The moment they went inside it was different from outside, unlike the outside this seemed moden and more well build, as then heat came as they looked around as Gepard looked at them
Gepard then spoke. "Welcome to New Belobog, the place we were at was old Belobog this place was build after the eternal winter as well call it started".
The warmth of the city contrasted sharply with the biting cold outside, and the group couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as they stepped further into New Belobog. The streets were wide and neatly arranged, lined with advanced technology and buildings that blended modern architecture with the sturdiness needed to withstand the harsh environment. Large heating systems seemed to be integrated into the structure, keeping the chill of the eternal winter at bay, and the hum of machinery filled the air, providing a stark contrast to the desolate silence of the outside world.
March looked around, her eyes wide with fascination. "This place is... amazing! It's like stepping into a whole new world."
Caelus couldn't help but agree, though his thoughts remained focused on the situation at hand. "So, this 'New Belobog' was built after the eternal winter started? What happened to 'Old Belobog'?"
Gepard's gaze turned somber. "Old Belobog, the old city, was abandoned centuries ago when the eternal winter began to take hold. People fled, and those who stayed... well, they didn't last long. We rebuilt here, in this new city, where we could continue to survive, to fight back against the cold and the monsters that roam outside. We call it 'New Belobog' because it's the symbol of our resilience. It's more than just a city; it's our last stand."
Dan Heng, ever the skeptic, glanced around at the bustling city. "It doesn't look like a place built just for survival. This looks like a city that thrives, not just survives."
"That's true," Gepard acknowledged. "We've done what we could to rebuild not only the infrastructure but also the spirit of our people. It hasn't been easy, but New Belobog is strong. It's our home now. But the cold... the eternal winter... it's always a threat. That's why we have to stay vigilant."
March spoke up, her usual cheerfulness tinged with concern. "And you said the eternal winter started after... the old city? What caused it?"
Gepard's eyes darkened for a moment, and his tone grew quieter. "There's no clear answer. Some say it was a curse, others blame the fall of Old Belobog. But the truth... we may never fully understand it. All we know is that the cold came, and we've been fighting against it ever since."
Caelus, still processing the information, raised an eyebrow. "Fighting it with... what? The Silvermane Guards?"
Gepard nodded. "Yes. The Silvermane Guards are the protectors of Belobog. We fight not only the beasts that roam the lands but also protect the people from the monsters lurking in the cold, as well as maintain the infrastructure of New Belobog. Without us, the city wouldn't survive."
The group walked in silence for a while, taking in the city around them. The streets were lively with people going about their business—some wearing heavy cloaks to ward off the cold, while others carried strange devices that appeared to be powered by advanced technology. Despite the outward bustle, there was an underlying tension in the air, as if everyone was acutely aware that the peace they had fought so hard to maintain could be shattered at any moment.
As they continued, Caelus felt a strange sense of unease settle over him. The cold outside may have been harsh, but there was something unsettling about the way the city was so meticulously built, as if they were living on the edge of something they couldn't control.
Finally, Gepard broke the silence. "We're almost at the headquarters. You'll be able to explain yourselves there, and maybe we can find out what your intentions are. I hope you understand, after everything we've been through, trust is not something easily given here."
Caelus gave him a curt nod. "I understand. Just don't expect us to make things easier for you."
Gepard didn't respond, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes. It was clear that this wasn't just a job for him—it was his life's mission. And the people of Belobog were depending on him to make sure the city remained safe.
As they neared the headquarters, Caelus couldn't shake the feeling that their arrival in New Belobog was only the beginning. Something was off, and the more they learned about the city's history, the more questions seemed to surface.
After that the trio was in now The Silvermane guard's headquarters, as they were taken to a room, as Gepard just looked at them and sat on the other side of the table
The room was sterile, but functional, with walls lined with various maps and diagrams, some of them depicting the layout of New Belobog, while others illustrated the spread of the eternal winter. The hum of distant machinery echoed from outside the room, but inside, the atmosphere felt tense, as if everyone was waiting for something to happen. Gepard sat across from Caelus, March, and Dan Heng, his piercing blue eyes watching them closely.
Caelus leaned back slightly in his chair, arms crossed, still trying to process the magnitude of what he had just learned. The quiet buzz in the room seemed to mirror the hum of his own thoughts.
Gepard broke the silence, his voice firm yet not unfriendly. "Alright, now that we're here, it's time to get to the point. Who are you really? And why have you come to New Belobog?"
