The sun stared down from above; its golden rays flooded even the tallest of peaks.
Far below it was a group of humans treading the deep snow in a valley hidden from the sun's warm embrace. Shivering, they begged for the warmth of the golden glow. For the past few hours—ever since leaving the battlefield with the spiders—they had been wrapped in the shade of the endless mountains.
Slowly, the sun found its way toward them, seeping through tiny cracks. Before they knew it, they were being blinded by the powerful light. The mountains were so tall it felt like they were standing right next to the shining star.
The air was thin and cold. Each breath produced white smoke and caused people to cough violently, not used to the atmosphere.
Just as their vision returned, the view unfolded.
"Is this… Heaven?" someone whispered.
"Far from it," Sev answered matter-of-factly.
He could practically sense the confused gazes piercing his back.
Before them was a large circular clearing surrounded by tall peaks. It was like an oasis. Multiple large cracks led to the outside, showing a magnificent, captivating view. The sky looked so clear, so beautiful—everything looked so peaceful.
Inside the dark cliffs there were what looked like homes, dug out and occupied by people just like them. There was also a small frozen lake in the middle of the clearing with a frozen waterfall connecting to it.
Close to the waterfall, however, was something that seemed… wrong. It looked just like the other cracks, but instead of a blue sky there was darkness. Deep shadow covered every inch of the massive opening.
Sev's eyes slowly locked onto the deep gorge as he announced,"That right there is how you'll live from now on. Every day each of you has the choice to enter and explore, whether you come back or not is up to you. Whether you eat or not is also completely up to you."
He took a deep breath, seemingly enjoying it.
"That is a path that leads straight to the home of the spiders. It is where we gather our food, notions, and materials. It is also where most of us go to die."
His attention drifted away from the opening as he settled his sights on a large building right across from the deep gorge.
tsk. A complicated expression formed on his face as another figure slowly approached the group from afar.
White sparks surrounded Sev's body. His chipped silvery armor slowly disintegrated into the air, leaving Sev only in his modified suit that looked in no way suited for the cold weather.
"Everyone wait here; you will all be told where to go soon."
His words sounded like a threat more than a command, so no one dared to take a single step. Instead, they stared, soaking in this surreal sight.
One by one, in the distance, began appearing more people—mostly dressed in white robes that didn't look too dissimilar to the ones the group had been wearing ever since being rescued in the desert.
Sev walked off, positioning himself closer to the approaching woman.
She had short blonde hair tied into thick braids that covered her entire head. On her body she wore a well-crafted suit of animal hide; on her waist was what looked like the head of some beast; on her shins and forearms were silvery blue garments that looked closer to plated armor than anything.
She walked confidently—as if she owned the place, as if nothing could threaten her.
"What took you so long?" she asked, the moment she was close enough for Sev to hear her.
He instantly froze. The complicated expression on his face bled into his whole being. He was both glad to see her and annoyed to be looking at her.
Despite it, he greeted her with a warm smile."I missed you too, Astrid."
They were suddenly close enough to stare into each other's eyes. Hers were a deep gray, and his were a muddy green.
Sev coughed lightly, unsure of what to do, when out of nowhere she grabbed him into a tight hug.
"How was the trip?"
Sev tried to look away, only barely returning the hug."Nothing unusual."
She frowned slightly."Then why were you two months late?"
Sev thought for a moment before answering,"We were attacked by a worm."
Her eyes widened in horror."Are you okay?" she said, patting him down and checking for injuries. "How'd you survive? And… where's the caravan?"
Sev glanced back, seeing everyone staring at him."About that, could we talk later? I have some great news."
She jumped up to her feet, nodding slightly. She glanced behind Sev before returning her attention to him. Her expression had already turned serious—almost mean looking.
"Is that all of them?"
Sev nodded, his expression already stoic as always.
"Any candidates?" she asked, staring deeply at the group of awed people.
"Not among them, no. They are about as weak as most others, although there are some small exceptions."
He turned around, pointing at one man in particular—a middle-aged man with some gray hairs on his messy, unkempt head.
"That man used to be a doctor."
He pointed at another—Daniel."That one apparently has courage, but is stuck behind a death he could've prevented… or so Max said."
Her eyes lit up at the mention of that name.
"Max? How is that little rascal?"
Sev smiled and politely said,"He's dead."
Astrid instantly turned to him with an angry look before punching him on the shoulder.
"Don't joke about things like this, I can see him right there."
She pointed at the group where a young boy was already waving at them.
Ouch, Sev thought, rubbing his shoulder.
"Anyone else?"
Sev opened his mouth to speak, but Astrid jumped in,"Where is Julian? I only see Terry."
Sev sighed."This time I'm not joking…"
Her expression darkened slightly.
"We were overwhelmed and he couldn't handle it."
Astrid nodded."He died a brave death. We should have a feast in his honor."
Sev nodded as Astrid had already started walking toward the group. Sev caught up just as she was about to begin speaking.
Soft murmurs spread through the group:
"Is that her?""Is that the Lady?""Lady Astrid?""Is she…"
With a heavy thump that resounded across the clearing, she announced her presence.
She spoke with a confident, steady voice,"Welcome to the sanctuary! I'm sure Severin has already told you about this place."
She turned slightly, allowing everyone's attention to drift to the buildings behind her.
"This is where you'll live until we find a way out of the Land Within."
Another wave of murmurs spread through the confused group:
"Land Within?""What does the name mean?""Is that where we are…?"
She shook her head in disappointment, glancing at Sev with one eye.
"You might know it better as the collective subconscious. It is where our thoughts live and where our minds exist. In this place, you are nothing more than your thoughts."
She paused, intending to clarify slightly.
"That doesn't mean you can't die—quite the opposite. You are here because you were unlucky. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now you have to pay for it, unfair as it is."
She turned back to face the group fully.
"Nothing here is free. If you don't provide, you will be thrown out. We don't have enough to give to the useless, so make yourselves useful in any way you can."
She raised her voice slightly.
"Hunt, gather, explore… become better, stronger. Help us all escape this awful place."
She remained still for a moment before signaling to Max.
"Help them settle in."
Max nodded enthusiastically, his face practically glowing.
She then pointed to Sev, as if saying Follow me, before turning and walking toward the large building