At 4 AM, Lada woke up feeling refreshed from the previous day's events. She carefully slid out of bed, mindful not to disturb Anna, who was still asleep beside her. After swiftly getting ready for the day, Lada dressed in her typical cooking attire: a long apron crafted from sturdy, fire-resistant fabric, adorned with simple animal patterns along the hem. Underneath, she wore a plain white tunic paired with brown leggings, knee-high leather boots, and a thick belt equipped with various pouches for her cooking utensils.
Her blonde hair was fashioned into its usual twin tails to keep it neat while she worked. Stepping into the crisp morning air, Lada headed towards the town's communal Kitchen. Upon arrival, she immediately immersed herself in food preparation. Her hands moved deftly, chopping vegetables, cracking eggs, and seasoning meat.
The kitchen resonated with familiar sounds: the clatter of pots, the sizzle of pans, and softly spoken instructions. It was a comforting symphony of morning routines, set against the backdrop of the quiet town awakening to the day.
As she was finishing up with the morning prep, Lada noticed Ledyana, Anna's mother, asleep on the couch in the Kitchen's break room. Curious, she asked one of the cooks why Ledyana was there.
"She was working late with the chief on some business about the town defenses," the cook explained, "Had an important meeting with some unknown benefactor."
Lada nodded, understanding the sacrifices Ledyana made for the town. Returning to her duties, she was just about to start on another task when she saw Anna approaching, clearly groggy and still half-asleep.
"Lada, coffee, please," Anna mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
"Why did you come here for that? You can make coffee at home," Lada replied, exasperated but already reaching for the coffee beans.
"Yes, but it's the weekend. I don't have to teach today, and I want you to make it," Anna responded, her voice a mix of stubbornness and affection. Anna loved the way Lada's coffee tasted. Despite following the same recipe, there was always something missing when she made it herself.
Lada quickly brewed two cups of coffee, the rich aroma filling the air. She handed one to Anna, who took it gratefully. "Here, just like you usually take it."
Lada decided to take a break and sat down next to Anna in the dining area. Sipping their coffee, they enjoyed a moment of quiet before Anna started to speak.
"You know, sometimes I wonder if the children I teach are secretly plotting against me," Anna said, a wry smile playing on her lips.
"Oh? What happened this time?" Lada asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, yesterday, little Timmy thought it would be hilarious to release a bag of frogs in the classroom. Frogs! Can you imagine the chaos?" Anna sighed as she rubbed her temples.
Lada laughed as Anna vented to her about her students, knowing full well how much Anna loved teaching them despite the chaos.
As the sun began to peek over the horizon, Lada and Anna handed their empty coffee cups to the dishwasher and each grabbed a tray of breakfast food. The morning spread included freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs with herbs, smoked sausages, and a side of assorted fruits.
As they chatted and ate, more people began to arrive at the Kitchen for breakfast. Eventually, Sonya walked in, grabbed a tray of food for herself, and looked around for a place to sit. Spotting Lada waving at her, she made her way over and joined them.
Sonya sat down and asked, "So, Lada, how did you feel about our first run together yesterday?"
"Well, it definitely got more exciting later on," Lada replied humorously. "By the way, where are Rosalind and Natalya?"
"Rosalind still isn't feeling great after yesterday, so Natalya stayed to take care of her. I even asked the cooks to package two meals for me to bring them," Sonya explained, indicating the two wrapped bundles beside her tray.
Hearing that Rosalind was still unwell, Lada felt a pang of guilt for not being able to prevent her injury or heal her completely.
Sensing Lada's guilt, Anna quickly stepped in to change the subject. "Why don't you tell Sonya about how you thought she was an action hero yesterday? I've already heard it, but it's such a great story."
Lada smiled, grateful for the distraction. "Oh, right! Sonya, you were so cool yesterday! When you said, 'What you did to one of mine would have been enough for me to end you,' you sounded just like one of those action heroes from old movies!" Lada exclaimed, attempting to mimic Sonya's voice.
Sonya blushed but tried to maintain her composure. "W-well, it was just something I said in the moment."
