Chapter 356: Act before Exploration

A͇c͇t͇o͇ ͇a͇n͇t͇e͇s͇ ͇d͇e͇ ͇l͇a͇ ͇E͇x͇p͇l͇o͇r͇a͇c͇i͇ó͇n͇

These training days did go by fast, the 10 days I initially had as training did go by fast, I've been in Antarctica for over a week now and it seems I'm even getting used to an average measure of what it's like to live here, yes it's cold especially when it's night time, but in the mornings as Nushi always goes out to sunbathe looking at the ocean, both me and Svein started to do the same, it's like being able to witness or welcome this new day with energy. But I think we also go a bit overboard and get to annoy Nushi, since he for sure has the habit of just resting and being quiet, but I can't help but have several conversations with Svein, and not at all I think it would be an interesting topic for Nushi.

『Cliston,Nushi, haven't you ever thought about why when food drops, they say the devil already sucked it? My mother and grandmother always said that, I always imagined that he always sucks it literally』.

『Do you really imagine that the devil appears to suck your food in a timely manner? I don't think the devil has enough time to suck all of them, but what my grandmother used to tell me was that you have to apply the 5 seconds rule, as long as the 5 seconds don't pass, the food can still be eatable』.

『Oh! I also got to hear that in college, my classmate dropped his gum in the middle of the passageway, picked it up like it was nothing and swallowed it again 』-『So it means that maybe the 2 theories are intertwined! The devil gives you 5 seconds before he sucks it and hurts you!!!!』

『Then that would also explain a lot, being a researcher does make you smart』

『*proud* It's nothing, it wasn't hard for me to solve this mystery 』

Svein and Cliston seem to be talking about idiocies while they were sunbathing. While for Nushi's peace of mind, he was completely against the boys, he was annoyed that they believed in those superstitions because for him that was a lie, but from the many times he had to explain something to them, he was already reluctant to have to teach the truth to these young people again. While Cliston and Svein were talking, Nushi would turn to look at them to add to the conversation.

『In the first instance the devil doesn't exist, and in the second it's not like food has immunity for 5 seconds to dirt, if it gets infected the effect is instantaneous, I could expect it from Maao, but from you Brat? You are a researcher and explorer, treat the topics as what they are, a pure truth, you looked prettier when you talked about imagination and those things』.

In the end it seems that although he did not want to do it, it is common for Nushi to have to correct or clarify such issues. They were silent for a few seconds that even made Nushi uncomfortable, but Svein would quickly raise his hand to counter their leader.

『That's not true, the devil does exist, my grandmother told me since I was a child that she used to fight against the devil on top of the icy mountains, always with her Maçônica Sword, and if my grandmother says so, it's because it's true』.

『Oh!!! Tell me more Svein!!!』

『Pay close attention, on a night where my grandmother stayed up late at night fishing....----------------』

Svein would go on to tell an incredible story of how his grandmother who is still with us, when she was young managed to take on a cold demon on top of the frozen mountains of Norway. Seeing the excitement on Svein's face along with the mimicry she was doing, this really made Cliston imagine an incredible scenario, but to Nushi this was just cheap old wives' tales to show her grandson a good time. But for some reason he was not very interested, being able to imagine something that was not real but make sense of it with your imagination seemed to be something that peaked Nushi's curiosity.

『It's a very weird and not even believable story, but I won't deny that it was entertaining (it reminded me of the silly stories my mother used to tell me) If you have more silly stories then share them, it wouldn't hurt to turn off my brain for a moment』.

Nushi looked like he did end up accepting those all silly stories that ended up being thrown at him by one of his companions. To this Svein was happy responding that he still has many more stories from his neighbors and more relatives. Cliston would also like to be able to tell some stories, but he didn't know where to start, he was scratching his head looking up at the sky so he could find which story would be good, maybe one that his grandmother told him when he was young, at that Cliston had it and would go on to say that.

『I think one time my grandmother told me that she went to a Yakuza party or meeting, but she didn't know it at the time, I think to this day she doesn't have it very well confirmed, but the thing is that she put a song by mistake in that party which sounds "sa sa sa sa sa ya tu za ya tu za" but for many it sounds "sa sa sa sa sa Ya ku za Ya ku za" When my grandmother put that song she will not forget how everyone present looked at her puzzled and even her friend of that time who was the one who invited her was also afraid of what was going to happen』.

