Farewell, Rayashki

I once traveled to a small town called Rayashki.

It was located high up within the Arctic Circle, and it was frigid cold all year long.

After my visit there, I traveled to many more places, from Zealand to the Balkan Peninsula. My journey went on and on.

But above all other places, I kept finding my thoughts returning to that little town. To its incandescent lights glowing in the long dark of the polar night, to the shared dream of the people there.

I got this picture book from Rayashki.

The swans are dancing in a circle. Their arms go back and forth!

Vila and the swans have done this dance almost twenty times last week. She taught the swans all their beautiful moves.

"Swan Lake is the best ballet ever," I remembered Mr. Evgeni once said so. He also said the tortoises would come to watch the show. But why would tortoises want to watch Swan Lake?

Vila says she doesn't like the tortoises. She likes "knowledge." I don't know much about knowledge, but I think Ms. Vila is always right.

Only between you and me—Vila smells like seaweed and coral. But those are "happy" smells to me. I think she must be the princess of the ocean.

But she tells us she is not special and that everyone here is equal, no matter if they are a princess or a swan!

That we all have two feet and ten fingers, and if we all work together, we can "build a beacon to the future." I hope in the future we still get to sing and dance, when we are not building beacons.

Nina's favorite food is called Alenka; it's a chocolate bar. She used to cry a lot whenever she made a mistake with her dancing, but then Vila talked to her, and now she doesn't cry so much.

One time, she danced very, very perfectly, so Vila gave her a piece of an Alenka bar.

I believe she will be a great dancer—if she doesn't get too nervous on stage, then she could have even more chocolate!

I wish I was like her. I want chocolate too!

But I'm not a swan like her. And now there's never any Alenka in the canteen's cupboard.

Now, Nina is the swan princess—the most prettiest of all swans.

Pasono is the swan prince. He is a nice swan, and he has many many swan friends.

And Pyotr is the evil sorcerer, a black swan. Nobody wanted to be the bad guy, but Pyotr doesn't mind.

He is very serious and always bossy to everyone, so he doesn't have many swan friends.

Pyotr just wants to do his job as perfectly as he can, because he loves our town.

Now Avgust is not a swan, but he also loves his town.

*sniffs*

Then there is the little mouse, who moves as quickly as the blowing wind.

Will it be our new visitor?!

What was it that Vila said about new visitors? I don't remember now.

Vila!

Mm?

Reporting to you, Comrade Vila! I have a very important question!

Well, then go ahead, little Comrade Avgust.

How should we receive the new visitors coming to town?

Maybe we can welcome them with Alenka, or friendship, or maybe something else?

*chuckles*

We will welcome them with white snow, with smiles on our faces, and with the welcoming arms we use to achieve our dreams. As we do for everyone who comes here, little comrade.

It's always good to ask questions. But don't forget your task today, alright?

I won't!

My drawings are important, but Vila says entertaining our new friends is also important. Which one comes first?

After the swans have flown away, Evgeni will go up to the stage.

Evgeni is not an evil sorcerer, but he knows a secret magic that makes everyone's tongues hide in their mouths.

He is not so much a bad person, I think. Evgeni's shadow is very long, but no one, not even my sunflower, can explain why.

Evgeni walks heavily onto the stage; his appearance comes without any applause.

*clears throat*

We have received a telegraph. Zeno's investigators will arrive here in Rayashki tomorrow afternoon.

And we will be hosting a welcome ceremony.

I understand your concerns. I know you don't want Zeno to interfere with your lives, nor do you want their troops stationed here.

And I would remind you that they have honored their side of the deal for decades now.

We give them runium ore, and they supply us in return. It should be as simple as that.

Always it has been this way, since my grandfather's time.

Times have changed, Comrade Knut.

In the old days, Zeno used to pay us generously for mining this runium, because our ore was necessary for their arcane combat vehicles.

But now, we have nearly exhausted all our mines. You know this better than I do.

...

But isn't there some other work we can do? Already, we built our own houses, and now we even grow our own crops.

He's right. Why must we work with Zeno if we could feed ourselves?

Comrades, calm yourselves! Evgeni is doing this for everybody's sake—have you forgotten about those little monsters?

Is there anyone left on our defense team that hasn't been injured fighting them?

It is as Comrade Nikita said.

The critters are running rampant these days. Not only have they occupied most of our mines, some have even found their way into the town.

Do you really think we can protect our people with our small defense team? Don't you care about your neighbors' safety? Do you want to keep Rayashki an isolated town just to let it die?

Rayashki is more than an isolated town, Evgeni.

And we all know that.

But this is the reality we all must face now.

Comrade Evgeni. It was your idea to turn to these Zeno big guys for help. But you never even asked what we think, did you?

So you can't blame us for disagreeing now.

I'm doing this for your good.

We can take care of ourself- ...

*roars*

Everyone, watch out!

Defense team!

On it!

*wails*

I salute your sense of smell, Comrade Vila. We could have suffered much more severe consequences without your forewarning.

Think nothing of it. It's just a reflex reaction when there is danger nearby.

But this incursion has proved my point. We need Zeno's help.

The other townspeople are not gifted with your set of talents. We are all vulnerable to the growing dangers, wouldn't you agree?

I only ask you to put yourself in their shoes.

Your criticism is valid and well-accepted, Comrade Evgeni.

Perhaps I could agree with your plan. Provided Zeno's presence is a temporary one. We just don't want them to change things for us here.

I'm glad that you have finally come to realize what is best for us.

Zeno is known for their rigorous methods and rational decision-making, and they are committed to maintaining peace around the world. I'm sure they will make the right decision.

They trusted us to supply their ore, and we have faithfully played our part in supporting them. Thanks to our help, Zeno has successfully tackled many international issues.

It has always been them and us together, fighting for a better world.

Hahaha! When he puts it that way, he's right. We should be proud of our cooperation!

Therefore, we will show our appreciation to Zeno for the contributions they've made to the world with our help. Now, let's continue our rehearsals.

Have you seen Avgust? I can't find him!

Hmm?!

Strange, where did he go?

Hmph, looking for any Alenka left in the cupboards, I'd bet! He's always breaking the rules doing whatever he wants.

We shouldn't talk badly about our classmate, Pyotr! He's one of us.

*sighs* Yes, you're right. I just want everyone to do their best, even him.

Don't worry, kids. We will find him.

A child is missing, Comrade Evgeni. I suggest a temporary suspension of our rehearsals.

Urgh, it must be that strange kid again! He is always sneaking away like this.

He is only trying to understand the world in his own way.

...

Vila once said that sunflowers mean warmth, and that makes them everyone's friends.

They would warmly welcome every guest that comes to town.

Just like my best friend here, right?

Best friends ... Everyone should have a best friend.

♪ ... ♬ ...

Alright! Now here are big friends, small friends, many, many friends!

So that our new guests won't feel so lonely when they come!

Amazing! I've never seen such a highly mutated Ijiraq before.

I would have missed these precious research opportunities if there weren't a gathering in the town.

Windsong, seems like life has been good to you and your theory.

The disorder in ley energy here has not only caused the exhaustion of the runium mines, but has also mutated local critters to varying degrees.

...

Then Zeno was right. No wonder they have sent so many researchers here to look for abnormalities, even the crank ones like me.

It's obvious that this town has more to it than a handful of overly active critters.

But they don't seem especially interested in the mutant ones either.

Zeno, what were you looking for here?

*happy chuckles*

...!

Mmm?!

Hey! Let go! Let go of my leg!

*sniffs*

Strange! You're not a fox, and you're not a sable.

Hey! Kid, what are you doing?!

*roars*

Oh, shoot. Ijiraqs are usually known for their good temper. It seems to not apply to their mutant kin.

Fine.

Природа это числа и черты.

Umm?

Are you building blocks here?!

*roars*

Phew! Lucky for us, it seems to still be afraid of the dark, like the rest of its kind.

It's finally over.

Oh! My materials!

Wow! You are the most "most"!

You drove away all the bad critters and protected everyone!

The swans on the stage, the big burning furnaces in the factory, and even the uncles sleeping in the mine with Papa ... I think they would all give you a big thumbs-up!

...?

Ahem, you can call me Windsong.

Just to be clear, I'm not a spy, kid. I'm just a traveler staying in town for the moment.

Oh! But I have never seen you before!

Do you also like to rest in the water? Like Vila?

Do you also have a beautiful blue tail?

I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'm certain that I'm not what you think I am, little fellow.

I am a researcher. We often stay in quiet corners when we work on a project, so you won't see us often. Understand?

Researchers? Like those people on TV?

I saw them stand on a tall tall stage, with flowers in their arms. They spoke a lot and cried, and then they were given a shiny medal.

Vila said the medals were to praise them for being very clever.

Can I see your medal?

...

Haha. Oh! The crystal on you looks stunning. It looks purer than those in the mine carts.

Of course. Papa gave it to me.

It is precious, but also very dangerous. A crystal like this is almost as volatile as undiluted runium ore. They use this stuff for war machines!

Kid, listen to me, put that away. Go home now, and don't let anyone see it. Understand?

It could stimulate the critters' appetite!

Ah!

Can you build a very, very tall wall? One that can protect the whole town? Like what you did with the blocks?

I'm sorry, little fellow.

That was just a trick. It won't last long.

No, that was amazing!

Nina, Knut, Vila—everyone should learn from you!

Could I make the dirt and stones listen to me like you did one day? Will I be great like you?

...

A strange kid like you should live in the Age of Aquarius and be a part of the New Age Movement, or become some kind of Yogi doing meditation.

And do it anywhere but here.

The New Age Movement? What is that?!

Is that where you're from?

It's not a place. It's a spirit of a time. Full of interesting things—like crystals, new schools of thought, many crazy and creative ideas.

Will the sun close its eyes? Will the dark clouds spit on people?

Will their ships blow bubbles under the water?

Of course! They even believe that the world is a giant piece of blank paper, and they are the artists drawing on it.

And not only that, they are obsessed with bizarre ideas. Where did the Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain come from? Where are the ships and planes which traveled past the Sargasso Sea now?

I like them!

They called themselves ley hunters, the apprentices of a once-renowned school of thought. However, few people in academic circles accepted the idea of ley lines as an answer to their questions.

So for these ley hunters, it has been a long walk through a dark night.

Then they can come to Rayashki! Here, the sun never sets! Half the year, anyways.

Then I can be their friend! And when I grow up, I will be a ley hunter too!

I'm afraid it's a bit too late, little fellow.

Most have already given up. They lost interest in solving the mysteries and lost their faith in finding the curves and the lines. So the study of ley lines has been all but abandoned.

There's only one fool left that hasn't given it up.

Shhh!

...?

And you, I suppose, are this "only one fool," yes?

Ah! Please, ma'am, believe me, I am not a child abductor!

Well ...

I think this isn't a good place to receive our guest. We have much more appropriate arrangements for new friends.

But ...

If our guest has any ill intentions, we will retaliate.

Umm.

We're here.

Thank you for taking care of our little Comrade Avgust, miss.

...?

You mean I'm not here to be questioned? Or arrested?

*chuckles* Of course not.

Perhaps we are a little too optimistic, but when we meet a stranger, we prefer to welcome them.

Oh, well, I'm Windsong.

That's a very unique name. And where is it you come from?

From the east side of the Dniester River.

*sniffs*

...?!

No offense, Ms. But you have a complicated and unfamiliar scent about you.

The smell of hard rocks, a lighthouse by the sea, rainwater in a humid summer. Mm. Nothing hostile, though.

*chuckles* I think most rootless travelers like me smell like that.

Welcome to Rayashki, Ms. Windsong.

Thank you.

I understand your caution. But ...

You have nothing to worry about; it's not a disease.

Anyway, let's talk about you. I heard that you're a researcher.

Not long ago, many of your peers visited here. They wandered around and looked under every rock and floorboard in the town, like you do. I thought perhaps they were attracted here by the town itself.

But regrettably, not long after, they left one after another in disappointment.

I was disappointed, too.

Will you be like them?

Haha.

Those people are famous scholars; of course, they won't spend too much time on a project with unclear prospects. But I, I'm used to those.

I salute you for your courage and spirit of exploration.

I thought you ... I thought you might be more hostile to me. Shouting things like "Who do you think you are to prowl about on our private property!"

...?

Many see the study of ley lines like finding a needle in the grass of a Siberian field—wasted effort with negligible results.

There's no such thing as meaningless work.

It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or what you do. You will find your purpose here.

Is that so? No wonder how you have such an unusual student like Avgust.

All that childhood wonder, innocence—somehow you've preserved it in him, haven't you?

Is the show finished?

We cancelled our rehearsal, Avgust. Mr. Evgeni just left red-faced.

Yes! And he canceled the "Friendship" cheese on the food menu, all thanks to you.

But I was welcoming our new friend!

And we have lost our cheese because of you. This is all your fault!

You're the most bothersome kid in Rayashki!

I know that word! "Most" means the best! So thank you, Pyotr.

You!

Avgust, we don't see anyone new here. You're not lying again, are you?

She's with Vila! They greet each other, share footprints, and even sing together.

Windsong is also the "best"! She can draw many lines on the snow, and even on a seagull.

...

We're not having another freak in town, right?

Do you mean drawing on the blackboard? Like Ms. Vila did?

She made the earth turn into a tall tall wall, and she blew her breath at it, and made a building appear.

If we had enough ley hunters like her working together, we would be able to send sunflowers high into the sky!

Ah, that's not so tough! All the men in town know how to build stuff like that!

When we grow up, we will work like them, with hoes and shovels.

But that will take ages.

If we can learn how to build like the ley hunters, then we could help the adults right now!

Don't listen to Avgust!

Greetings, Ms. Windsong.

Mm?

Is it true? Can you really shape the earth into different things and build things from it?

Not exactly. The things I build with my arcane skill have only a momentary effect. I can't use it that way. I learned it as a part of my research while studying ley lines.

Ms. Windsong, those things Avgust told us, are they true?

The sun that closes its eyes, the dark clouds that spit on people, and the lines that can reveal everything.

Ms. Windsong, will you be our teacher, like Ms. Vila?

Can you prove anything?

Kids. One question at a time.

Sorry, Ms. Vila. I should explain it to them.

Mine is not a ... formal discipline. Many people believe that it "relies too much on the observations of arcanists" and "the conclusions aren't useful for the public."

So it is best that you kids do not study it.

A pursuit of passion, fit for only a very stubborn fool like me.

I see.

Then, you must show us all about it. Shouldn't she, kids?

I'm sure Ms. Windsong would be very happy to give us a special lesson about her studies.

Huh?!

Yay!

Ms. Vila! I thought I made myself clear!

You have worked hard in this "pursuit of passion," haven't you?

Regardless, the study of ley lines is ... Well, it's useless.

Useless?

These kids should learn something like geography. It's a much more thorough and important field.

As far as the general public and academic institutions are concerned, the study of ley lines is just a niche aspect of geography, worse still, one that is solely accessible to arcanists.

To devote any real time to its investigation would take up valuable research funds and equally valuable researchers.

At least that was how they felt about it.

Who can say for certain?

What about you? Do you also think that the study of ley lines is a waste of funds and manpower?

I, of course, I don't. Through ley lines, we can detect arcanum-related events in the area, learn about local arcane creatures, and find the secrets hidden both above and below the earth's surface.

But, I can't yet prove this to people.

Well, you don't have to prove it alone.

It doesn't matter what others think of your work. The only important thing is finding its uses.

...

At first, Rayashki was just a remote village far north in the Arctic Circle. People came here to share a dream of a better future. It was only by luck that we found the runium.

Then Zeno approached us and became our business partner.

For over 60 years, people here have worked together to make it what it is now.

We built the school, the swimming pool, and the cinema ... For everyone.

Rayashki embraces and takes in every newcomer. You and your studies are no exception.

This is where our paths meet.

...

Please know that ...

I'm not just doing this for you. I'm doing this for a better future.

A well-rounded education is vital in bringing up the next generation of scientists and workers.

Our children should learn more about this world, even from those perspectives and types of knowledge that aren't widely accepted.

Thank you, Ms. Vila.

The study of ley line sees the world as a clear map.

The cities look like squares to us, while natural landscapes appear to be curves overlapping one another.

Many bizarre places in the world, such as the location of the Tunguska explosion or the mysterious 30th Parallel North, can't be drawn in squares and curves like cities and ordinary landscapes.

We need to find a way to indicate them,

in a clear, precise way.

It's a maze!

Well, it is the ley line map of a city. But you are right. It does look like a maze.

To begin with, I should introduce the most crucial concept in the study of ley lines—that of ley energy.

It is a special energy which we can easily detect throughout the town. See how it comes out from underneath the ground and goes into the local biosphere, circulating around like a system.

If we think of the town's ley lines as a food web, then ley energy lies at its foundation.

Like how big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat even smaller fish!

Exactly. They are the smallest "fish" eaten by the "big fish." If we catch the "big fish" and study what they eat, we will know where to find the other "big fish."

And the ley energy, I mean, when the "big fish" die and break down, the "small fish" will go back to where they first came from. The circulation goes on and on.

You've put it very well, Ms. Windsong.

Like the rainwater that comes from the ocean, to the rivers, and returns back to the ocean.

You are a quick learner.

But it is not exactly like water. The concentration of ley energy is far more noticeable than that of a lake or a school of fish. Once we find its densest spot, we will be able to trace it back to its source.

Then what are these bright spots?

These are the energy-rich locations. In a way, they indicate the energy flow.

So many, they look like stars in the sky!

Yes, and finding these locations can be very costly in terms of time and manpower.

Then, what do we do after finding them?

They can "tell" us many things. The ley hunters will follow their courses, analyze the components in them, and match those components to each resource.

Some of the components don't match with any of the known resources, which means there might be a new resource waiting to be discovered.

Of course, from the ley energy, we can also learn about the local critters.

You talk about strange things, almost like Avgust does!

These are just lines.

Like dancing earthworms! They wriggle, they twist, they are having fun!

Jumping on the waves, then into the little boxes, and back into the little balls!

*sighs* Great, we have two of them now.

They look interesting, but we don't really understand.

Cheer up, kids. It's not finished yet.

Ley line cartography is complicated. It takes the efforts of many ley hunters working together, investigating the area, even braving dangerous and forbidden places.

To this day, we've never been able to finish a completed ley energy map.

I know! I know it now!

This is Rayashki!

...?

Ah! I see it too! And here is the swimming pool. That little square is our square. These little balls are our homes!

Oh! I live here, the third ball on the left of yours.

You're very bright, Avgust. This is the ley energy map of Rayashki.

But, Ms. Windsong, why are you mapping the energy of our town?

Have you found any secrets that we don't know?

Children, right now, you can only see what's above the ground, but there is even more ley energy beneath the ground.

Will the sun always be in the sky? Will the glaciers ever melt away? What lies in the darkness beneath us?

Are there other critters around here that you've never seen? How should we deal with them?

I heard once that there were many strange footprints next to the school windows.

Uncle Patrik saw it! A monster with six legs, and each one has spikes!

That must be a Qiqirn, a small sized canidae critter, mostly seen in cold areas.

But the ley energy might have affected the weather of their habitat, or they wouldn't be here in Rayashki in summer. The deep blue line here shows that particular one's movement.

Or maybe Uncle Patrik could have drunk too much.

The ley energy accumulated in them suggests that they mostly feed on moss and worms under the snow and stay near town.

We can infer that this is a docile, herbivorous kind of critter that is merely curious about human behavior. I think feeding them will be much more useful than driving them away.

Since these critters began to overrun the area, the defense team has encountered many new creatures. I can feel there's something strange about them, but I can't yet understand the differences.

You provided a different angle on the situation, Ms. Windsong. I believe it could help the defense team greatly.

The fires in the furnaces are out, the bees and kites dance around the pond, white mosses on the wall.

Oh, oh! Stones will fall down from the sky!

Huh?!

Stop saying these strange things, Avgust!

The defense team will keep the critters out of town and protect everyone!

And there will not be any stones falling from the sky!

Is everything alright, Pyotr?

You! You're lying! Rayashki is safe. It will be our home forever!

I hate to tell you this, kid. But what Avgust just said could be right. I have the same feeling that ...

The good weather here won't last too long.

Look at those thick, gray lines.

Those are the traces of cloud movements and moisture. Now, they're mingled together.

But the sun will still be shining. Ms. Vila said that the polar day will last for a very, very long time!

Ms. Vila was right, and past statistics don't lie. According to the data, the weather here should continue for the next few months.

Yet the ley lines say otherwise. They say the weather will be extremely unpredictable.

You are making things up! The forecaster on TV said the weather in Rayashki will be temperate in the coming months.

And the weather forecaster was right according to his analysis, but life is full of surprises.

I know why you're concerned, Ms. Windsong. I feel the glaciers are melting slightly faster than usual. There's going to be a warm front forming from the melting water.

But, but will there really be stones falling from the sky?

I can't say anything for certain just yet, kid.

All I have is this incomplete map, and as you can see, many sources of the marks and traces haven't been located, which means we can't come up with a precise calculation.

But there's no question that Rayashki will soon face many challenges. The weather could become much worse, the environment might change, maybe some unknown critters might turn up.

...

Liar! You are all liars!

Rayashki is our home, so it can't be dangerous!

Pyotr, you can't fly if your feathers get wet!

They will need some time to take in all this new knowledge, don't you agree?

I thought I could handle all their questions. I think I made things worse. Sorry.

Have faith in them. They will come around.

Are you here to laugh at me?

All these stories of monsters and falling stones—they aren't good at all!

I overheard Mr. Evgeni talking.

He said the town has so many problems, and soon, what some people think will decide our future.

If people believe in those terrible stories, maybe they will be scared, and they won't come back to Rayashki.

Our town will be forgotten.

But, I wasn't lying.

*roars*

Mm? Hello, Qiqirn!

What, what are you doing?! I will draw its attention. You go find the defense team for help!

*chuckles* Heh-heh, it's itchy!

It feels warm, doesn't it?

Ms. Windsong said they can be our friends, that they would bring seeds to every corner of the town.

Like a gardener?

Yes!

Go plant more sunflowers, Qiqirn!

...

So, Ms. Windsong was not a liar.

...

Do you really think it's a good idea to turn to Zeno for help?

We have drawn almost every man and woman from the mining facilities to get rid of the critters nesting around the port.

Most of the defense team were injured. Some lightly, but others got much worse. It will be weeks before they can return to duty.

If an attack like the one at the rehearsal happens again, I'm not sure we will be able to protect ourselves.

...

I know most of our people are frustrated with Zeno's arrival. But I expected better from you, Vila.

People trust you, and they will follow you, but that doesn't make you right. Maybe you're still too young to see the dangers.

I might be wrong, but history is a long lesson in learning what is right through being unafraid to be wrong.

Sadly, we don't have time for trial and error.

And this is your excuse for making decisions for us against our will?

I will hold myself responsible for my decisions. In that, you have my word.

Today is the day of our welcome ceremony. Vila said, when the bell rings, the important people from the tortoise academy will arrive.

Everyone looks excited.

Nina has put on her best dress. I know she will be great on stage.

