A dim silence wrapped the space like a soft shroud.
Snow's eyes fluttered open, sluggish and heavy, as if waking from centuries of sleep. The room was unfamiliar—tall curtains encircled the walls, rustling violently with the wind that refused to be ignored. Despite their dance, only slivers of the outside world could be seen, light struggling to pierce the veil of fabric.
In the distance, faint but constant, a siren howled. A cold reminder that the aftermath of the battle had yet to be contained.
Snow tried to move, but before he could so much as lift a finger, a voice echoed directly within his mind.
//YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN THE TOP FLOOR OF THE HUNTER ASSOCIATION HQ BUILDING.//
It was a woman's voice—calm, clear, yet distant, as though it came from somewhere far beyond this world.
Snow's eyes narrowed. His voice, deeper than before, laced with a biting chill, left his lips like frost on steel.
"Who are you?"
His long, dark hair flowed with the breeze that danced through the gaps in the curtains. His presence was no longer that of a man—it was that of a beast, untamed and cold.
//YOU REFER TO ME AS PATHFINDER.//
"Pathfinder...?" he murmured. Then, something clicked in his mind. "Did you gain the ability to speak because I became the next Sovereign?"
//INDEED.//
//I HAVE EVOLVED ALONG WITH THE OLD SYSTEM AND SHALL NOW SERVE YOU THROUGH THIS FORM.//
"Tch... suit yourself," Snow muttered, sitting upright as he began to detach the tubes connected to his body.
As if reacting to his will, the curtains unfurled gracefully, revealing the massive windows behind them. Light spilled into the room like a divine awakening, and from where he sat, he could see the entire city—its four corners laid bare to his gaze. The top floor was his alone. No one else was present.
//WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO HIDE YOUR PRESENCE AS A SOVEREIGN, WHILE STILL ALLOWING YOU TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A NORMAL HUNTER BY THE LOWER FORMS OF THIS WORLD?//
Snow frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
//AS YOU ARE NOW, YOUR PRESENCE ALONE IS ENOUGH TO KILL THOSE UNPREPARED. I HAVE SEALED 98% OF YOUR OVERALL POWER.//
//THAT SEALED POWER HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE THREE EGOS THAT CURRENTLY SERVE YOU. SINCE NO FEMALE WIELDERS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BECOME YOUR BLADES, THIS MEASURE WAS TAKEN TO PREVENT THE WORLD FROM COLLAPSING UNDER YOUR EXISTENCE.//
Snow exhaled slowly. "So in a nutshell, you're saying I've become a walking disaster thanks to all the inheritances I received... and to avoid chaos, you handed over most of my strength to the three egos instead of waiting for female wielders?"
//CORRECT.//
"You don't make much sense," he said, brushing his hair behind his ear. "I only have two egos right now. One is Starlight, the other is unregistered."
//THE THIRD WAS ACQUIRED AFTER DEFEATING THE AVATAR OF CHRONOS.//
"..."
Snow fell silent. That had been part of the reward, hadn't it?
//SO—SHALL I HIDE YOUR PRESENCE?//
"...Yes," he said after a pause. "And as you mentioned, distributing my sealed power to the egos should suffice for now."
//VERY WELL. BUT I SUGGEST YOU BEGIN SEARCHING FOR ANCHORS—INDIVIDUALS CAPABLE OF WIELDING AT LEAST MANA SWORDS.//
"Mana swords? What are those?" he asked, raising a brow.
//THE LOWEST FORM OF AN EGO BLADE.//
"...Then what separates them from an Ego?"
//MANA BLADES ARE CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS INFUSED WITH MANA. THEY POSSESS SKILL FUNCTIONS SIMILAR TO YOUR TRUTH SEEKER BLADE.//
//BUT EGOS—THEY ARE BORN FROM SUBSTANCE, CONCEPT, AND ATTRIBUTE. THEY GROW, LEARN, AND ULTIMATELY CHOOSE THEIR WIELDERS. SOME MANIFEST AS PETS, OTHERS AS HUMANS, BUT MOST REMAIN AS SWORDS. HOWEVER, REGARDLESS OF FORM—THEY ARE ALL BLADES.//
Snow leaned back, mulling over the words.
"So... blades like Arthur's Excalibur—was that a mana sword?"
//INDEED.//
"...I see." He turned toward the window again, the wind gently brushing his hair back. His reflection wavered in the glass—changed, in more ways than one.
—Clack.
The door creaked open.
Two figures entered the room, their eyes widening in disbelief as they caught sight of him.
"Snow...?" came a voice filled with awe and relief.
It was Lola, followed closely by the Ice Queen—both dressed in casual attire, but their expressions were tense with worry. They had come to check on him, but clearly hadn't expected the sight that awaited them.
He didn't move, still seated at the center of the room
But slowly, he turned his head toward them, and for a moment, the entire room dropped several degrees.
Without warning, Lola lunged forward and threw her arms around him.
The motion caught even Snow off guard.
