Bruised and battered, Sirius and Kynn shuffle into a compact wooden building known as the medical hut.
The floors and beds are lined with rows of people who are ill. Hacks and wheezes escape the squallers' throats as they lie limp under thick sheets, groaning to express their pain.
There is a considerable number of people. Much more than there ever should be. There's hardly any room to walk.
It smells horrible.
Healers cast blessings onto struggling patients, but it only seems to relieve their struggle temporarily. Other helpers go around feeding the sick squallers soup and other liquids.
"This is terrible..."
The sight instantly belittles Sirius's own physical pain.
"Mm," Kynn agrees. "It's been this way for almost a month now..."
"A whole month?"
"Yeah, it's a miracle I haven't gotten it. Or been poisoned."
"Poisoned?"
"You ran into them, didn't you? The hoarbanes outside the outpost?"
"Yeah, we barely managed to fend them off."
"I take it none of you got scratched or bitten?"
"No... Why?"
"Their fangs and claws are laced with poison. As soon as they puncture the skin, it's over for you."
"Over...? You mean..."
"We don't have a cure for it, and no blessings our healers have seem to have any effect. We can't ask other countries for assistance, so many of us have died waiting."
"...So, everyone here is poisoned? They're all going to die...?"
"Not everyone. The only ones poisoned are the guards and warriors in the back. The rest of them have all fallen ill. We squallers have pretty weak immunities, so we rely on our medical herbs to keep us healthy. But we haven't been able to retrieve any recently, so... This is the result."
The atmosphere is dire. It feels as if these are the last remaining people after an apocalypse. Not a single smile is spread on anyone's face. Even the few children look devastated.
Everyone is hopeless.
"..."
Sirius can't think of any words to say. He now feels guilty for even entering the room.
"Come on, let's go sit down over there." Kynn unlatches himself from Sirius's shoulder and waddles over to the only empty bed. Sirius follows close behind, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.
Kynn plops down onto the squeaky mattress, and Sirius does the same. Kynn's demeanor is far more collected than before. These people must mean a lot to him.
In an attempt to carry conversation, Sirius asks a question.
"I thought you guys were resistant to the cold. Why is everyone under blankets?"
"It's not so much that we're resistant, it's more so that we've adapted to withstand it better over time. We still need to maintain our body warmth, though we can't let it rise too high."
"Ah..." Sirius ponders while they wait for someone to check up on them. "So what are those hoarbanes anyway?"
"No idea... No one has ever heard of them before. They just popped up out of nowhere, attacked us with incurable poison, and blocked us in our outpost. It's so strange... Not to mention all of our attacks are useless against them."
"Your herbs have no effect at all on the poison?"
"No, our herbs are primarily for common illnesses and pain relief. Many of us have started to think that the poison might actually be a type of curse."
"Curse?"
"You don't know what a curse is?"
"...I only came into this world about half a month ago. I don't really know much about that kind of stuff."
"Oh yeah, you're a Witch Spawn, aren't ya? To be honest, I just completely guessed you were one."
"Seriously...?"
"But I'll ask about that in a second." Kynn relaxes his posture. "You know what blessings are, right?"
"Mm," Sirius nods.
"In basic terms, curses are advanced blessings that expel negative effects on another being or object. Usually, they require someone with a very high compatibility to cast them, but sometimes, like we're suspecting now, these creatures are casting them."
"...Can curses not be undone? Or healed?"
"Curses are typically only able to be dispelled when the caster is either killed or dispels it themself. Some are on time limits, but those are rare. Technically, those with a very high compatibility for healing or detoxification can remove some curses. But unfortunately, we don't have anyone with that ability here..."
"Hm... So, if we can kill those things, the curse on these people might be lifted?"
"It's a possibility. But, since we can't even damage them, it seems impossible to kill them."
"...You know, not to get your hopes up or anything, but when we were attacked coming here... The ember with us managed to melt the ice around them. It seemed to seriously hurt them."
Kynn's eyes widen, and his dampened spirit diminishes.
"Seriously?! You mean it?! She damaged the hoarbanes?!"
"Y-yeah..."
Kynn sinks his head and places it in his hands.
"Now I feel like a jerk for stopping you guys... Sorry."
"Don't worry about it." Sirius pats him on the back.
"...Maybe she can be saved..."
"What'd you say?"
"Ah, nothing. Enough of this sappy talk! You're a Witch Spawn, right-"
"Kynn!" A female healer tramps over to the two of them. "What in the gods did you get yourself into this time??"
