Story Reader / Alternative Interpretation / Awakening Tundra / Story
A magnificent steed races across the snowy plains, trailing a comet-like spray of powder behind it.
It's already moving at meteoric speed, but the rider hugging the horse's neck still aches for more velocity.
She needs just a bit more speed... faster...
If only she could catch up to that fading signal...
The crackling in her receiver weakens with every heartbeat, forcing Tatyana to raise her whip once again, striking down with an urgent snap...
Back off—!
Her blade, blazing with anger, slams down in a single, decisive blow that channels all her pent-up anxiety and hatred.
The Corrupted's outer shell splinters under her fierce roar. Tatyana scoops the once-terrified girl, who was screaming in despair a moment ago, into her arms, yanking her free from death's grip.
None of them expected their call for help to be answered; the girl's features light up with sheer disbelief and heartfelt relief.
Stay still. We've got more on our tail.
Y-yes!
Tatyana frees the warhorse, letting it take off with those who can still stand on their own.
She then draws her worn hunting rifle and lands a precise shot on the Corrupted charging from a distance.
Crack—Thud—!
One by one, the Corrupted—robbed of their balance devices—slam into the snowy ground.
W-wow... That's amazing...
Though still in disarray, the girl can't suppress her amazement at such pinpoint shooting skills.
This is our chance—hurry up and run, or they'll catch us again!
With the nearby Corrupted finally down, Tatyana grabs the girl's hand and dashes toward New Sophiasburgh.
From the skyline's edge, they can see the city's tall spires—once out of reach, that glimmer of hope now feels within grasp.
After they reach a safer spot and meet up with other refugees, the girl—still catching her breath—finally speaks to the one who saved her.
Huff... Th-Thank you, Miss...
We heard about a place called New Sophiasburgh that welcomes all refugees equally, so we took a chance and ran here...
I can't believe someone actually showed up to save us. It's the first time this has happened.
In the past, whenever we sent out a distress call, the people we reached either died or wrote us off as a burden and ignored us...
As she says this, the girl's voice, which had just steadied, begins to tremble again.
Don't push yourself to talk. You can take a break for a bit if you want.
Tatyana offers a thermos to the girl, who is still catching her breath. As she twists off the lid, the rising warmth calms some of her anxiety.
S-sorry, I... I just wanted to see if that rumor was actually true...
We ran into some refugees who promised to take us in, but after they took our supplies, they just left us...
The girl accepts the thermos, and yet her eyes remain filled with unmistakable fear and concern.
Ever since that deception, they've been trudging through the snowy wastes for days. If they get turned away again, it feels like none of them will have any chance to survive.
Now that everything has come to this, is there really anyone out there who'd welcome refugees without treating them as a burden?
Even as she asks herself that, she feels like she's chasing an impossible dream.
Hey! We're here!
Tatyana's lively shout makes the girl look up.
Stretching before them is a boundless silver horizon, with a towering frost-white city rising from the land.
The clear blue sky and the radiant sun above the massive city seem to surge toward them, banishing the small spark of fear she still harbors.
The breathtaking view makes her gasp in astonishment from her seat on the back of the horse.
It's the first time she has ever laid eyes on such a grand metropolis. Having grown up after the Punishing outbreak, she's only known the broken ruins of the old world. Until this moment, it never crossed her mind that a place like this could still stand.
It's as though a legendary city from the old era has materialized right before her eyes.
Welcome to New Sophiasburgh, our Heaven-blessed city.
The blonde-haired woman reaches out, offering a warm gesture of acceptance.
In this place, no one stands above or below another—no race, no rank; everyone lives together as equals.
Let's come together on this land to build our shared dream.
With spring's arrival and the snow beginning to thaw, word of New Sophiasburgh has spread, and more refugees are pouring into the city.
They hail from every corner of the globe; most aren't actually from the polar region. They came here after the Punishing Virus broke out, having heard that its concentration was lower up north—doing whatever it took to survive.
In response, New Sophiasburgh opens its gates without hesitation, offering them a warm and wholehearted welcome.
As time goes by, this city gradually blossoms into a bustling metropolis. Each district sprouts from its early foundations, brimming with vibrant growth.
