#5-11 The Revealed Reason | Origin of Reminiscence ~ The City Where the Ice Queen Sleeps
[Recap of Previous Events]
After returning to the surface from the underground city of Rafe, the party spoke with Io, the masked man, at the ruined tower. Immediately after, a pillar of fire rose from the forest where Mimi was. When they rushed over, they were attacked by an abnormal magical phenomenon. Although they were saved by Io's magic, Mimi was seriously injured and taken to the tower, but...
Chapter 11: The Revealed Reason
A quiet room on the upper floor of the church tower.
White light filtered through the snow clouds and shone in through the window.
Sitting there were Tato, Rei, and Io.
Luli was in another room, staying by Mimi's side as she slept.
Tato and the others were gathered around a wooden desk, but there were few words spoken.
In the heavy silence, it was Rei who spoke first.
“Since we arrived here, the magical phenomena in the forest have been increasing. On our journey so far, it was about once an hour.
But the frequency this time is abnormal.”
Tato recalled the events that had just occurred and grimaced.
“I don't know the cause. However...”
Rei traced the map at hand with his finger, looking thoughtful.
“It might have something to do with this city being close to the entrance of the ‘Iceberg’.”
After pausing, Rei glanced at Tato.
“Besides, it seems that when Mimi’s emotions run high, she resonates with magical phenomena. It’s almost as if she’s being possessed by something.”
“Resonance... I see. That logic holds up.”
Io nodded slightly.
“Magical phenomena are ‘echoes of thought.’ Strong memories, prayers, suffering. The emotions left behind by someone eventually harbor magical power over time and take shape. ...Mimi-san might have a constitution that makes her prone to receiving those ‘voices.’”
“Where do those ‘voices’ come from...?”
Tato asked, clenching both hands tightly.
“I cannot pinpoint it, but they are likely originating from the direction of the iceberg.”
“The Queen is sleeping in that iceberg...”
Ta looked up with determination.
“As I thought, I have to go see her. That should also help me understand what is happening to Mimi.”
Then, he turned to face Io.
Io, you said there was no one to reflect, right? Why don't you join us and head toward the Queen? If things continue like this, this world will be swallowed by a forest of ice and miasma. To keep the world from ending, I'm sure we need your power.
Io stared at Ta quietly and paused for a moment.
It felt as though the eyes behind the mask glinted. Then, she replied in a monotone voice.
Yes. I am an existence that accompanies the people here into the future while holding onto memories. I will stand by the side of those who need me.
A slightly brighter atmosphere spread with that agreement.
However, as if to break it, To muttered under his breath.
...In truth, you're just scared, aren't you?
Huh?
Ta frowned and asked back.
Meeting the Queen. Learning the real reason. Finding out 'who you are'—isn't it because all of that is scary that you're looking for more companions?
To said coldly, yet with a stinging tone.
Ta searched for words but could not find any, and fell silent.
Ray stepped in instead.
"Taking Io with us is logical. You're anxious too, aren't you?"
"...So what if I am?"
To did not look away from Ta. However, no further words came out.
"Anyway, for now, let's rest until Mimi recovers."
As if Ray's words did not reach them, Ta and To glared at each other in silence.
Io watched the scene quietly.
(To be continued)
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