Chapter 4
Land of oxmuck
Atoi, the commander of the Guardians and the army of Lora, stood like a wall that no enemy had ever managed to break.
He was one of the strongest warriors in the entire land. Years of battle had carved their story across his body—thin cuts, deep scars, and faded marks that never truly healed. Each one was a memory he carried without regret.
His green hair moved slightly with the wind, and his sharp green eyes held a constant alertness, as if he was always expecting danger to rise from the horizon. At nearly two meters tall, his presence alone was enough to silence a room.
People did not feel safe because of the walls of Lora.
They felt safe because Atoi was still alive.
He was not wandering.
He was searching.
For something he had lost long ago…
or perhaps for something the world had forgotten.
Atoi had finally reached the Land of Oxmusk, (kingdom of oxmusk),
Endless snow stretched in every direction, swallowing the world in white. The air was so cold it burned his lungs with every breath. No trees, no villages, no signs of life—only wind, ice, and silence.
This was a place where most men would turn back.
But Atoi kept walking.
He had not crossed half the world to stop now. He and his horse walked toward the top of the ice mountain. Freezing ice rain fell from the sky as they climbed. He was fully covered in sheepskin jackets, and strong winds howled around him—but nothing could stop Atoi.
Strong winds were blowing.
Each step sank deep into the ice as he moved forward. He kept his eyes fixed on the top of the mountain. When he finally reached the top, he looked across the frozen land. Ice covered everything as far as his eyes could see. In the far distance, a thin column of black smoke rose into the pale sky.
Without wasting a moment, Atoi leaped onto his horse and rode toward it.
The Kingdom of Oxmusk was a world trapped in eternal ice. From horizon to horizon, everything was frozen in white silence. The sky itself seemed pale and lifeless above the endless snow.
In the far northern reaches, a massive forest stood buried beneath layers of frost and snow, its trees frozen like ancient statues in a land where time itself felt stopped. The path ahead was completely buried in snow. Atoi urged his horse forward, riding swiftly across the frozen land. He had spent two weeks there without seeing a single person in the land. But the sudden sight of black smoke in the far distance made him curious. His mind filled with questions.
The king had told him, "There is one of the most dangerous people in that place."
Atoi rode hard toward the frozen river, his cloak snapping violently in the wind. From that point on, doubt no longer existed in his heart. Snowstorms howled across the land, swirling around him like white ghosts as the icy wind screamed through the vast wilderness. Far on the horizon, through the curtain of snow, Atoi spotted the dark outline of a forest. Without slowing down, he turned his horse toward it and rode straight into the white storm. Atoi leaned forward over the horse's neck as the wind roared past them. Snow lashed against his face, forcing him to lower his head. Tightening his grip, he whispered into the storm,
"Caiman… be careful."
"Suddenly, the ice on the frozen river began to crack under Caiman's fast riding.
"Atoi turned back to see the river ice collapsing, crashing into the water and rushing toward them."
Atoi shouted, "Caiman, go faster!"
Caiman heard Atoi's command and burst into a full sprint.
The frozen river cracked beneath his hooves as he ran.
Suddenly, he leapt forward in one powerful jump.
The ice collapsed entirely behind them, but the leap carried both horse and rider safely across.
They reached solid land and turned back, the river's surface shattered, broken sheets of ice drifting apart in the freezing water. They didn't waste a moment. They spent a long time crossing the small, snow-covered mountains on their way, each step slow and exhausting. Finally, they were nearly at the edge of the forest when Caiman suddenly leaped forward into the trees. Without hesitation, Atoi followed.
The forest was massive. Every tree was coated in snow, each standing at least twenty-five feet tall, rising like frozen giants in the silent, white landscape. Atoi climbed down from Caiman's back and looked around. The place was eerily quiet, a frozen wasteland that felt like hell.
Without wasting any time, they began walking forward, heading into the forest.
They began moving forward into the forest, but their progress was slow. The deep snow made every step a struggle, each movement heavy and exhausting.
The sun was sinking, and the forest was slowly being swallowed by darkness.
Atoi scanned the forest one last time, then slowly closed his eyes. He drew in a deep breath, letting it fill his lungs, trying to steady the racing pulse in his chest. The snow whispered under the trees, shadows shifting with every sway of the branches. His fingers clenched at his sides, and a chill ran through him—not just from the cold, but from the quiet, pressing darkness around them. Then, abruptly, the footprints disappeared. Just like that—swallowed by the snow and shadows. Atoi's heart skipped a beat, and even Caiman's normally steady gaze flickered with caution, Atoi scanned the forest one last time, then slowly closed his eyes. He drew in a deep breath, letting it fill his lungs, trying to steady the racing pulse in his chest. The snow whispered under the trees, shadows shifting with every sway of the branches. His fingers clenched at his sides, and a chill ran through him—not just from the cold, but from the quiet, pressing darkness around them. Atoi opened his eyes, determination flashing in their depths. He made a choice—there was no turning back. "We move forward," he said, his voice steady despite the shadows pressing in from all sides. Caiman nodded, and together they stepped deeper into the dark forest, each crunch of snow underfoot echoing like a heartbeat in the silent, frozen world. They walked for hours, the forest growing darker with every step. Finally, just as the shadows thickened into near-complete darkness, they stumbled upon a small cove hidden among the trees.