Anna, with a soft chuckle, added, "I'm surprised you could come up with something like that on the spot. Did you practice it beforehand?"
"W-wha? Of course not!" Sonya responded, clearly embarrassed.
As they all laughed, Sonya decided to change the topic. "So, Lada, could you come to the Den around nine today? We need to deliver that black gem to the client."
"Of course, I'll be there!" Lada replied enthusiastically.
Sonya then finished her food and handed her tray to the dishwasher, picked up the two bags of food she had ordered for Natalya and Rosalind, and waved to Lada and Anna as she left.
Minutes later, Lada and Anna finished their food and handed their trays to the dishwasher. Deciding to enjoy the fresh morning air, they set off for a walk around the town of Peterheim.
Peterheim, a town built upon the ruins of the once-great city of Chernobog, was a testament to resilience. Despite its recent establishment just six months ago, the townsfolk had already repurposed much of the old architecture, breathing new life into the remnants of the past.
As they walked, Lada and Anna passed by the town square, where the ruins of an ancient clock tower still stood, miraculously still working despite the surface damage. Around it, the townspeople had constructed a market stall selling all kinds of homemade goods. The vibrant colors of the knick-knacks and apparels contrasted sharply with the gray stone of the old city, symbolizing the resourcefulness of Peterheim's inhabitants.
Children ran through the streets, playing games amidst the ruins. Their laughter echoed off the cracked walls, adding a sense of warmth to the cold, hard structures around them. Lada and Anna smiled at the sight, reminded of the town's enduring spirit despite its infancy.
They continued their walk, passing by a row of old, damaged buildings that had been transformed into homes and shops. A blacksmith's forge occupied what used to be a garage, the sound of hammer on anvil ringing out as the blacksmith shaped metal into tools and weapons. Next door, a group of men were clearing out an crumbling building, preparing to renovate it back to a habitable state.
Anna pointed to a large mural painted on the side of another crumbling building. It depicted scenes from Peterheim's brief but eventful history, from the devastation of Chernobog from Schwarzeschlange's attack to the town's rapid recovery. The mural was a work in progress, with new sections being added as the town continued to grow and change.
They turned down a narrow alley, where makeshift gardens had been planted in the rubble. Wildflowers and herbs grew in abundance, adding splashes of color and life to the otherwise stark environment. An elderly woman tended to the plants, her weathered hands carefully nurturing the fragile blooms.
"Good morning, Auntie Polina," Lada greeted the woman with a smile.
"Good morning, dears," Auntie Polina replied, her face lighting up. "Out for a walk, I see. Have you seen my lavender? It's doing particularly well this year."
"It looks beautiful," Anna said, admiring the neat rows of purple flowers.
They continued their walk, eventually arriving at what had once been the heart of Chernobog's industrial district. The towering structures were now skeletons, their windows shattered and walls pocked with holes. Despite this, several buildings had been repurposed into workshops and storage facilities. The hum of activity could be heard from within as people worked to keep the town running smoothly.
As they made their way back toward the center of town, Lada and Anna passed the central park. Though much of it had been converted into a thriving garden of fruits and vegetables, there were still patches of lush grass where people could sit and relax. A group of children sat on one of these grassy patches, their eyes wide with wonder as a storyteller wove tales of heroism and adventure. The storyteller's animated gestures and vibrant voice brought the stories to life, making the children gasp and cheer in turn.
Lada and Anna paused for a moment to listen, captivated by the storyteller's voice. The vivid tales were a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving history and passing down stories, especially in a place like Peterheim, built upon the ruins of a once-great city.
As the sun continued its ascent, they returned to the Kitchen, where the early morning bustle had given way to a more relaxed atmosphere. The scent of freshly baked bread and simmering stew filled the air, mingling with the soft chatter of the remaining early risers. Lada glanced at the clock and realized it was close to the meeting time with Sonya and the Runners.
"See you later at the library, Anna," Lada said, giving her sister a quick hug before heading off to the Runner's Den.
The Runner's Den was located near the outskirts of town on the western end. The building, which had once been a small hotel, had been renovated and repurposed for the Runners. Its sturdy stone walls and arched windows hinted at its former grandeur, now serving as a haven for the adventurous souls who called it home.
As Lada approached, she noticed Sonya and Rosalind already waiting in the carriage, while Natalya stood nearby, feeding the horse some carrots. Valkyrie munched contentedly, her ears flicking as she enjoyed the treat.
"I'm here!" Lada called out, waving energetically.
Rosalind, hearing Lada's call, attempted to stand up in the carriage. "Hey Gummy—Ow!" She winced, her hand flying to her injury as she fell back onto the seat.
"Stop trying to move so much, idiot. You're still hurt," Sonya said, exasperation clear in her voice and her eyes half-lidded with concern.
Rosalind chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head. "I know, I know."
"Hey, Lada, get on. We're about to leave," Sonya called out.
Lada hurried to the carriage and climbed in, sitting next to Rosalind. Her eyes immediately went to the bandage. "Does it still hurt? Don't move too much; you'll reopen it," she said, her voice filled with concern.
"It's fiiiine, nothing I can't handle," Rosalind said with a dismissive wave, though her smile betrayed a hint of discomfort.
Sonya turned to Natalya. "Alright, we're all here now. Let's get going."
Natalya pouted slightly. "At least let me finish feeding Valkyrie. She's still tired from yesterday."
"Fine, fine, don't take too long," Sonya replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Natalya gave the horse a final pat before climbing onto the coach and taking the reins. "Alright, Valkyrie, let's get going," she murmured to the horse, who responded with a soft whinny.
As the carriage set off, the early morning light bathed the town in a golden hue. The Runners chatted quietly amongst themselves, the anticipation of their trip mingling with the tranquil atmosphere of the morning.
As they left the town behind, Lada looked over at Sonya and asked, "So, where exactly are we going?"
Sonya, reclining in her part of the carriage, responded lazily, "Our client is staying at a camp a couple of clicks southeast of here."
"And who exactly is this client?" Lada inquired again.
"Not entirely sure who she is," Sonya replied, stretching her arms. "Just a white-haired feline named K—uh, K something. I forgot."
"Yeah, it was Kelsey or something like that!" Rosalind chimed in.
Natalya, sweating a little at the front, remained silent, realizing she had also forgotten the client's name.
Their conversation soon drifted into more mundane topics, and they chatted amiably throughout the trip.
Two hours later, the sight of smoke rising in the distance caught Sonya's attention. "That must be it," she remarked, pointing ahead.
As they approached, they finally spotted the camp in a clearing. The tent was circular, constructed from rugged animal hides, and supported by sturdy, bone-shaped frames forming a protective dome. The large entrance flapped gently in the breeze, revealing glimpses of the interior. Outside, a slightly open red chest hinted at treasures or supplies. In the middle of the clearing, a campfire crackled, casting a warm glow. Above it, a barbecue spit rotated a large chunk of meat, its tantalizing aroma wafting through the air.
Upon arriving at the camp, the Runners dismounted from the carriage. Natalya skillfully tied Valkyrie to a sturdy tree, giving the horse a pat of reassurance.
As they approached the tent, a woman with grayish-green hair emerged. She wore a green dress under a black coat, the hood pulled up with her cat ears poking through the top. Empty potion bottles and various medical tools hung from her belt.
"So, you've arrived," the woman said coolly, in surprisingly perfect Ursus, her voice carrying an air of authority and mystery.
"Yep, and we got the goods," Zima replied, gesturing to the velvet pouch tied securely to her belt.
"Good. We'll discuss things inside," the woman said, motioning them into the tent.
The interior of the tent was spacious and meticulously organized. One side was lined with worktables cluttered with medical writings and intricate research materials. Detailed sketches of anatomy and herbal remedies lay scattered among the papers. Next to the tables stood a small bookshelf filled with an impressive collection of medical books and journals, their spines worn from frequent use.
