The interior walls were pure ice, shaped into crystalized forms that stretched in every direction. Cold mist curled through the air, wrapping around the space like a veil. It felt like a cave cut from the heart of a glacier, though.
As we entered, the atmosphere became a lot colder than before. Of course, I was wearing the long coat, yet I could still feel the sheering sensation of the cold—almost freezing my blood at the absolute temperature.
Regardless of the temperature, Shika seemed used to it. Of course, she would. She, after all, was an Iceborn. The lower the temperature, the better for them.
"Don't worry, Zanthrix." She said—probably noticing how I kept rubbing my arms, trying to warm myself up. "Behind those ice pillars—in the center, you'll get a favorable temperature. Until then, please hang in there a little longer, alright?"
"You don't say, hee-hee!" I tried to hide my embarrassment, smiling forcibly at her words. But I knew she'd see through it like she did when I was struggling. "By the way, who exactly are we going to meet again?"
"The elder—the clan leader, of course." She replied as we reached the frozen pillars supporting the broken ceiling. "He's the only person who can explain you better. I am, after all, but a humble mediator—seeking a rightful candidate for his request."
That didn't sound fun to me. I wasn't certain whether the 'request' was, somehow, related to the Dynastic Singularity Quest I received earlier. Though—if it wasn't, I wasn't sure to take on the request or not.
Of course, I could easily ascend the heavens through usual means, and I didn't need to accept if the completion rewards were lame. Then again, if it ended up being helpful, that would change things. Speaking of which, I also had to consider time—which I didn't have much of, or so I believed, anyway.
When we reached the center, a throne made of pure ice stood before us—its sharp shards stretching outward like sunlight streaming from the sun. A large magic circle covered the floor, with the throne placed right in the center of it. It looked like a place meant for sacred rituals.
The throne, by the way, was empty—not even dust lingered there. Only the inconspicuous mist shrouded the lower half, and an Iceborn—unimaginably old and giant, yet with a fragile body— appeared to be praying before the throne. He also had the NPC mark.
He sensed our presence soon after, stood with his huge fragile body, and turned towards us.
THUDH!
A huge shard of ice fell from his shoulder portion. Surely, he, too, was on the verge of his extinction—like the entire place was. Yet, still had enough life force to live about a century more. The unwavering impression in her eyes said it otherwise.
"I cannot believe my eyes!" the giant Iceborn replied solemnly, "The prophecy— it's real, after all. Shika, you've done a great job, bringing him here."
I wasn't sure what he was talking about. I didn't care either. Surely, my mind wasn't in a situation where I could comprehend that. I, after all, was now dithering in the sheering cold—my body nearly gave up and was freezing.
"Ex-excuse me!" I said. However, it was Shika who interjected and said.
"Father! This temperature may be optimum for you, but not for him…"
Shika's statement finally made him realize just how much I was struggling. He immediately cast a magic as he outstretched his right arm. On his palm, floated a small fabric—solid and jade-black.
[Temporary Blessing has been bestowed]
[Blessing of the Superior Seraphyll of Ice]
[Effect: Temporal Ice Resistance has been acquired]
The moment I saw the notification panel, the low temperature wore out of my body. I didn't feel cold any longer. I put off the coat and put it back into the inventory. I was now in my armor. The effects were temporary, though.
"That's…" I stared at his palm.
"Yes, it is indeed a hilt of a mighty sword once bestowed upon us. However, we only have a small remnant of it."
That was indeed a hilt—a small portion of the blade still sticking to it. Just by looking at the small, broken blade, there was no doubt. If the sword was in its original form, it could easily surpass the grade of SSS.
"Ok, I get that." I replied, "But I'm afraid I can't hold my curiosity any longer. Can you just explain everything to me already?"
"Yes, father. If you want to request out of Zanthrix, then you should explain everything from start to end. According to the prophecy, he's the only one who can help us in our reclamation."
'Prophecy? Reclamation? Iceborn Reclamation?' I thought, 'Then it is, after all, related to the Dynastic Singularity Quest. But what request does he want to make out of me?'
"Ah, yes, yes. You're right, Shika." He replied, still with his solemn act. "Zanthrix was it? As you already have guessed, I am the leader of the Mavi Clan of Iceborns. You may address me as Hiba. And you—"
"Wait just a minute," I interjected before he could finish. Yeah, it might be rude for me to do that. But I had my reason. I couldn't possibly avoid them, could I? "Before I hear your request or whatever it is, I'd like to know what prophecy exactly you are talking about."
"I was getting to the point anyway." Replied Mr Hiba, "Although we call it a prophecy, it's more like the final words spoken by the Seraphyll we once worshiped."
'Seraphyll? Like Zariel?' I thought but kept quiet, "Which is…"
"But before that, you may need to know the entire story."
[Quest Info has appeared]
[
Skipping the story wasn't an option anymore. I had to listen either way. Without the information, I couldn't throw arrows in the dark. It was an obvious decision.
'Hear!' I replied the system and the Iceborn—the leader of the Mavi Clan began explaining everything— from start to end!