Nathan entered the icy stronghold's gate and quickly strode towards a group of people who had congregated in one spot. As he neared, they immediately moved apart and created a path, leading him into an enormous igloo. Inside, Nathan noticed Muramoto sleeping on a block of ice, with Meriel, Robert, and Gydarra standing nearby.
"What's going on here?" Nathan asked.
Nathan stepped closer and noticed that Muramoto was squeezing his eyes shut as if trying to bear the pain. Robert was sending energy to Muramoto in the form of ice, causing his stomach to freeze slightly, while Meriel appeared to be channeling energy directly into Muramoto's stomach using her hands.
"Nathan." Robert quietly called Nathan's name with a pale face as he approached.
"What's going on?" Nathan asked, his eyes drawn to Muramoto's injury, which looked severe. "What happened?"
