Belobog.
The last fortress stands amid the eternal cold. Seven hundred years ago, monsters from beyond the stars scorched the earth, reducing everything to ash. Just as humanity stood on the brink of extinction, a freezing tide swept in without warning—burying the world in ice. Only Belobog remained.
The city was built by the Architects, sheltered under the divine will of the Preservation, Qlipoth. Though blizzards assail its walls, Belobog remains a haven of warmth.
Yet even here, safety was never absolute. The Rift steadily grew, inching ever outward. Humans who lingered too long were either devoured by the monsters—or worse, became one of them. For seven centuries, the cold showed no sign of ending.
No one knows how it began. No one knows when it will end.
Except... the Supreme Guardians who have protected Belobog for generations.
Qlipoth Fort stands in the heart of Belobog—the tallest structure in the city. It is where every Supreme Guardian has carried out their duties.
Including the current one: Cocolia.
[Coco...lia...threat...growing...]
"You don't have to tell me. They've stopped hiding altogether."
Arms crossed, Cocolia spoke evenly as she gazed out the window.
[Eliminate...all variables...]
[For...eternal prosperity.]
"I understand."
She nodded, her eyes still fixed on the beautiful city below—yet in her heart, only sorrow lingered.
Seventeen Guardians before her, and still, none in Belobog dared to dream of stepping beyond the city's confines. People clung to their land, staring up at a piece of sky framed by the [wall], like ants in an anthill.
There was only decay within.
In this endless winter, the soul was like a meteor caught in orbit—trapped, unable to break free or soar toward the open sky.
In such a world, only destruction could offer salvation. Only by clearing away the rot of the old era and discarding stagnant survival could a new future take root.
Taking a long breath, Cocolia looked skyward, her voice resolute:
"I will... give this world new life."
Just then, the office doors flew open. A guard stepped in briskly, dropped to one knee, and reported:
"Lady Cocolia! Three outsiders claiming to be from space request an audience!"
"...Bring them to me."
"Yes, ma'am!"
So easily... they've arrived.
...
Felicity rummaged through discarded parts and unearthed a tunnel.
She sensed it clearly—a hollow linked to an immense space below, teeming with countless lifeforms.
Could there be another civilization beneath Belobog? One hidden underground?
Curious, Felicity smiled.
Let's find out.
Without hesitation, she leapt in. The tunnel was steep—like a slide—carrying her down into the depths.
——She landed in a heap of boxes.
"Hiss... I should've buffered myself with imaginary energy."
Groaning, she rolled to her feet, brushed off her coat, and looked up—right into a pair of cold blue eyes.
"Who are you?"
The girl's gaze sharpened. She floated back like a butterfly mid-flight.
A scythe nearly as tall as she was shimmered into her hand. She eyed Felicity like a cat spotting an intruder.
"My name's Felicity. Emanator of the Path of Abundance."
Dusting herself off, Felicity smiled at the wary girl.
"I've never heard of that name or title. You'd better explain."
Though she received an answer, the girl's vigilance didn't waver.
A stranger falling from above, into a place swallowed by the Rift—Seele didn't find that comforting.
Reading her face, Felicity raised an eyebrow.
"Of course. But before that, may I ask you something?"
She stepped forward, grabbed Seele's free hand, and gave it a cheerful shake.
A radiant smile followed.
"...Yes."
Seele hesitated, but couldn't bring herself to cut down someone unarmed. The blade paused at Felicity's neck—then vanished.
"Where am I?"
Felicity kept smiling.
"...This is Boulder Town. Beneath Belobog."
Hearing the question, Seele's expression darkened. Her voice dropped, laced with irritation:
"Has the surface grown so complacent? Have you forgotten the Underworld exists?"
"Hmm~ Underworld, forgotten."
Felicity blinked, quickly piecing together what she needed.
So, it's not a separate civilization. Just forgotten.
"Now it's your turn. Who are you, and what are you here for!?"
Seele wouldn't wait. Her scythe rose again, and she pulled her hand away.
Felicity glanced at her soft fingers with faint regret, then lifted both hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright. I'm from another civilization. I came searching for something called a Stellaron—"
"What in the world?"
Seele cut her off with a scowl, clearly unimpressed.
"Fine. Come with me. Captain Oleg will handle your questioning. Be honest."
She knew she wasn't good at interrogations and gave up on the spot.
"Captain Oleg?"
"He's the leader of Wildfire—wait, why am I telling you that? Just follow me and behave."
Realizing what she'd said, Seele glared, shifting the scythe to her shoulder with a threatening air.
"Oh~"
Felicity cheerfully nodded and fell into step beside her.
What a refreshingly honest girl.
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