The little story that Cliston told left both Svein and Nushi confused by this, quickly Svein was excited about how Cliston's grandmother came to have a relationship with the Yakuzas or dangerous people, it must be incredible! But for Nushi he wondered what the grandmother was doing with dangerous people, what kind of relationship there was in all this. But in the end, the story, because it was so incredible or intriguing, ended up hooking the two investigators as well.

After receiving the day as it should be, the 3 of them proceeded to have their breakfast together, truly every time they eat it seems like far away days where especially Nushi ate canned food. There are even the occasions where he prepares so tasty that snot always comes out of his nose, it's like he was crying and that was his way of representing it.

『This is really good, brat you are a genius in the kitchen』.

『I think so too, Svein you cook really well, I wish I could learn how to cook, but I don't think I can with both arms limited 』.

『Thanks to both of you, by the way Cliston, I still see that you don't rest as I would like, everyday you force your arms especially in training, I hope that won't come to hurt us in the future』

『Do you think so? But I don't think so, anyway I just need my wind and that's all, thanks to Yushi's training I'm doing better and better 』.

At that moment when Nushi was eating quietly, he seemed to rattle his cutlery and showed that he couldn't take it anymore. At that she would turn to look at Cliston and ask him straight to his face.

『Who is this Yushi that you're confusing me so much with? You've been confusing yourself for days now and it bothers me a lot, is it some relative or friend Maao?』

『Eh? Yushi is someone else? I thought you two got along so well that Yushi was your nickname Nushi, ahh! Yushi, Nushi, I get the confusion』.

Svein thought another thing where Nushi was more annoyed with this, quickly Cliston had to answer the questions asked as well as the doubts, this one only apologized by commenting that it was the name of a classmate and friend from his home country. To this he only emphasized that she was a kind of family, more than anything he sees her as a little sister whom he will help when he returns to smile heartily.

『Smile from the heart? A simple friend? Little sister? I see you don't understand where this matter is going Maao, you too should have understood by now Brat』.

At that moment Svein stood up from his seat and would turn to Cliston to see him face to face, Svein was really excited about this, his face flushed and red as red as red, while he couldn't stand the excitement he felt.

『Congratulations Cliston! I see you are going all out! I felt the same way in college too! But I didn't pay much attention to it since I was more focused on finishing my degree, you are still young and you are in your prime!!!! Take advantage when you have time and really keep your word!!!』

『You are young too Svein, rather thank you, I do promise to make her smile from my heart』.

Svein upon hearing Cliston's statement, Cliston would go on to hug him tightly and affectionately for how determined he was, while stressing how good and envious he is of young people who live their lives to the fullest. Cliston to this he didn't understand but only limited himself to receive his friend's affection, but Nushi to this he was clearer, so again I feel direct he would tell Cliston that it was for him such words.

『Maao, what does "Make her smile from the heart"』 

Faced with the question that the leader of Antarctica asked him, Cliston did not take long to answer, and told him that it was just that, to make her smile with all her heart since it seems that there are few occasions that she does or expresses it, accompanied by the fact that she also seems to be unaware of the meaning of affection, such as receiving affection or even love. When he heard this Svein was confused and stopped giving affection to Cliston, Nushi was wiping his nose to explain it better.

『Maybe for you it means that, but you should take more into consideration what your words mean to your friend, "to make her smile from the heart" or whatever you said to Yushi must mean something else, it may seem closed but I know how people work all the time, your friend expects you to make her understand another meaning to what you have in mind』.

To what Nushi said, it seemed to make much more sense now, Svein also gave her the reason that at the time of keeping your word, who it is meant for is the most important thing and how she will understand it, that making her smile from her heart for Yushi may mean something else. Also remembering that little girl in that moment when they met and took a walk, we learned that she does not know what it would be to receive real love, she understands perhaps the love of family, but she does not understand that there is another kind of love outside of all that and she would like to understand it one day, for that same reason she tried with Cliston to get to feel that feeling. 

Cliston started to remember that clear moment of the walk, the moment where they argued and told him directly in his face that "I do want to see you smile and really have fun!!!!! I do want to save you!!!"

He commented this also to his companions who managed to hear him, this made both of them more doubtful especially Svein, but quickly Nushi seemed to have the answer to this.

『Save you? Save her from what? *sigh* It's not a subject that concerns us but it does cause me intrigue, many things came to my mind but I won't say them so as not to worry you, I'm only going to tell you this Maao, if she really is a person you care about, if you really say you see her as a member of your family, then you have to keep your word until the end, no matter how you see it if not how that person expects it, your obligation when you promise is, make her happy at all costs』.

