Terra Continent, Feng City Ocean Research Institute.
Humpback Whale, a member of the Eden Alliance, was based here.
"Chairman, three more people froze to death. It's been over two months. Our food reserves are still holding up, but we're running low on fuel."
It was a small meeting. Four people sat around a little stove, soaking up what little warmth it gave off.
"Count your blessings! I heard the OSD Armed Forces in Flower City have lost contact completely. Things don't look good for them. It's remarkable we've lasted this long, even with the institute's underground facilities."
The mood in the room sank even further.
"This damned weather... It's like it doesn't want anyone to survive."
At last, the only person who had yet to speak—a man in his forties or fifties—sighed.
He looked at one of the others.
"Still no reply from the Orthodox Church?"
The man shook his head and gave a derisive laugh.
"No. I'd say they can barely look after themselves. In weather like this, even the magma on their bodies could freeze. They might be worse off than we are."
"Surely not..." someone said hesitantly.
"Whatever else is true, they have powers beyond human limits. They've got to be better off than us. I think they just don't want to deal with us. They're leaving us to fend for ourselves."
"Hmph..."
Another person was about to speak when a burst of radio static cut him off. Everyone turned toward the radio in the corner, startled and uncertain.
They exchanged glances. Each knew what the others were thinking.
Who was trying to make contact in weather like this?
They had still kept in touch when the Extreme Cold Disaster first struck, but over the past two weeks, almost no one had bothered.
"Hello... Hello... This is