Endless Winter's
Chapter 3: Stranger Girl's

After I stayed up all night to solve this mystery case. Unfortunately, I did not find the answer at all. All my answers are always headed for a dead end.

Feeling too long staying up, I also gave up and resigned to the investigation tomorrow. When I put my head to sleep, there was a sound of crowing chickens indicating that the day had changed. I panicked half to death, and as soon as possible changed clothes while running.

"Let's stay 15 minutes to arrive on time. I can't break my disciplinary record. I need to be faster."

My heart is racing, I don't know why I'm feeling sleepy anymore. Mostly because of the adrenaline sensation that makes me awake.

*15 minutes later*

"Ah. I finally arrived... Huh.. huh..."

in a few seconds, I will be late. Tired, lethargic, and this drowsiness doesn't matter to me as long as it doesn't break my record.

"Alex, are you okay? Your face looks pale. Are you sick?" Ask the worried Eryka.

"No need to worry, I'm fine. Look, I'm here on time, right." My wrong speech facing the other person.

"Hey... I'm here." Tell Eryka.

"I'm sorry, I seem to lack focus." I said as I turned to face Eryka.

Then, we set off for the ruins of the temple mentioned by the king's advisor. When we get to the destination...

"Well my friend, our mission this time is to uncover the missing persons case. Since this is our first time here, be careful and stay alert. This investigation is complete if we find some new evidence. So please cooperate!" Eryka.

"Good."

I subconsciously did not listen to what Eryka said and fell asleep in this soft snow pad.

"Alex, wake! You can't sleep here!..." Said Eryka who was trying to wake me up.

"Huh.this child is very difficult to wake up!" Fret Eryka.

"Just remember, Ery, we'll help you wake her up." Emma and Zetta.

The two of them went towards the nearby lake, then they took out a bucket of water. Then without hesitation, they doused me with that cold water. I woke up and was cold, even though I was wearing warm clothes.

"Ahhhhh..it's cold!"

"Hahaha.so don't sleep!" they both laughed at my reaction.

"Hey you two! Are you guys crazy? Alex could freeze to death because of you! Don't you have brains?" Shouted Eryka who was very angry.

Emma and Zetta can only quietly listen to Eryka's anger.

"Hold Alex! you just rest first. Just put on my jacket." Eryka said attentively.

After what I've been through, I feel comfortable and safe when I'm with Eryka. He has helped me a lot since I was a kid. However, I have never returned all her kindness so far. This feeling makes me uncomfortable. That's why I want to repay her with her happiness sincerely and wholeheartedly.

I was too carried away, not realizing that anyone was lurking from far away. When we wanted to take shelter, we arrived...

"Reviews....!" Shouted Eryka by pushing me

I had no idea what had happened before, but after turning around I saw Eryka lying helplessly.

"Eryka's...." I immediately approached her and tried to help her.

After I examined Eryka's wounds, I was shocked to see a gunshot wound.

"It's not wrong anymore, it's a bullet from a sniper rifle." My speech.

Then, I looked around to keep watch over the presence of the sniper. The second shot slid almost to my head, but luckily the Goddess of fortune sided with me.

After listening carefully to the source of the sound from the second shot. I directly faced towards the location of the hideout from the sniper. And pointed at her indicating that I knew her location.

As the location of the hideout was known, the sniper had no choice but to retreat and escape.

I was so relieved that my estimate was accurate. I estimate that a sniper will retreat if his position is known. I almost forgot about Eryka.

"Oh yeah. Hope it can be helped."

But unfortunately, I saw Emma and Zetta mourning Eryka's departure. I was so shocked and couldn't believe seeing Eryka's body. I could only give up and fall down to regret all my actions.

"Hiks... Why did this happen? O Lord...Why did you take anything of value from me again? Whyaa?" My screams were mixed with sadness and anger.

____-----_____-----______

That's when my world changed 180 degrees. Now all I feel is the regret of the past. My spirit has dimmed and I have no hope anymore.

I just locked myself in my room all day without any news. I've ignored all the call of duty from the superiors. I don't care about this world anymore either.

"Now I can't see him anymore... Unable to repay his kindness... And I miss her so much!" I said with a lot of stress.

