Story Reader / Alternative Interpretation / Awakening Tundra / Story
Wind Catcher
Wooooo...
A deep-blue cargo ship blares its horn, sending plumes of white steam into the air as it approaches from the distant icebound sea.
After crossing vast distances and countless mountains and seas, the monsoon from the far side of the continent finally arrives at the snowy-white polar frontier.
Fully loaded with supplies from the mainland, the ship carries goods that are scarce for the locals here—vital resources that power this port city and keep it alive.
A brisk wind rushes past the iron bell signaling the cargo ship's arrival, carrying the echo of its chimes through every corner of the city. It stirs the flags lining the lively streets, then trails the bustling crowd straight to the shore.
Merchants with fresh supplies, onlookers out for a spectacle, and children buzzing with excitement all converge at the waterfront, waiting for the big moment to happen.
Alright, break it up, folks! You'll find it on the store shelves by tomorrow anyway!
If you're that curious, just roll out of bed early and line up! We're not keeping the good stuff hidden from anyone!
But Sergey's attempt to wave them off only works as an even better pitch, whipping the crowd into an even greater frenzy.
Really? Uncle Sergey, can I have that "orange"? Can we actually eat it?
Oh! And that "apple" Diana mentioned in her story—I'd love to try that, too!
Uncle Sergey, I want some too!!!
The excited Children are so loud that Sergey's ears are practically buzzing, and he rubs his temples dramatically.
Cut it out, all of you. I promise, if we find those fruits, I'll save them for you first. Deal?
Head back to the shore—this cargo ship's about to dock and unload. Don't get in our way, you little rascals.
Woo-hoo! Uncle Sergey agreed!
Moments ago, the children were chattering nonstop. Now that they've scored the "special treat" they wanted, they burst into laughter and scatter.
Sergey—never one to deal well with children—furrows his brow even more.
Ugh... First you dump all these little rascals on me, then you head off outside the city on your own...
Antonov, you son of a *****... I swear...
Meanwhile, the wind drifts above the city once more, sweeping across the barren plains until it reaches the snowy forest a few kilometers from New Sophiasburgh.
Tatyana and the Forest Guards have just wrapped up their talks with the Arctic Route Union, ironing out the plans for a new trade route, and now they're racing back into the city.
Negotiations with Staessen go smoothly. After dealing with the aftermath of the Amberia incident, they agree to provide New Sophiasburgh with technical and financial support to prevent such incidents from recurring.
As part of the agreement, they plan to set up a research station in New Sophiasburgh at a suitable time, transforming it into a frontline fortress in this polar region.
In due course, this place will grow into a major trade and economic hub for the polar territories, while also serving as a pivotal stronghold against the Corrupted.
Antonov, representing the Border Commune, stays behind in the Arctic Route Union to continue the collaboration with Staessen. Meanwhile, Tatyana and the Forest Guards head back to the city first to get everything ready.
With this plan, we won't see any more refugees drifting from place to place near New Sophiasburgh.
As long as we stand firm as a frontline outpost and routinely clear out the Corrupted, folks around here can go on farming and working in nearby villages, leading safe and steady lives...
Turning this place back into our own little "paradise" isn't impossible at all.
We've only just finalized these arrangements, but it's hitting me right now...
Rosetta, it turns out our mission and responsibilities are way more important than we ever thought.
Hearing this, the Construct woman up front turns around, smiling as she continues the conversation.
But I know you've totally got this.
You haven't turned down a single challenge since we left the ship, have you?
Keep it up, "Boss"! We're all rooting for you.
Diana, following behind the others, smiles and speaks up.
Aah—choo! Seriously? Diana, you too...?
The cold wind cuts right through her, making her nose run. Between that and the teasing from both Diana and Rosetta, Tatyana's face turns bright red.
But something's off about today's wind. It won't quit blowing in one direction—almost like it has a mind of its own—pushing her to look somewhere.