His body stiffened for a moment, not out of fear or discomfort, but pure surprise. He had prepared himself for a quiet recovery, not for the warmth of someone else's embrace.
Her body trembled as she buried her face into his chest, tears flowing freely, her emotions unrestrained. Yet Snow remained calm and still—too still. It was as though something within him had forgotten how to smile... or perhaps, had lost the right to.
"You're finally awake," the Ice Queen said softly as she stepped closer.
//O-OH... IT APPEARS YOU ALREADY HAVE TWO PROSPECTIVE ANCHORS.//
The female voice—the Pathfinder—echoed again in his mind, sounding slightly flustered.
Snow didn't respond. He merely stared down at the girl in his arms, quietly letting her cry without a word.
"Thank goodness," the Ice Queen continued, her voice tinged with relief. "Lola wouldn't let go of you. I had to drag her out of here just to give her a break. We got lucky... You woke up."
"...I see," Snow replied, watching the way Lola clung to him, her fingers trembling. Her tears were warm, too warm. He didn't know what to say, so he simply placed a hand gently on her back, trying to ease her sobs.
Time passed slowly after that.
Eventually, they sat by his bedside. Lola sniffled softly beside him, while the Ice Queen crossed her legs and leaned against the arm of the chair, watching Snow with quiet curiosity.
His injuries had completely healed. In fact, his physique had changed noticeably—he looked stronger, more refined, with a noble sharpness to his features. His beauty had matured into something colder, more distant... almost divine.
"So let me get this straight," Snow said, folding his arms. "I've been unconscious for four days... and tomorrow, there's a summit being held to discuss me and what comes next?"
"Correct," the Ice Queen replied with a nod. "And this time, the Oracle herself will be present."
"Wait, really? But... hasn't she always avoided those gatherings?" Lola asked.
"She has," Ice Queen said, crossing her arms. "But this time it's tied to a prophecy from a few years back. One that was ignored—until now."
"That's enough," Snow cut in, voice low but firm.
His gaze turned toward the city outside, momentarily lost in thought.
"What about China?" he asked.
The Ice Queen's tone shifted. "Aside from the Hephaestus Family gaining popularity for aiding during the chaos, there hasn't been much word. They're unusually quiet."
"And the Bright Family?" Snow continued.
"They've gone silent since your arrest," Lola answered. "But Lisa and Iris are currently in Texas, trying to reach you."
Snow looked away, lips pressed tightly.
He knew. He knew they would have been worried. But what he didn't know was whether his mother and sister had looked for him, or if they had already given up.
"Don't worry," Lola said with a smile. "They're staying at my place. Once you're up and moving, I'll bring them to visit."
Snow remained silent.
He watched her carefully. She was still so... proactive. Loyal. Unshakably by his side. It puzzled him. Was it because he was famous now? Because he had power? Or was there something else?
"You've changed," he said quietly, studying her with unblinking eyes.
Lola froze. A bitter-sweet smile tugged at her lips.
"I... I sincerely want to apologize for everything I did in the past," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "I want to make it up to you."
Snow lowered his gaze. "It's fine," he said. "I don't hold a grudge. If anything... you're the reason I grew up."
His hand reached out, almost instinctively, and gently patted her head.
"I just hope the person you are now isn't an illusion."
"Th-that's so unfair!" the Ice Queen suddenly blurted, pouting. "How about me?! I was right there with you, too!"
Snow blinked. He was caught off guard—not by her words, but by how cute she looked.
Was this really the same Ice Queen everyone feared?
"...Yeah, yeah," he muttered with a small, rare smirk and reached out to pat her head too.
The Ice Queen blushed, but didn't stop him.
Lola watched the interaction, cheeks puffed slightly. "...By the way, what do you plan to do now?"
Snow paused.
He finally looked up, the fading light from the window casting a gentle glow across his features. He smiled faintly—but there was a sorrowful weight behind it.
"Nothing much," he said. "First, I'll return home. Then... I'll create a guild."
"A guild?" both girls echoed at once.
"Yes," Snow affirmed. "Originally, I thought joining one would be easier. I even said foolish things like making someone my woman. But... after what happened, I realized—my powers aren't meant to serve under someone else's flag."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes glowing faintly. "To wield it fully... I need my own guild. My own structure. My own foundation."
Lola hesitated. Then, to everyone's surprise, she spoke up.
"...Is it okay if I join?"
"...What?" Snow blinked. "You want to join a guild that doesn't even exist yet?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation. "As long as you'll allow it."
"Now, now, Lola," the Ice Queen said with a sly grin. "Trying to beat me to it? I already offered everything I have just to join his guild."
Snow stared at the two of them—one bold, the other sincere—and for a moment, the top floor felt warmer than before.
He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
"What do you mean?" Snow asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.
The Ice Queen crossed her arms under her chest and looked directly at him.
"Like I said... I have everything in this world except a man," she said calmly. "Is it really that hard to believe I'd pour everything I own into someone who risked his life to protect it?"
"Wait, what exactly are you talking about?" Snow's voice faltered a little.