Hey, Boss! You're back!
Once back at the Border Commune's logistics department, Tatyana is busy arranging housing for new arrivals when Valeri tracks her down.
In New Sophiasburgh, the logistics department is practically defunct. Most of its tasks have been taken over by other agencies, but Tatyana—still the essential go-between—is constantly on the move to keep everyone connected.
Valeri, the so-called vice chief of the logistics department, has plenty of free time these days.
I've been wanting to catch you for a while, and now that New Sophiasburgh is basically finished...
I think it's about time I retire.
Huh?
Tatyana is caught off guard that Valeri—who's usually the first to rush in—would say such a thing. She goes still, her hands stopping in the middle of what she's doing.
Hey, what's with that face? We decided I'd just tag along to help you settle in. Don't tell me you plan to keep this old guy around forever?
I didn't mean it like that, but...
She stops abruptly, her words hanging in the air.
The goal she set when she stepped off the ship is already accomplished—no, it's been surpassed by a wide margin. She really doesn't have any reason to make the white-haired old man stay.
From here on, it's up to them, the "new generations," to shape the future of this city.
No, you're right, Valeri. Congrats on your well-earned retirement.
Tatyana offers him a farewell that radiates sincere respect and admiration.
The logistics department will always be grateful for your dedication and remember your service.
Once she wraps up the handover paperwork, Tatyana heads back to her empty home.
It doesn't quite feel like a real "home." It's more of a makeshift dorm, piled high with all the stuff hauled off the ship—there's no time to sort it, so it stays a jumbled mess.
Amid all this clutter, one thing stands out: the photo Tatyana's father left her, carefully pinned to the fireplace—a tradition their family has always kept.
As she removes the old group photo from above the fireplace, the memories she once tried to lock away rush back like a rising tide.
...Father, have I finally... achieved your "ideal" now?
Her fingertips trace the faded black-and-white image—this is the first time she consciously tries to remember her father.
Tatyana, sooner or later, everyone must make their own choice.
Maybe you've never really thought about everything going on in this world, but once that moment of choosing comes, there's no turning away, and no time to waver.
So... everything you're doing now—is it also your own choice, Father?
A comforting hand rested softly on her forehead.
Yes.
I... I don't want this! I'm not letting you walk into death!
Why are we the ones stuck doing what everyone else avoids? I don't want to be some department head, and I sure don't want any big responsibility...
All I want is for you to stay alive!
The crying girl clung to her father's arm as if she was terrified that the warmth of his hand could vanish any second.
The tall figure kneeled down, gently pulling the girl's slight frame into his arms. He didn't want to burden his daughter with the agony of their separation, so he did his best to help her understand.
Because I've chosen to sacrifice my life so that you can live.
They'll only keep giving us food if we do what Kyaranta says and form a migration team to find a new home.
And my responsibilities won't let me walk away from this.
To keep you safe, I have to hand this position over to you so that, once I'm gone, you'll still have the authority to negotiate with them.
From today on, you're no longer just an ordinary girl—you're the head of the logistics department now.
After I leave, everyone in the department will take care of you. If you run into any trouble, just talk to Aunt Lysha, Alina, or Uncle Valeri...
They're all good people—they'll do everything they can to help you.
I know that, but I...
I don't want this! I've already lost Mother—why do I have to lose you too...
Ever since her mother died, her father had been struggling with the fact that they only received enough rations for one. In the beginning, he reassured her that he was strong enough to manage on less.
But after she fell gravely ill once, his demeanor changed overnight. He tried everything he could to secure more supplies, even striking deals with those sullen outsiders, but nothing worked.
There was never enough to go around—her stomach still ached with hunger, and her father grew thinner by the day.
Then, this morning, he abruptly said goodbye, announcing he'd join the migration convoy. He wanted her to take his position as head of the department in his absence.
She understood that venturing through a howling blizzard with no shelter was little more than inviting the Reaper's embrace.
Kyaranta didn't really want them to relocate; they just aimed to cut down on the extra mouths to feed during this migration.
It was obvious the proposal was shady, and she would never go along with it. So why did her father agree?