...Huh? That's odd. What's over there?
A sudden gust of wind draws Tatyana's gaze to a tall, sharp structure. Yet she can't recall any building like this so close to the main road outside the city.
Spurred by her curiosity, the rest of the group follows in the direction she points.
As they move closer, they discover it's not a building at all.
Instead, they find a massive whale skeleton, once hidden beneath the storms. Now, with the snow melting in early spring, the vast framework slowly comes into view.
From a distance, it really does look like a silver-white house, but once they stand before it, all they can sense is an indescribable, crushing awe.
Its towering, pillar-like skeleton looms like a fallen giant, commanding awe just by being here.
Looks like it was a whale that beached itself ages ago.
From how the bones have discolored, I'd guess it washed ashore even before the Punishing outbreak.
...Hmm. Back in those days, whales—actual, living whales—were still a common sight at sea.
Word has it that the narwhals now gliding through the frozen waters are replicas, crafted in tribute to the real thing.
Looking at it now, it's clear that a real whale is far more massive...
The Forest Guards speak in hushed tones, trading thoughts on the sight. Even for those who've seen plenty, this is a spectacle rarely encountered.
Most of them were born after the Punishing Virus hit, so they've never laid eyes on these enormous beings that live on only in historical accounts.
Some people say whales are extinct; others believe they retreated to a hidden sanctuary.
But none of those rumors has ever been confirmed. Only stray clues discovered by chance hint that these immense mammals once roamed the blue planet.
...Um, sorry to bother you—could I have just a moment of your time?
I want to follow the old Polar customs and hold a ritual for this guardian spirit.
The Forest Guards seem taken aback at first, but they soon realize why she's making this request.
I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend your beliefs...
It's fine. Don't worry about it—it doesn't offend me.
Tatyana steps closer, looking up at the mound made of snow and whale bones.
She's grown up in the post-Punishing era, so this is also the first time she's ever seen something like this. But the instant she recognizes the whale bones, she feels an inexplicable bond with this deceased creature.
This unexplainable closeness might be rooted in the teachings her grandmother passed down ever since she was little—or maybe it's all just in her head.
Still, she can definitely feel something there.
...Oh noble and compassionate guardian spirits, we're grateful for your help and guidance.
She inhales deeply, places her rifle aside, spreads her arms to embrace the wind rolling over the snowy fields, and begins to recite the prayer from her childhood.
Thank you for blessing us with bountiful food and letting us share this flourishing land.
We will forever hold your noble teachings and the sacred promise in our hearts.
Even as time continues and the seasons change, and though you've stepped away for the moment...
We remain profoundly grateful for everything this land provides...
...for we understand that each and every life in this world is truly unique and irreplaceable.
...
Once the prayer finishes, the group stays rooted in place, unmoving for quite a while.
Tatyana's voice rings out bright and pure, with a rustic edge and a hint of untouchable mystery—like she's pulling them straight into that old legend.
In those days, humankind set sail guided by the whales, and came back home under their watchful guard.
A life so calm and worry-free feels like a true "paradise," something modern people can barely begin to comprehend.
Now, that belief is all but lost. Narwhals are seen as heralds of destruction and bad luck, but a small group of polar natives continues to hold on to this legend with genuine conviction.
Whenever they think of it, it's as if they're back in that worry-free time, surrounded by loved ones.
...Okay, all done.
Once the prayer is finished, the blonde woman gently folds her hands together and smiles warmly at the Forest Guards behind her.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure if this is the right thing to do. I'm just following my grandmother's instructions step by step.
Maybe it's just a way to give myself some peace of mind.
Deep down, she knows that, according to modern science, whales don't usually go out of their way to help humans. In the old days, the polar dwellers simply made use of the whales' knack for detecting shifting ocean currents.
In a time when science was still in its early stages, polar folk saw schools of fish following the ocean currents as blessings from their guardian spirit, spawning many tales about whales.