I decided to end my life. But when I get into the chair...

[Do you want power?]

The voice of the mysterious woman sounded clear.

[I say again, do you want to be strong?] The voice is getting louder.

"Just wanting alone won't make destiny change!"

[Oh, unfortunately! Are you sure you want to end it all here?]

"Actually who are you?! You're mocking me!?"

I raise the volume of my voice.

[Oh I'm sorry, poor Alex! I am Maria. I'll help you get out of this mess!]

"How do you know my name?"

[Remember, said your friend, the late Eryka. His efforts will be in vain if you end them now.]

I thought back to my past with Eryka. His life purpose is the same as my life purpose. That's why he insisted on helping me make it happen.

[It turns out you still remember it. The late Eryka will not rest easy if your life goals are not realized. You promised him that you used to.]

"Let's.... My head is now dizzy! I'm not strong anymore." I screamed with pain in my head.

I immediately went and forgot my suicide plan. I really don't like it when given the option to choose. Let alone his options like that, making me a headache and dizziness 7 circumference.

After getting tired of running so far and stopping at the intersection of the alley, I tried to take a short break and regulate my breath that was panting.

"Hello who's there? Are you lost?" A mysterious voice came back to my ears.

I turned my head and saw a long haired woman who was white like snow, and beautiful red eyes like Ruby crystals.

"From your face you look burdened with a lot of problems huh. Instead of thinking about your problems continuously it is better to come with me for a walk to enjoy the beauty of this kingdom." Ask the white-haired woman.

"Ah. not necessary. I don't have much time to play." Said I who refused his invitation.

"Come on! It's not just playing, it's good for you. It would be dangerous to leave it alone." It was her who seduced me.

"Hm... You're pretty suspicious if you say that. We've never met. What's more, how do you know I'm under a lot of stress. It's suspicious!" I suspected this woman.

"Euughh... That's true what you said. But I have no evil intentions for you. I swear! What if we introduced ourselves to each other? Start with me first. My name is Yukki Sachenka. You can call me Yukki. Hello to you."

"I'm Alex. Greetings to know too."

"Well Alex, we already know each other's names. Do you want to come with me?" Ask the woman to me.

"I still doubt you. But what you said was true. I shouldn't think too much about my problems. I'm coming!"

After I agreed to go with her, I was like being pampered and comforted by her. He is very friendly and likes to joke. That's what makes me feel better than ever. I really enjoyed that fun moment. And we began our journey around this kingdom.

Along the way, I told Yukki all of the problems that had happened to me. While he can only give advice and just give this help. He also said that if you have a problem, you must also have a listening friend to listen to all your problems. You'll feel better if you share your problems with others.

I rested sitting on a garden chair near the fountain after tired of walking around. While Yukki has not returned, he said he wants to buy me snacks. He returned with two still warm breads.

"Now, the warm bread just came out of the oven."

"Oh thank you."

"Hey Alex, let's bet! Who can shoot down all three apples over there will get free bread." Yukki said while pointing at the apples on the tree.

"Who's afraid... I started first. Look, I'll win." I said while throwing some stones, but still failed.

"Darling, try again next time. Now it's my turn." Yukki said while throwing some stones and managed to drop some apples.

"Woe... That's grand! Where did you learn that." My enchanted words.

"Haha... You should know that I'm among the top archers in the world." Said Yukki who was proud of herself.

"If I lose, what are the consequences?"

"Yes, you have to pay for the bread we ate!"

"Huh..? So you stole?"

"Where might I steal. I told you that the payment I gave you. Please pay the bill! Blurred..."

Yukki said that trapped me and disappeared into the earth.

"Eh.. Wait a minute! Yukki...! Ah shit, it turns out he's good at pranking too...Be present." My words are no longer surprised.

"Even though he had set me up, but this feeling seemed to me. Every time I looked at his face, I always assumed Yukki was Eryka." My inner.

After I finished dealing with Yukki, I also came home because it had started late afternoon. When I turned around, I hit someone strong and big enough to fall.

"Master... This is the bill from the white hair girl. Please pay now! Otherwise, you'd know the consequences." Said the unusual cake seller.

"Uh oh..." My words are only resigned and there is no other way.