Pasono will duel with Pyotr. It's his duty to protect the princess.

As for me, I got a new job from Mr. Evgeni.

"Salute, shake hands, and give them the warmest welcome."

Boawh ... arrh!

What this? There are bubbles in the water!

We meet again, Qiqirn! Are you planting sunflowers under the water?

*blows bubbles*

Have you brought your friends?

One, two ... Oh, your friends also have six legs!

Look, they are wearing needlegrass and flat files on their legs.

Are you also here for the ceremony?

Welcome, Qiqirn and friends!

Welcome to the prettiest town in all of the Arctic—Rayashki!

Please enjoy our song—

Comrade Avgust, what are you doing?!

Oh? I'm welcoming the Qiqirn.

Get out of there. They are dangerous!

Defense team, drive them away!

Wait! These are Qiqirn. They are not aggressive! They are just curious about us. The kids seem to like them.

Get rid of them.

As you command, comrade!

The Qiqirns are all gone. I think they don't like us anymore.

...

Comrade Evgeni ...

Take the kids back to where they were, Comrade Vila. It was your duty to protect them.

Maybe if we make the town a better place, more friends will come back.

Then they will also come back!

That makes sense!

The family of Qiqirn includes dozens of subspecies, but none of them are so greatly adapted to water as this. That is to say ...

They might also be affected by the ley energy under Rayashki.

Pity that they were driven away. There was much we could have learned from them.

*gasps*

The temperature here is rising much faster than expected, and much earlier in the season.

I imagine if you asked the weather bureau, they would say this is just an "odd occurrence of unseasonable weather outside of expected ranges."

It's time. The Zeno investigators should be here any minute.

I must stress again how important this ceremony could be for our future.

Our town's economy is facing a cliff, and I am sure each one of you has noticed the increased rationing.

If we wish to take care of our people in the future and protect our friends and family from these frequent critter attacks, we need Zeno's support.

So we will work with Zeno. Because we must!

The future of Rayashki is in our hands, so is the future of every comrade here.

And we need the cooperation of every man and woman here.

Zeno's ships are very fast, so, as soon as they appear on the horizon,

our ceremony will begin.

Understood.

Zeno is late.

So late that Ms. Vila would say they were absent!

Do you think something bad happened to them?

What are they doing there?

Oh! Something is falling!

Light and soft, like a polar bear's hair!

Poor bear, losing all his hair.

Mmm?

It's snow!

What?! How can there be snow in summer?

Mm? Is this related to the strange thing Avgust said earlier?

If so, I'm happy that these aren't stones or a dark cloud's spit.

Avgust, I can't believe it! You were never right before!

*shivers* Oh, oh, it's chilly. The snow is biting against my skin.

I'm sorry, Avgust. I shouldn't call you a liar.

But will Rayashki really get into trouble?

Pyotr, we will not be defeated, not by clouds, or bears.

Look!

Mr. Tortoise is walking very slowly.

But no one has left their position.

For Rayashki.

You little swans must go back to your lake too! Go as fast as you can!

We will!

Don't forget your own job, Avgust!

So, this milky white line is this snowstorm.

The average temperature in Rayashki has reached its highest point in the last five years, which, together with the abnormally rich air moisture, has produced an unseasonal and odd kind of snow.

The weather forecast was wrong; ley lines were right!

Mm?

...!

Everyone, listen!

Our ceremony will begin.

As you command, comrade!

Music, please!

"Let go of yesterday, let it fade away."

"Each step paints a brand-new day."

"Don't look behind, no shadows will be seen in the daylight."

"Under brighter skies, we leave on our journey."

It's a pleasure to speak to you all, our valued friends in Rayashki.

On behalf of Zeno Arms Academy, I am here to announce the details of the "Zeno-Rayashki Cooperation Agreement."

As many of you have expected, a squad of armed troops will soon be sent to aid you with the critter problem.

However, having given it careful consideration, we have decided that the town of Rayashki is no longer viable for our continued support and must be abandoned. We advise that all residents prepare to be transferred to a new post, immediately.

Thank you for your cooperation.

What?!

I don't see the point of your reluctance.

The letter conveyed Zeno's decision clearly.

I suggest we warm ourselves up with a few drinks before we go. Do you have any Stolich in town?

Better than sitting here dwelling on the things that cannot be changed.

Please tell me you have something like cocoa here.

This is not what we agreed on earlier, Mr. Bertolt.

Calm yourself, Vila.

You must be mistaken, my very passionate friend.

Zeno sent a warning months ago. "The estimated value Rayashki can add to Zeno's program is less than satisfactory. Further support is no longer recommended."

"Should any new valuable resources be found in the region, please reply to this letter as soon as possible for further assessment."

...!

Then we heard back from Rayashki.

In fact, the sender was you, Evgeni.

Yes, it was.

And it was you yourself that argued the most compelling point, I have to say. One that has drawn the higher-ups' attention, and the reason why I was sent here.

I believe you wrote: "I have total faith in the quality of the people of Rayashki. Their solidarity, dedication, and motivation have proven invaluable to us."

"I am certain they would carry those same strengths of character and skill to any post, no matter where they were assigned."

Zeno accepted my application.

Of course, I asked around before making my submission, and Zeno seemed to have a good reputation.

It was a golden opportunity to join them.

It is, but do not get us wrong. Our entrance requirements can be most difficult to meet.

Zeno only takes in the best of the best.

You want some of us to work for Zeno?!

You never told us anything like that, Evgeni!

Be reasonable, Vila. Some of us deserve this opportunity.

What about the others?! We have elders and children. Some of our comrades have been injured and even died in the mine; are we to forget their sacrifices?

Relax, my friend. That's why we sent our very best biological control squad.

We will escort you to the nearest shelter.

Face reality, Vila. I know how much effort we have put into building this town, and I understand you have this dream to fulfill.

But we must prepare for the worst: we may have to give up on our Rayashki.

Read this.

"Field investigation has confirmed that the remaining runium reserves in Rayashki are around 0.0173 kilotons, which is less than 0.275% of our average annual output."

"The mine is located high within the Arctic Circle, which has entailed significant transportation costs. The harsh environment is also wholly unsuitable for building any permanent processing facilities."

"In addition, military spending on the region has recently been elevated 3.61 times due to increasing animal and critter attacks, and that number is still rising."

"Clearly, the region is now incapable of self-management."

"According to the Guide on Global Humanitarian Aid by the Office for Disaster Risk Reduction of Zeno Arms Academy, we propose to ..."

"... send a special squad to the region to evacuate all local citizens and subsequently take care of the remaining biological control issues."

And our admission standards will be lowered—at Zeno's discretion—so that you will all find work with us somewhere.

I'm sorry, but this is reality.

From the start, this ore was the only thing they wanted from us.

The environment here has always been harsh for mining, but we overcame it and sent our shipments to wherever Zeno had need of them.

And I salute each one of you for your work, my friends.

But now, our mission is over.

I believe all of you will continue to work hard in your new positions. No matter what ...

You shouldn't rush to a decision. We're discussing Rayashki's future here, Evgeni.

For six decades, the people here have put in great efforts to turn the town into what it is today. We won't leave just because you tell us so.

Our grandparents didn't even have construction equipment at the beginning. They built these houses with their own hands.

We shipped over the planting soil. We built walls to keep out the wind and snow.

When you came here, you brought books for the children and introduced us to a species different than humans. You became one of us.

I am not happy about this either, Comrade Vila.

I won't buy that, Comrade Evgeni. This is not just about my dream, but everyone's dream.

Or have you forgotten what Rayashki was meant to be?

A utopia built for and by everyone. The voice of a better future, one which would sound across the land and seas.

I remember every word of it.

You have my sympathy, friends.

Zeno has also suffered huge losses in many regions.

We have lost manpower, territory, armament factories, and even some of our affiliated military schools. Rayashki is but one of these losses.

We know how you feel right now.

But Zeno has its own problems to be faced.

And investing in these new industries, purchasing fancy equipment, all these things Rayashki will need ... All of this takes money. And even Zeno must be economical.

Shouldn't the people in Rayashki also benefit from these global benefits Zeno has promised?

We will get there, my friend. Maybe slowly, but we will get there. Trust me, Zeno has done everything they can for you.

We need to keep our eyes on our goals and stay on the right course, so that we won't get lost in these turbulent times, yes?

...

I know how much faith these people have in you, and I believe you can show them a different perspective about these coming changes.

Of course, this will also help you during Zeno's assessment.

...

Good luck, my friend.

The reserves of runium running dry, the appearance of new critters, the sudden snowstorm.

I've connected the ley lines of each of these phenomena. The map is nearly complete!

But still haven't traced many lines and marks back to their source.

Perhaps if I go back to the factories, into the restricted zones ... But, I can't do that alone.

Definitely not when the situation in town is so unstable.

Well, I should have given this up long ago. There's no chance that the study of ley lines will ever be accepted again.

Regretfully, Ms. Windsong, with nothing but these outdated files and materials to back you up, there's simply no way to justify reinstating the study of ley lines into our curriculum.

We don't have unlimited funds, and we must save our money for projects with greater potential. The study of ley lines is ...

Of course, we might be able to consider new ideas and projects. You can't be allowed to do this on your own.

You will need endorsements from the Institution of Geographic Studies, the Arcane Creature Society, or other such organizations.

Let me think. Zeno seems to be interested in geographers recently. They've just recruited a number of researchers for a new commission. Maybe you should go try your luck with them.

The submission date is getting closer each day, but I've made poor progress. Zeno won't endorse me if I can't find a breakthrough.

They have become more and more radical and desperate lately. First, they sent those researchers here to conduct their haphazard studies, and now, an armed force.

And all this effort just to chase the rumor of some source of "perpetual energy"?

"That this perpetual energy source must be hidden somewhere beneath the permafrost!"

The higher-ups call the shots. All they need to do is spread a little honey in the right places. Then all the little researchers will swarm on it like flies.

But could there really be a magical power source like that?

Whether there is or not, I still have a map to finish. There's no way that I can map every ley line in the region all by myself.

...

Goodbye research funds, goodbye lectures and seminars, and so long to my dreams of being chair of the "Geographical Perspectives" forum.

Took-took!

...!

What was that?

Ms. Windsong, we've been waiting for you!

...!

Ms. Windsong, we prepared a special medal ceremony for you and Avgust!

Please come to our ceremony!

...

We just wanted to thank you for teaching us.

Ms. Vila was right. We shouldn't have been so quick to argue. We should have listened!

So you should be given an award for being right!

But our ceremony will not be as big as the ones on TV.

Ms. Windsong, will you accept this medal?

...

I have no cup to put this medal in, so we can't toast with it in celebration.

But now I know, no matter what, I won't be returning empty-handed. Thank you, kids.

Do you mean, are you leaving us?

But there is so much you still need to teach us!

"Rayashki embraces every guest," including you, Ms. Windsong—don't you like it here?

But those things I heard at the welcome ceremony ... Won't we all be leaving soon?

No! I don't believe it. That stranger was mean; he wasn't our friend!

Hmph. This is our town; they can't speak for us.

That's right!

Ms. Vila "invited" the man from Zeno to leave his ship. Then they went into Mr. Evgeni's meeting room together.

Uncle Knut promised me that no one will give up this place.

They will go to many meetings and find "a solution that satisfies both sides."

The tortoises move slowly. They need to keep their eyes opened and look for a better answer!

So will you stay and teach us?

I won't cause you any more trouble, I promise!

Mm? Comrade Calculator is speaking!

Hello!

...

Comrade Calculator, are you giving the earthworms directions?

*roars*

*cracks*

What's going on here? Ah, my calibrator!