March, ever the optimist, gave a friendly smile and tried to ease the tension. "We're not here to cause trouble, promise! We're just... trying to figure things out. We were investigating some distress signals when we got here, and it looks like we ran into you guys." She paused and raised an eyebrow. "I mean, no offense, but it's a pretty dangerous place to just be wandering around in."
Dan Heng kept his expression neutral, his voice calm as he added, "We have no intention of causing any harm. We've dealt with threats before, but we also know when to retreat. We're just looking for information."
Gepard studied them for a moment, his gaze intense. "That's the part I don't get. People don't just wander into New Belobog looking for information. What exactly are you after?" He shifted in his seat, eyes flicking to Caelus, almost as if sensing something about him. "Especially you." His tone grew sharper, though he quickly masked it.
Caelus met his gaze unflinchingly, though internally, he could feel a subtle pressure from Gepard's scrutiny. It wasn't anything he hadn't faced before, but the man's intensity made him wary. "We're looking into the source of the eternal winter," Caelus said bluntly. "I'm guessing that's something you're not exactly happy to discuss."
Gepard raised an eyebrow, his expression not giving away much. "The source of the eternal winter?" He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands on the table. "That's a topic that has been debated for years. No one knows for sure what caused it, though we have our theories." His tone was guarded, but Caelus could see the flicker of something deeper in his eyes—something personal.
March, sensing the weight of the conversation, decided to chime in again, trying to keep things from spiraling. "So, what do you think is going on? If you know anything that can help us, we're all ears."
Gepard looked at March and then at Dan Heng before answering. "The eternal winter has brought nothing but suffering, and many of us in the Silvermane Guard have dedicated our lives to defending this city, trying to ensure its survival. But you can't fight a cold that seems endless... and you can't fight what you don't understand." He paused, his gaze darkening. "As for the origin, some say it's the result of a failed experiment, others say it's tied to the collapse of the old Belobog. But there are whispers—things no one wants to talk about. The truth is that we don't have all the answers." He leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "But I do know that whatever caused the eternal winter is tied to forces far beyond our control."
Caelus remained silent, letting the words sink in. The uncertainty in Gepard's voice was not lost on him. It wasn't just the cold they had to worry about—it was the unknown, the things lurking beneath the surface. And for some reason, it seemed to matter more to Gepard than he was willing to let on.
"Well, we're here to help," Dan Heng finally said, his tone steady. "If there's a way to stop the eternal winter, we'll figure it out. We just need to know where to start."
Gepard studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "There's something else you need to know," he said, lowering his voice. "The cold isn't just natural. It's been... weaponized. Some forces are using the eternal winter as a tool, a means to control this world. Whoever is behind it, they're playing a long game. And it's a game that's cost us dearly."
Caelus leaned forward slightly, his mind working quickly. "Who are these forces? And why hasn't anyone stopped them?"
Gepard's gaze turned steely. "We've been fighting them for years. The Silvermane Guard has stood as the last line of defense. But there are factions... some within Belobog itself that have aligned with these forces. And some of them are even in positions of power."
Caelus's heart skipped a beat. "You mean there's a traitor among your ranks?"
Gepard's silence was the only answer he needed.
March frowned, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "This is getting complicated fast..."
Dan Heng nodded, his eyes scanning the room. "If we're going to solve this, we need to figure out who's pulling the strings and why. This isn't just about surviving anymore. It's about stopping whoever is behind this, once and for all."
Gepard leaned back in his chair, looking at each of them in turn. "I can't promise you anything. But if you want to know the truth, you'll have to prove yourself worthy of it. And if you want to survive here, you'll need to earn the trust of the people."
Caelus's eyes narrowed. "We're ready for whatever comes next."
Gepard gave a sharp nod. "Good. Then let's start by figuring out who we can trust."
As then another guard comes in, as they wishper into Gepard ears as he sighed and looked at them.
Gepard looked at them. "Forget you three are free".
Caelus looked at him and blinked. "Wait really"
Gepard just looked at him. "Yes, because our lender wants to see you"
As then they left, they arrived in the mayor's office Caelus, March, and Dan Heng entered the office, their footsteps echoing in the quiet room. The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted not by the elderly figure they'd expected, but by a striking woman with light yellow hair and piercing purple eyes. She radiated a sense of authority and grace, her presence filling the room as she stood before them, offering a composed and slightly mysterious smile. She was clearly someone of importance—her beauty almost unsettling in its intensity.