This was also a direct word to Nushi, it was as if he was saying it to himself again remembering how his stay inside the abyss was. Was the fact that he stayed here for so long looking for a solution to the curse also because of a promise? Nushi pointed a finger at Cliston who was thinking about it, it could be said that it is the first of all the promises she has been saying since she came back home, the first one she decided to help with all her heart and being is her friend, who Yushi did not forget those words as he told her on that occasion, Yushi since that day always hopes that the one who knocks on the door of her home, is Cliston to help her in her problems, Cliston the first to want to save her and Yushi accepting those words, hoping that one day they will be fulfilled.

Cliston only nodded his head and had nothing more to say, he might not be able to fulfill all his promises, but before the first one he made since he came back, if or if he wants to fulfill it, no matter how long it takes, if it has to be 1,2,3, or even more years than Nushi, Cliston will do everything possible to save his friend. After that, now everyone was getting ready for today's training, or so Svein and Cliston thought, as they were leaving and heading to the place where they always train. It came to Nushi's mind the situation that was going on in Japan, and as long as he doesn't get the news that the said person named Na is detained, then anyone can be a victim of their chaos.

『What's wrong Nushi? The usual thing is that you always take the lead』.

Svein was turning to his leader, as he was thinking about such an issue, but again decided to do what he mostly knows how to do, which would be to ignore the external problem and again focus on his own problems. With a cool head, he would pass by his companions to communicate a small change in today's day, as tomorrow will be the day when Cliston leaves with Svein to the Abyss, so the normal thing to do is to explore a little of the place.

『Today we are going to explore the first few Layers of the Abyss』.

As they were receiving the news, Svein to this was excited, while Cliston would turn to look to the side and could see how other households seemed to be gathering or preparing for something. 

     ---------------------------------------------------------------

A man who out of confusion or one played on his mind, or even someone could have set him up. He was in a section where he should not be at all, and especially alone. That man who has a great experience for all the adventures he has had, he has always been brave at all times, always bringing great research and discoveries that were even recognized in the same field. He was walking on an icy road without any trace of fear on his face, with a fully equipped suit, that man was sure that he can get out of this, after all, he can not die in this place, just for his person and his pride, the end of his life that can still give more can not end here.

『What is this I hear...they are creaking sounds coming from the walls.... I know I shouldn't move forward and stay in one place but.... if I stayed in one place, I felt I would see something I shouldn't have seen....』

I advanced along the paths that had that place, I could not stay still for a second, because every time I did it to be able to rest even for a few minutes, the creaking of the ice seems to transform into footsteps that each time approached where it is, turning to look at the road where you passed and see something appear from it, is what brought more fear. 

『E walked for hours and I did not meet anyone, there is no indication that someone passed before me.... I'm all alone...so why do I feel this feeling that...someone is after me....』

The footsteps, the creaking, the silence there was if you didn't speak at all, and if you did it was as if all the different paths there were, it swallowed them up in order to get the message across. If you spoke or shouted in a specific direction, it was not at all uncommon to hear a response from behind your back. That skilled man is the first thing he noticed, he first shouted but quickly as he did so, he felt that faint voices but many at the same time, were coming to him from different directions.

『I think .... should continue walking ....』

That scout man was the leader of Norway's home, this for different situations ended up falling into the Third Layer of the Abyss, although he knew and everyone knew that this area is already dangerous, he ended up falling anyway. He went yesterday morning to explore with his group of explorers, everyone went except Svein who for better comfort had already moved to Nushi's home, so why didn't they inform him that they were going to explore the first layers again? They still wanted to take care of his partner and he had better prepare himself even more when he had to go even deeper with Cliston.

The first two layers are the simplest of all, the first would be the one that hits the surface, this one didn't have much secret, first you would find a simple labyrinth where the walls and especially the ice ceilings had holes through which the sun's rays entered. All that made it really easy to explore the area but I could not find anything interesting. In the Second Layer it was a little more enormous but it was not so difficult, the most shocking thing was the ice with a darker blue tone. Mostly this is a resting area that luckily that Norwegian home could witness how there were penguins taking care of their eggs in that place.