*chews*

The whale-like backbone, the diamond-shaped teeth, two short legs, with dim eyes, and an extremely sharp nose. That must be a Kikituk!

*gasps*

But their closest habitat should be Kong Karls Land, hundreds of kilometers away.

Their marks on the map appear to be red, sort of reddish brown, and there's a large amount of ley energy accumulated around them. Clearly, they're high on the food chain.

Seems like the "small fish" have attracted more than one "big fish."

Kids, get behind me!

*hissing*

Oh, oh! The Kikituks are giving a performance!

Their nose sings, their fur dances, and their belly shakes.

Mm?

But why aren't their ears doing anything?

Avgust! What are you doing there? Stay back; those are not Qiqirn!

But, but ...

But, but their ears are left behind. They-they can't join the dance.

Then they will not get their Alenka!

Ears?

Природа это числа и черты.

*wails*

So that seems to be their weak spot.

Good job, little one. You're even more perceptive than I thought!

Next ...

Hmph.

S**t! This was one of the last working instruments I had.

Don't be sad, Ms. Windsong.

If we plant them in the soil, many more will come out when spring comes.

Heh. Thank you, Avgust.

Ms. Windsong, can I be a ley hunter too?

If we were as good as you are, maybe we could've protected your machine.

And maybe we could protect our town.

Kids, ley hunting isn't a good profession.

If you become a ley hunter, you will have to deal with doubt from all your peers, even hatred, and homework that piles up to your roof.

Ms. Windsong, people in Rayashki are taught not to doubt or hate others. They would never hate you, or us!

Exactly!

...

I'm happy that you let us show you around, Ms. Windsong.

We haven't had many other visitors here since the critters started coming near the town.

I met a blind lady once. She always smiles, and she has a pretty typewriter. Vila said she's a "writer."

The writer has been to many towns, and she fills up her papers with so much ink, just like I do! So, I made a drawing for her, too.

And she promised us that she will tell more people to come visit Rayashki!

Will people from other places like it here?

What about your other visitors?

I remember they had green and red rectangular paper and some shiny cookies in their hands.

They tried to trade us their silly paper so they could take our cans and things. They never wanted to work with their own hands.

And Rayashki doesn't like lazybones!

...

Ms. Windsong, Pyotr got all of us together last night, and we read through our "how to be a good tour guide" guide. So we can guide you!

Ms. Windsong is just a bit strange. She's not lazy!

This time, I want borscht, blinchik, and oladyi!

Ahem, let's not hurry on to our rewards, Avgust. We haven't helped Ms. Windsong yet.

Oh, right.

Good to see you at our little factory, Ms. Windsong!

Hello, sir.

The kids have told me that you want to learn more about the history of Rayashki and the strange things that have happened in the past, yes?

I do. But would that be going against any rules?

Most certainly not, miss. We're not some stubborn old goats that dismiss people for asking questions.

In fact, I'm relieved—it will be much easier to talk to you than that bitter fellow from Zeno.

He came to the factory with his armed squad, took a quick look around, and left even without a polite farewell.

Like a whiff of cold breeze, that one.

These old, out-dated machines and hundreds of workers, young and old, each one a mouth to be fed.

They are certainly not a pretty sight to the eyes of that greedy hyena. Hmph!

A pathetic number-crunching cretin.

Hahahaha! I'm starting to like you, miss! We would have much to talk about, perhaps over a drink, if only I didn't have to get on with my work!

You can see what's going on here, right?

Don't feel sorry for us. Zeno might no longer need this ore processing factory, but we can make use of what's left of it.

Once we get rid of the critters, we can arrange for other minerals or materials to be shipped to Rayashki for processing!

It is a shame we've wasted so much of our good years, never preparing for these bad times.

If those strange little monsters weren't there, we might be able to return to our mines. Ah, then, we'd really be able to turn things around.

About these mining sites ...

Mr. Knut, have you ever found anything there? Other than runium ore?

Hmm.

Never! I know those sites like the back of my own hand. I've never seen any other minerals of any worth there.

But give it some time, miss. Well, give me some time.

Just a few months ago, back when Zeno was still keen to work with us and not just ship us away, I remember they found some strange little pebbles.

Dark pebbles that were stuck in the claws of those little monsters.

Zeno soon sent out some troops and caught all the monsters. They didn't leave a single one behind.

...!

We never heard about those pebbles again, nor have we found more of them in the mines.

And you know the rest. Now we've exhausted the runium, and more and more strange-looking critters have appeared. So it's not safe to go back there. We left them completely deserted.

Please take a look at this, Mr. Knut.

No, no, their claws were thicker than a polar bear's.

Ah! But these are closer!

These monsters had much larger teeth. They almost looked like old mining picks.

And no ears!

Could they be some kind of Hoituk?

Yes! This one looks just like the creatures!

If that's true, then it may be another "big fish" that has come here to feed.

It is true! You can ask around. Many of the other workers have seen it.

So, the color of a Hoituk is bright yellow, and that matches with these bright yellow lines I've traced here on the map.

They are burrowing animals, often living as deep as 50 meters underground. So if they were here, that must mean ...

That there must be some undiscovered resource here.

Talk of undiscovered resources would be music to our ears, miss.

Ahem. I don't want to get your hopes up. It's still too early to draw any conclusions.

Hahaha! Yet, the corner of your mouth is suggesting the opposite!

I must be cautious before confirming there really is a new resource!

Nonetheless, it's a silver lining. Thank you, Mr. Knut.

Think nothing of it, miss! Maybe one day, you and your research will return the favor.

I will, if I can.

I hope your work here can be resumed shortly.

Don't worry about us! We will find a way to drive those critters away and start production once again.

We have all our brothers and sisters with us, and these machines still run perfectly.

As long as we continue to put in our best effort, there is no reason why things won't get better.

Is this exceptionally positive spirit common with the people here?

Well, can't blame us for that! There are very few places in the world like Rayashki.

Here, everyone earns their food and their rest through working hard together. Then, outside of work—ice hockey, learning courses, even music lessons—not everyone is as lucky as us.

That is why we won't let Rayashki die.

With busy hands and open hearts, Rayashki will live on.

It will grow stronger, glowing as brightly as these furnaces!

...

I have to say, Rayashki is truly a curious place.

It has a spirit which I've never found elsewhere.

Yes. Perhaps that's what was missing from the study of ley lines in the past.

Ms. Windsong, would you like to meet Mr. Patrik?

It's time to go to the canteen, boys and girls. Eat well, and you'll grow strong!

Patrik knows how to feed you well. He's the best cook in town.

But I would suggest you be careful with that one, if you don't want to get stuck with his endless chatter all night.

I have never been to the canteen. I stayed out of that area in my previous "visits" to avoid unwanted trouble.

Heh-heh! Forward, to Comrade Blinchik!

All the best, miss! I look forward to hearing good news from you.

This is our canteen.

We play hide-and-seek here when we're hungry.

Comrades Stew and Potato Piroshki are always the easiest to find!

They are not very clever at hiding!

But Comrade Blinchik is very good at the game. He can only be found at dinners on Friday.

...

We have good food, like mashed potatoes, and boiled potatoes, and potato stew!

Mr. Patrik said a good cook can turn even simple ingredients into delicious food!

The grown-ups are so kind to us. Sometimes they give us their cheese and salad, so they only have potatoes to eat.

Don't cry, Nina. Remember when you shared your Alenka with everyone?

When we grow up, it'll be our turn to help the grown-ups with their potatoes!

We also have the tin-hat festival, when they gave us metal hats with food in them!

...?

Avgust, it's called the Worker's Festival.

We have it every month. Everyone must sit in a circle in the canteen and sing songs, and Ms. Vila plays the accordion for us.

We each get a can with food in it. Sometimes it's tushonka, sometimes it's salad, sometimes sprats.

Yes, and after the tin-hat festival, we would bury our tin-hats in the ground. Yellow ones, red ones, and white ones. Then tiny trees will come out from them next year!

I have told you many times! They are not tin seeds, and they don't grow into trees! They are just tin cans! We only bury them so they won't pollute the snow.

Piles of tin cans ... Food ...

Those empty cans you mentioned—did you store them here?

Oh, I know this place. That's where the adults dug a big hole; they put some things inside. It's covered up with rocks and ice now.

Yes, Pasono is right! That's where the grown-ups put all our old metal after they make them into little cubes!

Ms. Vila said it helps keep our town and the whole region clean.

Why, what's wrong with that place?

...!

I'm thrilled! There must be lots of "big fish" left to be found around there!

If I can write a report and provide a practical plan, maybe I can get Ze- ... I mean, I could request reinforcements!

Yay! School trip! School trip!

This is no trip, children! I'm not going there for a hike! You must stay in town and be good. That goes for every one of you! Understood?

Ahem!

Shh. Quiet, kids!

Attention please. Tomorrow, at 8 in the morning, we will be holding our final hearing.

In this meeting, we hope to finalize our next steps and answer any remaining questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

What's this? Are you planning on getting a job with Zeno, too?

...?

It says here you've been staying in this town for months, but it seems you're not on our list for "Potential Recruitment from Rayashki."

I should remind you, for you researchers, what you produce tells much more about you than your "efforts."

That's precisely why I'm here.

Go on.

Based on the recent investigations, I'm confident that there is a new energy source in the area that has yet to be discovered.

...

And that's it? We already believed there was something here when we sent you out in the first place!

You were sent here to find it. Instead, all you do is confirm what we already knew.

But you said that "perpetual energy" was just a myth, didn't you?

O-of course, it wasn't "just a myth," lady. Why else would we ask you to investigate here in the first place?

Do you have anything else to report?

No, but I do need your help. I will need an armed squad to come with me to the mining sites so that I can continue my investigations into this subject.

I'm afraid I don't know how long it will take. It also depends on the number of soldiers you can spare for the task.

Aha!

You have a terrible sense of humor.

I'm not being funny. You want more research on the new resource too, don't you?

Ms. Windsong, do you really think this is even a remotely reasonable request?

Critters are running rampant in the area, and you demand help to verify what is, as far as I can see, a highly questionable conclusion. Why should I waste Zeno's time and resources on this?

Not to mention putting the lives of our soldiers at risk.

If you have doubts, please take a look at these files.

And let me guess, you learned all this from your "study of ley lines"?

I ...

To date, the theory of ley lines has neither been approved by the "Arcane Study Review Association," nor accepted by the "Project Assessment of Human Science and Technology." It has zero academic achievements, zero endorsements, and aside from the questionable example in front of me—zero researchers.

That's all only a temporary setback.

Ms. Windsong, I sympathize with the awkward situation I have put you in. However, Zeno simply cannot afford to waste resources on a proposal without any solid evidence.

I will give you something; all I need is a bit of help upfront. I promise!

Did you not come here to deal with these critters? Then what's the fuss about? Can't you deal with them while accompanying me to these mining sites as well?

I'm afraid you've got our intentions altogether wrong.

Zeno is here for one thing only: a source of perpetual energy.

This is what you have been tasked to find, with the resources you were given. We won't approve any further requests until you have a solid lead. We aren't paying you for a charity mission.

...!

So, then, you never planned on controlling the critters here. The squad you brought here was to control the town?!

A force sufficient to deal with critters would have attracted unwanted attention from our rivals. It is not in our interests to share this town or its resources. I'm sure you can see that.

So, even if we do find the resource for you, you won't leave this town or its people alone.

We're talking about the ultimate energy source of arcanum. Do you think we will just walk away and leave it to be squandered by a bunch of ignorant peasants and miners?

You should be ashamed of yourself!

What we're going to do with Rayashki should be of no concern to you. We have made every arrangement for them.

We aren't monsters. Before the final decision is made, we will continue to help the locals as much as we can.