Cocolia's gaze lingered on Caelus for a moment longer than necessary, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if assessing him. It wasn't hostile, but there was a sharpness to her attention that made Caelus instinctively take a step back, his own instincts on high alert.
"I trust your journey to New Belobog was not too troubling," she said smoothly, her voice calm and measured, yet carrying a hint of curiosity. "I'm Cocolia, the one you've been summoned to meet."
[ Insert image of Cocolia ]
March, ever the friendly one, smiled brightly. "Nice to meet you, Cocolia! We weren't expecting someone so young, honestly. I thought we'd be meeting some old sage or something!"
Dan Heng, as usual, stayed quiet, his gaze fixed on Cocolia as he analyzed the situation. His instincts were on edge, though he kept his expression neutral.
Caelus, however, was still processing everything. He looked at the woman before him, trying to gauge her motives. "Cocolia, huh? We didn't expect someone like you to be in charge. I thought we'd be dealing with the old guard, not someone like—"
"Someone like me?" Cocolia interrupted smoothly, her smile never wavering. "I take it you are not a fan of surprises?"
Caelus chuckled dryly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, it's just... not what I was expecting, that's all."
She nodded, her eyes flicking to Dan Heng and March before returning to Caelus. "I understand. But surprises are often necessary, especially in these times. We need capable individuals, and people who can think outside the box." She leaned forward slightly, her tone shifting to something more serious. "I'm not here to waste time. So tell me, why exactly have you come to New Belobog? What is it that you're truly after?"
March crossed her arms, a little taken aback by the question. "We've already told the guards! We're looking into the eternal winter, trying to figure out who or what is behind it. And we're not just here to sit around. We're going to find a solution."
Cocolia's gaze never faltered. "I'm aware of your... intentions," she said, her voice still calm but with an underlying note of command. "But, the question remains: what makes you think you can help? Many have tried, and many have failed. There are forces at play here that even the Silvermane Guard cannot touch."
Caelus's gaze narrowed slightly. He could feel the weight of her words, but he didn't flinch. "We don't plan to fail," he said, his voice firm. "If there's a way to stop this winter, we'll find it. Whatever it takes."
Cocolia studied him for a long moment, her purple eyes flicking between the three of them. She seemed to weigh their words carefully before giving a slight nod. "Very well. If that's truly your goal, then you may be of use. However, understand this—there are many forces involved in this situation, and not all of them are aligned with the greater good. You will have to tread carefully."
Dan Heng finally spoke, his tone calm but filled with an unmistakable edge. "We're used to danger. We don't need advice."
Cocolia's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Good. You'll need all the experience you can get. However," she added, her expression turning more serious, "the situation here is far more delicate than you think. If you wish to help, you will need to prove yourself to the people of New Belobog—and perhaps even more so, to me."
Caelus raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What exactly do you want from us, then? A test?"
"Not a test, per se," Cocolia replied, standing up from her desk and walking toward the window, her voice softer now. "But a demonstration of trust. You see, there are forces within our city—forces I am still not entirely sure of—that seek to manipulate the eternal winter for their own gain. If you truly wish to stop this, you will need to understand not just the science behind it, but the politics, the alliances, and the betrayal that keep this city running."
Caelus exchanged a glance with Dan Heng and March. The weight of her words hung in the air, but they had already committed to their goal. They had no choice but to move forward.
"Sounds like a lot of work," Caelus said, half-smirking. "But we're used to that."
Cocolia turned back to them, her eyes flashing with a mix of approval and caution. "Good. I'll be in touch. In the meantime, there's someone who might have more answers for you—someone with knowledge of the origins of the eternal winter. But be warned, they are not easy to approach."
"Who is it?" March asked, her interest piqued.
Cocolia's expression remained unreadable. "Someone who might just hold the key to ending the winter, if you can gain their trust. Their name is Welt."
"How do we find them?" Dan Heng inquired.
Cocolia's lips twitched into a faint smile. "That, I cannot answer. But I'm sure someone like you will figure it out."
With that, she turned her back on them, signaling that the meeting was over.
Caelus, March, and Dan Heng exchanged glances before heading out of the office, the weight of their next steps heavy on their shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they were about to dive deeper into a web of secrets and alliances, with far more at stake than they had initially realized.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy