Lord Fujioka stepped off of his horse and so did the general. They grabbed the horses and guided them over to where Reiji stood.

  As they walk past the soldier that just got up she commands him to stand back.

  They stop just before Reiji Kurozuma and Lord Fujioka speaks:

  "Well, we're happy that you already have a fire but it's quite out in the open. I suggest we relocate."

  "...Fine, have your men make another fire where you deem fit. I'll put out mine."

  Reiji answered Fujioka in a slow, relaxed tone before turning to walk towards the fire.

  As he walked away the general leaned in and whispered to the Lord.

  "Do you think we can trust him?"

  "With the power that man possesses it is imperative we form some kind of trust."

  The general nodded to Fujioka's answer.

  They look over at Reiji who is casually throwing snow at the fire, slowly putting it out.

  "He resembles a child now that he's doing such a task."

  The lord commented. The general didn't say anything and turned to her men.

  "We're setting up camp over there."

  She pointed to her left, somewhere in the forest.

  "200 meters, get to it!"

  The platoon made their way towards the spot she pointed out. She looked back at Reiji, who was walking over to her.

  "So, I'm guessing the camp is going to be where those soldiers are going?"

  "Yes."

  The general answered Reiji. The lord put a hand on Reiji's shoulder.

  "Come, you look like you could use some rest."

  As they walked behind the soldiers Fujioka spoke.

  "What is your name? I don't believe you told us."

  "Reiji Kurozuma."

  "I guess you already know our names?"

  "...You told me, well, more like yelled at me but I don't remember."

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "I am Lord Fujioka and she is-"

  "I am general Shirasagi Ayane."

  Reiji stayed silent for a moment and then spoke.

  "I'll call you Fujioka and you Ayane. I don't care if it's alright with you."

  Lord Fujioka quietly sighed, knowing Reiji was far from trusting them.

  As the soldiers got to clearing snow and unloading the tents they carried, Reiji started walking away.

  "Where are you going, Kurozuma?"

  Fujioka asked in a calm manner.

  "I'm going to gather firewood."

  Reiji pulled out his katana and got to chopping.

  He cut down a few small trees and cut them up using his katana.

  The soldiers, general and Lord watched in surprise as he easily cut through the wood.

  He took the pieces and threw them into the cleared areas.

  He looked around and saw all eyes were on him.

  He lifted his arms in a confused manner.

  "What?"

  After getting no response he spoke again.

  "Does anyone have something to start a fire with?"

  He asked in a louder, more irritated tone.

  One soldier ruffled through his bag and pulled out some cotton.

  Reiji grabbed a piece of wood and started cutting it into thin pieces.

  Once there were enough pieces the soldier lit the fire.

  When it burned big enough, Reiji threw a whole piece of wood into it.

  The soldiers started making another fire. There were 12 soldiers in total so six for each campfire.

  Reiji noticed that they had winter clothing and armor plates strapped to them, leaving a lot of gaps but ensuring mobility.

  Reiji, on the other hand, was the only person that was wearing something made for more like summer.

  He didn't feel cold, actually. He just noticed that. It seems the meat he ate from the Tenebrovermis caused a lot of change.

  The soldiers cleared more snow around the fires and then sat on top of their bags.

  As he watched he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Fujioka.

  "Come, join us for a walk."

  "...Sure."

  Answered Reiji. They started walking into the forest.

  After some time of walking Fujioka turned to the general and spoke.

  "General, could you please stay here for a moment? We'll go forward until we feel it is private enough to speak."

  The general nodded to the lord's request.

  The Lord and Reiji then walked for a short moment before stopping.

  Lord Fujioka then turned to Reiji.

  "Do you believe in the supernatural?"

  Asked Fujioka.

  "What do you mean by supernatural?"

  "The kind that makes some people seem…more than human. And what do you think about the power to cross between worlds?"

  After a moment of silence Reiji gestured for Fujioka to continue.

  "You see, the Frostgnashers, Frost people and apparently…the Tenebrovermis aren't of this world."

  "I've heard the tail. That they were all mentioned on paper years before they were discovered."

  Reiji told lord Fujioka with an uninterested tone.

  "Decades, Kurozuma, decades. And there will be more. Both in species and number. We have put so much effort into keeping the Frost people a secret. We told so many lies when Frostgnashers attacked humans left and right before they realized we weren't worth it."

  Lord Fujioka said in a very serious manner, making it clear that he didn't enjoy lying to keep people calm.

  After Reiji didn't respond Fujioka continued.

  "Over 60. You killed over 60 Tenebrovermis and well over 30 Frost people. Why?"

  "To protect human life, I thought it was obvious."

  Reiji answered.

  "Well, the ones that you fought were weak, scrawny. Their bows had a low draw weight and their weapon quality was…terrible. But I've seen what they have. What they do to innocent people."

  "Me too, and just so you know, that fire that was burning on the road were the remains of the eleven Frost people I've killed today."

  "...Here? Today?"

  Lord Fujioka asked in a surprised manner.

  "Why is that such a surprise?"

  "Well, we are currently deep inside their territory. What you've encountered was a patrol since some daring people keep coming here."

  "So they weren't complete losers like the other ones I've killed? These guys did have better weapons. Their bows had a higher draw weight."

  "Yes, if you wish to describe it that way. May I now ask, what was the task you wanted us to help with in exchange for you coming with us?"

  "To kill the nearest Frost people sediment."

  After a moment of thinking Lord Fujioka answered.

  "I believe we may have the information you need. But I don't think we have enough manpower to win."

  "That's alright, just set whatever they have ablaze. I'll kill all of the Frost people myself."

  "We shall discuss a more detailed strategy when we get in visual range of the sediment."

  "Sure, whatever floats your boat."

  Lord Fujioka nodded and stepped to the side, gesturing for Reiji to return to the camp.

  Reiji walked past lord Fujioka and the lord followed behind him.

  When they walked past the general she too started following.

  "Are there any tactics or strategies we could use against the Frost people? It pisses me off how fast and silent they are

  in snow. It's like they glide on its surface."

  After a moment of silence Fujioka answered.

  "Off the top of my head their favorite tactic is to ambush. Before the attack they could be stalking their victim for hours. If we move fast enough they'll have to follow us for longer. But that depends on how we move."

  "... I'm guessing that if we go down an open road they'll attack sooner but if we go through less forgiving paths they'll take their time?"

  "Yes, but that'll only work until we get too close to their sediment. They will surely attack us then."

  Lord Fujioka answered Reiji's question. Reiji stopped before they got too close to the campsite so the soldiers wouldn't hear him.

  "It doesn't matter. Whatever we do they'll always find us first. We'll make our way as fast as possible tomorrow morning. If we're alive by then."