The cold air bit at their cheeks as FrostNova and Ayerscape trekked through the wilderness just outside the fringes of Wolumonde. The path they walked was rough, winding through ancient, gnarled trees that whispered secrets in the wind. The ground was uneven, strewn with frost-kissed rocks and patches of grass that glimmered like silver in the autumn sunlight. FrostNova moved with a graceful fluidity, her eyes sharp, every sense attuned to their surroundings. Ayerscape, a seasoned catastrophe messenger, scanned the landscape with practiced vigilance.

"It's been a long time since I've seen terrain like this," Ayerscape said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Straight after a Catastrophe passes through. Harsh, but beautiful in its own way."

FrostNova glanced back at him, a faint smile touching her lips. "Yes, it does have that rugged charm. It's peaceful, in a way."

Ayerscape nodded, his gaze sweeping over the landscape. "How are you finding life with Rhodes Island? Quite a change from leading Reunion, I imagine."

FrostNova's expression grew thoughtful, her eyes distant. "Reunion lit a fire, a fire that was, is, and will always be burning across all corners of Terra. But Reunion does not represent all Infected. Rhodes Island offers a different path, one of understanding."

Ayerscape hummed in agreement, his breath misting in the cold air. "Different methods for the same goal, perhaps. It's good to see you've found a place where you can continue the fight, in a way that suits you."

As they continued their trek, a conspicuous earthen dome came into view, nestled against the backdrop of the forest. It stood out starkly against the natural surroundings, its form rough and unrefined, yet sturdy. The dome seemed almost alive, pulsing with a quiet, eerie energy. FrostNova and Ayerscape approached it with caution, senses alert for any signs of danger.

Suddenly, an armored, horned figure emerged from the shadows, her presence imposing and formidable. Mudrock, the leader of the Sarkaz warriors, stood before them, her eyes widening in surprise as she recognized FrostNova.

"Yelena?" Mudrock's voice was a deep, rumbling sound, filled with equal parts surprise and curiosity. "Why are you with Rhodes Island now?"

FrostNova met her gaze steadily, her voice calm and measured. "Reunion's fire will always burn, but it is not the only flame that matters. The Infected deserve more than just a fight. They deserve a future."

Mudrock studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly."I see. So you can to the same conclusion."

"Do you know the whereabouts of Big Bob?" Mudrock asked, her tone shifting slightly, a hint of concern creeping in.

FrostNova's expression softened. "He was heading towards Kazimierz. He hopes to earn enough money to make it to Columbia. He believes there's a chance for a better life there."

Mudrock hummed thoughtfully, seemingly pleased with the news. "Kazimierz... it's quite the distance to travel, but if anyone can make it, it's Big Bob."

FrostNova nodded, then gestured towards the dome. "How have you and your squad been faring since you left Reunion?"

Mudrock's gaze turned to the earthen structure, a touch of pride in her eyes. "Many Leithanians have joined us, and our ranks have grown bountiful and diverse... But I... am not Reunion either. Not anymore. I'm just the captain of Mudrock Squad. A... mercenary? No, let's say I'm just an Infected."

Ayerscape's curiosity piqued, and he asked, "What's with the earthen dome? Why are you camped outside Wolumonde?"

Mudrock's expression hardened slightly. "With the town's Gendarmeries sent away, they didn't have enough fighters to deal with a monster that appeared in the town. The Councillors, under the advice of Schultz Severin, made a deal with us. In exchange for supplies, we had to contain the creature. It was a warbling thing whose singing and tendrils inflicted insanity and serious brain damage at worst."

"Fragment of the Universe…" came a voice from behind Mudrock. She turned sharply to see Roland standing there, his presence almost ghostly in its suddenness. Her eyes widened in shock; she hadn't sensed him at all, despite using her Arts to sense the earth in the surrounding area.

"Roland!" Ayerscape greeted, relief evident in his tone. "Have you finished recon already?"

Roland nodded, his gaze sweeping over Mudrock's squad. "They have too few numbers and quality weapons to be bandits or mercenaries. Those guarding the abnormality are using arts to muffle sound."

Mudrock confirmed, "I put a layer of hardened mud into their suits to dampen the mind-rending sounds the monster makes."

Roland nodded in approval. "That's a good idea. We need your help in the suppression operation. Rhodes Island will handle containment once that's done."

Mudrock considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Let's get to work."

The group moved with purpose towards the dome. "Ayerscape," Roland called, his voice low. "We need to keep an eye out for anything unusual. This place feels... off."

Ayerscape nodded, his expression serious. "Agreed. We can't afford any surprises."

Mudrock glanced over at them, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean by 'unusual'? Are you expecting something other than the Fragment?"

Roland hesitated for a moment before responding. "It's just a feeling."