As the group helps the Guild's recruits get situated, they some come across the one realm they haven't explored yet…The Snow Realm.
"Gah… It's freezing out here." Rayleigh said as he felt the intense cold.
"You knew we had to come down here some time. You should've gotten yourself a jacket or something!" Valfor said.
"Well, excuse me. We didn't need jackets in Beijing." Rayleigh said.
"That was different. Beijing wasn't freezing cold." Aoesia said.
"Oh come on. I don't see Esmeralda and Glacius needing extra layers out here." Rayleigh said.
"Because our species are used to the cold!" Esmeralda said.
"We even fought a snow leopard in the Cold Catacombs that was able to use cryomancy, remember?" Valfor asked.
"Wait, really?" Glacius asked.
"Yes. Ishihara wasn't really quite fond of killing it, though." Cheetah said as Glacius fell silent. "Ah, f-forgive me, I shouldn't have said that."
"No, no. You don't need to apologize. I understand that it had to be done." Glacius said. "Still, though… A feral snow leopard that can use ice powers… That's incredible!"
"Yep. That's in the Frost Universe. You two would really like it there." Captain Cold said.
"Hehe… I have a feeling we would." Glacius said. They soon see a town in the distance. "Hey, I think I see a town up ahead."
"Let's check it out, then." Nesma said.
"Wait, hold on." Belladonna said. "For all we know, they could confuse us with Daemons. We shouldn't try to rush in there just yet."
"Could there be any place where Daemons are lurking around?" Valfor asked.
"Hmm… I'm catching a scent of a lot of them eastward. We should check it out." Esmeralda said.
They follow Esmeralda until they saw an orient looking building.
"No way… That's… That's a castle!" Zamazenta said.
"Yes, it looks so exotic. It has that Japanese aesthetic to it. Ishihara would like it in this realm." Cheetah said.
"Excuse us." a voice said. "Are those Daemons amongst you?"
"Crap… Busted." Luke said.
"Luke, calm down. I know it seems dire, but they don't seem like the type that would execute us without discussion." Cheetah said. "Let's play along for now, and let them take us in."
"Hmm… Someone among your number seems reasonable. Makes this process easier." the man said. "Follow us, and you won't be harmed."
The group were soon escorted to holding cells. Several moments later, some figures came by for them.
"I am Princess Yukiha, the lord of this castle. Would you all please explain yourselves?" Yukiha asked. "You seem to have Daemons among you. How did this come to be?"
"To think you lot would scout out this castle personally. You must be quite bold!" Yukiha's retainer, Juza, told the group.
"We…get that a lot." Jessica said. "A lot of us have come from across the Dark Current that divides our worlds."
"From across the Dark Current? Truly?!" Yukiha asked.
"Yes, that is correct. We have defeated the Daemons in the other realms, and now we have brought ourselves to this one." Riesz said.
"Whoa, whoa, ladies. Don't tell them that stuff." Aoesia said.
"The Daemons accompanying us are proof of this." Riesz said.
"What was that?!" Ignace asked.
"Don't argue, Ignace. It seems to be working." Zamazenta said.
"Hmm… Very interesting. Release the prisoners. I wish to discuss this matter further with them personally." Yukiha ordered.
"Yes, ma'am!" the soldiers said as they opened the holding cells as Yuriha escorted the humans among the group to her chambers. It was there that they explained the circumstances surrounding their travels.
"I see. I understand the situation you are describing." Yukiha said. "If this Ether Gear is destroyed, the face of our realm will change."
"Yes, that is correct." Riesz said.
"To that end, I would be willing to provide assistance." Yukiha said. "However…"
"The situation is as you see it." Juza said. "Even now, the Daemons are pushing us back, and we do not have the full scope of their numbers. We unfortunately couldn't spare any resources."
"I'm certain you can use a few scouts." Matthew said. "If you can release Cheetah and the others, they can be of huge help."
"Very well. I shall allow this." Yukiha said.
"What?! The Beastfolk?!" Juza asked. "Hmm… Well, if that is what the princess commands… However, the Daemons will have to remain in our custody for a bit longer. We cannot release them all at once."
"That's fine. I'm sure Belladonna will understand." Riesz said.
"Seems like your Beastfolk will be helpful after all. Beyond our fort is a bridge that leads to a forest. The Daemons have made an encampment there." Juza said.
"I see. They must have formed a warning network around the fort." Angelo said. "Could there be a way around?"
"There is, but it's quite risky. Some ways north of here is a region known as the Frozen Waterfall." Juza said. "If you can cross the waterfall, you can approach the encampment from behind."
"However, it is no place for human travelers." Yukiha said. "I've heard stories of Snow Rabbits being used to cross the waterfall. They usually dwell in igloos. They rarely show themselves in front of people, but if you bring some snow carrots, they should come out."
"I think a vendor in this castle sells them. Mention my name and they should be able to lend them to you." Juza said.
"Got it. Now, come on. Let's go." Captain Cold said.