Including you.

Is this ...?!

You seem surprised. Isn't it what you have always wanted?

With Zeno's endorsement, you will be able to teach your program in any university.

...

We have prepared this gesture of our good faith in you.

Now it's your turn to show yours. Forget about an armed squad. They have more important things to do.

You're on your own, my friend. But prove to us that you can do this job, and bring us the best answer you can give.

And this piece of paper will be yours when you complete your mission.

I understand.

See that you do. Good luck out there, Ms. Windsong.

Was I out of my mind?!

He was just trying to get me out of his office. He threw a carrot out of the window, and I chased right after it like a blinded mule!

Still ...

Maybe this "carrot" is too good to let go.

Focus. Once I fill the gaps in my data, I will be able to pitch it to Zeno, and all subsequent research won't be a problem anymore!

The primary food sources for Hoituk are raw minerals underground. Those processed metals only keep them from starving to death. They wouldn't have gone across any icy ocean just to gnaw on old equipment and trash.

All I need to do is find a trace of their activities so that I can learn about their current conditions and, from there, locate their other food sources.

Stay calm. Hoituk are gentle creatures. They rarely attack humans. I just need to be cautious.

Crazy! Whoa!

Alright, change of direction.

If I were to look down instead of looking forward, maybe I should scan the area and follow where the ley energy is leading. Just like I did at Silbury Hill.

Ahem! Of course, I hope the outcome will be different this time.

Before all that, I need to clear out this place.

Природа это числа и черты.

Природа это мозаика цветов.

*hiss*

Shoot! Now I've done it.

Those vestigial digging teeth, the three-fingers-long tearing teeth—these are not Hoituk!

*hiss*

These scaled wings must be for swimming. Then you must be ...

Mutant Kikituk from the Olga area!

...

You should be at the Olga Strait, hunting for migrating salmon and whales, not here!

*roars*

...

Why would you come here? What inspired you to trek across the ocean, just to hunt for humans?

D**n it! It seems, while their claws and teeth have degraded, their reflexes much quicker than a Hoituk's.

They perceived my approach, even though I used my ley line reader as a dampener.

...!

Get out!

Get out of here! I'll cover you!

Thank you, sir.

Evgeni, the kids told me about a can pile. Is it nearby?

Can pile?

They must be talking about our waste metal. I'm afraid it's gone, Ms. Windsong. Maybe animals dug it all out, or maybe those little monsters ate it.

Do you know if that happened before or after the runium mines ran dry?

I'm not sure.

You shouldn't be here. There's nothing of value to find in this place.

And you're not supposed to be using this arcane equipment here, either.

We have a better way to deal with these fierce little monsters. What you're doing will just attract more of them.

You can drive away the Kikituks?!

Not anymore. We don't have much left to fight them off with. Zeno didn't bring any equipment for our team, let alone any weapons.

Go. Leave before it's too late.

What if I don't want to just give up?

I've seen your residence application. You say you are a researcher.

Then you should be clever enough not to go down a fruitless and dangerous path.

I admit that what I'm doing here is reckless, and maybe I'm just motivated by my own selfish interests. But I can't just walk away from my commitments.

You have lived in Rayashki for a long time. You know what "commitment" means here much better than I do.

I won't give it up so easily, just like the people here won't give away their land like nothing.

It's stubbornness. That's all.

...?

They should have gone to other places and put their talents to good use, rather than staying here to fight for nothing.

Is that why you gave away the town so easily to Zeno? Do you really even know your neighbors?

I have lived and worked together with them for decades. Don't be ridiculous. I just ...

I agree with Zeno's perspective.

Tsk. I've been to many places, and I have encountered many people like you—stuck-up "leader types," making decisions on behalf of other people because "it's what's good for them."

And they should listen. Just as you should now.

It's my responsibility to protect everyone, to do right by them.

I will make them see it tomorrow at the hearing.

Ah!

*clears throat* People of Rayashki, my dear friends, good day to you all.

Over the past two days, Zeno has assessed the potential risks and benefits in the area, and held hearings on what should be done about the future of this town.

Our hearings saw very limited attendance. We've taken that to be a gesture of approval.

Mr. Evgeni has put in a great effort helping to make these changes happen. We all owe him a great deal. Thank you, sir.

Please believe that we have made the best decision we could for you.

We all know the runium here has run dry, and the land has been exhausted of all further material wealth, now and into the foreseeable future.

As a result, your local processing factory has lost its intended purpose.

What's more, Zeno has changed our cooperation strategy. Though your town's loyalty will never be forgotten, we must have a sober-minded view of its costs and benefits.

To sum up, our final decision is that ...

We will be ending operations and all future cooperation between Zeno and Rayashki.

Well, Mr. Bertolt, you have just got here; perhaps you didn't have enough time to get to know us well enough. Rayashki's value is not just in our runium. We have many other factories, too.

Yes, you have a brick factory, a power plant, many forklifts, a smattering of conveyor belts. But all these were all built and suited for only the processing of runium ore.

Without the ore, they simply have no benefit to us.

...

Now that you have full knowledge of the situation and our intentions, we want to assure you that your loyalty has not been forgotten, so we have generously prepared two choices for the future of Rayashki.

Firstly, Zeno believes that you have many valuable qualities. The determination and skills you've shown in the past year of our cooperation have proved that your people can be a great asset to us.

Indeed, many of you already meet the entrance requirements to join Zeno.

Therefore, on behalf of Zeno Arms Academy, I wish to extend a heartfelt invitation to you.

Leave Rayashki. Join us and work for one of our other branches as members of Zeno.

What are you saying!? You want us to abandon our home for some promise of a job?

Calm down, Mr. Knut. This is not about abandoning your home. It's about joining us in our efforts to contribute to world peace. Through a more optimized allocation of manpower.

So you're just going to pack us all up and ship us away to work for Zeno?

You misunderstand, madam.

Every year, Zeno dismisses 4% of our employees because they failed to pass our rigorous work reviews. And the number of our colleagues that are killed in the line of duty is even larger still.

Working for Zeno is a privilege, not a gift.

That's why only a small number of you will be allowed to come and work for us.

What?

Now, according to Article 58 in the section on "protection of arcanist rights" signed at the Event Horizon Convention ...

We will provide basic supplies for any residents who haven't been offered a position with Zeno. They will be transferred immediately to the nearest relief station until our social workers contact them for further arrangements.

So then, you're suggesting you will send our children and elderly away to some kind of refugee station?

And the rest of us must go to work for Zeno without any questions?

You ****! This is total rubbish!

Sir, please lower your voice.

Well. You would be glad to know that your work experience in particular is valuable to Zeno, Mr. Knut.

If you're not interested in our first plan, we have another.

If the residents in the area prove reluctant to relocate, Zeno can offer another alternative. As stated earlier, Rayashki is a remote town that possesses some significant industrial infrastructure.

Therefore, it could be considered an ideal location for a new complex of arms factories.

...!

There would be a need to substantially upgrade the Rayashki wharf. To turn it into one of the seaports Zeno plans to build across the globe.

Additionally, a radio station will be constructed within the town.

Which will better facilitate our communication throughout the Arctic region so as to stabilize and coordinate with other powers in the area.

...

We will now be passing out forms, listing the options I've presented. Please fill them in with your choice.

So your only other option is to turn Rayashki into some kind of military base under Zeno's control?

I won't put it so bluntly, but you're not incorrect.

Our resources, as much as anyone's, are limited, and they must be put to good use. We cannot afford to waste them on strategically usele- ... costly people and places.

If you want Zeno to help you, you should be able to give us something in return, don't you agree?

So, Evgeni, this is "the best choice" you made for all of us?

Ahem! I must speak in Mr. Evgeni's defense. He is committed to his duty and only wishes to do what he can for his compatriots.

Shameless! All you've done is sold us out!

You tell them, Knut!

Do you think it's getting a bit windy lately? Clearly, with all the hot air in Evgeni's head, his mind has been blown away!

...

I swear to you, I am not doing this out of my own interest.

Comrades, there are many better places in this world, and you have better purposes to fulfill.

You shouldn't waste your time here.

Bah!

Let's all calm down, my friends! It's time to be reasonable!

Think carefully. Zeno has been very generous regarding the offers before you.

Generous? Now that's ridiculous!

We won't let you take away our family and friends, nor are we about to let you turn our town into a puppet state!

We will stay here! No matter what!

Comrades, I understand how you feel right now.

But we must face the cruel reality of our situation.

And you're willing to send away our own people or give up on all we've built here because of this so-called "reality."

It is the only way forward.

If we continue to stay here without any help, it will be the end of us either way.

Do we have to turn to Zeno for this help?

The truth is, just as Rayashki's economy has been dependent on runium, we remain dependent on Zeno.

Without them, at the present rate of consumption, we will be out of supplies and materials within a year.

...

This situation looks bad.

Zeno is determined to gain control over this place.

...

But if I complete the task as Zeno requested, does it mean ...

I will shatter their dream?

And what about my dream?

Did the people who refused to acknowledge the study of ley lines act out of the same self-interest?

I've seen this happen so many times before.

A simple dream is made to face a cruel reality. Where the clever ones give up and leave, and the stubborn fools remain, waiting to be crushed.

"We asked for our misery."

Wait!

I'm not finished.

But I am, Ms. Vila.

...

...

Sir! With all due respect. I can't complete this task alone.

As an ordinary researcher, I can relate to them. Please forgive me for interrupting.

I have heard so much about Rayashki these days.

They started from nothing, but bit by bit, they accomplished the impossible.

Their voice should be heard.

Природа это числа и черты.

...?!

...!

Miste- ... Mister Bertolt.

We can't hold them any longer!

Now, will you listen to me?

We don't need your help. Your soldiers and your tyranny are no longer welcome here.

...

Comrades, what do you say? Shall we solve the problem with the strength of our own hands and hearts?

...

What else can we do? This is what we've always done when there was a problem!

There will be more solutions than problems if we work together!

If I must die, I will die here with all of you!

Just stop talking nonsense, you idiot! Nobody is going to die!

Rayashki belongs to all of us. We will stand with it till its last moment!

Huh, they might say they're just ordinary people, but they are so brave and noble.

Could I really have traded the future of these people away for my ley line studies?

*sighs* Zeno ...

I was a mule chasing after a carrot on a stick. They lured me here all so I could help ruin everything!

Heh! You seem to be in a good mood.

...?

We taught Zeno a lesson. They were forced to leave with their devil's bargains and tails tucked behind them. We fought back, finally.

A nice little trick, that was. Thank you, Comrade Windsong.

We all know who the mysterious hero was that gave us a helping hand.

I, I didn't do anything.

It's no shame to have helped your friends, not to mention to stand up to Zeno.

Have more confidence in yourself, Comrade Windsong.

But will you really gain anything from this fight?

Not sure, but we have to do something, right?

That's why I'm here.

To talk to me?

I don't know why, but Ms. Vila, you must have thought too much of me.

In fact, I'm only a simple researcher. I'm not powerful enough to change Zeno's decision.

You are the one thinking too much, Comrade Windsong.

Your ley line lessons were much more popular than you think. They have had a positive effect on the children.

Now, they are looking at the bigger picture and observing the world in a more detailed way. You've unleashed their curiosity.

"Is the aurora the bubbles spit out by the stars? They form such a beautiful map. Do they study ley lines, too?"

But it remains the case that the study of ley lines has never been verified.

For all its ambitions. Only a limited number of people studied it in the past decades, and that number is decreasing even now.

...!

What you are looking at is not some skin problem, but my past.

My past as a Rusalka.

Rusalka? You mean the mermaid from folklore?!

My people used to live in a far-secluded place in the north, away from the humans.

