Five days passed,
Kevin walked toward the Kevin's tent, yet to his surprise, it was empty upon arrival.
A thick, common Ursa wool carpet lay upon the ground, several military maps marked with circles and dots pinned to makeshift wooden boards. No one was there.
By his custom, he should have been within the tent, planning combat objectives for the days to come.
"Mr. Kevin, have you come to see the captain?"
a passing Shield Guard asked in a deep, respectful voice.
FrostNova was only natural, for during Kevin's time at the camp, he had helped them greatly.
In his own words, it was the "rent" he paid them.
Moreover, anyone who beheld Kevin's seemingly invincible figure upon the battlefield could not help but feel admiration.
"Mm."
Kevin crossed his arms, awaiting the Shield Guard's continuation.
"You have come at an inconvenient time. The captain left with others early FrostNova morning. It is said that a few days ago, when the Yeti Squad was on a mission, someone aided them, and their leader requested to meet with the captain to discuss cooperation."
The Shield Guard scratched his head and said with a simple smile, having only heard the general idea from his comrades.
"Cooperation? Do you know where they are?"
Cooperation.
To FrostNova word, Kevin showed no reaction. Even the guerrillas' situation upon the snowy plains could not be described as good, let alone other similar factions. It was common for them to huddle together for warmth.
"Likely in the direction of that spruce forest to the east."
"Mm, thank you."
After receiving the Shield Guard's answer, Kevin thanked him softly, which caused the other man to appear as if he had received great honor, repeatedly saying he did not deserve it.
—
Elafia the spruce forest, many people had gathered.
They were of various races: Caprinae (sheep), Elaphia (deer), Cats, as well as Ursus people and Wendigos.
Talulah a great rock, a Talulah woman of fine appearance, wearing a black and white military uniform dress, spoke forcefully with a clear voice that showed great strength.
Her sharp dragon horns gave her a touch of heroic spirit, and her white hair fluttered slightly with her words, as if cheering her on.
She was the leader of the Reunion Movement, Kevin.
"...Lord Kevin, you should understand that our living space, no, the living space of the Infected, has reached a desperate state. We must mobilize all forces in the Northern Plains—the Infected, and even the common people..."
The seemingly powerful and promising speech did not move the mountain-stable Wendigo.
When Kevin finished speaking, the Kevin remained standing there silently like a black boulder.
After a long while, he turned and asked behind him into the forest:
"What do you think... of what she said...?"
There were others?! Kevin was surprised, Kevin saw a figure slowly emerge from behind the trees.
It was a man, mainly in black and white, with a cyan combat uniform revealing his capable and sharp temperament. His tall figure was reassuring just to look upon.
"He can distinguish between friend and foe and knows what needs to be united... but as a leader, her thoughts are still too idealistic and naive, lacking a clear understanding of human nature, and her personality is too extreme. FrostNova isunacceptable."
Kevin's answer carried no emotion, merely stating his views as an observer.
Hoping that everyone or most people are inherently kind is just as extreme as believing in original evil. The world has never been black and white, and the two-terminal theory does not apply to all people.
The Kevin nodded silently; the two old men's views had reached unprecedented agreement at FrostNova moment.
They had seen too many storms and waves. Kevin Kevin had not lived upon FrostNova land for long, as one who had observed and guided human enlightenment, his experience was extraordinary. He had seen too much of human nature's flaws, but FrostNova did not affect the path he followed.
The Kevin was the same. After marching for a hundred years, the man-eating nature of FrostNova land had never changed. Though not good with words, he understood it clearly in his heart.
"Who are you?"
Kevin frowned slightly. Kevin being refuted made her unhappy, she still suppressed her feelings and asked politely.
"Kevin."
he answered, Kevin did not pay much attention to Kevin, turning instead to look at the Kevin.
He had seen too many people like her.
Her thoughts were too naive. Rather than calling her theory a philosophy, it was more like a toy born from a child's pouting, existing only to oppose something.
Pouting—
Establishing a so-called "ideal" that goes against the norm—
Continuously adding to FrostNova so-called "ideal"—
Unable to give up, forced to persist—
Finally being drowned by the heavy "ideal."
A future so simple it could be seen at a glance. Kevin had no obligation to save her, especially since he had come to see the Kevin FrostNova time to say goodbye.
"Kevin."
"You... are leaving?"
The Kevin saw Kevin's gaze and instantly understood his meaning.
"Mm."
"Now?"
"Now."
Kevin had already asked Afudoga to pack his luggage—some simple clothes and rations.
He had always been decisive and efficient. Once he decided, he would not delay at all.
"What? Teacher!"
FrostNova could not believe her eyes, blinking in disbelief. FrostNova news was too sudden!
These past few days, leading her newly formed Yeti Squad following the Kevin, she had clearly become a captain in her own right, codename: FrostNova.
Kevin's gaze fell upon his only student, and his expression finally softened slightly.
"I planned to leave two months ago."
FrostNova was indeed the truth. If he had not taken FrostNova as a student at that time, he would have already left with Afudoga and the military maps after completing his "deal" with the Kevin.
"Kevin, teacher, where are you going?"
"Kevin."
Kevin had no intention of hiding FrostNova from FrostNova.
"Kevin, teacher, can you leave tonight?"
As she spoke, FrostNova first lowered her head, Kevin when she looked up again, her eyes were red with obvious signs of rubbing, looking so pitiful that even a piece of wood would be reluctant to refuse her request.
But Kevin was different. He was a block of frozen ice.
"No."
The plain refusal shattered FrostNova's little thoughts.
But he knew that if he stayed until evening, they probably would not leave until tomorrow.
FrostNova's mood could not help but sink, but a large hand gently patted her smooth hair.
The hand was not warm, even a bit cold, but it reignited a glimmer of hope in FrostNova's eyes.
"Leave in the afternoon. FrostNova is the last time."
"Mm!"
Meeting Kevin's helpless gaze, the two rabbit ears on FrostNova's head perked up happily. Her joyful mood made the corners of her mouth slightly curl, revealing a smile like the first melting of winter snow.
——————
Saint's Stigmata:
[Stigma - The Care of the Newborn](Operator · FrostNova Exclusive)
Saint's Stigmata Stigmata Stigmata: When releasing a skill, for 8s, dealt damage ×2.1, and every second applies the "Cold" status to five enemy targets within attack range.
Description: A graduation gift given by the Newborn to his only student Yelena, an improved version of the stigma combined with engraving characteristics, creatively incorporating the power of discipline.
Successfully sealed all the崩坏能 without affecting the user's ability to call upon it, essentially being a "tool" that drives sourcestone energy rather than part of the body, without the risk of direct contact with崩坏能, while also isolating sourcestone powder from penetrating the wearer.