As the first two levels were relatively simple and easy to get lost, there were even indications on which paths to take to get to that direction, obviously there were also signs where the exit was to ascend, as well as signs to descend to the next level. They were resting taking notes for the young explorers, they had to familiarize themselves at least with the first levels, being first timers and novices, getting some new information from these capable would be quite an achievement for them. For if you check inside the dark blue ice, you can manage to see with a magnifying glass that there is life in them.

『Chief! It looks like there is life inside the ice!』

They were calling their boss who came over to see what his new students found, when he saw with a magnifying glass he realized something, there was microscopic life inside the ice, this was nothing surprising, everywhere in the world you will find this. But the strange thing was that it seemed that although it was a simple discovery, the Norwegian chief accepted it, commenting that it would serve as the first finding of how these microorganisms were able to adapt to such an environment.

『Then our first investigation will be to find out everything about these microorganisms, I'm excited!』『Hey, do you think they are some kind of bacteria or virus that got trapped from the past? 』『You imagine too much but it would be wrong to discard it, these microorganisms managed to survive because the environment is beneficial for them, it is warm despite the fact that we are surrounded by ice, and by looking at it from the side and better with a microscope , they are nothing but simple microorganisms, we will discover more about them and if they are useful to us then we can cultivate more for future research, yes, I really like the idea』『What, so there are living things in the ice? then when I drink a beverage with ice cubes, I am in turn consuming microorganisms?』『You just realized...even the water we drink every day has microorganisms』

『That's right, but the drinking water we consume is free of microorganisms that can harm us, you who like to drink cold water very much even here in Antarctica, maybe now you want to boil it before consuming it』

『I think I will go from Team Cold to Team Hot with this information...』

The chief of Norway after reviewing the data collected from his group of rookies, they were taking out their tools to be able to take out a fragment of the ice where they found these microorganisms. While he was doing that, the head of the Norwegian home was going to explore more in the area, because if he came from so far away here only to discover simple microorganisms, then it would be a low blow to his person as an explorer. Unfortunately his goal was to go to the Third layer when they are all ready, but since the curse spread to that place, he is not willing to sacrifice his life to stay here all the time, Antarctica is not the only place on earth where there are thousands of mysteries to be discovered.

『And I came with all the desire to explore you and they come to me with this, but it is not to be regretted, when Nushi solves you, be sure that I will explore up to the Fifth Layer, just wait and see, I will get out of here alive 』.

The head of the Norwegian household was at the entrance to the Third Layer, he knows very well the consequences of the curse so although he is eager to explore it, someone wise and expert knows when something is more than him. But before his declaration that he will come out of this alive, he quickly felt that someone was calling him, from the entrance to the Third Layer he could hear a faint voice coming from him. This caught his attention and even worried him, was it a person who was inside? But at that moment he was also hit by a draft that he managed to cover his face with his arms.

『Get out.....Get out.....I want to get out...』『Alive....alive....alive....alive from here.....』『Together....together....together....we're going to get out of here alive.....』

A faint but clear voices could be heard coming out of the Third Layer, this was heard by the head of the Norwegian household who confusedly quickly deduced that this must be to the voices or paranormal cases happening in that continent. This excitement of knowing the truth behind this, instead of scaring him, made him more excited because like all explorers, he wanted to know the truth behind this mystery.

『Yes! That's what I wanted! To be able to solve a mystery that no one could to date!!!! 』-『They're not going to scare me with it! Whether they are ghosts or souls!!! I know very well that they don't exist!!!! Don't you know how much research I've done all my life? The Loch Ness monster was only a stick! The chupacabra was just a jackal!!! !!!! Even though it is not my field I was able to reveal stories that are considered a myth!!! The dog with a human face is just a dog painted with ink!!!! The Machiavellian grandmother at night is just an old woman doing gymnastics!!!! The tales of the past, a headless horseman, vampires and werewolves, you don't know how much folklore I've heard and researched, and I've never seen them in person!!!! The Trolls of my home country Norway was what inspired me to become an explorer and find out if they really exist!!! you know the conclusion I came to with all this!!!! That the myths and legends of the world!!!! Are nothing more than pure stories waiting to be solved with the truth!!!!』

The head of the Norwegian household was ecstatic and excited about this, he was sure that this had an explanation and that sooner or later either he or someone else would find out at any cost. The wind blowing as well as the voices he heard, became more powerful as if they were giving him the counter to his thought, and to top it off he would say.