On the opposite side, a small cot, neatly made, indicated where the woman rested. The center of the tent featured a low table atop a simple mat, with a small wood-fueled stove sitting atop it, a kettle gently steaming and filling the space with the comforting scent of brewing tea. The warm, earthy tones of the tent's interior, combined with the soft crackle of the fire, created a surprisingly cozy atmosphere.
The woman led them to the center table, gesturing for them to sit. As they settled, she poured tea into small, delicate cups, the fragrant steam curling up into the air.
"You have the gem?" Kal'tsit asked, her tone calm but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
Zima, trying to maintain her composure despite her nerves, replied, "Uh, yeah, here it is." She handed over the velvet pouch. "There's a slight problem, though."
Kal'tsit opened the pouch and let the gem tumble onto a velvet cloth. Immediately, her eyes narrowed. "Why is it cracked?" she asked, her voice so cold it sent a shiver down everyone's spine. "Did I not instruct you to grab it with the pouch immediately?"
Nervously, Zima and Rosa glanced at Leto, silently blaming her. "Wh-hey, it was an accident!" Leto cried out defensively.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Kal'tsit took a deep breath. "After I specifically instructed—never mind. The crack isn't too big, so we're still safe for now," she said, her tone slightly softer.
Zima and Rosa visibly relaxed, relieved that Kal'tsit wasn't too furious. Meanwhile, Gummy raised her hand and asked, "Excuse me, Miss Kelsey, what exactly is that black gem? And why did we feel the presence of the Black Serpent from it?"
Kal'tsit let go of her nose and replied, "First, my name is Kal'tsit, Doctor Kal'tsit. Are you new? I don't seem to remember you being present when I gave the job."
Gummy nodded in confirmation, and Kal'tsit began to explain. "This gem is made of a highly dangerous material, Originium. It used to be very common seven years ago before it mysteriously started disappearing. What you felt wasn't the presence of the Black Serpent; it's that the Black Serpent had the presence of Originium."
As they absorbed this information, she continued, "This gem is a highly concentrated isotope of Originium, one of the last vestiges of it in the world. It is extremely fragile. This velvet cloth I'm using is made of the same material as the pouch I gave you. It's designed to hold Originium despite its fragility."
"So, what's the problem with it being cracked? Other than, you know, losing its value?" Leto asked, her curiosity mixing with concern.
"Well," Kal'tsit replied with a disapproving look, "had this isotope of Originium cracked and shattered, it would have released millions of Originium particles into the air, causing a resurgence of Oripathy."
Oripathy. The term hadn't been heard in years. Following the emergence of the Black Serpent, all traces of Originium, including Oripathy and even Arts for a while, had vanished from the face of the earth. Hearing Kal'tsit's explanation, they realized just how lucky they had been that the gem didn't break and possibly cause the return of a terrible disease.
"Though I should clarify," Kal'tsit began again, "you all are already infected."
The Runners were shocked. Infected? Them? Zima silently cursed herself for taking the job, thinking it had doomed them to an early grave due to Oripathy.
"B-but it's not infectious, right? It's just us that are infected, we didn't get anyone else infected?" Gummy asked, panic creeping into her voice.
Kal'tsit realized her blunder in explaining. "Ah, pardon me, I meant that everyone in the world is already infected," she clarified.
The Runners could only stare at her in confusion.
"Let me start from the beginning," Kal'tsit said. "Around seven years ago, the world's supply of Originium started slowly disappearing mysteriously. No one knew how or where it went, and the old Originium-reliant society began to deteriorate."
She paused, letting this sink in before continuing. "Two years later, Originium had practically vanished from Terra completely. Even those infected with Oripathy were miraculously cured. People rejoiced, realizing their fate was no longer sealed, and they didn't mind losing the ability to use Arts with it."
Kal'tsit took a deep breath. "But unfortunately, not long after, the Black Serpent, the Schwarzeschlange, emerged from Leithanien and caused untold devastation throughout the world. Eventually, it was killed, at a massive cost of life. But when that snake finally died, it started disintegrating."
