The chill struck suddenly. Thanks to Eunice’s warning, I’d been on high alert. The moment I felt it, a sense of dread flashed through me. Only one thought remained: *Dodge.*

Move. I had to move. After today’s string of malice and attacks, I fully grasped what kind of world this was. Even back home, murders happened often in deep forests like this. Absolute safety didn’t exist.

My brain’s command to evade shot through my body. Driven by sheer will, I threw myself forward onto the ground just as the chill hit.

Ahead, Eunice seemed to react too—I heard movement—but the cold lingered. I didn’t dare glance back. Any wasted motion could mean death. No time to observe, no time to think. I scrambled up from the grass, sprinted three steps, and reached the unconscious Rosalynd.

Not to shift danger onto her. Simply to fight with my back against the wall.

My frail body held little strength. Hours of forest trekking had drained my stamina. Running meant certain death—I couldn’t escape that sudden chill. Fighting was my only shot at survival, however slim. And the only thing that might tip the odds? Rosalynd’s silver longsword.

Rosalynd lay eyes closed, utterly unaware of the danger. I grabbed the sword with both hands and yanked it free.

Heavier than it looked. Beautifully crafted, yes, but wielding it would slow my swings. Quick strikes were out of the question.

Gathering courage, I faced the source of the chill, gripping the sword with both hands. Finally, I saw what had triggered my panic.

Coiled on a lush, emerald-green tree branch was a pale white snake. Less than a meter long, its body emitted a faint chill mist. Icy blue eyes locked onto me. Between frost-like fangs, it flicked a translucent white tongue. Ice crystals coated the nearby leaves.

That tree stood right behind where I’d been standing moments ago. Had I not dodged forward, its fangs would’ve sunk into my neck.

Staring at this bizarre creature, my sword-hands trembled. I bit my lower lip gently—the brief sting steadied my nerves, just a little.

Glancing sideways, I spotted Eunice. She held an identical pale snake in her right hand, calmly studying it.

*Holy crap!* I’m terrified here, and you’re just… observing? Did you spot a new species to take home? Weren’t *you* the one who promised to protect me?!

Distracted by Eunice, my focus wavered. The ice snake on the branch lunged at me like a white blur.

I steadied myself and swung the sword—do or die. But before it reached me, a wisp of dark energy shot from Eunice’s palm. It struck the airborne snake mid-lunge. The creature tumbled helplessly to the grass, rolled twice, then reared up. It hissed softly, flicking its tongue at me twice before slithering away.

…Just like that? I stood there, sword in hand, utterly exasperated.

Eunice approached, casually releasing her own snake. She eyed me holding the blade.

“What are you doing with that sword?”

…What do you *think* I was doing? If you can swat enemies away like flies, don’t make me sweat bullets! I was ready to fight that snake to the death.

Relief washed over me as the danger passed. I relaxed my grip. “Felt threatened. Thought I’d defend myself.”

“Defend yourself? I told you I’d protect you,” Eunice said.

…Hope you’re always this punctual.

“Don’t you trust me?”

“No, no,” I shook my head quickly, blurting out my true thoughts. “I just think wanting to protect myself doesn’t contradict your promise. You said we’re partners. A partner who waits dumbly for rescue might get us both killed. To maximize my safety, I’ll still act when danger strikes.”

After all, life’s only once. Well… twice, for me now.

Eunice gave me a strange look. Her expression screamed, *Suit yourself.*

“Come on. Stick close. Something’s about to happen.”

Something? What? Doubt prickled my mind.

Eunice hoisted Rosalynd onto her back and continued along our path. I followed obediently.

My legs grew heavier with every step. But the dark forest hid countless dangers. Stopping wasn’t an option. Night had fallen, and visibility was terrifyingly low.

How Eunice navigated this pitch-black maze so effortlessly baffled me. I had to trail her—straying even slightly meant getting lost. To me, the woods were a shadowy blur. Moonlight barely pierced the canopy, doing nothing to light our way.

“Eunice, how can you see in this darkness? I’m pretty sure my body doesn’t have night vision.”

I couldn’t hold back the question.

Eunice halted, setting Rosalynd down gently.

“This isn’t a power you originally had.”

From Rosalynd’s chest pocket, she pulled out an object and handed it to me.

“Use this for now. The Arnold Clan’s crest. Only the most exceptional descendants earn it.”

I examined it—a circular badge etched with a white rose, made of some unknown material.

“Pinch the center lightly with your fingers. It’ll glow.”

“Glow?” Intrigued, I squeezed it. The badge bulged, its inner mechanisms unfolding until it became a smooth metal sphere. A soft, pale light radiated from its surface, illuminating the surroundings.

Trees, grass, leaves, soil—everything snapped into clarity, as if a lantern had been lit.

I nearly dropped the glowing sphere in shock.

Still reeling from this otherworldly tech, I heard a crow’s cry pierce the forest ahead.

Harsh. Unpleasant. Eerie. Ominous.

With that cry, the night wind turned biting cold. Even the sphere’s light seemed to dim.

Rustling came from the grass ahead. Blades trembled as something pushed through toward us.

I looked to Eunice. She simply watched that direction, waiting.

Closer it came. Green stalks thrashed wildly—then a black crow hopped out of the bushes.

What the hell? A crow… *hopping* out of the grass?!