409. Taking in The Scenery

409. Taking in The Scenery

There were so many things to do but there was only one Frost. The induction of the Black Wings had taken much longer than she anticipated. A few hours turned to sixteen as she thoroughly imprinted herself onto them.

The healers were ignorant to everything that wasn’t within their sphere. It was as much of a teaching session as it was one to get them attuned with the Talons. Nevertheless, it worked out as both helped prepare them for the inevitable transition into their new roles.

It wouldn’t take a day. A week was too short as well. A month minimum was a more realistic timeframe. They were fast learners, but their inexperience was a pitfall Frost wanted to avoid. So, she devised a plan to have them partake in simulations under the guidance of the Golden Middle.

Frost was by far the least qualified person to teach tactics, combat, and anything similar. What she could do however, was lay down a code of conduct and pass on her modern healing techniques, such as CPR, the proper usage of tourniquets, what vital signs meant (for humans), etc.

In a world where warfare was centered around magic and the equivalent of extremely mobile artillery – anything she knew was either useless or dangerous to teach.

Additionally, the ImpulseWorks Sites would work well to prepare them for real world situations. Fighting against Corrupted and supporting Workers with their Talons is how Frost envisioned them to function in the future.

“Am I tackling too many things on my own again?” Frost wondered to herself, followed by a long sigh.

The roaring winds blew her hair back as she rode along Snap’s back. She was alone for the first time in what felt like forever. Grass plains surrounded her as the distant silhouettes of the great wall of the Nex Megalopolis sat in the backdrop, barely moving.

It was midnight. Not a single soul could be found in Brandar’s vast plains she traversed along Snap’s back, basking in the moonlight as she fell into deep thought. She travelled with Snap out of the City of Clubs, heading straight to H10.

“Brrr. Zzzzt!” Snap buzzed, causing Frost to softly smile.

“Yeah. The Black Wings aren’t the only group I have to keep my eye on. We have the Moons, Time Reverberation, the Ateliers... Ugh. Until we get everything working, I’ll be up all day and night with you. Sorry if it’s tiring for you, Snap.” Frost caressed its coat apologetically. She couldn’t be more thankful for Snap’s eagerness to help her out.

“Zzzz!” Snap enthusiastically whined.

“At least you’re having fun.” Frost laughed, watching the now peaceful plains that were once plagued by the Impuritas.

The endless swarms that once spilled into Brandar felt like a bad dream. No one knew why they stopped appearing, and she hoped it would stay this way. But that would be wishful thinking.

There was no end in sight so long as the Hearts were alive.

Was it the Heart of the City that stopped it?

Suddenly, a soft snore could be heard somewhere behind her. It broke her out of her trance as she turned to see the pale hair of a certain healer.

Nestled deep within Snap’s fur, and wrapped cozily in a cot made from steel string was Abigail. Frost had promised to reunite her with Mimicry, as per its request. Mimicry never explained why it wished to see her, only that it was an indescribably desire.

“Maybe Mimicry imprinted on her like a duckling. Ducks do that right? They think the first person they see is their parent?” Frost wondered, watching a giant train in the distance chug towards the Nex Megalopolis.

It arrived from the far east where the continent of Spiritas resided. The coast was apparently a safe haven much like that tiny village where they met the healer Pina. A cruise ship-sized train periodically arrived and transported hundreds, to thousands at once.

Curious, Frost wondered if Caldera Industries also manufactured ships. How else were they supposed to traverse the seas separating the major landmasses?

“Likely. But they could also use the same trains to traverse the seas.” Nav, her trusty living handbook, immediately answered her call.

“And Abigail.”

“... Did you know I was awake?” Abigail whispered, awed by her perception.

“Nothing gets past me.” Frost casually spoke, throwing off Abigail who suddenly found it difficult to believe that this person was actually the Head. “Oh, and don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights.”

“... I’ll be fine. Um... what are we doing up here?”

“Returning to H10. You’ll be meeting Mimicry there. Just don’t call it Mimicry. Please.”

“I can do that. No problem... er... t-thanks for the ride.” She wondered where the steel strands even came from. “This Anid can make metal strings... it’s tough.”

“Oh, no. Those are mine~” Frost stuck out her hand, demonstrating her power.

Abigail couldn’t act any more surprised.

“What the hell – How many skills do you even have?” The girl nearly shouted.

“Too many to count. Why do you think I’m called the Amalgam?” Frost joked.

“Good point...”

“Oh!” Frost accidentally scared the girl with her quick shout. “By the way, did you want something to eat? We’re going to head past a few towns before we hit the 6th Branch. Chances are people are still selling food. I know Snap’s hungry. Sorry. The Asclepien didn’t have anything to give.”

“Brrr~”

“W-Wait a second... Time out. Are you really the Head?” Abigail wanted to know once and for all. Frost’s casual tone was so different from the one she used when inducting them that the girl nearly believed she was an entirely different person.

The question came from out of the blue, taking Frost by surprise as she brought her gaze down from the Nexus and kindly drilled them deep into the girl’s starlit eyes. Whilst hers reflected the dazzling stars above, Frost’s seemed to carry them all. They were not a reflection, but a window to the cosmos itself.

Her golden eyes held a subtle glow, appearing like stars as she gave the girl a motherly smile.

“I am. I am the Head of the Nexus. I thought I made myself clear. But I can’t blame you for suspecting me. Proving it is always the hard part. Harder when people are afraid.”

“... I still don’t know what to think.” Abigail averted her eyes.

“Maybe Mimicry can convince you. We shouldn’t keep them waiting. I’m sure our friends are expecting us soon.” Frost said. There was no point in trying to convince someone when she had little proof to begin with.

But hearing it from others would certainly cement this as a fact sooner or later. Regardless, Frost had her moment of respite and that was all that mattered to her in the end. Long days were ahead of her, and they’d only get harder until the end of the year.

And as they descended the wall Frost couldn’t help but wonder what the triplets were up to now that they had newfound titles.

A wry smile suddenly formed on her face.

Hopefully not to brag or abuse it. I trust Res to keep them in check...