『And that curse you speak of is nothing more than a disease that is hidden in the Fifth Layer!!!! My students discovered micro-organisms in this layer!!! So that makes it clear!!! At the end of all there is no curse!!!!』

And as if the Abyss itself had life, it answered him with more clear and strong words, the wind that it expelled also became stronger that instead of scaring him, it even made him want to enter that third Layer, he was even imagining that the wind that was expelled must be some air filtration.

『No no no no no no no ono o...-------the curse is real...----we are real.....---------our lives....---------our experiences.....---------everyone who passed through these places....-----------we are real because in life we were real...-------------who does not accept the truth of the facts....---------------...deserves to find out...----------. ...to be ignorant of the truth is a disgrace.....-------------...you who like us were idiots who denied a total truth....-----...it will be revealed to you right now.....-------.... that our death....--------...was also because of our idiotes.....--------------....』-『Our existence....------.....is not a joke!!!!!』

The words were now clearer, where quickly to the Chief of the Norwegian home it was as if memories were coming to his mind in a forced way, he could see for few seconds how previous explorers with all the desire to discover more areas and decipher the mysteries, as well as the one who had on his side the truth, did not believe that such a place called Abyss, really has such a name in consideration. Quickly the chief of the exploration, stopped shouting and decided to stop his animosity, of what he was confronting to whatever is below, he better stop doing it, he assimilated it or perhaps he realized what really happened with these images? but as any faithful explorer dedicated to the truth and results, he knows that these conclusions are.

『No, you are not real, the world can't know about your discovery, it would only cause a change and mentality to everything we know, so I'm sorry, I won't be able to convey your message to everyone』.

When they heard the chief scout's sincere answer, as if the winds stopped for a second. All those who perished here were not ordinary people, they were all explorers and researchers with the dream of having their discovery come to light and be recognized by all. To deny what is now a truth to them, this only made them angrier, this did not mean they were evil and had hatred, no...none of this...they just wanted the recognition they deserve, even if they are dead it is what they gave their lives for, all to exploration.

『Hey, isn't the Chief taking a while to come back? 』『You're right, where did he go』『!!!...Doesn't he feel it started getting cold out of nowhere?...』『You're right...let's take out some more fragments and go look for the boss』.

When he least imagined it, as if his mind had been distorted, as if his surroundings had been distorted, the only thing the exploration chief knew was that at this moment he was not in an area he knew, but that this was something he had never seen before, he saw various paths as far as his sight could reach, whether narrow or narrow, paths that only if you take you will know where they lead you.

『(I'm...in the Third Layer?....But at what point did I decide to come down here....I remember that....for a moment I felt weird and dizzy...I came down here on my own?...I was prompted to come down? who? why....I'm here....)』-『No need to worry, surely if I turn around the exit must be...』

When the Scoutmaster turned around, he realized that there was not just one path behind him, but there were many more to go, this quickly made him so nervous that he almost fell to the ground. Then he would have walked more to the nothing more to enter. That was what he had to do now, the Third Layer as far as he knows is the one with the most paths and its labyrinth is difficult, the more you walk the more you are going to get lost....The best is to stay still but....at that moment he heard a creaking in the wall, it was not breaking or anything but....he could just hear it....

『(Relax, it's like going out of a terrestrial cave, it's not the first time this happens to me, I managed to get out of a narrow cave where I could only fit my body, I can handle this.... if I must be near the entrance...then if I scream maybe someone will hear me) HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!』

He shouted loudly in the hope that someone would hear him, but quickly from the direction where he had shouted, his voice was heard coming back from the different paths, it was too weird, it was as if his voice had been split and distributed only for this area. Firstly he could be heard as he clearly shouted "Hello" to himself, but from one moment to the next, accompanied by the creaking of the walls, that feeling that you are alone but shouldn't be, that his own voice repeating itself many times, was beginning to take another form and he could clearly hear.

『Presence.....------....and take with you.....---------....this truth...----------...』

When you heard that, the head of Exploration was still signed, but quickly from the rustling and every sound there was, it turned into footsteps in the distance, and now with the help of the paths there, you felt that every footstep was meters away from you. It would be easy for the boss to go and see who was making such footsteps, surely it must be a person. But the fear seemed to be slowly taking effect and instead of following the footsteps, he decided to go the other way.