For hundreds of years, there was only hostility, plunder, and slaughter between us and them.

We only started to learn more about each other in the last few decades, and then I was born. It's been a hard life growing up within human society, but I've become used to it.

Still, some things never got easier.

Most humans still thought I was a freak. They "welcomed" me with mocking, sarcasm, and contempt for my people, my heritage.

As for the Rusalki, they too found a half-blooded mermaid unacceptable. They didn't approve of my living among the humans, forcing me to live as a fugitive in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

They tried to catch me by every means possible, so they could wash away the "stain" they saw in me.

That sounds very difficult.

Humans have stigmatized and hunted the Rusalki for centuries, while Rusalki still have the instinct to attack and plunder human ships even now.

How are they supposed to make peace in such little time?

That was what I thought years ago. Then, I came to this town.

"A wonderful world where humans and Rusalki could live in peace." I was finally convinced.

In Rayashki, everyone can make contributions with their skills, whether you are a human, a Rusalka, or a ley line researcher.

...

I don't mean to give you more stress or push you. You will always be our friend, whatever your choice is.

But this is not an unreachable dream. It's real.

Haha!

The editor of the Environmental Research agreed to publish our report, finally!

But he only gave us 5000 words.

On the last few pages.

Undoubtedly, it's still a good start, our first step to reviving the study of ley lines!

That's it. I give up! Maybe I'll study something else, like urban planning, or landscape design.

At least I can make a living that way.

The study of ley lines is outdated. Everyone agrees now that it can't be verified by science.

"This whole study was a dead end. Ley lines are only a baseless theory of arcanum."

I tried talking about our study of ley lines with other arcanists, but almost no one has ever heard of it. They are more interested in Laplace's breakthroughs.

Or anecdotes in their own fields, like the Chaotic Energy sampling mentioned in the paper written by the Butterfly of Lorentz.

So, maybe it is an unreachable dream?

I do wish I could help, but ...

It would take a lot of resources to verify the theory behind ley lines. There may be even danger and sacrifice.

Even Zeno has paid little attention to my research. They only see it as a means to an end.

Researchers in other fields can stand on the shoulders of giants, while I, I don't even have a school to return to.

I doubt that the study of ley lines will help you much.

I see.

Well, thank you for your honesty, Comrade Windsong.

I'm sorry.

I'll see you soon.

See you, Vila.

Wait, Comrade Windsong!

...?

Don't forget your next lesson. The children are still waiting.

But the town is ...

Life must continue, comrade.

We can't let our worries stop us.

Okay.

Class is over.

Thank goodness, I still remembered the basic premises of "Ley Lines and Biology."

Feel free to ask me any questions.

Cheer up, little ones. There won't be any exams for this subject.

Mm?

Ms. Windsong, are you going to dig up those potatoes alone again?

Is there anything we can do to help you?

Ms. Vila said we will work together to beat the critters out there.

That we will find their weakness as long as we finish the map with you!

Just like how you taught us to!

"Qiqirn are not dangerous at all. They are plant-eating critters and pose little threat to humans."

I have ropes, flowers, and white gloves. We will dig up a lot of potatoes together.

Pyotr is strong. He can move any rocks that are in our way. Nina can prepare a kettle of warm water for everyone. And ...

I'm sorry, little ones.

I wish I could verify all the theories we've been working on, but ...

...

As you can see, a critical part is missing.

It might take months to finish it.

Besides, there may be even more dangerous critters in that area.

Then the town will become the witch's new castle? Or perhaps an empty castle.

...

Quiet, children.

Wipe your tears and cheer up! Our Rayashki will stand strong!

Really?!

But what are you going to do?

Vila, I hope you aren't seriously considering Zeno's ...

Of course not. They might try, but we will never give in!

No matter what, for now, we must find a way to protect our town. We will need a shelter from these critters.

We've all decided to stay.

Look outside, children.

Each and every one of us is doing what we can to hold our town together.

Knut's factory is spitting out puffy bubbles.

Heh heh.

The workers are going to transform the abandoned factories into something useful.

They are cleaning the ore and debris there. Not an easy job.

After that, we will start new production lines and cooperate with the surrounding cities. We will grow potatoes, breed fish, and make canned food. We will find our strengths together!

Are we putting makeup on the factories? We can paint their faces and put beautiful garlands on them!

Hmm? So what is Mr. Patrik doing?

Everyone's waiting in line. Is it the tin-hat festival again?

I'm sorry, Avgust. I think we will have to live without our tin hats and Comrade Blinchik for a long time.

They are signing on to a reform of our rationing.

To transform our factories, we need to cut down the budget for the canteen.

Oh, thank you for your sacrifice, Comrade Blinchik.

You deserve a medal and some chocolate!

Look, the bulldozers are tearing down those houses!

Yes. We all agreed to exchange some of our living space.

For more land to grow food.

The price is much higher than it first seemed. Is it worth it?

Of course.

You cannot find what we have here in Zeno's barracks, or in a relief camp. You can't find it anywhere in the world.

Think about the old comrades and the babies. They are the past and the future of Rayashki. How could we leave them behind or subject them to Zeno's whims?

No one shall ever be abandoned in Rayashki.

I think people out there would be envious if they saw what you are doing here.

We really aren't doing anything so special. We're only doing our job, our duty to one another.

There are lots of conflicts out there, conflicts like the one between humans and Rusalki.

Like the ones that mocked the study of ley lines and dissolved our school. They did so simply because it might take from their funds or steal their glory.

Everyone forever building walls, just to keep separated from each other—Hoarding whatever they could get their hands on.

Then they blame the aftermath—the harm they do to others on "cruel realities."

Heh, "cruel reality." It seems to be everyone's mortal enemy, the cause of all suffering, war, greed—the perfect excuse to never care.

But things are different in Rayashki.

They took me in unconditionally when I came here. And they stayed friendly for a week, a month, a year, and even now.

So naturally, it became my dream, too.

Everyone here shares a beautiful dream, a dream that we can work and enjoy life together.

That someday there will be no more conflicts between people or worries about tomorrow. That everyone will be able to work to achieve their passions whatever field they wish to pursue. A utopia.

It's not just a way of life for now, but the future we're always trying to reach.

...

I've spread the study of ley lines in Rayashki, along with its potential.

They showed great interest. The study tells us about the secrets that could lie beneath the earth, after all.

"Perhaps it will bring hope to Rayashki."

But, I'm not one of you.

You taught the children something new, and you helped us explore our town's potential, didn't you?

Everyone here is more than happy to help you. You know, Comrade Knut has been boasting about the assistance he was able to provide for your studies.

And many others are envious. They want to help you, too.

More importantly, you already have a group of curious students here willing to study your theory.

...

Now, allow me to ask you again, Comrade Windsong.

Would you hold a lecture on ley lines for all the citizens of Rayashki?

Even though my research doesn't have any endorsements or achievements?

Of course. Perhaps we can be the first to endorse it, after your lecture.

You're being far too obvious in your recruitment tactics.

The world is not a beautiful place. Poverty, privilege, egoism, exclusivism, so many problems.

But that doesn't mean it can't get better in the future.

Perhaps, the experiment we're doing in Rayashki now will become the symbol of a better future, a new world where all races and ideas can coexist.

Well, of course, it may fail and end up a ruin.

But at least we've tried.

...

We love our home, and we're ready to devote our lives to it.

I can't shake the feeling you're inviting me aboard a leaky boat that could sink any moment.

Maybe, Comrade Windsong. But should we sink, remember your friend is a Rusalka, and we do well underwater.

What an honor.

I ...

Today, I am going to introduce the study of ley lines.

And the progress of my research on Rayashki.

Thanks to your help, I have finished a draft of the town's ley energy map.

And I have confirmed the presence of many precious resources.

Through these colorful lines?

These lines and spots show us the state of local ley energy. Each color represents a different concentration of creatures or minerals.

Simply put, this area covered in frozen earth and frost contains many rich resource veins.

These gray marks symbolize them. They are located in most of the corners of the map, all of them outside of town.

Oh! Maybe that's why Grandpa said we couldn't grow anything here in the beginning.

They eventually solved that problem by importing rich black topsoil for our fields.

As for the runium you've mined to make a living, look at the dark gray marks.

According to the map, they are becoming increasingly scattered and faint, so it can be hard to see them.

...

Besides resources, we can also find concentrations of different creatures using the map.

The navy blue marks represent the Qiqirn, while the aqua green ones represent the mutant Qiqirn from the wharf. They feed on plants, and you can find their traces in many corners of the town.

The red brown marks are the Kikituks, an aggressive species. They're vicious by nature and prey on just about anything arcane they can find, even other creatures.

I feel as though my head is going to explode from all this new information. Can you explain a little simpler for this old workhorse, Comrade Windsong?

Of course.

This sample comes from a Kikituk in the mine. I took it with Mr. Evgeni's help.

...

Seems like just a normal piece of fluff, no matter how I look at it.

Yes, and in most people's eyes, it's nothing more than that.

But in a ley hunter's eyes, it reveals a great deal of information.

Ah. The navy blue marks and the red brown ones seem to mix together. And there are also dark gray ones popping out among them.

So it looks like our Mr. Kikituk ate well. Perhaps he had a Qiqirn soup with runium-flavored kefir.

Hahaha, looks like these critters have realized our dream long before we could.

But what about those black marks?

If my memory serves me right, the map you just showed us had those black marks, too.

Yes, but they don't match any creature or resource we know.

I believe it represents a new kind of resource.

Oh! Well, where is it then?!

We can only find the answer in this area here.

You mean in the depths of the mine?

The ley energy is emanating from there. Afterwards, it flows throughout the "food chain," passing through all kinds of creatures and materials before eventually returning to its source.

Then our new resource is probably somewhere there.

So we need to find it! Then we won't have to put up with Zeno anymore!

But, do you have any other proof?

Of course. Remember the critter you found in the mine, Mr. Knut?

Yes, you said it was called, em, a Hoi-Hoitoo.

Hoituk, a subspecies of Kikituk. They live underground and feed on minerals.

That was around the time we had begun to run out of runium.

Is that so? But they were still there, perhaps even more active than usual. That could only mean they were attracted by some other mineral or energy source, right?

And even though I didn't find any further Hoituks during my research, I did find the Olga mutants, one of their close relatives.

Since they are social creatures, my discovery must prove the presence of some of these Hoituks, even if we cannot find them yet!

But in the end, this is all just conjecture. Are we really going to waste all our time and money on your assumptions?

Or can you prove it's something more than conjecture?

I would call it a preliminary conclusion.

But could it be endorsed by any authorities or proven theories?

So far, no.

So then, it is little more than a fairy tale. Am I right?

I admit it's a gamble.

It's never easy to dig, you know.

And Zeno has already withdrawn all their own equipment. All we have left in Rayashki are some outdated machines.

Besides, Ms. Windsong mentioned the critters. Maybe their presence there is some kind of proof, but they are themselves a danger.

It is obvious that there will be many more critters there than near the town.

And you would have us waste time—perhaps even sacrifice our comrades—to pursue what could just be a fairy tale?

...

There is no doubt, the cost is simply too high.

Who would be foolish enough to dig some holes in the wild just to see if there are critter bones in there?

The answer is very clear. We don't need a new kind of geography mixed with arcanum. Let's save everybody some trouble.

Conclusion: the application for Project: Ley Line should be rejected.

Agreed.

I ...

Heh, even cranks can apply for research funds nowadays.

Keep moving, Comrade Windsong. Keep moving.

The people of Rayashki don't back down in the face of their problems.

...

Whatever it is, we can fix it together, right?

...

I approve of Comrade Windsong's proposal.

Me too!