He was always so smart and resilient—how could he not see it was a trap?
So... in the end, he only went along with it for <phonetic=her>Tatyana</phonetic>...
...You'll understand when you're older.
No matter how steep the price of this "choice" may be, there's a reason it has to be made.
Tatyana, you are that reason for me.
Her father's hug felt warm and firm, the space in his arms so steady it seemed to ward off all the storms of the world.
Our lives carry on in you, and our hopes and dreams become yours to uphold.
Go on—continue traveling this world for us... Someday, this long, harsh winter will finally end, and we'll return to that land once more.
When that time comes, I don't know if you'll forgive me...
Still, as your father, I want you to see that future with your own eyes.
Her thoughts drift from her memories as a rhythmic knocking at the door pulls her back to the present.
She opens it to find a familiar face on the porch, wearing that ever-welcoming smile.
We're throwing a retirement ceremony for Valeri tomorrow night—care to swing by?
All the new recruits who joined us today want to help, so I let them. To help them settle in quickly, I hand out the early prep tasks to each of them.
"She's probably extending this invitation to ease my emotions." When Tatyana realizes that, a silent gratitude wells up inside her.
Sure, just a second. Let me grab my things and I'll head right over.
The shore at night feels like an icebox, with dark waves relentlessly pounding against the coastline. The ancient, unchanging crash of the tide echoes through the bleak, solitary air.
The lighthouse's beam cuts across the waves like a massive spear, plunging right into the heart of the sea.
Since the day it went up, the Forest Guards have been rotating shifts around the clock to watch the waters. Yet ever since then, those narwhals haven't shown up along the coast.
It seems they realize the lighthouse is meant to keep them at bay, so they slip away in silence, disappearing into some hidden corner of the frozen sea.
Over time, people lose sight of its original duty, viewing it merely as a guiding light for returning fishing boats. Night after night, they follow that steadfast glow back to the city.
Tatyana, Diana, you made it!
The young girl rescued on the snowy plains this morning spots the pair and rushes over, brimming with excitement.
Thank you for setting us up in such a big house and giving us work so we can earn a living.
This place really isn't like anywhere I've been before. It doesn't matter if you're new or not, whether you're a grown-up or a kid—everyone gets a home, and everyone can pitch in...
Tomorrow, I'm heading to the cannery to help out. That way, I can take care of myself. Thank you so much—this is honestly the best place I've ever been!
In reality, the makeshift quarters from the old expansion days are quite simple, but to those who have wandered homeless for so long, they feel like the kind of luxury they never dared to dream of before.
That's great. Oh, by the way... do you want to call it a day and come help tomorrow?
No worries. Thanks for asking, but I'm the one who volunteered. I'd like to return the favor as soon as possible.
I heard this is a retirement ceremony for an esteemed senior? We shouldn't hold things up. Don't worry—just leave it to us. We'll make sure you have everything you need!
The girl waves goodbye and then hurries back to her temporary lodging.
After saying goodbye to the girl, they head for the top of the lighthouse, where the gathering is set to take place.
When they reach the very top, a salty sea breeze washes over them.
Beneath the tower, the city twinkles with countless lights—each one symbolizing a family, each a beacon of hope safely anchored.
This place is absolutely stunning... Holding the retirement ceremony here would be unforgettable, don't you think?
This view is exactly what we've been yearning to see all along.
Right, this way he can withdraw from the front lines without worry and let us handle what's left.
Tatyana murmurs under her breath.
...Diana, have you ever been forced to make a choice when there's no other way out?
If you were to inherit a "choice" from someone else and have to carry their expectations as you keep going...
Would you ever ask yourself just how far you need to go for it to be considered "enough"?
It's as though Diana already expects this question. She stands unfazed in the ocean breeze and replies without hesitation.
Even now, I'm juggling countless "choices" at every turn.
I only got here because someone else once made a choice for me.
But this path forward feels endless—no matter what I accomplish, I still keep doubting myself.
Am I really doing enough right now? If I'd taken a different route, would I be doing even better?
We're all just ordinary people. So, Tatyana, I can pretty much imagine what's on your mind and the kind of trouble you're facing.
