In the dimly lit room of the abandoned building, Rachel and Evandel find a momentary respite. Dust hangs in the air, and the silence is broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside.
Evandel, her eyes wide with curiosity, turns to Rachel. "Mom, where's Dad? Why isn't he with us?"
Rachel sighs, her gaze fixed on the cracked ceiling. "He'll join us soon, sweetheart. He's just taking care of some things."
"But you said we'd all be together," Evandel pouts.
"I know, darling. Your dad has some special instructions for us," Rachel says, her mind drifting back to the words of Hyon Hyung, her so-called husband. "He told me we need to enact the Emergency Escape protocol."
Evandel furrows her brow. "Emergency Escape? Is something bad happening?"
Rachel brushes a strand of hair from Evandel's face. "Not exactly, sweetheart. It's something your dad and I have been planning for a long time—two years to be precise. He's found building the Interdimensional Router too challenging. So, we're going to return to our own timeline manually."
"Manually?" Evandel's eyes widen.
Rachel nods. "We'll be traveling through something called leylines. It's a bit complicated, and your dad has been working on theories about it. These mysterious Dragon Veins run beneath the earth, and we're going to use them to get back home."
"But is it safe?" Evandel asks, concern etched on her face.
Rachel hesitates, the uncertainty lingering in her eyes. "It's not entirely reliable. Leylines are unexplored territory, and we're stepping into the unknown. Your dad is a scientist, and he's doing his best to figure it out, but there are no guarantees."
As mother and daughter rest in the quiet of the abandoned building, the weight of uncertainty hangs in the air, wrapped in the enigma of leylines and the elusive journey that lies ahead. More than that, Evandel is feeling troubled as she understands to some extent the danger of their situation.
The aroma of the simmering cup noodles wafts through the air as Rachel stares out the window, lost in her thoughts. It's been months since she and Hyon Hyung were separated, and worry etches lines on her face. She glances at her daughter, making sure to hide her concern, not wanting to burden the young girl with the weight of her own fears.
Rachel's mind drifts back to that pivotal moment when she received a text message from Lancaster, the one that changed everything. The words echo in her mind as if they were spoken just moments ago.
[Lancaster's message: I have Hyon Hyung. Go, Rachel. Don't look back. Make your choice.]
Rachel had been torn, her heart pulling her in two directions. The temptation to go back for Hyon Hyung had been overpowering, fueled by loyalty. But Hyon Hyung had explicitly told her to go, and she had reluctantly heeded his words, escaping to the 2nd timeline with her daughter.
As she recalls that moment, a conflicted expression crosses Rachel's face, a mix of regret and uncertainty. The weight of her decision lingers in the air, and she wonders if she made the right choice.
In the midst of her thoughts, Evandel's voice interrupts, calling out from where she's been keeping an eye on the cooking cup noodles. "Hey, mom! The noodles are done. Do you want me to stir them now?"
Rachel blinks, pulling herself back to the present. She forces a small smile, trying to dispel the heaviness that clouds her thoughts. "Sure, Del. Go ahead." Rachel turns away from the window, the worry still lingering in her eyes, but she pushes it aside for now.
The scent of the cooked noodles fills the room, a simple distraction from the complex emotions that swirl within her. Rachel sighs, realizing that this must be her most challenging moment yet.
In the dimly lit room of the abandoned building, Rachel and Evandel sit on the cold floor, their backs against the decaying walls. The air is thick with dust, and the only sound is the echoing slurping of cup noodles.
Evandel smiles, "This is kinda fun, Mom. Eating like this, just the two of us."
Rachel forces a smile in agreement, "Yeah, it's... different. Fulfilling in a strange way." They continue eating, the rhythmic sound of their slurping filling the silent space.
Muttering to herself, Rachel confesses, "I never thought I'd see the day when cup noodles would feel like a luxury." Evandel, sensing the weight of her mother's words, glances at her with concern.
Evandel asks, "You okay, Mom?"
Pausing, Rachel sighs, "It's just... it's hard to see you go through all this. We used to have so much more."
Tilting her head in confusion, Evandel puts down her cup noodles, "Go through what?"
Softly, Rachel replies, "This. The hardships, the struggles. It's unpleasant, and it hurts me more to see you suffer."