At the front of the cove, they peered inside cautiously. Atoi scanned the nearest corners, tense and alert—was there some hidden danger waiting for them in the shadows? Slowly, both of them stepped into the cove—just enough space for the two of them. Inside, the air was surprisingly warm, a comforting contrast to the freezing forest outside. The warmth washed over them, and for the first time in hours, Caiman hesitated. Finally, he sank to the ground, releasing a long, heavy breath that echoed softly through the small, sheltered space. Atoi felt the calm of the moment too, the tension of the forest momentarily fading. Atoi sat down close to Caiman, keeping near him as the warmth of the cove wrapped around them, after a long day of walking, both of them were completely exhausted. Without a word, they collapsed onto the warm ground of the cove and fell asleep almost instantly.
Far across the lands ,A perpetual drizzle fell from low-hanging clouds, painting the rolling hills and forests in shimmering silver. Mist clung to every tree and stone, giving the entire kingdom an ethereal, otherworldly glow. From here, the world seemed quieter, slower—yet beneath the calm, something unseen stirred, hinting at secrets waiting to unfold.
Atoi heard a sound outside the cove. He jolted awake and stepped out, and at that moment, the first rays of the sun broke through the forest. The light revealed the entire clearing, casting long shadows and painting the snow in gold, giving him a clear view of the surroundings for the first time. he can see the there is an small river, it another side have an small village. Atoi bolted into the cove, grabbing all the supplies he had. With urgency, he shook Caiman awake, and the horse stirred immediately, nostrils flaring and hooves stamping. Time was slipping away, and every second counted. Atoi reached the riverbank and gazed across at the village. More than twenty small houses dotted the green patch of land, but the people were all wrapped in thick blankets, their faces hidden from view. The sight gave the village an eerie, almost ghostly feel, as if life itself were hiding behind the fabric. Atoi crossed the river, its water crystal clear, reflecting the sunlight like glass. He dipped his hand into the flowing stream, cupping the water in his palms, and drank. It was incredibly sweet, pure, and refreshing—like tasting the first drops of life after endless days in the frozen wilderness. Atoi entered the village, and every villager's eyes turned toward him and Caiman. The horse's hooves crunched softly on the path as he walked forward. On either side, small houses and cottages lined the way, smoke rising gently from chimneys, giving the place a quiet, lived-in feeling despite the villagers' watchful stares. The villagers began to gather around Atoi, their curious eyes fixed on him and Caiman. Whispers floated through the air, and the quiet of the village was broken by the soft shuffle of feet on the snow-covered path. Then, someone stepped forward from the crowd and stopped directly in front of Atoi. Slowly, the person pulled back the hood covering their head, revealing their face for the first time.
The figure stepped forward and slowly pulled back the hood.
It was a young girl. The girl looked at Atoi with quiet attention, as if measuring him. Her eyes then moved to Caiman, watching the horse just as closely.
She asked, her voice calm but cautious,
"Who are you… and what are you doing here?
Atoi glanced at the gathered villagers. A faint smile crossed his face.
He said calmly, "I am Atoi… Stalker , from the Land of Lora."
The moment the words left his mouth, a wave of silence fell over the crowd.
Eyes widened. Breath caught.
One by one, the villagers stepped back, fear spreading through them like a cold wind.
But the girl did not move. She stood her ground.
Looking straight at him, she said,
"I am Dodo. Welcome to the Land of Oxmusk." A ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
Eyes widened. Whispers rose like wind through dry leaves.
No one expected her to say that.
Dodo turned gently and said,
"Come… follow me."
Without a word, the villagers stepped aside, parting like a silent tide.
A narrow path opened before them.
Dodo walked ahead with calm steps, her cloak swaying gently.
Atoi followed her in silence, his boots pressing deep into the snow.
As snow whispered beneath their steps, Dodo spoke without turning back, her voice soft in the cold air,
"I've heard many stories about the Land of Lora…"
Her voice drifted through the cold air as they walked, calm and thoughtful,
"I know… the greatest warriors are born there…"
Atoi said nothing. He only listened, his gaze steady as he walked behind her.
Snow crunched softly beneath their steps as they moved along the silent path.
Without warning, Dodo came to a gentle stop before a small house, its roof heavy with snow
Dodo raised her hand and knocked three times.
The sound echoed softly in the quiet air.
After a brief pause, the door creaked open on its own.
The two of them stepped inside the house.
Warmth immediately wrapped around them, melting away the cold from outside. The air smelled of burning wood and dried herbs.
Atoi's eyes moved carefully around the room. The walls were covered with mounted animal heads—deer, wolves, and creatures he did not immediately recognize. Their glassy eyes seemed to watch him in silence.
On the floor lay a massive bear skin, its head preserved, jaws slightly open as if frozen in its final roar.
In front of the crackling fire, someone was sitting in the shadows.
Dodo lowered her head slightly; her voice filled with respect.
"Kayaku…-sama."
