Subaru stood in the grand hall, his breath visible in the frosty air. The atmosphere of the academy in Glacia was as cold and imposing as the city itself, its icy beauty reflected in the polished stone walls and frosted windows.
Subaru stood at the center, flanked by Renwald and Tekka, but the energy between them was subdued. Seven months. It had been seven months since he'd arrived at the academy, and somehow, it felt both like an eternity and the blink of an eye.
Renwald adjusted the scarf around his neck, his sharp orange eyes flicking toward the imposing double doors that loomed ahead. "Well, I guess this is it," he said, his voice steady but laced with emotion. Turning to Subaru, he gave a small nod. "See you after the break, alright?"
Subaru nodded silently, his lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't trust his voice to come out evenly if he spoke. Renwald's parents waited by the door—a tall man and a regal-looking woman whose stern expressions mirrored Renwald's usual composed demeanor. The boy gave one last glance to Subaru and Tekka before heading toward them, his footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous hall. His parents greeted him briefly, their polished manners almost foreign compared to the camaraderie Subaru had grown used to.
Tekka, meanwhile, shifted uneasily beside Subaru. His usual brash energy was replaced by a hint of nervousness as he glanced toward the door. "Well, guess it's my turn, huh?" he muttered.
Subaru gave him a faint smirk. "What's got you so jittery? You're not scared of your family, are you?"
"Scared? Hell no," Tekka shot back, his Kagaran accent thick. "Just… my sister's a piece o' work, that's all."
Before Subaru could respond, the heavy creak of the doors interrupted them. A figure strode into the hall with an air of authority, her dark hair tied back in a practical braid and her sharp features set in a stern expression. Tekka groaned audibly.
"There she is," he muttered under his breath. "My lovely older sister."
The woman, older than Tekka by several years, scanned the hall with a critical eye before spotting him. She marched over with purposeful strides, stopping just short of the two boys. "Tekka," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "I thought I told you to be waiting outside."
"I was waiting," Tekka replied defensively, gesturing to the hall around him. "Just… not outside."
His sister sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Come on. We don't have all day."
Tekka gave Subaru a quick pat on the shoulder. "Later, Subes. Don't go blowin' anything up while I'm gone."
Subaru nodded silently, watching as Tekka followed his sister toward the door. The hall grew quieter, the echoes of their voices fading into the distance.
For a brief moment, Subaru stood alone, his thoughts swirling. Seven months, he mused. It feels like I just got here… and yet, it feels like I've been here forever. What would my parents think if they saw me now? Would they even recognize me?
The massive doors groaned again, breaking his train of thought. Subaru's eyes snapped to the opening, and his heart skipped a beat as two familiar figures stepped through. Professor Guini, his eccentric gait and exaggerated movements as recognizable as ever, entered first, his monocle glinting in the dim light. Behind him, with a calmer but equally commanding presence, was Lublik, his slicked-back hair gleaming faintly as he adjusted his disheveled soldier's uniform.
"Well, well," Guini declared, his voice echoing dramatically. "If it isn't my star pupil! I see you've managed to survive another term, Subaru."
Subaru blinked, his surprise giving way to a reluctant smile. "Professor… Lublik. What are you two doing here?"
Guini grinned broadly, stepping closer. "Why, to escort you home, of course! Did you think we'd just leave you to fend for yourself, hmm?"
Lublik gave Subaru a nod, his expression composed but warm. "We figured you'd need a proper escort back to the manor. Given your… unique circumstances."
Subaru felt a strange warmth in his chest at their presence, but he hid it behind a smirk. "You sure this isn't just an excuse for you two to check up on me?"
Guini laughed, his voice ringing through the hall. "Perish the thought! Now, come along, boy. We have much to discuss on the journey back."
As Subaru followed them toward the doors, he glanced over his shoulder at the now-empty hall, a flicker of nostalgia tugging at him. Seven months, he thought again, his steps steady. And now, a break.
The scene shifted, like pages flipping in a book, painting a vivid montage of their time in Glacia. The frozen market bustled with life despite the biting cold. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, their goods shimmering under the pale light reflected by the icy structures around them. Subaru trailed behind Professor Guini and Lublik, his breath visible in the frigid air as he observed the scene with wide eyes.
At one stall, Guini leaned forward, his monocle glinting as he scrutinized a collection of shimmering mana crystals. The clerk, a wiry man with a nervous twitch, stammered as Guini jabbed a finger at the prices listed on a chalkboard.
"These prices are an insult to the art of bartering!" Guini declared, his voice rising dramatically. "You dare charge such exorbitant rates for such subpar quality?!"