He has been for several hours with the same thing, trying to escape from whatever is following him, he still has the certainty that it may be a person, but ....what if it is not? ....what if what he ends up finding is something completely different? He wanted to get excited....he wanted to know what it was, was it the truth or a lie....but if knowing is at the cost of his life, then he prefers not to do it. The head of Exploration every time he could he rested a little and when he heard the footsteps approaching, he resumed his way, at this point he wondered that the security measures for the Third Layer do not work, how do they want you to stay still if they hear something approaching them.

『(It's not help or anything...if it wasn't they would be screaming to save me but.... I don't hear anything....and if I scream it will disfigure my voice again and.... I can't find any logic to it....)』

From what he was walking without stopping, it seems that he managed to reach a new area of the Third Layer, so far it was all paths and someone chasing you. But now it seems that he came across an area that was completely empty, there was nothing but a large space around him, this alarmed him a lot because he had not been told anything about this, only the floor that seems to be able to walk on there and at the end of that path, you could see a sign that said.

『4th Layer?...Wait.... this is the entrance to the Fourth Layer...?....(I don't know how long I've been here...I didn't notice because of the fear I felt but..... whatever I was doing, I was heading to the 4th Layer...no....those footsteps led me here....)』

At that moment the scoutmaster turned around so he could listen carefully, the footsteps were heard again, there were different paths behind him but from all of them the footsteps were coming from. He did not know what to do now, he felt cornered without knowing if they were really doing it or if there was someone who was doing it.... At that moment when he just stepped back out of fear, at the slightest step on that new ice, it broke at times, it was on top of ice that could fragment and break if you were not careful.

『(If I go running it will most likely break, I can hear it.... below me and as they say, in the 4th Layer you can hear the sea.... if I fall I will end up drowning from hypothermia...if I want to pass it will have to be walking as I have done so far...but...I don't want to go into the 4th Layer now...if I go anyway I will die and....)』

The wind was again flowing down the paths and as if it was another kind of lost memories, I managed to witness how previous explorers who made it this far, either because they were not careful, were the first, or went to panic, ended up falling into the cold sea and dying soon after. The head of Exploration was in a hurry at this moment, so quickly from the few materials he had in hand, he would throw them in all the paths that were there, what was he looking for with this? A reaction? to be returned? We didn't know but .....

『(I'm not sure if it will help but.... give me a hint at least....that I'm dealing with living people and not....dead.....)』

Of the objects that he threw it seems that none had been answered, again the footsteps that were approaching more and more slowly towards him were being heard. But at that moment, only one object, which would be a small plectrum, seems to have been returned to where he was. He took it with fear checking in which direction it was returned to him, it was in the middle of the roads, while in the others there was no response, so....

『(The one in the middle!!! I know I should go on the sides where I was not returned since that means there is no one but...for that very reason is why I am afraid...I feel safer knowing that on that path...there is a person...the thing is...I must decide now....)』

The scoutmaster was thinking whether to make his move or wait for all the footsteps to come to show themselves as they are, if that comes to pass, he would be more afraid to keep hearing the footsteps and that there is no one in front of him.

While in the way of Nushi, Cliston and Svein, they were heading to the entrance of the Abyss in order to familiarize themselves a little and take a look at the place where their companions would enter. As soon as Cliston entered, he noticed that the entrance had holes in many places, that was where the sun was coming in, while Nushi only had memories of 10 years ago, which on the first day of his entrance, it was much more terrifying than now.

『You became friendlier I see, hey Brat you already explored the first layer, teach what you know to Maao, after all you will be the one to accompany him』.

Nushi gave the order where Svein without problem would go on to explain what he had found in that first layer, where there was also not much to highlight, obviously this is the same entrance but if you advance even more we could say that the maze gets a little more complex but not at all difficult. 

『Ow! Penguins!!! Where are you going』

『Look closely Cliston, they are carrying their eggs between their legs, they are taking them to the Second Layer where they hatch them there, this is a beginner's trick, if you want to enter the Second Layer, just follow the penguins, they know the way, although there are also directions but...this is more exciting!!!』

Cliston was surprised at this and how easy the first layer was for him and having someone who had previously explored it. Both companions followed the line of penguins if it was true that they were being taken to the Second Layer. They seemed to advance on their own while Nushi simply stayed at the entrance and did not plan to advance further to the bottom, being here only brings back memories of how his whole group entered with all the desire to emerge victorious where in the end he was the only one who came out of this place.

