Though it took some effort, they managed to gather information from Sampo about the current state of Jarilo-VI.
Hundreds of years ago, the planet's environment suddenly turned harsh. A relentless snowstorm engulfed the planet, and strange "rifts" appeared everywhere, putting humanity's very survival at risk.
Thankfully, under the leadership of the Supreme Guardian, the last remaining humans united and built the final bastion of humanity.
Belobog.
"And the Silvermane Guards are the soldiers responsible for guarding and maintaining the Path within this city," Sampo added with a chuckle, inching closer to Dan Heng, trying to win his trust.
"Hey, I like to help. You seem unfamiliar with the place. Want me to show you the way? I know a safe path that the Silvermane Guards won't discover..."
Dan Heng paused, his mind turning. Could this Sampo be trusted?
"We'll split up."
Felicity's voice broke the silence, her tone pragmatic.
"Dan Heng, you have the coordinates. It shouldn't take long to find Belobog. I suggest the three of you head there together. As for the path Sampo mentioned, I'll take a look."
"...You're right. This is the safest approach."
Dan Heng nodded, agreeing to Felicity's plan. They couldn't predict what awaited them in Belobog, nor could they be sure whether the Supreme Guardian would have favorable intentions toward these outsiders. If things went awry, Felicity would be their escape route.
"Eh? We're splitting up already?" March 7th said, a touch of regret in her voice. After witnessing Felicity's power firsthand, she had no concerns about her safety.
"Don't worry, it won't be long. If all goes well, we'll meet again soon."
"Wait... I have a problem with that!" Sampo interrupted, raising his arms dramatically, his face twisted in mock grievance.
His theatrics barely caused a stir, only drawing a few cold stares.
"...I have no objections."
Sampo deflated, like a balloon losing air. He glanced at Felicity, shrank his neck, and sighed in resignation.
"Fine, fine. Now that I'm in your hands, I, Old Sampo, give up. Come on, I'll show you my secret passage."
"That's more like it."
Felicity snapped her fingers, causing the vines lurking around Sampo to retreat. Her voice was light, almost cheerful.
"Let's move out then."
Dan Heng gave a slight nod to Felicity, signaling their departure.
Once the trio vanished from view, Felicity turned her attention back to Sampo. Her reasons for staying weren't as complicated as Dan Heng had assumed. She was simply curious about Sampo's true identity. After all...
"You're not at all curious about where we come from, are you?"
Felicity said with a knowing smile.
"Huh? Big sister, what do you mean?" Sampo turned, meeting her gaze and suddenly feeling an icy chill down his spine.
"You've been careful to treat us like 'fellow travelers,' avoiding questions about our origins and ignoring the fact that we know nothing of Belobog. You casually told us the city's history and even offered to lead us there."
Felicity's smile widened as she raised a finger, the vines around her springing to life, floating on either side.
"Common sense would tell me this isn't normal behavior."
"No, big sister, I just don't want to get mixed up in any weird incidents!" Sampo quickly defended, backing away from the vines.
But Felicity wasn't buying it. She intended to find out the truth herself.
The vines shot forward like arrows, closing in on Sampo in the blink of an eye.
"No, big sister, we only agreed to guide you, not put my life on the line!" Sampo yelped, rolling out of the way just in time to dodge the attack.
Two scimitars appeared in his hands, and he swung them up, narrowly slicing through a vine above him.
However, before he could catch his breath, the snow beneath his feet cracked, and another vine swiftly wrapped around his legs.
Before he could react, a vine lashed at his face.
—Too late.
Sampo raised his scimitars, but the speed of the vines far surpassed his. One vine wrapped tightly around his throat, forcing him to freeze.
Felicity tilted her head, an amused yet puzzled expression on her face. She muttered under her breath, "Is this guy really just an ordinary person?"
Though Sampo had some strength, it wasn't enough. At his level, even if Felicity stood still and allowed him to strike, his attacks would never break her defense.
"Sister, I'm truly just an ordinary person! I'm just scared of getting caught up in weird stuff, so I purposely ignored your identity!" Sampo cried out, his voice full of desperation.
"..."
Felicity sighed, clearly irritated by his antics. She waved her hand, dispelling the vines with a stern look.
"Fine, I misunderstood you. Lead the way."
"Okay, okay," Sampo sighed in relief, rubbing his neck. He hurried to Felicity's side, a nervous grin on his face.
"Hey, I, Old Sampo, might not be good at much, but I'm excellent at leading the way. Just follow me and you won't go wrong."
"...You sure know how to bounce back," Felicity muttered under her breath. One moment, he was on the verge of death, and the next, he was chatting like they were old friends.
"You know, when you walk the same path often, you get good at it. Hehe, don't judge me—I'm actually pretty skilled at reading people. I can tell you're a kind soul, so I knew you wouldn't kill me."
Sampo chuckled, his tone playful.
Felicity ignored him and followed as he led her across the snow. Soon, the towering walls of Belobog came into view.
"Big sister, you need to be careful. There are a lot of Fragmentum Creatures near the secret passage. It's fine if they notice us, but if we make too much noise, the Silvermane Guards will show up."
Sampo's voice dropped to a whisper as he led Felicity to a small hole in the corner of the wall.
"Keep quiet when you enter. I don't want the Silvermane Guards catching us."
With that, he crouched down and slipped into the hole.
Felicity eyed the small gap, her thoughts drifting.