The clerk shrank back, mumbling incoherently, while Guini's face twisted into a theatrical scowl. Subaru watched the exchange, half-amused and half-horrified, as it seemed the professor was moments away from leaping over the counter.
"Father," Lublik interjected, stepping between the two with a calm but firm demeanor. His hand rested on Guini's shoulder, gently pulling him back. "You'll give the man a heart attack. Let me handle this."
Guini huffed, waving his hand dismissively but relented. Subaru exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, leaning against a nearby stall. "You guys sure know how to make an impression," he muttered under his breath.
The scene shifted again to the edge of a training yard near the frozen walls of the city. Lublik stood off to the side, speaking in low tones with a group of knights clad in heavy armor. The snow crunched under their boots as they gestured to maps and discussed routes. Lublik's sharp posture and commanding tone made it clear he was in his element.
Meanwhile, Subaru was left under Guini's watchful eye, tasked with practicing his mana channeling. A small pebble lay in front of him, and he crouched over it, his hands glowing faintly as he focused.
"Alright, pebble," Subaru muttered, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Prepare to meet your doom."
A spark of energy crackled in his palms, and he shot a beam of mana toward the pebble. There was a small flash, a faint puff of smoke… and the pebble wobbled slightly before rolling over.
Guini, sitting nearby with a cup of tea in hand, gave a long, exaggerated sigh. "Such raw talent," he remarked sarcastically. "Truly, the King himself has nothing on you."
Subaru turned to glare at him. "Hey, I'm working on it, okay?!"
The professor chuckled, sipping his tea. "Yes, yes. Take your time. At this rate, you'll be able to defeat a particularly aggressive ant by the time you graduate."
The final shift came as the group walked through the frosty streets, the snow crunching underfoot. Guini and Lublik had fallen slightly behind, speaking in hushed tones. Subaru couldn't make out the words, but Lublik's tense posture and the way he held the sheath of his sword hinted at unease. Guini, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke with an air of strategy.
Subaru glanced over his shoulder. "Hey, what's up with you two? You're acting weird."
Guini perked up, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, not to worry, dear boy! I was simply discussing with Lublik our next destination."
"And that would be…?" Subaru asked warily.
With a dramatic flourish, Guini gestured toward a narrow alleyway ahead, its entrance dark and uninviting. "The slums, of course!"
Subaru blinked, his stomach sinking slightly. "Uh, the slums? Why?"
"To broaden your horizons," Guini replied with amusement, clapping his hands together. "It's important for you to see the full spectrum of life in this city. After all, how can one truly appreciate their fortune without understanding the struggles of others?"
Lublik frowned, his grip tightening on his sword. "I still don't think this is a good idea."
"Nonsense!" Guini declared, already leading the way. "Come along, Subaru. Consider this a lesson in perspective."
Subaru hesitated, glancing at Lublik, who sighed heavily and gestured for him to follow. As they stepped into the shadowy alleyway, Subaru muttered under his breath, "This better not turn into some kind of life lesson horror story…"
Guini's laughter echoed ahead, carrying a mischievous promise of exactly that.
The slums stretched out before them like a forgotten part of Glacia, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the city's core. The buildings were worn and crumbling, their icy facades marred by grime and neglect. The alleys were narrow, filled with shadow and the muffled sound of distant voices. Subaru walked between Guini and Lublik, his gaze darting around as he took in the dismal conditions.
Lublik's unease was palpable, his sharp blue eyes scanning every corner as his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword. "Father," he muttered, his voice low, "this is unnecessary. We shouldn't be here."
"Nonsense!" Guini declared, striding confidently through the slush-covered paths. "How can one claim to understand a city without exploring every layer of its soul? This, dear boy, is the underbelly of Glacia—where reality refuses to be hidden by glittering frost and polished stone."
Lublik scoffed, shaking his head. "You're inviting trouble."
"And you're too uptight," Guini shot back, his voice tinged with amusement. "Relax, Lublik. This is an educational outing."
The wind began to pick up, the snow swirling more violently as a storm brewed overhead. Subaru pulled his coat tighter, his breath visible as he tried to keep up with the two men. They stopped in front of a run-down tavern, its wooden sign hanging crookedly by a single chain. The windows were fogged and cracked, a faint glow of light seeping through the gaps.
"Ah, perfect," Guini said, pushing the door open with a flourish. "Let's take shelter here for a while. No sense braving the storm unnecessarily."
Lublik sighed heavily, muttering under his breath about his father's recklessness as he followed him inside. Subaru lingered for a moment, his eyes drawn to the storm outside. The snow fell thick and fast, the wind howling through the narrow streets. He squinted, his attention caught by something unusual—a dark spot against the white expanse of the path ahead.
