With every step he took, breathing became harder. The air was chilling, yet it didn't freeze his lungs. Instead, his feet burned, snow slipping into his boots, which were far too short for the deep pile of snow.
Draped in the thin cloth, Yusha shivered, fog escaping his mouth as he panted.
His steps came to a sudden halt when he spotted a strange figure standing at the end of the white path—near a narrow bridge.
Yusha tilted his head to the side, eyes narrowing as he tried to identify the person. The figure began heading his way.
Panicked, Yusha turned on his heels.
Why is he coming here?!
The thought echoed wildly in his mind.
"…!"
"Wait!"
Although he could hear the man's voice, Yusha didn't stop—at least, not until his own body betrayed him. He stumbled over the icy, hardened snow, falling harshly to the ground. His face slammed into the cold surface, his pale skin turning red immediately.
But his only concern was his stomach.