She looked at each of them in turn, ensuring they were following. "You see, the world's Originium didn't just disappear into nothing; it was gathering. When it had finished gathering, it formed that snake. As the snake's corpse disintegrated, it spread billions—no, trillions—of Originium particles throughout Terra, infecting everyone, and manifesting these highly concentrated Originium gems. But fortunately, the particles were so miniscule that it was a harmless form of Originium, allowing everyone to use Arts without the drawbacks of an early death."
The weight of her words settled over the group. They had been handling something incredibly dangerous, and the implications of Kal'tsit's explanation were staggering.
Rosa, still processing the revelation, hesitantly asked, "Why did you ask us to retrieve such a dangerous object?"
Kal'tsit replied, "First, to get it away from that bandit camp. They could have set it off at any time, causing untold devastation. Second, to destroy it in a controlled environment."
"Destroy it?!" The Runners exclaimed in unison, their voices a mix of shock and confusion. Zima added, "Weren't you just angry at us for almost breaking it ourselves?!"
"In a controlled environment," Kal'tsit emphasized. "I have a colleague on her way here to help us neutralize it safely."
With the discussion concluded, Kal'tsit placed the gem in a secure box and stored it in a hidden compartment within her bookcase. She then turned her attention to the meat roasting outside. "You four must be hungry. It's lunchtime after all."
Kal'tsit retrieved the cooked meat from the spit and brought it to one of her worktables, which she had cleared for food preparation. Gummy offered to help, and Kal'tsit directed her to fetch plates and utensils from a chest outside.
As they gathered around, Kal'tsit sliced the meat, which was seasoned with spices and herbs, and served it to them. "Dig in," she said, her cool tone softening with a hint of warmth.
The meal, though simple, was delicious. As they ate, Gummy, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, "Dr. Kal'tsit, why do you want to destroy the gem?"
Kal'tsit, raising an eyebrow responds "You're quite the curious cub, aren't you?" pausing for a moment, she continued "I am currently on a mission, or a quest as you might call it, to destroy these gems and rid the world of Originium forever. As for why? To make sure the world doesn't fall into the trap of Originium once again, we're much better off without it."
"How many more of them are there?" Gummy asks again
"By my estimation, seven more, besides the one you retrieved," Kal'tsit replied. "It took me nearly three years to track this one down. But I already have information on another, located in Lungmen. That's where I'll be heading next, once this gem is destroyed."
As they finished their meal, the conversation naturally tapered off. Kal'tsit gathered their empty plates and set them aside on her worktable to clean later.
As the Runners prepared to leave, Zima turned to Kal'tsit hesitantly. "So… we're still getting paid, right?" she asked.
Kal'tsit nodded reassuringly. "Yes, I've already sent the supplies last night."
Zima climbed into the carriage where Gummy and Leto were already seated. "Ah, that's great then—" Zima paused, surprised to see Kal'tsit joining them. "What are you doing?"
"I'm coming with you, of course. There's still the other half of the payment I need to finalize," Kal'tsit explained calmly.
"Alright…" Zima exchanged a glance with Rosa. "Let's get going."
Rosa nodded and took the reins, guiding Valkyrie as they began the journey back to Peterheim.
By 2 PM, they finally arrived in Peterheim, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the bustling town. They stopped at the town center, where Kal'tsit had gotten off earlier, mentioning she had other business to attend to first.
Lada, Sonya, and Rosalind disembarked, stretching their legs after the long ride. Natalya took the reins and guided Valkyrie back to the Runner's Den to park the carriage and tend to the horse.
Sonya and Rosalind bid Lada farewell for the day. "I'm heading to the blacksmith to get my axe repaired," Sonya said, hefting the heavy weapon over her shoulder. "It's seen better days."
Rosalind adjusted her satchel and smiled. "I'm meeting with a friend. See you both later!" she ran off, despite her injury.
As Lada headed towards the library to meet Anna, she noticed people hauling a large number of supplies to the food storage behind the kitchen. She paused for a moment, thinking that those must be the supplies Kal'tsit had given them as payment for their job. The sight reassured her that their efforts were worthwhile.