I see... That's a relief.
Tatyana sighs, finally relaxing the shoulders she's kept tense until now.
To be honest, I'm not entirely happy with how things stand right now.
Of course, I'm not saying you haven't done your part. New Sophiasburgh is already a beacon of hope for countless people who are struggling, and I'm proud to call it home.
But whenever I save refugees at the very brink—like I did today—I can't help wondering deep down if there's more I could do.
Why do I always show up too late, arriving only after the tragedy has already struck?
None of this should have happened. It's so unfair. They're all so brave and kind, and yet people with bad intentions keep exploiting them over and over.
I'm determined to end this longstanding problem and prevent more tragedies before they begin. No one should ever be deceived for their kindness and left homeless and alone again.
I know it's a bit naive; these are just bold words from someone like me who doesn't yet know her own limits.
Still, after speaking with that girl today, I realize I want to give it a shot—because this is the choice I believe is worth devoting my whole life to.
She draws in a deep breath, letting her strength fill her chest, and delivers each word with absolute resolve.
Diana, do you think I can pull this off?
The tall Construct woman hears Tatyana's words and breaks into a playful laugh, almost childlike.
To the casual observer, they seem like sisters of similar age, but Diana has actually experienced more than double Tatyana's lifetime.
So for Diana, Tatyana's question echoes a voice from her own past, as if the person she used to be is now asking the person she has become.
Hmm... once you've made your "choice," does anything else really matter?
Even if you know you might fail, you'd still do it anyway.
Because you just can't stand by and do nothing—just like today. Even though you were alone, the moment you picked up that distress signal, you headed straight there.
...Well.
Embarrassed that Diana sees right through her, Tatyana rubs her nose that is reddened by the sea breeze.
But she's at ease now, because Diana really does understand her.
After all, simply stopping here isn't what I'm looking for.
Those injustices that once hurt us haven't gone away; they've just been tucked out of sight, lying beneath the frozen sea.
Right now, in this exact moment, there are still countless people roaming this frozen wasteland—shunned by bias and dread, and banished for the sake of someone else's survival.
My real goal—the ideal I'm striving for—is to make sure this suffering never repeats itself.
No one loses their life anymore over such absurd things, and parents aren't torn away from their children because of it.
I want to build a "paradise" where everyone can settle down and make an honest living, where they see their efforts rewarded and know that true fairness still exists in this world.
I'm going to make sure these tragedies disappear for good.
Now that her long speech is over, Diana breaks into a rare, hearty laugh.
But this emotional, fervent side of Tatyana also stirs something deep within her heart.
It's almost like harboring the audacious desire to become a god.
Still, I'm not surprised to hear it, because someone shared those words with me long ago.
Yes... Not too long ago, it was just an ordinary wish. Why do I find it so extravagant now?
I realize now that I've unconsciously let go of so many things I once took for granted.
Diana stands at the shore, eyes on the far horizon, as if she's searching for the fading echoes of yesterday.
Tatyana's words spark a rare recollection in her—a glimpse of her past life back when she was still human.
After all, what's so wrong with being called an idealist? What's so bad about chasing those once-bold dreams?
If not for those memories—like fragments of a long-lost dream—she would have lost the will to stand against this bleak world ages ago.
She focuses on tomorrow precisely because the world around her is already so broken.
Alright, it's decided. Count me in, and from now on, this "ideal" belongs to us both.
The tall Construct woman turns around, offering a handshake of commitment to the blonde woman at her side.
I want to shape this place into the vision you've painted, making every part of your imagination real.
Even if it's just a fantasy for now, I'm convinced that a dream can still shift our reality.
When the day finally arrives and we fulfill our dreams, let's come back here again.
We'll look out over the city, bright and bustling, and see just how many of our goals we've managed to achieve over the years...
That'll be a truly remarkable feat.
Tiny pinpoints of starlight shimmer on the sea's surface, drifting along with the lighthouse beam, gently swaying in the earth's cradle.
Reflected in this star-filled expanse are the small outlines of two figures.
They lock eyes and exchange a knowing smile.
Okay, then it's settled.