"What the…" Subaru murmured, stepping closer to the door to get a better look. The dark spot shifted slightly, almost as if it were alive. It wasn't a person—at least, not one standing. It seemed to be lying in the snow, unmoving.
His stomach churned. Is that… someone?
He glanced back at the tavern. Through the cracked door, he could hear Lublik's muffled voice pestering Guini, likely scolding him for bringing them here. Guini's laughter followed, dismissive as ever. They hadn't noticed Subaru had stopped.
Taking another look at the shadowy figure in the distance, Subaru made his decision. His curiosity—and an odd sense of responsibility—compelled him to act. He stepped back into the storm, the icy wind biting at his face as he trudged toward the dark spot.
The figure in the snow grew clearer as he approached, and Subaru's heart began to pound. Whatever—or whoever—it was, they were lying still, half-buried in the snowdrift. "Hey!" he called out, his voice barely carrying over the howling wind. "You okay?"
The figure didn't move. Subaru quickened his pace, his boots crunching through the deep snow. He ignored the way the storm seemed to grow fiercer with each step, his focus locked on the figure ahead.
"Hey!" he called again, his voice louder this time. "If you can hear me, say something!"
The storm roared in reply, and Subaru's unease deepened. He was close now, only a few steps away. As he leaned down to inspect the figure, the snow swirling around him seemed to quiet, leaving an eerie stillness in its wake.
Subaru crouched beside the snow-covered figure, his breath coming out in short, visible puffs. The icy wind clawed at him, but his focus was locked on the person half-buried beneath the snowdrift. His heart raced as he channeled his mana, summoning the flicker of warmth he desperately needed.
"Alright, come on out," Subaru muttered, his voice steady despite his nervousness. A small red orb materialized before him, glowing faintly with an inner fire. It bobbed up and down, almost as if it were inspecting him.
"Finally, calling me for something important, huh?" the fire spirit teased, its voice light and childlike.
Subaru rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up later. Right now, I need you to melt this snow—carefully. There's someone underneath it."
The spirit spun in place, as though considering his words, before replying, "Fine, but only because I'm bored. You're lucky I like you."
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," Subaru replied dryly, gesturing toward the figure. "Now hurry up."
The orb zipped toward the snow-covered body, its glow intensifying as it began to melt the frost and ice away. Steam hissed and rose into the frigid air as the snow evaporated, revealing more and more of the figure beneath. Subaru leaned closer, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern.
It was a girl.
She was tall, maybe a year or two older than Subaru, with long, wavy black hair that was matted with snow. Her pale skin was almost translucent in the harsh light of the storm, and her purple eyes—now closed—were framed by delicate lashes. Even in her unconscious state, her beauty was striking, almost unnerving.
"Who…?" Subaru murmured, carefully propping her up against his knee. Her body was cold, almost worryingly so, and he quickly shrugged off his coat to wrap it around her.
The fire spirit floated nearby, its glow dimming as it spoke again. "She's alive, but she's not doing great. You might want to hurry."
"Thanks for the update," Subaru muttered, his voice tinged with sarcasm. He gently shook the girl's shoulder. "Hey, can you hear me? Wake up!"
There was no response. Subaru cursed under his breath, glancing back toward the tavern. Just as he was about to call for help, the sound of crunching snow reached his ears.
"Subaru!" Lublik's voice cut through the storm, sharp and commanding. The older man appeared moments later, his disheveled uniform and stern expression framed by the swirling snow. "What are you doing out here? I—"
Lublik's words caught in his throat as his eyes fell on the girl in Subaru's arms. His expression shifted from frustration to shock, his brows knitting together as he quickly closed the distance between them.
"Who is she?" Lublik demanded, kneeling beside Subaru and inspecting the girl's face. His sharp blue eyes widened further, a rare crack in his composed demeanor.
"I don't know," Subaru admitted, his voice hurried. "I found her buried in the snow. She's freezing—she needs help."
Lublik's jaw tightened as he examined the girl more closely. "This… this is bad," he muttered. "We need to get her out of here immediately."
Without another word, Lublik scooped the girl into his arms, his movements careful but swift. Subaru scrambled to his feet, his mind racing with questions as he followed Lublik back toward the tavern.
"Who do you think she is?" Subaru asked, his voice breaking the tense silence.
"I don't know," Lublik replied curtly, his tone uncharacteristically sharp. "But someone doesn't just end up in these conditions by accident. Stay close."
