Chapter 18 - 15: Bonds Forged in Frost
The hum of the Section 6 transport vehicle was oddly calming, a stark contrast to the tension bubbling within Ellen as she sat across from Miyabi. The young recruit glanced out the window, watching the skyline of New Eridu give way to the chaotic, shifting terrain that marked the edge of the Hollow.
Miyabi sat in her usual composed manner, arms crossed, her cursed blade Tailless resting beside her. The faint glow from the sheath seemed almost alive, pulsating softly as if reacting to the Etheric energy they approached. Ellen couldn't help but steal glances at it, her curiosity battling her apprehension.
"You're staring," Miyabi said without looking up, her voice calm but sharp enough to cut through Ellen's thoughts.
Ellen straightened immediately, her cheeks flushing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just... that sword. It's unlike anything I've ever seen."
Miyabi's eyes softened slightly as she looked at the blade. "Tailless isn't just a weapon. It's a burden. One that demands more than most can give." She turned her gaze to Ellen. "You'll learn soon enough that power always comes with a cost."
Ellen nodded, her fingers unconsciously brushing the hilt of her own weapon. "I guess I've already started to see that."
"Good," Miyabi said, her tone softening slightly. "Awareness is the first step. But understanding comes only through experience."
The conversation hung in the air as the vehicle came to a stop. The doors hissed open, revealing the jagged, otherworldly landscape of the Hollow. Etheric energy crackled in the air, making Ellen's skin prickle.
"Stay close," Miyabi instructed as they stepped out. "This Hollow is unlike the others. The anomaly we're investigating has been spreading corruption at an accelerated rate. We'll need to neutralize it before it destabilizes further."
Ellen nodded, gripping her giant scissors tightly. She couldn't afford to mess this up, not with Miyabi watching her every move.
Back at the Section 6 headquarters, Yanagi stood with her arms crossed, watching Mira struggle to summon a controlled burst of Ether.