Arriving at Everwinter Hill

Everwinter Hill.

On the edge of the ancient battlefield's front line.

The final resting place for many of Belobog's martyrs.

Under the influence of the Stellaron, the snowfields here were bristling with jagged, yellowish-black crystals.

There were also a few Fragmentum Monsters clutching their heads, as if wailing in agony.

Beneath the blanket of white snow, dark gray steel structures lay exposed across the surrounding ground.

Moving forward, a massive steel frame could be seen looming in the air ahead.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that this was no mere frame, but a colossal, titanic steel hand.

Even the furthest knuckle was thicker than the combined reach of five people.

It was curled into a gripping posture, with the base of the mechanical palm resting near the cliffside to the left of the ruined, spiraling stone steps of Everwinter Hill, while the fingers extended to the right.

In the distant sky, white auroras drifted, resembling fine, vertical scratches etched into a pane of bright glass.

As one walked and the perspective shifted, the auroras in the sky seemed to wander ethereally; some appeared to be behind a thick, heavy veil of clouds, illuminated by the unseen sun to cast faint, rainbow-like textures.

It made it difficult to distinguish whether the light filtering through the gaps in the clouds—which were as thick as quilts and resembled floating ice floes—was the blinding, unbearable radiance of the sun that pulled at one's body and soul, the ethereal auroras, or a combination of both.

The more dazzling brilliance was the sunlight, while the hazy, blurred presence hanging like thousands of transparent, fine threads was the aurora.

"So beautiful," March 7th said, unable to help herself as she looked up.

A faint, cold breeze blew, brushing aside the pink bangs near her cheek.

March 7th's eyes, transitioning from pink to a translucent mint green, reflected the light above like a flawless gemstone.

She then lowered her head and glanced to the side, checking on the movements of the others.

Finding that no one else was admiring the scenery like her, but instead just walking ahead, she pouted helplessly and hurried to catch up.

"Hey, hey, wait for me!"

"Seriously, why are you all walking so fast?"

"I just want to take a picture."

"Taking a photo won't hold us up, will it?"

March 7th's actions caught the attention of Stelle nearby.

Stelle stepped forward and whispered, "March, we're about to head into battle. Why are you acting like you're on vacation?"

"Hmm..."

Hearing this, March 7th scratched her head.

"It's just..."

She said, offering a small smile.

"Isn't it because I'm a little nervous?"

"It's alright."

At that moment, Jing Yan turned his head from the front.

He gave March 7th a slight smile.

Seeing this, March 7th felt her heart relax a little.

It was an indescribable feeling; she didn't know why, but it felt like drinking a juice she loved—the kind where you just couldn't stop once you started.

March 7th suddenly realized something, her brow furrowing slightly as she asked, "Jing Yan, did you use your Path power on me?"

"Indeed," Jing Yan admitted without hesitation.

"But you feel more relaxed now, don't you?"

He continued walking forward, speaking as if it were nothing.

"Well, yes, I do... do it more often," March 7th said.

The others around them were left speechless.

Generally speaking, most people would never want to be influenced by someone else's Path power, as it often meant their life was in the other person's hands—if the other party had even the slightest malicious intent, they could be put to death in an instant.

Yet, this March 7th seemed to be an exception.

"Be careful, this is a battlefield; danger could appear at any moment," Seele warned.

At that moment, some Fragmentum Creatures appeared in the vicinity. Jing Yan immediately restrained them, and the group used their various abilities to shatter them instantly.

A Stagnant Shadow ahead was also instantly enveloped by Jing Yan's power, transformed into a more unique creation.

"Jing Yan, your aesthetic sense is really..."

"Not bad."

Seele looked at the Fragmentum Monster that had re-formed within the Stagnant Shadow, offering her critique.

Compared to the original crystalline monsters, the forms Jing Yan sculpted were more aesthetically pleasing, adorned with metallic-looking armor, with the original crystals decorating the armor like gemstones rather than protruding randomly from the body like mutated branches.

It was not just Jing Yan and his group who were advancing; those behind them, led by the Mechanical Vanguard of the Robot Settlement under Svarog, were clearing out the surrounding Fragmentum Monsters.

The majority of these were swiftly defeated by the machines.

The number of Fragmentum Monsters originally present here was not small, but perhaps due to the influence of Cocolia and the Stellaron, there were not many gathered around the stairs, though they were cleared away in passing regardless.

At this moment, they made their way upward and successfully arrived at the summit of Everwinter Hill.

A location known as the "Creation Platform."

"According to the information archives, this is a vital site where the Architects' Engine of Creation forged the city's defenses. During the era of the Antimatter Legion's invasion, the Mechanical Vanguard deployed in full force, and even the Engine of Creation was utilized to combat the Antimatter Legion!" Mr. Svarog stated.

"Wow, is that giant mechanical hand the Engine of Creation?"

March 7th asked in surprise.

"Affirmative," Mr. Svarog replied.

"Then, can these things still be operated now?"

Stelle asked.

"Attempting to interface with it now. A period of preparation is required."

"Look quickly, is that Cocolia up ahead?"

Seele pointed forward.

Standing at the edge of the Creation Platform.

A blonde woman stood there.

"I did not expect you to actually come, fugitives."

Cocolia spoke while standing in the freezing wind.

"The Frost Wave has arrived. It seems most people went to resist the Frost Wave, which is why you were able to sneak in, is that it?"

Cocolia muttered to herself.

"That is not the case," Jing Yan said indifferently.

"It is true that some people are resisting the Fragmentum Monsters that have increased amidst the Frost Wave, but I can confirm it is not the majority, only a small portion."

"Because I have already dealt with the majority of them, and I have come here today to end this once and for all. Do you understand what I mean, Supreme Guardian of Belobog?"

Upon hearing Jing Yan's words, Cocolia froze for a moment.

But she immediately burst into laughter.

It was as if she had just heard the funniest joke in the world.

"What are you talking about?"

"End this once and for all?"

"Hmm..."

"Perhaps. Once I truly unleash the power of the Stellaron, Belobog will enter a brand new era. That could also be considered..."

"Ending it once and for all."

Cocolia said in a daze, appearing as though she had fallen into a state of obsession.

"Oh no, is that person she is holding..."

Serval asked from the side.

Seele looked over upon hearing this.

"That is... Bronya?"