And after a brief moment.
[Can be cured by consuming Endrago, which grows in Snowite.]
The answer I had been waiting for appeared.
But upon reading it, I couldn’t feel relieved.
Snowite was a snow-covered mountain in the northern hemisphere of the continent.
A place of extreme conditions where it snowed every single day, and nine out of ten who attempted the climb never returned.
And finding an Endrago was an even greater challenge than surviving there.
It was said that those who managed to discover one would gain both wealth and fame.
The plant was known as the ultimate medicinal ingredient, attracting many seekers—only for most of them to perish before they could even catch a glimpse of it.
“If it were just an Elixir, I could have managed somehow…”
Even the kingdom had deployed its military to locate a single Endrago, spending nearly a year in the search.
It was quite literally like finding a needle in a desert—an almost impossible task.
And now, I had to find one on my own…?
“…No. I have to do it. No matter what it takes.”
Without realizing it, I had muttered weak words.
The odds were slim? It was impossible? So I should give up?
Shut up.
No matter what, that wasn’t a reason to abandon Serena.
There was still plenty of time before the academy entrance.
If I used that time wisely, I could figure something out…
“Mmm…”
Just as I was lost in thought, a faint groan escaped Serena’s lips.
But it seemed to be just sleep talk—she didn’t wake up.
I felt a little disappointed, but seeing her peaceful expression reassured me.
It was only then that I realized I had been gripping her hand too tightly.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
I quickly let go, but of course, there was no response.
Instead, the steady rise and fall of her chest provided a small sense of relief.
I still didn’t understand why her heart had a problem or what needed to be done, but at the very least, she was safe for now.
That alone was something to be grateful for.
“…I should get some sleep too.”
I had brought Serena to my room.
Partly because all the magical tools needed for treatment were here,
but mostly because I simply wanted to stay by her side all night.
So really, sharing a bed was inevitable.
It wasn’t like I had another bed in my room anyway.
“Well, at least the bed is big. Right?”
Most of the time, it felt too large for just me.
But tonight, I was oddly grateful for its size.
Though, now that I was actually going to sleep, I should probably change into proper sleepwear…
Eh, forget it. I’ll just sleep like this tonight.
I didn’t want to leave Serena’s side even for a moment.
If Ord had seen me, he would’ve smacked me on the back for my recklessness.
“Good night. And tomorrow… please wake up.”
Following Serena, who was softly snoring in her sleep, I closed my eyes as well.
Of course, falling asleep wasn’t easy.
The fear of something happening to her while I slept gnawed at me.
But then, I recalled the bright smile she had worn earlier today.
And just like that, my worries melted away, and sleep overtook me.
Cold. And silent.
To the thing that had opened its eyes, the world was anything but warm.
Even though it had just been born, it shed not a single tear.
It realized that its body was floating in the air, yet restrained by something unseen.
Who was it?
What was this bone-chilling cold?
As the fogginess in its mind began to fade, these questions surfaced.
Then, from the sky above, a massive red light suddenly appeared.
Like a full moon rising in the night, the crimson glow filled its entire vision.
And in that instant, the thing instinctively understood.
Ah… that is—
“[A failure.]”
The moment of realization was followed by a sudden force pulling its body downward.
No—more accurately, it was being discarded.
But why?
Before it could reach the ground, no answer came.
Only the freezing earth greeted it.
Only a mocking voice echoed in its ears.
“Such a useless thing.”
“I… I am…”
Serena, tormented by the nightmare, couldn’t endure the anguish any longer and woke up.
Tears streamed down her face, her breathing ragged.
The vividness of the dream, the sheer agony it had caused, was written all over her expression.
But as the storm of emotions subsided and her mind cleared, she took in the sight before her—
The bright sunlight filtering through the window.
The warmth of a soft, comforting bed.
And beside her, still sleeping, was Ersie.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but as memories of yesterday resurfaced, she realized why she was in her room.
“…Serena?”
A groggy voice.
Ershi was waking up too.
What… what do I do?
What was she supposed to say?
Should she thank Ershi for saving her?
Or should she just act like nothing happened?
Either way, it felt awkward.
And so, Serena hesitated, lost in thought—
Until.
“X||2||L|!”
“Hngh…?!”
Ershi suddenly bolted upright and pulled Serena into a tight embrace.
The force was overwhelming.
With Serena’s small frame, it was almost suffocating.
“Thank goodness… I’m so, so glad…”
Even so, she remained still.
Because the girl holding her was crying—
Tears spilling as she smiled like a fool.
Because the voice that spoke was thick with raw emotion.
“Thank you. For waking up safely…”
Serena couldn’t understand.
Why is she thanking me?
She had been the one who was saved.
She had been the one who owed gratitude.
And yet, she couldn’t even bring herself to say the words.
Why did Ershi keep acting like she genuinely cared?
As if she truly wanted what was best for her.
For someone like Serena, who had once been abandoned as worthless.
She didn’t know the answer. Not yet.
But for some reason, Ershi’s embrace felt warmer than ever.
The nightmare that had been so cold and cruel melted away.
And Serena bit her lip, trying to suppress the surge of emotion in her chest.
She couldn’t let herself cry.
That would be too embarrassing.
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