The next day, Aideen wakes up after her eyes catch the sunlight coming through the broken windows of the house. Mr. Cole is sitting beside her, vigilantly all night, keeping an eye out for possible dangers. Seeing that Aideen is awake, Mr. Cole stands up and grasps his trusty weapon.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Good."
"You are awake."
"We have a long day ahead of us."
"Get yourself ready."
「 Aideen 」
"Can we stop by the grave for a moment?"
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Of course, Mrs. Carmen."
Aideen stands beside Matthew's freshly dug grave, her heart heavy with grief. The sun casts a warm glow on the peaceful surroundings, but the weight of loss dangles in the air. Mr. Cole, his face etched with sorrow, stands beside her, offering a comforting presence in this moment of deep sorrow.
As they stand there, Mr. Cole breaks the silence, his voice filled with urgency and a tinge of secrecy.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Aideen, we must keep our encounter with the creature a secret, especially from the authorities."
"In the past, those who witnessed the ancient horrors mysteriously vanished without a trace after they reported to the authority."
"I fear that the government is involved, somehow."
"Our safety depends on our ability to remain hidden."
「 Aideen 」
"Understood, Mr. Cole."
Aideen nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knows that attracting unwanted attention could jeopardize their safety. With determination burning in her eyes, she makes a silent vow to keep it a secret, no matter the cost.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Now let us go and get you that Gear, Mrs. Carmen."
Together, they embark on a journey to find an old Gear, in hopes that it will provide Aideen enough protection to traverse the soil mine. Mr. Cole leads Aideen through the dense foliage of New Pavo Reserve 013, guiding her to hidden locations known only to the nathkins.
「 Aideen 」
"I'm sorry Mr. Cole, but..."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"What is it, Mrs. Carmen?"
「 Aideen 」
"Can we take a rest for a moment?"
"I need to catch my breath."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Sure."
"Let's rest by the river, over there."
Hours passed before both of them agreed to take a break beside a river nearby. Beside the river, Aideen and Mr. Cole find a serene and picturesque spot to rest. The mist that rose from the cascading waters, created a dazzling display of nature's beauty.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"This place was known as Scalding Falls."
"It surely brings back memories."
The falls tumble down from towering cliffs, creating a series of small waterfalls that merge into a larger pool at the bottom. The water sparkles under the sunlight, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding landscape. The sound of rushing water filled the air, creating a soothing melody that eased their weary hearts.
Surrounding the falls is a lush expanse of flora. Towering trees with sprawling branches provided shade, while colorful wildflowers dotted the grassy banks. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the refreshing mist from the falls.
Aideen and Mr. Cole settle themselves on a moss-covered rock near the water's edge, taking in the enchanting scene before them. The sun's rays filtered through the leaves, casting a gentle, dappled light that danced upon the surface of the river.
Birds chirp melodiously, their vibrant plumage adding dashes of color to the tranquil setting. Butterflies flutter gracefully, their delicate wings carrying them from one flower to another. It is a scene straight out of a painting, a perfect moment of respite amidst their arduous journey.
「 Aideen 」
"Nature truly has a way of rejuvenating the soul."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Indeed, Mrs. Carmen..."
"It's moments like these that remind us of the beauty that exists beyond the mess we're facing."
They sit in companionable silence, basking in the serenity of the Scalding Falls. The sounds of nature and the gentle rush of the waterfall provide a temporary escape from the weight of their task.
As they rested, their minds began to wander, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. They know that their pursuit to escape the reserve will be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they draw strength from the beauty of their surroundings and the unwavering resolve in their hearts.
Unfortunately, their rest is cut short as the water in the river starts to heat up, releasing steam and vapor everywhere. Aideen, who was dipping her feet in the water pulled them out as she noticed that it was getting hotter by the second.
As the steam continues to rise from the river, obscuring their view, Aideen and Mr. Cole exchange puzzled glances. Something is amiss. The once serene atmosphere is now tinged with a sense of foreboding.
As soon as the steam parts, a fearsome creature emerges from the forest near the riverbanks. Its fiery mane billowed around its majestic form, and molten lava dripped from its claws. It is known as magmalynx by the nathkins, a rare and powerful creature known for its association with volcanic activity.
The magmalynx let out a deep, rumbling growl, its glowing eyes fixed upon the intruders in its territory. Aideen stood frozen in place, not knowing what to do.
「 Aideen 」
"Mr. Cole, what do we do?"
"It seems the creature doesn't appreciate our presence."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Stay calm, Mrs. Carmen."
"I will handle this."
"This creature is known as magmalynx."
"Just make sure not to provoke it further."
The magmalynx prowls closer, its powerful steps leaving scorch marks on the ground. The air around it shimmers with intense heat, making it clear that a direct confrontation would be perilous.
With their hearts pounding, Aideen and Mr. Cole slowly backed away, attempting to convey to the magmalynx that they meant no harm. They need to find a way to de-escalate the situation and ensure their safety.
As Aideen and Mr. Cole watched in awe, the ferocious magmalynx suddenly came to a halt and emitted a gentle purr, causing its blazing aura to gradually fade away. The once menacing and predatory eyes now soften into a pair of tearful yet endearing gazes, leaving Aideen utterly surprised and amazed.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Ember?"
Seems like Mr. Cole knows of the magmalynx.
"Ember..."
"Is that you?"
The magmalynx emitted a low, rumbling purr, affirming Mr. Cole's recognition. It approaches them cautiously, its fiery mane now glowing with a warmth that belied its earlier aggression.
Mr. Cole extends a hand towards Ember, who nuzzles against it affectionately. The bond between them was evident, and Aideen couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected connection.
「 Aideen 」
"Mr. Cole, you know this creature?"
「 Mr. Cole 」
"..."
Mr. Cole is overcome with emotion as he stares at Ember, the majestic magmalynx standing before him. Tears, indistinguishable from those shed by a human, began to well up in his eyes as he recalled all the cherished memories they had shared together. The poignant moment is a testament to the deep bond that had formed between the two, a bond that transcended the boundaries of species.
As Aideen and Mr. Cole bid farewell to the Scalding Falls, their hearts filled with newfound hope and determination. With Ember, the magmalynx, by their side, they resume their quest to find the ancient Gear that will aid them in their journey through the treacherous soil mine.
They traverse through dense forests, their footsteps guided by Mr. Cole's unwavering sense of direction. The path becomes increasingly treacherous as they delve deeper into the reserve, but Ember's presence provides a sense of security, warding off any lurking dangers with its fiery aura.
After hours of traversing rough terrain and overcoming various obstacles, they stumble upon a hidden cave nestled in the heart of the forest. Mr. Cole, his eyes gleaming with excitement, leads Aideen and Ember inside.
The cave is dimly lit, with faint rays of sunlight filtering through narrow crevices in the rocky ceiling. The air is heavy with the scent of damp earth, and the sound of dripping water echoes through the chamber.
As they venture deeper into the cave, they come across a massive stone door, adorned with engravings depicting ancient civilizations. Mr. Cole approaches the door and runs his hand along the carvings, his eyes filled with reverence.
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Mrs. Carmen, we have found it."
"This is the place."
Aideen's eyes widen in awe as she takes in the sight before her. The stone door emanates an aura of power and mystery, leaving her with a sense of anticipation for what lies beyond.
With a determined expression, Mr. Cole pushes against the door, revealing a vast chamber filled with rows upon rows of ancient artifacts. The air is thick with the scent of aged parchment and forgotten history.
Aideen's gaze is immediately drawn to a pedestal at the center of the chamber. On it rests the ancient Gear they have been searching for—a magnificent piece of armor, a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
But to their dismay, the chamber is not empty. A swarm of the insect-like creatures they encountered before guards the Gear, their chittering filling the air with an eerie cacophony.
「 Aideen 」
"What do we do now, Mr. Cole?"
"There are too many of them."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Stay behind me, Mrs. Carmen."
"I will protect you."
With unwavering determination, Mr. Cole unsheathes his weapon, ready to face the swarm head-on. Ember's fiery presence looms beside him, its glowing eyes fixed upon the approaching horde.
A fierce battle ensues, with Mr. Cole and Ember fighting in perfect harmony against the relentless onslaught of the ancient horror. Mr. Cole's weapon cuts through their exoskeletons with precision, while Ember's fiery attacks engulf their adversaries in a blaze of flames.
The battle is intense and arduous, with Aideen providing support wherever she can, evading the creatures, and assisting Mr. Cole whenever an opportunity arises. The clash of steel against chitin reverberates through the chamber.
After what feels like an eternity, the last of the creatures falls to the ground, defeated. Mr. Cole and Ember stand amidst the fallen foes, their bodies covered in the aftermath of the battle. Aideen, though unscathed, feels a surge of exhaustion wash over her.
「 Aideen 」
"Mr. Cole, we did it..."
"But are you alright?"
「 Mr. Cole 」
"I'm fine, Mrs. Carmen."
"We prevailed."
As Aideen approaches the Gear, she can't help but feel a surge of energy emanating from it. It hums with power, resonating with her own essence. She reaches out and touches it, and a jolt of energy courses through her body, causing her to stagger backward.
Aideen's eyes widen as she feels a surge of ancient knowledge flooding her mind. Visions of battles long past, forgotten technologies, and untapped potential overwhelm her senses. As the surge of energy subsides, Aideen finds herself standing tall, her eyes glowing with newfound determination.
「 Aideen 」
"I... I can feel its power."
"This Gear..."
"It's like, I have seen it before."
「 Mr. Cole 」
"Mrs. Carmen, you have been blessed."
"We must continue our journey now, to the soil mine."
After adorning the ancient Gear, the trio leaves the chamber, their steps infused with a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead is still treacherous, but their determination burns brighter than ever.