That's right.

This is not a gamble or a fairy tale.

Here's a ley line simulator.

It can simulate the creatures on the ley energy map, so we can do further analysis.

Is it able to simulate the critters, too?

Certainly. Simulating critters is lesson one in the ley line textbook.

We can use the simulation to carry out targeted training against the critters.

Looks like the study of ley lines is more organized than I thought.

Congratulations, Comrade Windsong. You will have the manpower you need.

Turn it on, comrade!

We can't wait!

*roars*

...!

Hahahaha, it's like digging the mine all over again!

That was the biggest achievement of my life!

Let's do this, comrades!

Digging like this is no easy work!

Phew! That was one powerful blow. Hahahahaha!

I think we can draw our conclusions now.

Everyone! We have to admit this is going to be a risky operation, but it's also our last chance.

To protect our land and our people!

We must explore the mine!

There will be danger; yes, some of us may get hurt, but we may also find this new resource and save our Rayashki.

For you, for me, for everyone!

We can already expect that critters have occupied the mine. We'll just have to work together to drive them away!

We dug this mine with our old machines once, and we'll do it again!

This is how we've made it so far.

However old they are now, they will always be our children, right?

Yuri, you are good at assembling, huh? Nikita, you're going to be busy with the engines. Valeriya, we need you for the screws!

...

Ms. Vila, they've been doing strange things.

Father took out a lot of old books, and he spends most of his time looking over his blueprints now. He said, "They will be the key to saving the town."

Shame I can't read those books or help with anything.

My dad was acting strange, too. He started fiddling with the bottles from under his bed again.

But Mom didn't scold him this time. She even took out some of her treasures from the cabinet.

Reindeer horn, Noisy Birch sap, Golden-Teeth Seal whiskers.

Dad said his potions would keep everyone energetic for a whole day.

Even Mr. Miser took out his wand from the safe box!

Heh heh.

Move, kids.

Good luck, Comrade Vila.

Mr. Patrik.

Are you doing strange things, too?

How to Use and Maintain Model Э-050, Operation Manual of Model СК-1562 ...

These dusty books ... They look older than me!

Hahaha, these "old friends" are our textbooks.

Do adults take exams, too?

We're doing something far more important than exams, kids.

We haven't used these old fellas since Zeno brought the new ones. Most of our comrades don't know how to operate them.

Now is the time to put them back into use. Comrade Knut has been teaching us how to use these "outdated" technologies.

That's right. All the adults have been divided into many groups.

Knut is leader of the engineering group, and Pasono's uncle is in the investigation group, while Nina's father has joined the potion group.

All of them take part in the critter combat training at dusk every day, and we share our combat experience with each other.

And everyone is working hard to explore the mine.

Haha! We will be able to live on our own without Zeno!

Ms. Vila, I want the town to be proud of me, too!

Is there anything that we can do?

I have lots of metal toy trains. Can we make components out of them?

They can spin and whistle like a mine cart!

That's a great idea. I'm sure it will inspire everyone.

No! Let them use mine first!

Calm down, children. I know you want to do your bit.

But our future needs you.

Now, your job is to study hard, so Rayashki can rely on you in the future.

Understand?

Oh. What about Avgust? We can't find him.

He'll be so sad if he doesn't get to have a job too.

*chuckles*

Don't worry, Nina. He's helping the town in his own way.

*roars*

Ears!

*roars*

Whiskers!

It's only been a few months. Can't believe the monsters have already occupied the whole place.

Well, not a problem as long as we got our mischievous little comrade. He always knows exactly where they will come out.

Things wouldn't have gone nearly as smoothly without him.

I would never have believed he could do this if Comrade Windsong hadn't endorsed him.

"Never underestimate any of our comrades, big or small." Do I need to repeat that again?

Well done, Avgust. You protected everyone.

Protected?

But I was just teaching our monster friends how to dance right. They are slow learners.

Yes, that's what we want you to do.

A performance with the Kikituks.

Your job is to tell which critter, emm, I mean, which friend, is dancing wrong.

That's your talent, isn't it? Just like you showed us before!

Oh!

But, what if they dance right?

Mmm.

Then, they deserve some Alenka chocolate, don't they?

Comrade Sergiyan, our new friend is right beside your boots. I think he is hoping to kiss them. Will you dance with him?

What?

Watch out!

*roars*

Ah!

Back off!

...!

There are many more critters than we can deal with here.

Many of us are injured. We must retreat.

We made the decision to come here together, Comrade Evgeni.

We are so close to the depths. We must not give up now!

Hiss, ah! I know everyone's wounded, but look how far we've gone. It's been worth it, don't you think?

This is all my fault. I'm sorry.

Don't be, Comrade Windsong. You've given us a workable plan and helped us recognize our little comrade's potential, no?

He's only a child.

He's one of us, Comrade Evgeni. I will keep him safe.

We aren't just digging a mine now.

If we manage to find this resource, no one will have to leave, and we can continue to live together, right?

Hmph!

These wounds are nothing compared to the glory of our future.

Again, I think this is a foolish idea.

...!

It's me.

Oh, you!

I want to talk.

I was just about to look for you, Comrade Evgeni. I've found more details!

Here.

Trust me, they will ease your mind, more or less.

Let's skip to the point.

I want you to stop your research.

What?

Our exploration has only just started, yet many of our people have already been hurt.

Can you promise there won't be further injuries, or worse, before we've found this fairy-tale treasure?

Your so-called new resource is still unconfirmed, yet the price we've paid looking for it is already mounting. We had other options, safer options for all of us.

We just need to be better prepared. We will arm ourselves with more knowledge for next time.

I know what you're after here: the study of ley lines, right?

The people here may be enthusiastic, but they are only laymen. I've spoken with someone who can help you far more.

It is good to see you, Ms. Windsong.

Our proud scholar of a budding, if still informal, school.

And you, the Big Shot from Zeno. Should I feel flattered you stopped by?

I read your files, as Mr. Evgeni suggested.

You know already that Zeno has investigated many arcane cases and been deployed to many places related to arcanum, but we have never met anyone quite as obsessive in their study as you are.

What now? Have the big shots decided they are going to trust my studies?

Well, while I might admire your perseverance myself, no, they're not convinced.

We just wonder what you and your school have gained from this long journey?

Enough with the crap.

As you wish. First, I believe you owe Comrade Evgeni some thanks.

Huh?

The less than satisfactory results from your study may not have earned this letter from Zeno, but Comrade Evgeni insisted on us offering it to you.

Once you have our recommendation, you will be able to communicate with all the renowned scholars in our lab. Your long wait for recognition will be over. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

All I ask is stop this farce.

Heh!

Well, I am so grateful. I think I might cry.

All we have to do is wait for Zeno's grace to be bestowed on us. We should be moved to tears by your mercy, no?

Putting aside your sarcasm, I would suggest you consider the danger of throwing away this opportunity.

You are wasting time, effort, maybe even lives on some foolish wild goose chase. We can offer the people here a much safer and more feasible way forward. Don't you see?

And what about Rayashki?

All things come to an end. It will disappear quietly, overtaken by the wilds of this land, when the time comes.

At least, it may leave a small place in the historical records.

No offense intended, Mr. Evgeni.

We cannot solve the problems we're having without Zeno's help.

All of these problems will be solved as long as we find this new resource.

Ahem! I'm afraid you're mistaken, Ms. Windsong.

As far as Zeno is concerned, the value of this land is exhausted, fairy-tale resources notwithstanding. Once we've transferred the arcanists away, Rayashki will be abandoned.

We are aware of the danger that staying here poses to these people, and it is our responsibility to save them. Whether they wish to resist us or not. That's the only reason for our decision, understand?

...!

Let's be practical.

Zeno has many outstanding young people, a strong academic atmosphere, a better future. You will get your opportunity to revive your school of ley lines, if you pass the exam.

...

This will be a better choice for all of you.

Haha.

Mr. Big Shot, could you use your rusted brain to think of a more noble reason than consumerism and elitism?

Do you really think our desire for a better life is the only reason why we refuse to leave?

You used ordinary people as a stepping stone to power and privilege, and even now you take our sacrifices for granted.

Reality is cruel: not you, not Rayashki, and not even Zeno can save everyone. You will have to deal with that.

You should take what is to come as an inevitable optimization of our society's development.

I know. Life may still get harder even if we find this new resource.

So what?

Your brand of elitism may have invaded every corner of the world, but not this town, not yet.

I see, most scholars like you hold the same naivete.

They refuse to leave any of their "comrades" behind, even if the price is their own future.

...

What we would sacrifice ourselves for is not the study of ley lines, or any other personal goals.

But our dream to thrive together!

To live in a bright future we all can share!

As for this ...

I don't need it.

...!

*spits* A leopard never changes its spots.

I envy your innocence, Ms. Windsong.

For many years, I believed that our mission was to change the world.

But when I looked up, the gate to the new world was already closed. Little Rayashki just coasted along, and I tried to keep everything the way it was.

But I failed.

Rayashki is doomed. All our efforts, our will, our dreams—nothing can change the creeping reality. We attempted to achieve something meaningful, something that could make history, but ...

The spirit of the times stands against what we are building here, not just Zeno, but the whole world.

That's what reality is like: boring, cruel, disappointing.

You are too pessimistic, Comrade Evgeni.

Huh?

Zeno has tried to recruit me several times. Do you know what I've learned from all their efforts?

They don't want us to explore that mine.

They belittled our efforts, offered pity for Rayashki, and then planned out a promising future for us.

Yet they didn't give us a hand, even when our people were injured or died.

Do you really think they are so eager to stop us just because they don't want any more sacrifices?

...!

Of course not, my friend.

A lesson I learned from living in their society ...

Never do what your enemies want you to do.

Zeno is afraid of us.

They are afraid that we may discover a new kindling to relight our fire, that we may burn so brightly that we grow out from their control to create our own future.

You ...

But they can't have it their way. Rayashki belongs to us, as does the future!

I, I will give it some thought, Ms. Wi- ... Comrade Windsong.

...

I haven't done any field investigation of ley energy since our school fell apart.

Don't worry, Comrade Windsong. Look, these stones are still the same stones we've always known.

And don't be afraid to fail. My father told me that failure is just success in progress, hahaha!

Even if we cannot find this new resource or save our Rayashki ...

We've come back here together and worked for our common goal. We have nothing to complain about.

Alright.

Whatever the result, we thank you for your efforts.

Now leave the rest to us!

Comrade Yuri, check the connection status.

Don't forget to check the drill, Comrade Elena.

Relax. It's much easier than opening a can with only your fingers.

Hahahahaha!

Knut had grown a slender arm. One that reached places no one could and picked up stones there.

They are not like the soft, transparent stones from the sky; these are hard as chocolate!

I think they are good stuff, too. Vila said we could make them into cans and houses to help the town!

But maybe we will irritate the owner of the stones?

Am I right that this sample is from 100 meters underground?

Yes. Usually, we don't need to reach that deep to find runium ore.

Relax, comrades. At least, it proves there is something new under Rayashki.

Hmm, I have been a miner for forty years, and one thing I know for sure is this: this is not bedrock.

It's a Kikituk's hair.

The black marks are the new resource we're looking for, the red brown ones are the Kikituks, and the bright yellow ones are their mineral-eating relatives, the Hoituks.

Hmm. The machine will show us the stability of the ley energy in a minute.

We are at the source of the ley energy now, so the lines should have been pure.

If my eyes serve me right, I think I see bad news.

You're right. This source is like an estuary polluted beyond recovery.

It is carrying too many traces, both from creatures and non-creatures. Besides, the "black" ore down there seems to have attracted a large number of critters, which has only worsened the pollution.