Arriving at the school library, Lada pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside. The scent of old books and the quiet rustle of pages filled the air, a comforting atmosphere that always made her feel at ease. She found Anna in her usual spot, surrounded by a towering stack of books.
"Anna, I'm back!" Lada called out, her voice carrying through the quiet room.
Anna looked up from her book, startled by the sudden loud interruption. "Lada, will you please stop yelling? This is a library!" she whispered sharply, her tone a mix of irritation and fondness.
Lada, covering her mouth, nervously replied, "Ehehe, sorry Anna…"
Anna, exasperated yet amused by her sister's behavior, sighed and closed her book. "Welcome back... At least you don't smell of alcohol today," she remarked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ah—" Lada started, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "I told you that couldn't be helped!" she replied with an adorable pout, her bear ears twitching in agitation.
Anna chuckled at Lada's reaction and reached out to pet her head, making Lada's fluffy ears twitch even more. "Yes, yes, so you did," she said, her voice softening. "I'm glad you're back safe."
Lada sat next to Anna on the bench, plopping her head on her sister's shoulder. "Annaaaa, I'm so tired from that trip," she complained, her voice laced with exhaustion yet tinged with a playful note.
"Didn't Sonya say you were only meeting with a client?" Anna asked casually, her eyes not leaving the book she was engrossed in.
"We did, but the trip was so long, and sitting on a carriage made me sore," Lada continued, stretching her arms and shifting uncomfortably.
"There, there, Lada. Why don't you take a nap? I'll wake you up when it's dinnertime," Anna suggested, patting her head with a wry smile.
Lada lay down on the bench, resting her head on Anna's lap. "Hehe, you're the best, Anna. But wake me up earlier; I have to help in the kitchen," she murmured, her eyes already drooping.
"You have my word," Anna replied with a soft chuckle, rolling her eyes playfully but with warmth in her voice. "Just don't blame me if you wake up with bed hair."
As Lada drifted off into her nap, Anna couldn't resist the urge to play with her cheeks, her fingers lightly pinching and pulling at the soft skin. "You're too precious, Lada," she remarked with a smirk. "If only you'd let yourself relax more. But no, you always have to overwork yourself."
Anna's thoughts drifted to when they first found Lada amid the ruins of their hometown. The fire and rubble had left their mark on the once lively neighborhood. Lada's face had been frozen in shock, the trauma of losing her home and family too much for her young mind to process. Although they had lived in the same neighborhood, Anna and Lada had never really interacted much until that fateful day.
In the weeks that followed, Anna had dedicated herself to cheering up Lada. She read books aloud, salvaged from the ruins, told her stories, and coaxed her to play as they traveled, trying to avoid the dragon that had destroyed their home. But nothing seemed to break through Lada's shell of shock and silence.
When Lada finally emerged from her shock, it wasn't with tears or screams. Instead, she was calm, even cheerful, as she played with Anna. But Anna and her parents could see the mask she wore, her true feelings buried deep inside.
In those early weeks, Lada threw herself into helping with anything she could—finding firewood, skinning animals Henry caught, assisting Ledyana with cooking. She ran herself ragged every day, trying to be useful.
At first, Anna's parents indulged her, thinking she needed to vent her emotions through work. But as the weeks turned into months, they realized it wasn't healthy. When they tried to prohibit her from doing too much, Lada retreated into herself, becoming unresponsive once more and asking if she hadn't been useful enough.
Eventually, they let her do what she wanted but gently encouraged her to work less. It was better now. While Lada still sometimes took on too much, it wasn't as extreme as in those early days.
Anna glanced at the clock—it was 4 PM. She gently pinched Lada's cheeks to wake her up. "Wake up, sleepyhead. You said you wanted to help out in the kitchen, didn't you?" Anna teased, her voice soft.
Lada woke up, adorably stretching with a yawn. Still half-asleep, she grabbed Anna's hand. "Let's go, Anna. I need to change first at home."
They headed home, and Lada quickly changed into her cooking outfit before immediately dragging Anna to the kitchen. Her usual energy returned, a testament to her resilience and determination.