Deep within the cold mountains of the north two lone figures bravely walk through the cold blizzard.

    Their mission is to find one of the most legendary flowers that can only be found there, the azure lotus.

    "Sir Lothar, are we supposed to go this way even when the snowstorm is like this?"

    "No worries, this kind of storm will end in a matter of a few hours, just bear with the current cold," Lothar said as he challenged the strong cold that felt like sharp daggers as it penetrated their bodies.

    Apollo, in search of the flower that can neutralize mana, went on this chilling journey with Keith''s father. Their current location is the outer layer of the ice shelf.

    The freezing air struck like whips and Apollo suddenly missed the sunny days he always hated the most. Never in his life did he miss the sunny morning he often curses.

    "I would have wanted to stay on the island rather in this place" he added as he took a step into the 5 feet tall pile of snow.

    [Creator, I am already shielding you from the storm, yet you are still cold?]

    "Well who would have thought that I am weak in cold places"

    [You hated the sun because of its heat and now you are weak in cold places, it seems your body is not that good Creator]

    "If it was then you won''t exist from the very beginning"

    [You are too harsh Creator]

    "If I was then I am sorry]

    [Then Creator I will report to you that in five minutes if you continue walking the path you are currently taking, you will soon meet people you might take interest in]

    Jeremiah suddenly sounded mysterious causing Apollo to feel curious.

    "Since I am currently tired from thinking of which thing I should do first, you suddenly got me excited"

    "We are researchers under the Mage Association, we were tasked to conduct research about the current situation in this area. Are you perhaps residents here? We were looking for people who could help us navigate this place perhaps you can help us"

    Apollo and Lothar looked at each other before shaking their heads.

    "We are not from here...." Lothar then points toward a specific location referring to the mainland

    "That''s where we came from, my little brother and I are just here to search for any precious resources that we could sell at the market"

    "I see we did hear about people like you in the city, if it isn''t too much, may we please ask you to accompany us? We need people who know the place for our research"

    "So you want a guide?" This time it was Apollo who spoke, hurriedly the leader immediately answers him.

    "Yes, since we want to know from you two the current events here, I am also certain you know the shelf like the back of your hand"

    The man continued to say while Apollo remained silent wanting to know whether their words were true or not

    "Jeremiah, what is happening? Who are these people?" The boy began to wonder. He has a rough idea of their identity, but still, he wishes to hear the answer from him directly.

    "I can see what you are thinking but there are still some things I need to do to verify that theory"

    [Then please Creator use every means you need to figure out their identity]

    Apollo couldn''t help but shake his head as he agreed to the group''s offer.

    "As long as you pay us, we are willing to help in your research," he said while Lothar began striking a deal for their service.

    "Alright, we will pay, but all our questions must be answered," the leader demanded, Apollo and Lothar didn''t really mind it, so they agreed, and a contract was forged. They were hired for a week, and its coverage would be for them to take the team deep within the shelf. A place filled with strong, territorial, magical beasts.

    The blizzard continued to fall, and the raging cold wind struck them harshly.

    "This storm doesn''t seem to be ending soon, let''s go. We have a nice, cozy place that is safe from the cold," Lothar offered, and without hesitation, the so-called researchers followed them.

    "They are confident with their strength," Apollo commented as he walked right beside the group.