Subaru nodded, his heart pounding as they reentered the tavern. Whatever was happening, he had the sinking feeling this girl's appearance was no coincidence.
Lublik carried the unconscious girl into the tavern, cradling her as gently as if she were made of glass. The storm raged behind them, howling against the wooden door as it slammed shut. Inside, the dim light of the tavern cast flickering shadows on the walls, and the warmth of the hearth was a sharp contrast to the icy gale outside.
Professor Guini sat at a corner table, a steaming cup of tea replaced in front of him by a watchful demi-human servant with feline ears. He glanced up, his monocle glinting as he took in the sight of Lublik and Subaru, snow-drenched and carrying the unconscious girl.
"And what exactly do you two think you're doing?" Guini asked, his tone dry and unimpressed. He took a slow sip of his tea, his sharp eyes scrutinizing them over the rim of his cup.
"Subaru found her outside," Lublik said shortly, his voice steady but clipped as he placed the girl carefully on a bench near the hearth. He gestured for the demi-human servant to bring blankets. "She was half-buried in the snow."
Guini set his cup down with a faint clink, leaning back in his chair. His eyes narrowed skeptically as he regarded the girl. "A no-good stray slum rat, by the looks of her. Barely fit to survive the streets, let alone a Gustekan winter."
Subaru's fists clenched at his sides, his orange eyes blazing. "She's not some 'rat,' she's just a kid! And she was freezing to death out there!"
Guini's gaze flicked to Subaru, unbothered by the boy's anger. He waved his hand dismissively. "Spare me your theatrics, boy. The weak die; the strong survive. That is the natural order of things here. Even among the higher classes, it is no different."
Subaru took a step forward, his voice rising. "What kind of logic is that? Just because things are hard here doesn't mean you can let people die! That's messed up!"
"Enough," Lublik interrupted, his tone sharp as he glanced at Subaru. The boy reluctantly fell silent, though his glare toward Guini remained fierce.
Guini raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Subaru's outburst, and turned his attention to Lublik. "And you?" he asked. "What's your grand plan here? Surely you don't expect her to survive in her condition."
Lublik's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he hesitated. Then, in a quiet but firm voice, he said, "Had I thought like you, I wouldn't have saved Subaru four years ago in that blizzard. He'd have been just another 'no-good stray.'"
Guini went still, his expression unreadable as he reached for his cup. He took another long sip, setting the empty vessel down with a faint sigh. "Point taken," he murmured, his tone softer but still carrying an edge. "But the question remains: what do you intend to do with her?"
Subaru stepped forward, his voice unwavering despite the tremor in his hands. "I'll save her."
Guini tilted his head, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "And why, pray tell, would you bother? What does this girl mean to you?"
"Because it's the right thing to do," Subaru said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him. "I couldn't just leave her there. And I'm not about to let her die now."
The room fell silent, the crackling of the hearth filling the space as Guini studied Subaru, his expression inscrutable. Then, with a faint chuckle, he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled.
"Such conviction," Guini remarked. "Very well, Subaru. Do as you will. But don't expect me to lift a finger to help."
Lublik glanced at Subaru, his lips twitching into the barest hint of a smile. "You've got your answer, Subaru. Now, let's focus on making sure she pulls through."
Subaru nodded, his determination unwavering as he turned to the unconscious girl. He didn't know who she was or why she was out there, but one thing was clear: he wouldn't let her story end in the snow.
The perspective shifted, sinking into Elsa's fragmented memories.
Her body had betrayed her, limbs growing heavier with each step through the unforgiving snow. The blizzard bit into her skin, numbing her fingers and face as her strength dwindled. She stumbled, her vision blurring, a dim light ahead barely visible through the storm. A tavern, perhaps? She'd never know for sure. Her legs buckled, and she collapsed into the icy embrace of the snow.
So this is how it ends, she thought bitterly. Her lips curled faintly into what might've been a smile if her face weren't frozen stiff. A slum rat's life, as dull and pathetic as ever. Born in the gutters, and now I die in the snow.
She had long since abandoned dreams of something better. The thought of warmth, safety, or love felt like cruel fantasies—a reality meant for someone else. She closed her eyes, ready to let the cold take her, the ache in her body fading into nothingness.
And then, she felt it. Warmth.
It started faintly, a tender heat that melted the frost gripping her skin. It spread slowly, chasing away the chill like firelight in a darkened room. Her consciousness stirred faintly, and a soft yet firm voice reached her ears.
"Hey! Are you okay? Don't just lay there! Come on, wake up!"