A senior of mine said in his notes that in this case, it will take a push for the core to activate its self-purification system.

Huh?

Shoot, we got a big one!

Waves! It's seawater!

We should have prepared swimming floats.

Yes, but the waves won't reach us if we ride the sled!

"If the ley energy materializes, put in a 7.62cm sea serpent bone, 3 drops of common vervain sap, and 20mg of snail sawfish embryo ..."

Crazy! Whoa!

It has a beautiful stone on its neck, too!

Did your father also fall asleep in the mine?

D**n! Is that the raw runium ore that Zeno has been looking for? The energy is so pure. No wonder it materialized into such a huge body.

*roars*

Comrades, defense formation.

Miners, stay behind us and evacuate!

Comrades! Stand with me if you've got a weapon! No matter if it's a rifle, a staff, or a shovel. Grip them tight. This is our Rayashki's future we're fighting for!

We've been waiting for this, haven't we?

That's right.

Dear comrades.

This is the critical moment for our town.

No good weapons, no external support, but we have our friends, our family ...

And each other, who will never leave anyone behind!

Yes!

There's nothing to be afraid of.

We can always figure it out, so long as ...

So long as we still have hope.

Did we make it?

After we drove the critters away, the self-purification system began to run slower.

Haha! Time to go all out. Let's go, comrades!

For a brighter future!

...!

Oh!

Comrade Yuri! Get a few more comrades here. We need to move him to the back!

Its energy has not run out yet. What on earth ...

*roars*

That's the ore! D**n it! Don't tell me it's still powering this thing!

I see. So we just break that stone, and it's over, right?

Yes, theoretically.

Leave it to me. I am the marksman here! Just need to get a little closer, a little closer.

Comrade Adrian, Comrade Daniel, and I will go with you. There may be something we can do!

Okay!

Comrades, watch out!

No!

Fall back, fall back!

...

S**t! Our attacks cannot break that stone at all.

Comrade Windsong, wh-what is going on?

...

The cycle of ley energy is long. It may take months, years, or even longer than that to return to its source.

As long as that ore remains on its neck, the ley energy will continue with the purification until it wipes out everything around.

So all we can do is wait?

For our own safety, we'd better stay out of this area until it completely returns to the source.

I should've seen this coming. I'm so sorry.

Comrade Patrik, Comrade Nikita, you're not done yet, right? Anyone else?

We still got the digger, the crane, and our own strength! Let's try harder! It's nothing more than a stupid stone! We can do this!

It's our last chance!

Stop this senseless sacrifice, Comrade Knut. It's pointless to keep going.

But, to save Rayashki is also your dream, no?!

Our little one from afar swore she would unite all of us, no matter who we are or where we're from.

We must keep all that in our minds. How can we give up now?

...

I'm so happy I came here and made friends with all of you, comrades. You each have a kind heart and a strong will.

Before I met you, my dream was only a joke to the other Rusalki, but you've shown me it isn't unreachable. Now it feels so real and heartwarming.

Sometimes, I almost forget that you see the fins and scales on my body.

That's why I don't want you to sacrifice yourselves for nothing. I don't want to lose you.

What we want is to stay together. That's why we are fighting to save Rayashki, right?

F**k this world!

*sobs* The swans have lost their feathers.

Are we still able to reach the sky?

I must thank you, Comrade Windsong. You've rekindled something in me, in us—a new hope, just as you promised.

I will tell you that I read some papers on your ley lines after that night. It holds some great ideas, I admit. You and Rayashki deserve a better future.

...!

Wow, sea swallow, our brave friend!

Comrades, I want you to know I recommended you to Zeno only because I was worried for your future. I did not want you to be stuck in a dying town.

Comrade Evgeni?

And it gives me pain to see how brave and determined you all have been. I won't let any of you die here.

Evgeni, what are you doing!

The sad thing is I took a very different path long ago. But what does it matter now?

Rayashki is proud of you. I am proud of you. You will continue to build the new world of your dreams—our dream, no matter where or when.

I will always be there with you.

Seize the opportunity, Vila, Windsong, my comrades!

Природа это числа и черты.

Comrade Evgeni.

D**n it! This is not fair!

Just because he was the only pilot here doesn't mean he could make that decision alone! We should have had a vote!

We fixed that fighter together!

That a*****e left us behind.

But he will always be our comrade, right?

...

To Comrade Evgeni, salute!

But where is the sea swallow?!

He flew into the future, child.

The future we'll all reach one day.

Take heart, comrades.

Everything he did was for Rayashki.

We shared the same dream, didn't we?

To do all we can for the good of the people.

Reporting: drilling rig clear, ready for new exploration.

...

That's the spirit! We must keep going! Let's get some wiggles!

Yuri, start the machines!

On it!

Take this. It's my best friend.

I think it will be glad to have another best friend.

I will become a great hero like you. It's a promise, a man's promise.

Why are your feathers wet, Pyotr?

...

You have water on your face, Ms. Windsong. Can kids still cry after they grow up?

...

I should've known ...

The abnormal fluctuation of the ley energy, and how much of an attraction it is to the critters ...

I should've noticed they were different from my theory.

At least this experience will be valuable for the study of ley lines, won't it?

Take it in, and make something of it. I'm sure it will be of more help in the future.

You're not only doing this for yourself or for me, but for those who sacrificed for all of us.

...

We found it! This must be the new resource!

COAL!

It is coal! We did it!

This is our coal! Comrades, we will use it to cook our meal tonight!

And it will be the best meal I've ever had!

Is that so, Comrade Nikita? You got a problem with my food, huh?

Hahahaha!

I made a rough estimate. The reserves here should last hundreds of years!

For the first time in history, the theory of ley lines has been verified.

There is no doubt your work deserves a fair assessment now.

Thank you for your help, Ms. Vila.

We achieved this together, didn't we?

Of course.

The glory goes to every one of us.

I'm very glad to see you again, Ms. Windsong.

Hmph! Are you? You don't look glad at all.

Heh. I admit, I underestimated the people here.

Especially you, Ms. Windsong.

The great heroine who found coal deep beneath the town.

So, did I manage to ruin Zeno's little plans?

...

We have nothing left to do here. Zeno will leave soon.

I know we disagree on many things, our future included. Still, Zeno looks forward to working with you again, hopefully in a more friendly way.

I hope so, too.

You don't wanna be embarrassed by another lowly researcher again, do you?

Goodbye, Ms. Windsong.

...

Wait! I have one last question!

Please, I'm at your service.

Zeno confirmed the existence of Hoituks in Rayashki months ago, but you just took care of them without letting anyone know.

You already knew there would be a large reserve of coal here, didn't you?!

...

After thorough discussion, the people of Rayashki have made their final decision.

I stand here to declare the future direction of Rayashki.

As of today, Rayashki will be no longer affiliated with any organizations, and all factories dedicated to processing of runium ore will be shut down.

What are we going to do for our work, then?

I don't want to sit around at home living on benefits!

There will be many things to do, Comrade Valeriya.

As the elites above us struggle for power, we ordinary people suffer in darkness.

But now, there will be a new source of power, one built to lift up the people not to take from them. And it will run on Rayashki coal.

We will start new factories in Rayashki and explore the possibilities of working with other coal producers nearby.

We will mine with our own hands and feed ourselves.

Maybe we can even build a dock and sell our products far away.

We will raise a new banner above Rayashki, one welcoming all ordinary people ...

... to come to a livable place with abundant power and job opportunities for their future.

What about your plan, Comrade Windsong?

...

I think I'm going to stay for a while.

You need to know that for now we must tighten our belts. Everyone's rations must be cut for some time until Rayashki gets back on its feet.

At least for now, the study of ley lines belongs here, not in the fancy halls and symposiums of human academia.

This place still holds many possible research avenues: monitoring the changes in the environment, further detailing the local ley energy map, maybe even studying the mutation of the Kikituks.

I must finish them to further develop the study before it is ready for academia again.

Then it sounds like you may be with us for a long time yet, good.

And don't forget, you are expected to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.

...

Ms. Windsong, I want to apologize for being rude to you during class.

I'll bring you some Friendship cheese next time, to apologize. I promise!

You will always be our comrade.

Hats off to you!

Ms. Windsong!

I think we performed very well at the ceremony!

Will you come teach us again?

We want to learn more, too!

Same here!

♪~♪♪~

Ms. Windsong, the sunflowers we planted are blooming!

We protected the town!

...

We begin the next chapter of Rayashki today.

I'm so glad we will build it together.

Hello, Rayashki.

Thank goodness! I was hoping you'd be here!

Oh, erm, is this a bad time?

Heh heh, no, it's alright. Have a seat.

I'm not a pure Rusalka. As you can see, I must get in touch with water every once in a while to replenish my power from the ocean.

Ahem. Hello, Comrade Vila.

It's been a while, Comrade Windsong.

They say you're working hard in the mine, and the study of ley lines is getting popular among the workers.

They have helped a lot. My research on the environment wouldn't have gone nearly so smoothly without them.

It's given a second life to my studies, and it is growing so well. It has even gained some recognition beyond Rayashki.

I, I'm truly happy that I came here.

I never thought the Comrade Windsong would be so bashful over her accomplishments. I thought you were more stubborn and confident than that.

...

I'm only teasing, comrade. It's a matter of fact that you are not as fearless as you pretend to be, isn't it?

That's why we must all stick together to make up for each other's weaknesses and make Rayashki proud! Sorry, speeches have become an occupational habit.

Fine, you got me. But it's not a big deal. Just as you are not quite the gentle and demure school teacher that you appear to be, are you, comrade?

We're even!

Actually, I've come to say goodbye.

Laplace has invited me to give a lecture for their European branch. They want me to give a lecture on how I combined environmental analysis with the arcanum based on what we've done here in Rayashki.

Sounds like a very promising new beginning for your studies.

How are things going in the town?

We are getting more visitors now. It seems people are eager to see something different.

I'm sure they will.

We've also begun cooperating with many governments and agencies near us, including the Foundation.

They hope to carry out some short-term training on the arcanum for the children.

What's this?

Open it. It's from the Foundation.

Mr. Name Day invites me to visit the Foundation and discuss further cooperation. The children are also waiting for me there.

It seems they mentioned you all the time during their training.

"Did we miss the ley line exam?"

"The Foundation has all sorts of incredible things."

Like biting coins, noisy coal balls, a glass pen with rainbows inside. So much fun!

I've mastered a lot of incantations!

I miss the town and everyone.

Yeah. We miss Comrade Alenka, Comrade Blinchik, and Comrade Piroshki!

They say we will be able to go home in a few months!

I must master the most powerful arcane skills by then, so I can use them to protect the town!

We'll transform into sea swallows!

Then we'll be able to fly and fly to far, far away!

The Kaslinska University Hospital received a rare case today.

The patient's veins irreversibly transformed into electric wires. As of 18:00, all arterial, venous, and capillary tissues throughout the patient's body have undergone necrosis.

The director said they would invite more professionals to the consultation to decide on further research directions.

Global Variety News has claimed the case may become one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the era.

They started a new column to analyze possible compatibilities between the patient's new wired veins and different appliances.

Please stay tuned for more details.

The Flying Carpet Travel Agency is starting a tour around Northern Europe ...

... where you will be able to see the breathtaking aurora borealis, pet fluffy Qiqirns, and even enjoy a flying carpet race.

The destination of our tour is Rayashki.

A mysterious town, the warmest place in the Arctic Circle, sitting atop many rich veins of coal.

When you get there, we suggest that you abide by the town's wishes and work to earn what you need instead of buying it. Though this is not an obligation, of course.

But why not have a try when you are given the opportunity to experience a new and better lifestyle? Trust me, you won't be disappointed.