"I'll try to think of something."
In response to FrostNova's question, Hoshino gave an answer that sounded almost like a joke.
But only Hoshino herself knew that it was not a joke. She believed there was something wrong with Originium, so she would solve it. At the very least, she would use her own strength to steer the world's technological development toward detoxifying Originium.
The place with the highest level of technology was Columbia. Apparently, they had already developed clean rooms, using intense ionization to create silent chambers with walls half a meter thick and an interior of only two square meters.
"Suffering, huh."
"It is both suffering and a gift. That is how contradictory things in this world are."
Unable to offer any comfort, Hoshino made a half-hearted joke instead. But contrary to her hopes, FrostNova remained serious and did not laugh.
Her expression was heavy, and the ice cream truck gradually slowed. It seemed they were nearing their destination.
Hoshino saw that mountain-like figure.
Patriot was tall.
But upon closer inspection, some of that height was artificial. Patriot's broad shoulders were supported by armor, while his actual body was so gaunt that little remained besides a skeleton.
So this was a Wendigo.
Patriot stood in silence, watching Hoshino and his daughter climb down from the ice cream truck one after another. His daughter's face was calm, but he could sense that her emotions were different from usual.
Patriot knew that his FrostNova had suffered impaired facial blood circulation due to the cold, leaving her with facial paralysis.
"Something?"
He asked briefly.
Because his throat had been eroded, he had no choice but to convey his meaning in short two-character phrases. Long, long ago, Patriot had also been an eloquent speaker, often delivering rousing speeches before battle to inspire