down.
You fall silent, your words caught in your throat. Alpha, as though she can see right through you, props her chin on her hand with a curious grin.
Don't worry. I won't strike while you're asleep.
Don't worry. I'm keeping watch tonight.
Unlike you, I don't need sleep right now.
Don't overthink it. I just feel that keeping our guard up against each other all the time is exhausting.
Let's just... treat this moment like a dream. If there's anything else you want to say, we can talk about it once you wake up.
Close your eyes.
You follow her suggestion, relaxing your body and soaking in the warmth of this cramped space, instinctively drawing closer to the heat source.
You want to hold on to this precious moment, but before you know it, your eyes slide shut.