She struggled to open her eyes, the world a haze of blinding white and crimson. Blinking, she managed a fleeting glimpse of a figure—a boy, black-haired and young, his eyes sharp and orange, almost uncomfortably intense. Nasty eyed. She tried to focus on his face, but her strength failed her.
The warmth didn't leave her, though. She felt herself being moved, though the sensations were distant and dreamlike. Her awareness flickered, catching fragments of muffled voices. Something about "a tavern," a "stray," and someone being "rash." None of it made sense.
And then, nothing.
When Elsa woke again, the world was entirely different. Bright light filtered through a frosted window, casting a soft glow across the warm room. A blizzard still howled outside, the sound muffled by thick walls, but inside, everything was calm.
She blinked, her surroundings coming into focus. She was lying in a bed, her body cocooned in layers of blankets. The fabric was soft, clean—nothing like the scratchy rags she'd grown up with. Her clothes were fresh, too, the scent of soap faint but unmistakable.
I must be dreaming, she thought, her heart pounding in confusion. Or dead.
Her hand moved instinctively to her side, where she'd been sure pain would greet her. Instead, there was nothing—no ache, no frostbite, no stiffness. She raised her right arm tentatively, staring at it as if it belonged to someone else.
"No pain," she whispered, her voice hoarse but steady.
Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. A sturdy wooden table sat in the corner, cluttered with vials and what looked like a tea set. The walls were lined with bookshelves, their contents spilling onto the floor in places. She turned her head to see a steaming mug on a bedside table, its faint aroma comforting.
She touched her face, her fingertips brushing against her cheek. The chill was gone, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth that made her chest tighten. This wasn't a dream, was it?
Elsa closed her eyes, exhaling shakily as tears threatened to sting her eyes. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she wasn't cold, hungry, or in pain. Why? she thought, her mind racing. Why am I still alive?
The image of the boy's face flashed in her mind—those piercing eyes, the faint outline of his black hair against the storm. A stranger, yet the reason she was breathing now. She clenched the blanket tightly, her thoughts swirling.
Who are you? And why did you save someone like me?
Elsa sat up slowly, her head spinning as she tried to piece everything together. Her surroundings were warm and inviting, the complete opposite of the freezing storm she remembered. She glanced around in confusion, taking in the faintly lit hallway leading away from the room she'd woken up in. Somewhere in the distance, she could hear voices—banter echoing faintly down the corridor.
Swallowing hard, she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her bare feet touched the cold floor, sending a small shiver up her spine. Hesitantly, she stood, her legs wobbling beneath her. Her hands instinctively reached out to steady herself against the wall.
No pain, she thought again, marveling at how light her body felt.
She began to walk, her movements awkward at first but growing steadier with each step. The hallway ahead of her seemed to stretch forever, its wooden walls dimly illuminated by the soft flicker of lanterns. The faint creak of her footsteps mingled with the ambient sound of winter winds brushing against the windows.
At the end of the hallway, she found herself gazing into a larger open area. The morning light poured in through tall windows, casting a soft glow across the space. The winter sky, pale and endless, framed the scene like a painting. She hesitated, the warmth of the room not enough to dispel the chill in her chest.
As she approached, faint voices reached her ears, growing clearer with each step. She stopped just short of the doorway, leaning against the wall to listen.
"Unprofessional! Absolutely unprofessional!" an older man's voice barked. It was sharp and dramatic, filled with indignation. "Do you know what Bell said? She has no affinities with the spirits! None whatsoever! If anything, we might've let a demon into our house—a vampire!"
Another voice, calmer and more measured, responded. "And she would have died if we'd left her there."
Elsa's heart began to race, her breaths shallow and quick. No affinities… demon… vampire? Her hand instinctively flew to her mouth. Are they talking about me?
The old man continued, his voice rising with his frustration. "This isn't some charity, Lublik! We cannot simply pick up strays and bring them here! What if she—"
Elsa didn't wait to hear the rest. Her mind raced with questions and fear. Were they going to kill her? Why had they saved her if they believed she was some kind of monster?
Her feet took a small step back, her hand still pressed to her mouth as panic bubbled inside her. But before she could retreat any further, a sudden voice cut through her thoughts like a bolt of lightning.
"Hey, you! You're finally awake!"
Startled, Elsa spun around, her wide eyes landing on the black-haired boy with the sharp orange gaze. He stood at the other end of the hallway, grinning at her with a mix of amusement and familiarity.
Her heart skipped a beat, and before she could stop herself, her foot slipped on the smooth floor. A startled yelp escaped her lips as she fell backward, landing on the ground with a loud thud.
The boy's grin widened. "Whoa! Careful there!"
And with that, her world tilted yet again.