Once she's done this, she senses she's somehow closer to her lost family.
Now, her heart surges with a renewed sense of power.
She feels prepared for any challenge that might come her way.
Alright, let's head back!
Tatyana shoulders her hunting rifle once more, heading toward New Sophiasburgh.
So, there's supposed to be a new cargo ship arriving today. I'm sure Sergey and his crew are buried in work, so we'd better get back and lend a hand.
Yeah, that's right. Evan's been pestering us about these "apples" for a while, so let's hope we can finally give him what he wants.
The Forest Guards gather up their gear again, retracing the footprints in the snow while sharing a few laughs as they head back to the main road.
Each time a cargo ship comes in, the town bursts into lively commotion.
Rosetta recalls the bustling lines of people rushing to grab supplies after every docking, and her voice takes on a gentler edge.
Ah, I'm too old now. No way I can out-scramble those little punks anymore.
Come on, you power through your vodka every night, don't you?
Tatyana listens to their lighthearted banter and can't hold back a gentle smile.
Just a few months ago, they barely knew each other, but now they're allies who trust one another.
Nobody saw this coming when they first began their journey.
Every time she remembers the one who gave her the opportunity to escape that barren ice field and begin again here, she feels a surge of emotion that words can't describe.
What kind of person is this Gray Raven Commandant, really?
She's heard countless stories about the commandant's nature, but her curiosity still runs deep.
If the commandant hadn't served as mediator, they might never have escaped Kyaranta—and this city might never have been born.
But once that window opened, the commandant moved on to the next battleground.
She hasn't even gotten a chance to thank the commandant face-to-face.
Ta... Tatyana...
A breeze drifts through the mountain pass, carrying what sounds like a distant call. Tatyana notices it right away and turns to face where it's coming from.
But she finds nothing.
If that voice weren't etched so deeply in her memory, she might have mistaken it for a mere trick of the wind.
But Tatyana feels that rush of air as it slips past—this isn't just her imagination.
Whose voice... could that be?
It's warm, cordial, and oddly familiar.
Like it's something she was never supposed to lose from her memory.
What's up? We're nearly at the base—stay focused.
Rosetta, standing a short distance away, calls out to her.
I think... I just heard someone calling my name.
Did you hear that?
Everyone exchanges glances and then shakes their heads.
Come on, you can't seriously mean you heard the mountain spirit's voice, right?
It's clearly meant as a joke, and everyone bursts into laughter.
Ugh... I knew if I told you, you'd all just laugh it off.
I'm done messing around. Let's pick up the pace and hit the road—I'm starving over here.
Didn't you scarf down three big slices of bread this morning? You're hungry again already?
It's practically evening now, so quit making me out to be some bottomless pit!
Their journey isn't over yet, and there's still plenty to accomplish from now on.
But first, they should take a moment to catch their breath.
When they finally arrive at that "future," they'll surely cross paths with that commandant once more.
She just knows it—because all this time, both of them have been looking toward the same horizon.
The "city of ideals" is right up ahead, no longer a distant dream.
...I never expected that, even in your role as the "Projector", you'd be able to meddle with this dimension I control.
It seems I truly underestimated what you're capable of.
No, don't get me wrong—this isn't a criticism. As the Observer, I actually love seeing the possibilities you can bring to life. For her, it's an extraordinary opportunity as well.
But seeing this, I'm all the more eager to discover what kind of outcome these intertwined paths might produce.
The figure moves closer, eyes reflecting a cosmic expanse—a kaleidoscope of shifting, unpredictable light.
You sense a mysterious power squeezing your chest, while a wave of heat courses through your body and pours straight into your soul.
You have gained power from a higher dimension.
Though you still can't fully embrace this power, you now grasp it well enough to see every thread of fate spread before you more clearly.
At each thread's tip, there's a gentle glow that never dims.
That flickering spark of life stretches out, seeking to be at your side.
So... "Projector", let's get started again.
