The blizzard was relentless, but Apollo and Lothar continued walking alongside the group of strangers, who trudged slowly through the snow. The leader, a tall man with a hair as white as the snow they walking on, introduced himself as Victor. He explained that their task is to conduct research in the area for the Mage Association. They need to gather data about the environmental shifts due to recent magical disturbances since it might cause a breakout if demons were to appear. But Apollo sensed there was more to their mission, and he kept his guard while his curiosity controlled, allowing his newly created persona to take the lead. Despite all his desire to ask, he decided to stay silent and remain observant.

    After many turns and walks across the seemingly endless white land, they finally arrive inside Lothar''s and Apollo''s makeshift hut, as soon as they enter, they finally feel protected from the freezing snow outside. The place was filled with simple tools used for snow hiking and digging. Most of the materials were built with brick to prevent the cold from entering. While a single fireplace creates a fire that eventually fills the room with heat.

    The two welcomed their guest, urging them to enter, and although it looked cramped outside, the guests were surprised to find it big enough for all twenty of them. Lothar beckoned them to sit while Apollo went on to light the fireplace. They didn''t speak the entire time and only pointed or signaled the group to sit or wait for them.

    "Once the storm ends, we will help you with your research," Lothar finally spoke while giving each member of the so-called research group a bowl of warm soup.

    "Please help yourself," Apollo said as he helped Lothar distribute the food.

    "If it isn''t too much can we ask you what this green stuff is?"

    One of the research members asked Apollo to explain what kind of herb was used in their food.

    "That my friend is called cold eaters, they exist deep within rare vegetation areas and water sources here in the snow mountains. As the name said these plants eat the cold air to convert them as energy. They mainly rely on water to sustain themselves, while their green color is due to the chemical inside them that helps them capture the little sunlight in this area. Although they could sustain themselves with the cold wind the warmth of the sun is still beneficial to them, they are also useful to fill your stomach"

    "So these plants are edible"

    "Not just edible but they could also reduce the temperature and regulate the coldness so more animals can survive this harsh place"

    They continued to chat and get to know each other until the raging storm outside finally subsided.

    Apollo then surveyed the area when he found it safe, their mission finally started.

    "Jeremiah, do you think this is not the only group that enters here?"

    [I already searched when we first came here and also when our guests arrived I did another search, I did find more people but their numbers aren''t the same as Victor''s, most from what I sense are one to two people moving around this region]

    "Any signs of some hidden enemies?"

    [Currently none]

    Then Apollo returned his attention to Victor and his men.

    "They appear genuine but are concealing something." Then he decided to pry on their communication tools. "I''m picking up coded communication signals among them, possibly a hidden line they use for covert reporting, now this is interesting"

    Apollo mused, a hint of a smile forming. "Let''s see, I wonder if my theory is right." He then waved his hand, and one of the system''s gears equipped his eyes to analyze the coded messages.

    "Hmmm... It''s more complex than I thought, oh well it seems I need to wait a bit"

    They continued through the snow, Victor and his group explaining that they''d come across recent tracks leading further north. They suggested that Apollo and Lothar could join them, given the dangers the group claimed lurked ahead. The thought of them running into real trouble was something Apollo welcomed—especially if it revealed their true purpose.

    An hour later, Apollo caught sight of a small, half-buried shelter tucked against an icy cliff. It was camouflaged well, but a trained eye could pick out the subtle signs of a temporary hideout. The snow around it had been disturbed recently, and an unusual scent hung in the air—a faint trace of blood. Something happened here; his suspicions solidified; they weren''t here for research—they were hunting something or someone.

    "Now it''s getting even more interesting" He whispered until a report from the system came from analyzing the coded messages. As he saw it, a meaningful smile emerged on his face.

    Your journey continues on empire

    A little while later, when the group paused for a break, Apollo noticed Victor stepping away to speak with a few others in hushed tones. With a subtle gesture, he signaled to Lothar, and they both edged closer, keeping just within earshot of the conversation. The boy thought it was his chance to get the final piece of the puzzle to get his theory confirmed.

    "Have you detected any Church signals?" Victor asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want this area thoroughly checked. The Archduke suspects one of their labs might be operating nearby, hidden in the ice shelf."

    Apollo''s eyes narrowed. So that''s it, he thought, he was right! They''re Archduke''s people, sent to investigate the Church''s labs.

    "I knew it I was right"

    [You were actually doubting yourself a while ago]

    "I was simply making sure that I don''t jump to conclusions though their coded messages are interesting just checked it later"

    [I will Creator], then Jeremiah returns his attention towards scanning the region.

    "I should rely on what I discover to Lothar"

    However before he could share his thoughts with Lothar, one of the researchers turned suddenly, catching Apollo''s eyes with an unreadable expression. Realizing he''d been overheard, Victor approached them both, his gaze cautious but no longer pretending.