At the sound of Dodo's voice, the man slowly lifted his head.
The firelight flickered across his face as he turned toward them, his sharp eyes locking onto Atoi.
Kayaku's voice was deep and steady as the fire crackled beside him.
"Who is this, Dodo?"
Atoi stepped forward into the firelight, shadows dancing across his face.
His voice was calm, unwavering.
"I am Atoi… Stalker, from the Land of Lora."
The moment Kayaku heard the name Lora, his eyes sharpened.
Without hesitation, he rose from his seat before the fire.
The room fell silent as he stepped forward, stopping face to face with Atoi, the flames flickering between them like a silent challenge. Atoi felt it instantly.
The pressure in the room shifted.
He's stronger than me…
Even without lifting a weapon, Kayaku's presence alone carried the weight of a seasoned warrior. The air between them felt heavy, almost suffocating.
Atoi did not break eye contact.
His voice remained calm, steady like still water.
"I came… because I want to know something."
Kayaku's eyes narrowed, the firelight reflecting sharply in them.
His voice hardened, edged with anger.
"What is it?"
Even as tension filled the room, Dodo's expression did not change.
Her eyes remained calm, steady—unshaken by Kayaku's anger or the heavy silence in the air.
Atoi's voice grew quiet, yet heavy with meaning.
The fire crackled between them as he spoke.
"The MistyRain Empire."
His voice lowered, almost demanding.
"Tell me… where is the MistyRain Empire?".
The moment Kayaku heard those words…
The air in the room shifted.
A sudden burst of blue aura exploded around him, swirling like raging flames made of light. The fire in the hearth flickered violently, and the walls trembled under the pressure of his power.
His eyes glowed faintly beneath the rising energy.
The pressure spread beyond the house…
Outside, the villagers froze.
Some fell to their knees, gasping for breath. Others clutched their chests as the invisible weight pressed down on them.
They couldn't withstand it.
Kayaku's blue aura pulsed like a storm, and the entire village trembled under its force. The pressure crushed the room like an invisible mountain.
But Atoi… did not move.
He remained standing in front of Kayaku, his cloak whipping in the storm of blue energy. His boots dug into the wooden floor, yet his posture never bent.
Their eyes locked power against will. Atoi stood firm against the crushing aura, his voice steady despite the storm of power around him.
"There is someone… I've been looking for."
Before the tension could explode any further—
Dodo suddenly rushed forward.
In her hands was a small flowerpot.
"Enough!"
She leaped into the air and smacked Kayaku on the head with it.
The blue aura flickered violently—then shattered like glass.
The blue aura flickered… then vanished completely.
Kayaku stood frozen. A small crack formed on the broken flowerpot resting on his head.
Dodo landed lightly in front of him, hands on her hips.
"Stop showing off, Kayaku-sama."
A long silence filled the room.
Then—
A small bump slowly began to rise on Kayaku's forehead.
The once terrifying warrior quietly rubbed his head.
"…Tch."
Outside, the villagers blinked in confusion as the crushing pressure disappeared like a passing storm.
Atoi remained standing there, cloak settling in the calm air… wondering if this was truly the same man who had shaken the entire village moments ago.
Dodo's gaze sharpened, her head tilting just a little.
"Who… is the one you seek?"Top of Form
Atoi's gaze darkened, his voice low and steady, carrying weight across the warm, firelit room.
"My master…"
Kayaku slowly stepped back, the blue aura now gone.
He turned and lowered himself onto the chair in front of the fire, flames casting shadows across his stern face.
The room grew quieter, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the lingering tension in the air.
Kayaku's eyes flickered toward the fire, then back at Atoi, his voice low but firm, edged with warning.
"There is no way to go there… it's far too dangerous."
He leaned back slightly, shadows from the flames dancing across his face. His gaze darkened, carrying an unspoken weight.
"The kingdom… it is lost. Yet… it is hiding something."
A heavy silence settled over the room. The warmth of the fire could not melt the chill that his words brought. Atoi stepped forward, his boots clicking softly against the wooden floor.
Without a word, he lowered himself onto the chair across from Kayaku.
Now, face to face, the firelight danced between them, casting flickering shadows over their eyes.
The room felt smaller, charged with unspoken challenge and heavy anticipation.
Atoi's green eyes met Kayaku's sharp gaze, steady and unwavering, as if silently daring him to speak.
Kayaku's eyes narrowed, his voice firm and serious.
"It's too dangerous to go there."
"When I was young," Kayaku began, his voice low and distant,
"my friends and I crossed the borders of the Misty Rain Empire.
Suddenly… everything changed. The climate shifted violently, and a powerful aura rose from the forest.
We couldn't withstand that kind of pressure back then… not even for a moment."
"Some of my friends… they ran away from there," Kayaku continued, his voice heavy with memory. "But I… couldn't," Kayaku said, his voice barely above a whisper, weighted with the memory.
"My feet wouldn't move… and the forest… the aura… it didn't let me turn back."
Kayaku stopped, his gaze locking onto Atoi's.
The firelight flickered across his stern face.
"I know… I am your enemy," he said, his voice steady but heavy,
"but don't… go there."
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