『I wasn't the only one.... I didn't...mom was with me...I know that....』

The sun was beating down on him where he also remembered that his mother once commented that she would like to receive the sun's rays for one last time. Where Nushi could only reply that these days she has been sunbathing more than necessary, so she might end up getting burned at a certain point. Can you get a tan in Antarctica? Nushi didn't see it as far-fetched nowadays.

『Sorry mother for just getting the sun you wanted to see』.

In the Second Layer Svein and Cliston had already entered, they were calmly following the penguins to where their nest was to hatch eggs, but at that moment they heard someone shouting around the place, where they could hear them repeating "Boss" In the end they ended up running into the group of rookies who seemed to be worried about something.

『Ah! It's my scouting group, how's it going? everything okay? I know I took some meat with me before I left for Nushi's home but .... I'm not going to get scolded for that again, am I?』

『Never mind that, we are looking for the scoutmaster, haven't you seen him?』

At last our group found out that since yesterday morning, the head of Norway had been missing all this time. This quickly worried Svein and asked why they hadn't told him or even communicated it to Nushi, the rookies answered that they had already agreed with other households to do the exploration and rescue the Norwegian chief, since they all deduced that if he was nowhere to be found in the 2nd layer, then that means that he might be in the third layer, and there we need more people with expertise in exploration.

『But it's not hard to tell me anyway!!!』

『We didn't want to worry you Svein...the boss sure didn't want to worry you either, plus knowing that you'll be coming in soon too and....』

『So what? I'm already cursed, what else can happen to me! I'm getting ready to go all the way to the 5th Layer, I'm supposed to be preparing for this! It will be a piece of cake! I'm sure the boss at first instance got excited to find out the truth, I want to get excited too!!!! 』

Svein was at his wits end when he found out that his boss was in the 3rd layer, he quickly went to the entrance running to get in so that he could go and look for him himself with whatever he had at hand. Quickly all of his group of rookies followed him and told him not to enter the 3rd layer for anything in the world, which had no response from Svein who did not seem to stop at any time.

『(What happened to the Boss, he is cautious with us because we are newbies, but in his stories and discoveries he told us that he throws himself into danger to find out the truth, most likely his emotion got the better of him and now he needs help, you banned us while you can enter? That's not fair!』

He ended up arriving at the entrance of the Third Layer and stopped to think things through, how could all this end if he also enters, in the end he will find his boss and both come out unharmed... or maybe in the end he will also get lost and be trapped in that place. This was difficult for Svein and he did not forget that he could also experience the strange events that happen but .... Svein from what he was doubtful he would smile with total tranquility. His companions arrived and were telling him not to jump, even his companion was going to go tackle him not to go, but at that Svein would stop her with his hand.

『I understand...the first time I was here I was filled with uneasiness and fear, I was wondering what things could happen in there...but now after already facing that I was going to die and it's more e....esta intrigue and fear I have. ...I want them to become a bigger and more joyful emotion...I want to discover the truth of why I feel uneasy and insecure...I don't feel calm and not knowing what exactly is in there.... makes me want to see it with my own eyes!!!』

Svein was trying to smile, he was really overcoming his fear with excitement and adrenaline. He was sure that even if he goes through the worst, just seeing it with his own eyes is enough for him, just knowing and experiencing this truth himself is enough for him. And if it becomes public and more people know about it, he does not want them to forget the fact that.

『I'll be the first to see what's in there!』

He said it with encouragement and strength, quickly his companion couldn't but rushed to be able to catch Svein that this one was going to throw himself like a slide into the Third Layer. He was determined to save his boss, to experience what had to happen and the greatest achievement of all, to see with his own eyes all those myths and legends that can be real, and if he is .... it means that he could see with his own eyes the truth of this hidden world.

But at that moment a current stopped Svein's jump, he was floating in mid-air. The rookies turned to look and realized that Cliston was also with them, who prevented his companion Svein from jumping into danger just like that. Svein was taken back to the Second Layer where as soon as the wind released him, his Norwegian companions quickly went to squeeze him like never before, worse than a bear hug.

『Ay!!!hffn I surrender....AYy!!!! I surrender.....Hey Cliston.... why are you stopping me! I have to rescue my boss!』

『I like your attitude Svein, the way you overcome your fear, no doubt you will be a person who will discover much more things in the world』-『Leave the rest to me, I will rescue the Chief Scout of Norway』.

Cliston said so even confidently, his face said so, he was confident that he will be able to rescue such a person from the Abyss. To this Svein was confused, what if he plans to go into the 3rd Layer, but Cliston refused him, he had one thing he wanted to prove thanks to the training they have been doing.

