Chapter 38: Avalanche
Avalanche.
Avalanche.
It comes crashing down.
The white wave vomited forth by the snow-capped mountain swallowed everything mercilessly, swelling uncontrollably as it consumed.
The speed was overwhelming. At this rate, not a single soul would escape being swept away.
If caught in an avalanche of that magnitude, everyone except me would undoubtedly perish.
For a moment—just a moment—I had to halt that cascade of snow.
Was there any way to temporarily stop such an immense natural disaster? Did I possess such means?
No. I didn’t.
My eyes darted across the scattering guards and companions fleeing in all directions. Thankfully, they’d heeded my shouted warnings.
Then I spotted it—the back of Dakia’s head as she sprinted desperately.
There. The fleeting solution to delay the avalanche.
I launched myself forward, chasing her while shouting:
“Lady Dakia!”
She whirled at my call without breaking stride.
“Yes?!”
“Stop right there!”
“What?!”
Though panic laced her voice, she obediently skidded to a halt. I gripped her shoulders tightly.
“Do you trust me?”
“What kind of question—of course! But look behind you!”
KWA-KWA-KWA!
The colossal wave of snow closed in with terrifying speed. No time for explanations.
“Lady Dakia!”
“Y-yes!”
I pointed at the oncoming doom. “You’ve been waiting for a chance to prove your magic, haven’t you? This is it!”
Her pupils trembled violently. “But no spell I know can stop something this massive!”
Staring into her golden eyes, I pressed: “Channel every ounce of mana you have into one strike. It’s our only hope—for everyone, including you.”
“I’ll collapse afterward! And I can’t move while gathering that much—”
“I’ll protect you.” My grip tightened. “No matter what.”
Her trembling ceased. Dakia bit her lip, then shouted: “Fine! But keep your promise! I’m trusting only you, Priest Marnak!”
Releasing her shoulders, I nodded. “Give it everything.”
As Dakia stepped forward, ancient words spilled from her lips. Mana writhed around her like a living storm, silver hair lashing in the turbulent energy.
The raging power began escaping her control, but she accelerated the incantation. Precision didn’t matter—the target was too vast to miss.
“DIIIIIIE!!!”
Though shouting death at an inanimate avalanche seemed absurd, the completed spell erupted in a blazing counterwave.
KWAaaaang!
Flames clashed against the snow tsunami—a lone mage’s defiance against nature’s wrath. The fire held momentarily before being consumed.
“DIE, DAMN YOU!!!”
Blood vessels burst across Dakia’s face as she pushed beyond her limits. The avalanche retreated half a step—no, less than half—before resuming its advance.
‘Kill.’
At that moment, Dakia’s mother declared through clenched teeth: Three and a half fingers. A step toward ten thousand divinities.
As Dakia swayed, I caught her collapsing form. “Enough,” I said.
“Really…?”
“More than enough.” The time she’d bought would let others escape.
KWA-KWA-KWA!
The snow charged again. My turn.
“Mother! Now!”
‘KILL!!!’
Reality tore as the Corrupted Giant crashed down, roaring:
-GRAAAAAH!
“No time for theatrics! Shield us!”
The giant crouched over us, its bulk creating protective darkness. Within this shelter, I activated the Gate of Corruption. Divine energy flooded my veins as I braced Dakia against my chest.
Impact.
Later, the Giant burst from the snowbank, howling. I emerged carrying Dakia along its carved path.
“Remove those boulders from your side before someone notices.”
The Giant casually plucked spears of ice from its flank, wounds sealing instantly.
We stood in a featureless white hell—all landmarks erased. At Dakia’s groan, I signaled the Giant. It vanished through a spatial rift, returning moments later as she stirred awake.
“Priest Marnak…?”
“Here.”
“…Alive?”
“Lost, but breathing. Can you move?”
She groaned. “Not… at all.”
“You’ll recover. Mana exhaustion.”
After a pause, she locked eyes with me. “I saw everything. That Giant you summoned—”
‘KILL!!!’ Mother materialized, pummeling Dakia’s face with harmless fists.
“Kyaaa! What’s this child?!”
I restrained the thrashing deity. “Mother, calm down.”
‘SHE’LL EXPOSE US!’
“She’s sincere.”
‘FOOL! HUMANS BETRAY!’
“Don’t you trust me?”
Mother hesitated, then shook her head violently before jabbing two fingers at her eyes, then Dakia—I’m watching.
“She says be cautious,” I translated.
Dakia blinked. “Can I ask… is she really your mother? She’s so young!”
After binding Dakia with an ancient oath, I explained my true nature.
“But what if I lied during the vow?” she challenged.
“I understand the old tongue.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re not a mage! How?!”
“Later. We move.”
“Which way?”
“Where divinity lingers. Carmen and Sajita likely escaped.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Hunting the sealed relic? Let me help!”
“Hide if you regain mobility.”
“After holding back an avalanche? You need me!”
“…Fine. When necessary.”
Golden shards littered the battlefield ahead—Aurelius’ handiwork.
“Repayment time,” I murmured. “Mother!”
The Corrupted Giant materialized, roaring.
“Harass the cultists. Strike and retreat.”
It pounded its chest in understanding before charging. Time to repay the avalanche—and claim our prize.