"She bought Iceland," Lola chimed in casually.
"...She what?" Snow blinked, incredulous.
"Iceland. Two days ago. After it was wrecked during the chaos, she paid the government full value for the land. Most of that money was redirected to compensate survivors," Lola continued like she was reading from a shopping list.
"And just yesterday," she added with a cheeky smile, "she began construction to rebuild the entire region. Multiple business zones, infrastructure, and the headquarters of a new guild—your guild."
"She plans to give the island to you as a congratulatory gift," Lola said with a sigh. "For, you know... saving the world."
Snow was speechless.
"...Yikes," Lola added with a small shiver. "She really does go all in once she sets her mind to something."
"You didn't have to spill all of it like that!" The Ice Queen scolded, tapping Lola's shoulder with a pout. "It was supposed to be a surprise!"
"He was going to find out sooner or later," Lola replied with a shrug.
Snow shook his head slowly. "You're... joking, right?"
"Of course not," The Ice Queen said, her eyes soft and sincere. "That island is my sincerity to you. As long as you'll have it—everything I own is yours."
Snow blinked again. He didn't know what to say.
"You're bold," Lola teased, nudging The Ice Queen with her elbow. "Confessing like that with no hesitation..."
"Stop teasing me," The Ice Queen murmured, her cheeks flushed red. She was the Ice Queen, feared and revered across nations—yet here, she looked more like an embarrassed schoolgirl than anything else.
Snow looked at her closely.
Her shy expression. Her glistening eyes. Her honesty.
It was overwhelming.
"I..." he started, but faltered. "Do you not... like the idea?" she asked gently.
"It's not that," he said.
"Then what is it?"
Snow looked away.
"...I have nothing to offer you," he admitted. "And with the way people talk about me, you'll only become the target of rumors and controversy."
He exhaled.
"To be honest, you're out of my league. Accepting your feelings just like that... would feel selfish of me."
"Hey," Lola interjected.
"She knows all of that," she said, her tone unusually serious. "She knows exactly what people might say, and still—she stayed by your side. You don't have to accept her love right now. But at least give her a chance. Even if it's just as friends."
Snow looked at Lola, surprised by her words.
His view of her had changed so much. For a long time, he thought she clung to him out of guilt... or regret. But now?
"...Alright," he said softly. "If that's okay with you."
The Ice Queen nodded quickly, a hopeful smile blooming on her lips.
"Then how about we start fresh?" Snow said. "I'm Snow. Snow Quincy."
"I'm Clair. Clair Mirrorfelt," she replied, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Mirrorfelt..." Snow muttered, pausing for a moment. "Do you have a brother?"
Clair tilted her head. "I did," she said softly. "He died, along with our parents... in a plane crash."
"...I see," Snow nodded. "I once met a man with the Mirrorfelt name. Thought he might've been your brother."
"Oh... That's rare," Clair said with a nostalgic smile. "There aren't many of us left."
Snow gave a gentle nod. "Indeed."
Just then, Lola clapped her hands. "Now that you're awake, think you can walk a little? We were thinking of getting something to eat."
"Yeah. I can walk," he said, rising to his feet slowly.
"Alright, then let's get cleaned up first," Lola said.
Snow agreed, and the group moved to a luxury suite in a nearby hotel. The place had been booked by Clair herself, who insisted on providing the best care and privacy.
There, Snow was handed a neatly folded outfit—simple, yet stylish.
A black turtleneck. A long, deep-wine coat. Black jeans and matching sneakers.
Snow chuckled softly when he saw them. It was strange... comforting, even. To have people looking out for him like this. He dressed slowly, adjusting the cuffs as he looked into the mirror.
But then—two familiar voices echoed behind him.
"/Papa!/"
Snow turned just in time to be tackled by two small figures—Star and Light.
They hugged him tightly, their small arms clinging to his waist. Snow staggered back in surprise, but quickly crouched and embraced them both.
"...You two," he said, his voice breaking slightly.
They'd grown. Their presence had matured. If not for their glowing eyes and otherworldly charm, one might have mistaken them for ten-year-old twins.
He patted their heads, brushing through their braided hair. Ribbons tied their strands with care.
"You look... amazing," he said softly.
"/Lola and Clair dressed us!/" they replied in sync, their voices like chimes.
"I see. Then I guess I owe them a thank-you," he said, smiling as they each kissed his cheeks.
"/Teehee!/"
Soon after, Snow exited the suite with the twins at his side. Together, they made their way to the hotel's private lounge, where Lola and Clair were already waiting.
As the trio walked through the halls, the entire hotel seemed to slow to a halt.
Guests turned, whispering in awe. Some smiled. Others stared in stunned silence. Snow, in his elegant attire, flanked by two girls radiating otherworldly beauty—it was a sight that felt like something from a fairytale.
By the time they reached the VIP Lounge, all eyes were on them.
Clair and Lola stood as they arrived, both women offering warm smiles. The moment was quiet, but charged with something powerful.
Something like the calm before destiny began to move again.
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to be continued...