Returning to the Chief Scout, he was still tense about the situation, the footsteps were still approaching but now that he heard it better, it seemed that they were coming from all paths but the middle one. This only made it clearer to him that there was someone in whom he could at least place his trust. He was sweating and was determined to take that path, but to his bad luck, it seems that the ice that first broke couldn't hold any longer and ended up breaking completely. Luckily it was fixed and the explorer was ready and quickly jumped to avoid it, but at that moment something strange happened in that place. The ice floor was breaking little by little as if it were glass, but what worried him most was that now the footsteps were not only coming from the front, but now it seemed that they were coming with much more force from the 4th layer and .....

『The ice from the entrance is.... breaking....』

The scoutmaster could see it clearly, not only from where he broke, but also from the entrance, the ice was breaking with every step that was taken but .... there was no one walking on that place...there was no person or living being who was on that ice that was fragmenting and splitting every time. The wind was also getting stronger causing the weak ice to cause a strong destruction of the whole thin path, the boss could only witness with his own eyes what was happening, although there was no one, although he was alone, someone from the cold water was approaching, someone was shaking slightly that element as if walking on it and .....

『Come.....-------.....the truth....--------....is closer.....--------.....must....------....have....-----.....the curse.....--------....』-『Tell...------.....this truth....---------.....we...--------....the world....--------....the story.....---------...is true.....--------.....』

He could hear it clearly, they were different voices, from young and old men, to young and old women. It seems that they all managed to form a kind of communication to be able to be more existent in this world, all to be able to communicate the truth that they do exist, just as the world where they are now, likewise exists. Either by fear, doubts or nerves, the pure chief explorer saw something on top of that fragmented water, a kind of soul as it is mostly called, which was removing his hand and on top of his head, also fragmented, a kind of halo with 3? 4? 2? you can not see in detail how many it has but .... Before being able to give his answer, a strong wind again occurred within the 3rd layer, it was Cliston who from the entrance was expelling wind.

『I don't think I can use the Wind Thread right now, but by using my currents I can feel what I touch....(That training with Svein to lift him up with the winds, gave me the idea of how a human body feels, if I can perceive the Norwegian chief with it, I can bring him back with the winds....)』

In the area of the 3rd layer, from the entrance, a current was expelled from a current that enveloped the entire layer, it ran through it with speed while Cliston made an effort to detect a person. The currents came with great speed where first a loud whistling sound caused by the winds could be heard, and when they reached the boss, he could only cover himself to avoid being harmed.

『I found it! (Yes, it is similar to Svein, but...I can feel another presence with which my winds collide ....)』

The winds collided and felt the boss, Cliston realized thanks to this that he was. But he was also not the only one who could feel the winds, that being that consisted of many souls was also slightly hit by the wind and that was what Cliston felt. So thinking that it could be one more person, Cliston could not wrap them up and suck his own wind, it was something he had not yet learned to do, so the only thing he could do was to show him the way, cut his other winds and just focus on the way out. Now the only thing he could do, was for the Scoutmaster to notice and just follow that wind current that became lighter.

『(The winds that were blowing all the way out, now focused only on the middle one....) Okay.... will do it!』

Quickly the head of Exploration would run with all his strength along the path that had been highlighted. He did not think of anything else but to run and run, on the way he managed to see as he expected, there was no one there and that was the only way that gave him back his tool. This only made him suppose that whoever had returned him if he could materialize as that thing he saw above the water.... He did not think more so he only limited himself to get out of the labyrinth thanks to the current. Where after almost half an hour. At last you could hear that someone was climbing up to the Second Layer, Cliston at this was glad and stopped blowing wind and quickly everyone, especially Svein, his face changed to a cheerful one.

『I was able to come back guys 』

It was the only thing the scoutmaster could say, he was really sweaty and tired, his appearance was not the best at all,quickly his group of rookies went to help him where Svein also rushed to support him, while stressing to him that it was unfair that he if he can throw himself into danger, that only made him say one thing to the scoutmaster.

『Ahhahaha I guess I'm not made for this kind of thing, but you Svein, you seem to be much more eager to explore than me *smiles*』

What he saw in there he knows very well, he can't deal with the latter, he was even shaking his body for knowing it now. But just as he is afraid, he knows that Svein may be the only guy in the group of rookies who can stand up to what does not exist in this world.

-------------------------------------------→ Continuara