"Hehe, sorry Nuray, we had a friendly little scuffle." Kynn gives the lady a cheesy grin. She doesn't seem very pleased.
"You know how everyone is feeling... Getting into fights with outsiders won't do anyone any good."
"I know, I know... I apologize."
"Geez..." The lady, Nuray, crouches down and extends her hand in front of Sirius. A glow of greenish gold light emits from her palm. Healing magic.
All in a moment, as the light envelops him, Sirius's wounds fade until there's not a single trace. The pain perishes, and a warm, fuzzy feeling replaces it.
"Thank you," Sirius says.
"Not a problem. Healing these types of wounds is much simpler than treating illnesses..." Her voice reflects how tired she is. "I apologize on Kynn's behalf. He doesn't think too much about his actions."
"I'm right here, you know?" Kynn jokingly pouts.
Nuray moves her hand over to Kynn and heals his wounds.
"Thank you."
"Mhm, and tie your hair back up. You're ruining my style," she teases.
"Yes, ma'am," Kynn replies.
The healer, with the same settled hair as Kynn, takes her leave and tends to other patients. Kynn pulls his hair back into a ponytail, following her orders. They must have a lot of history.
"Alright, let's head out and meet with the others."
"Alright," Sirius agrees.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
The two depart from the medical hut and make their way toward the king's quarters.
"Oh, right," Kynn remembers something.
"What's up?"
"What was that thing you gave the lunim girl?"
"I thought I only had to tell you if I lost."
"Hm, we basically tied."
"I thought you said I won?"
"Uh... please tell me?"
Sirius chuckles.
"Fine, fine. Uh, let's see..."
Sirius explains to Kynn how being a Witch Spawn works.
He explains how he died and was reborn into this world. How he met Korlin and Aureole, and then started living in the mansion, leaving out a few details. And he explains that the watch he gave to Aureole is what's counting down to when all his memories will disappear.
"...Damn. You only met her a few days ago and already trust her to hold onto that?"
"...Trust her? I guess..."
-Do I trust her?
"Hm, is this body what lets you be so good at fighting?"
"What? No, no... Though this body is much better than my old one."
"Then are you like an avid fighter or something?"
"Nah, I've just... watched a lot of YouTube videos."
"You... chube?"
"Eh... never mind... I've just had a lot of spare time."
"Huh..."
"What about you?"
"Hand-to-hand combat? Absolutely not. I'm much better with a sword."
"Really?"
"Yeah! I'm the head warrior here at the outpost, after all."
"Seriously?! Shouldn't you be like... defending the gates or something then?"
"Nah, that's the guards' duty. Warriors like me go and scout out for monsters, and we usually join the herb collectors out on their missions. But, as there isn't any possibility of that at the moment... I'm basically free to do whatever I want."
"Huh..."
"I could teach you some sword arts if you want. With most of the other guys out of commission, I kind of need someone to help me train."
"Uh, sure, though don't expect too much out of me."
-Maybe I could impress Wilphrey with some sword skills when I get back... Wait... I kind of sound like Korlin...
"I don't know what to expect out of you! I mean, when you threw the snow in my eyes, I was stunned!"
"You didn't think it was cheap?"
"Cheap?! Of course not! That was so creative! I was impressed."
"Ha... Speaking of, can you see through the snow? When you tossed up that cloud of it, you seemed to see perfectly well."
"Mm, we squallers have pretty decent vision through the snow. Though it was still tricky for me to see. I was kind of just flailing my arms, hoping they'd hit you."
-Is this guy really the head warrior here??
"Wow..."
"Oh! And that elbow move you did! That was sick!"
Kynn continues to compliment and make Sirius feel awkward until they arrive at the king's quarters. The boy seems to hold Sirius in high regard.
Sliding open the door, the two are greeted by a distant conversation.
"Take off your shoes here," Kynn whispers, slipping off his own. Sirius does as he's told, and the two round the corner into a large square room.
Aureole, Korlin, and Pholy stand on the opposite side from a lone man on a wooden throne.
The King.
No guards stand by. Not a single bit of protection is spared for this important man.
The man dons white hair, much like every other snowsqualler, and a long animal-hide robe hangs around his neck. He's a bit on the larger side, but a gentle, aged face sits atop his burly shoulders.
"Ah, and who might this be?"
The King's voice is surprisingly mellow.
Sirius was trying to quietly enter and avoid interrupting.
"Oh, sorry. I'm Sirius-"
"Hello, Your Majesty!" Kynn obnoxiously calls out, strolling in like he owns the place. His arm wraps around Sirius's shoulders. "This is my new pal, Sirius! Oh- Is it cool if we come in?"
"Welcome, Kynn..." The king draws a smile on his face, but Kynn's presence doesn't seem to soothe him. "Certainly, you may enter. Seeing as you already have..."
"Thanks, man! This is why you're my favorite king!"
"I'm your only king..." he clears his throat. "Ahem, Sirius, was it?"
"Uh- Yes, sir."
"I welcome you," he smiles warmly. "I hope Kynn has treated you kindly."
"Oh, um, yes, he has."
"He didn't challenge you to a duel, did he?"
"...Um..." Sirius's eyes glance at Kynn's. The boy is practically screaming for him to say 'no'. "N-No, sir. He did no such thing."
"...That's good."
The king is overcome with relief.
-How often does he challenge people??
"See? I'm not that bad, Your Majesty."
"Please, quit with the 'Your Majesty.' You know I don't care for that title."
"You're right," Kynn takes a knee. "I apologize, Your Majesty."
"...Why do I bother?" The King sinks his head and sighs heavily. "Anyway, please, continue, Miss Aureole."
"R-Right," Aureole adjusts her posture. "As I stated, we came here on behalf of Lunalir to discuss the sudden absence of Alsi's trade. But, seeing the situation you all are in, I've gotten our answer already."
"Mm, I apologize. I'm sure our silence has caused a great disturbance in the market, but unfortunately, we are unable to reliably continue trade in our current predicament."
"Lord Rawlin should be arriving within the coming days, assuming he makes it... Is there anything we can do before then?"
"Rawlin, huh?" His tone sours. "That man is returning so soon?"
"Returning...?"
"Yes, he came to our outpost two or so months ago to discuss relations."
"Huh, I didn't hear about that... Anyway, if there's anything we can do to assist you, please let us know."
"You are a kind person, Miss Aureole. You will make a fine ruler."
"Um, t-thank you?"
"But, as things stand, the hoarbanes have us locked in place. Our warriors are poisoned and have lost morale, so we must now focus on just trying to stay alive. I do not wish for you all to get involved in our problems."
The room grows quiet, and in the corner of his eye, Sirius spots a small figure in the back of the room.
It's a young boy. Maybe twelve years old. He has messy white hair and a strained look on his face. He seems annoyed just by looking at everyone.
The small boy meets Sirius's gaze. His eyes widen, and the boy ducks out of view.
-Who is that?
"If I may," Pholy steps up.
"Hm? Yes, ember?"
"My flames are capable of burning the hoarbanes' outer layer. I think we may be able to take them out if we plan accordingly."
"Do you mean it? Your fire can damage those creatures' skin?"
"Yeah, though I'm not sure if after their ice is melted we can hurt them."
"Yes..." The King delves deep into thought. "Still, this is valuable information. Thank you very much. I would like to test this concept as soon as possible. My people are withering away, and while I am fortunate to stay in positive health, my heart aches for my people."
"What do you want us to do?" Aureole questions.
"...For the time being, please get settled here. Kynn, would you mind taking them in? Apologies, we don't have many open spaces at the moment."
"..." For the first time, Kynn is hesitating. "Sure, I can let them crash at my place."
"Thank you, and please, mind your manners."
"Yeah, yeah..."
The King faces the group. "When you are all rested, I will let you know what our next move will be. Please give me your patience."
"Of course," Aureole bows. "Thank you for your time and kindness."
"You as well."
The man smiles warmly.
-This guy is like a big teddy bear.
"Alright, you four, follow me." Kynn motions everyone to follow him, and he rounds the corner.
Sirius gives a bow to the king and follows behind Kynn. Korlin and Pholy do the same. They all slip their shoes on, take their bags, and exit the king's quarters.
⧗⧖⧗⧖⧗
"That went way smoother than I thought it would," Sirius sighs.
"You're telling me..." Aureole groans. "I thought I was going to explode."
"Were you that nervous?" Pholy asks, huddling into Aureole to give her warmth.
"Mhm," she sulks.
"Ah, Bora's a big softie. You don't have to be worried around him," Kynn assures. "I barge in there all the time, and he still loves me."
"I wouldn't call that love..." Pholy retorts.
"Er... Anyway, here we are!"
Before them lies a humble-sized home, reminiscent of a log cabin, with a large shed to its side.
"This place looks nice!" Korlin exclaims with excitement.
"Haha, thank you! My mom worked hard to build it..." Kynn whips around to face them. "By the way! I only have one spare bed in the house. The rest of you will have to spend the night in the shed."
"The shed..." Pholy glares.
"Cool your flames, there are three mattresses in there. We rent it out for visitors on occasion, so it's well kept."
"Alright," Pholy grumbles. "Well then, Aureole, you can take the bed in the house. Us three will stay in the shed."
"What?" Aureole doesn't like the suggestion. "Oh no, you don't have to give me special treatment! I can sleep in the shed too-"
"It's alright!" Pholy injects. "Just accept the offer, we'll be fine out here. You're royalty after all."
"Um," Korlin raises his hand. "I never agreed to this. I'll gladly switch with her-"
Sirius punches Korlin's arm. Pholy does the same.
"...If you insist, then alright..." Aureole reluctantly agrees. "I'll stay in the house."
-She really doesn't like being royalty...
"Well, now that that's all settled, make yourselves comfortable! And Sirius, when you're ready, care to meet me out back?"
"Yeah, sure."
Kynn gives a big grin and then scans the rest of the group. His eyes land on Korlin, who looks a little jealous.
"Do you wanna join us? Uh... I didn't get your name."
"Oh- It's Korlin! Sure, I'll join you."
"Cool!" Kynn waves and runs around behind the house.
"That guy is so cool..."
"He's something..." Pholy states, walking toward the shed.
The three commoners head over to the shed, and Aureole takes her time going into the house. She knocks and carefully enters inside.
Pholy slides the shed's door open and finds the inside surprisingly spacious. As Kynn mentioned, three elevated beds lie near the back of the room. Dressers, baskets, a water faucet, and other decorations fill the space. It's like a mini house.
"Not bad," Sirius remarks.
"Mm," Pholy agrees. "It's just unfortunate I have to stay with you two."
"It won't be that bad," Korlin jokes.
"I hope so..."
The three of them unpack their bags and claim their beds.
With everything settled, Sirius heads to the backyard to meet with Kynn. Korlin walks beside him.
"What do you think he wants?" Korlin asks.
"I don't know..."
"Do you think Pholy has a thing for him?"
"...What? No, I don't think so," Sirius tries not to laugh. "Why? Are you worried he'll steal her from you?"
"I'm just saying, he's probably a popular guy. People like him have a way of swooning people."
"Swooning?"
"He's definitely a ladies' man! He probably has a whole harem of girls at the ready. Some people have no romantic partner, and some people have options. Now, I find that insanely unfair-"
Before he can finish his sentence, Korlin finds that Kynn is standing right in front of them. Two wooden swords are in his hands.
"Um..." Kynn scratches his head. "Should I take that as a compliment?"
"...Yes."
"...Alright..."
...
Awkward tension aside, Sirius initiates the conversation.
"So... What's up?"
Kynn chuckles and brushes off what he overheard.
"I was hoping you'd take me up on my offer."
Kynn tosses Sirius one of his wooden swords.
"Oh, right... Sword training."
"Exactly!" Kynn demonstrates his swordplay in the air. "I can teach you some arts, and then I thought we could do a little sparring."
"I don't know how good I'll be..."
"Don't worry about it! I'm just trying to knock off some rust. And maybe you'll learn a thing or two."
"Alright..."
"Come on!" Kynn grabs Sirius's wrist and drags him to the center of the snowy yard.
Korlin stands alone off to the side.
...
"Not quite. Here, stand like this," Kynn instructs, shifting Sirius's feet. "Now, try."
Sirius swings the wooden sword downward.
"Hmm..." Kynn ponders. "Don't use your arms so much. Swing with your whole body. Commit to the strike, don't half-ass it. Swing as if you don't have arms."
"What does that even mean...?"
As Kynn teaches Sirius, Pholy steps out into the yard and stands beside Korlin.
"You just watching?" she asks.
"Mm, I don't really know why he called me back here."
"...You don't even like swords, do you?"
"They're cool, but I prefer magic." The boy is growing restless. "Though I do need to get stronger..."
"...If you want, I can show you-"
"Hey, Kynn!" Korlin blurts. Pholy sinks as her offer gets rejected.
"Hm? What's up?!"
"Would you mind if we fought?"