Evandel, with a mix of confusion and compassion, walks over to Rachel and asks, "Mom, I'm okay. We're okay together. That's what matters."
Forcing a smile, Rachel nods, "You're right, sweetheart. I just... I'm sorry you have to endure all of this."
Evandel wraps her arms around Rachel, whispering, "I love you, Mom. We'll get through this, okay?"
Touched by her daughter's gesture, Rachel feels a lump forming in her throat, "I love you too, Del." She hugs her daughter tightly, holding back tears that threaten to fall. The warmth of the embrace momentarily eases the cold reality of their situation.
Rachel and Evandel sit in the cozy living room, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight. Rachel watches as Evandel plays with her toys, a smile playing on her lips.
"Evandel," Rachel begins, "you're such a strong girl. I'm proud of you."
Evandel looks up, her eyes sparkling with innocence. She shakes her head, her golden curls bouncing. "No, Mommy, you're the strongest."
Rachel chuckles, a tender warmth spreading in her chest. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm just doing my best."
"No, Mommy, you're amazing!" Evandel insists, her voice animated. She sets aside her cup and moves her arms in exaggerated gestures. "Remember when you fought those kobolds all by yourself? You were like a superhero!"
Rachel's eyes widen in surprise, and then she laughs heartily. "You remember that, huh? Well, it wasn't exactly a challenge, but yes, they were quite annoying."
Evandel giggles, her enthusiasm contagious. "And you were like, 'whoosh!' with your sword, and 'bam!' with your magic. It was so cool!"
Rachel playfully mimics the actions, and Evandel claps her hands. "Yeah, Mommy! You were awesome! The wind was swirling around you, just like this!" She waves her arms energetically, creating a mini whirlwind in the room.
Rachel can't help but be impressed by her daughter's hyper-activeness. As Evandel continues to share the details of Rachel's heroic feat, the volume of her voice rises. However, Rachel smiles and extends her hand, creating an invisible barrier that contains the sound within a gentle breeze.
Evandel doesn't notice the barrier but is lost in the excitement of her storytelling. "And then, Mommy, you cast this amazing spell, and the air shook! You're the best!"
Rachel watches her daughter with a mixture of pride and love. Despite the animated reenactment, she appreciates the magic Evandel adds to their everyday life. As the wind barrier contains their conversation, Rachel's heart swells with warmth, grateful for these moments with her extraordinary daughter.
Night has fallen, casting a shadow over the dense ruined cityscape. The air is thick with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, and the moonlight filters through the concrete walls, creating a mosaic of shadows on the floor. Rachel and Evandel find themselves in the heart of this mystical realm, surrounded by the symphony of the night.
Despite the looming threat of monsters that become more active with the setting sun, Rachel remains composed. Her eyes, sharp and vigilant, scan the darkness around them. Evandel, however, seems unfazed, trusting her mom’s seasoned instincts. They have traversed these lands together, and the unspoken bond between them is their greatest strength.
As they find a suitable spot to rest, Rachel turns to Evandel, her voice steady amid the nocturnal chorus. "It's time to sleep, Evandel," she says, her tone carrying a soothing reassurance. The young little adventurer nods, trusting Rachel's judgment implicitly. Rachel unfurls a sleeping bag, placing it on the concrete floor with a practiced efficiency.
Just as Rachel finishes setting up, she raises her hand, fingers gracefully dancing through the air. A spark of magic manifests, and with a soft rustle, Ratatoskr appears. The creature, a squirrel-like beast with fur as soft as moonlight, perches on Rachel's shoulder, its eyes glinting with intelligence.
Evandel gazes at Ratatoskr with familiarity, a small smile playing on her lips. "Ratatoskr is cute," she remarks, her eyes reflecting a genuine fondness for the creature. Rachel glances at her companion, a hint of pride in her eyes. Ratatoskr, in turn, seems to bask in the compliment, its embarrassment evident as it squeals happily and sniffs curiously at Evandel.
The moon casts a gentle glow into the cozy walls of the abandoned building, where Mommy Rachel and her daughter Evandel are settling down for the night. The air is filled with a sense of peace as the wind barrier Rachel has put up protects their little sanctuary from the chaos of the outside. Rachel, with a warm smile, looks at her little one.
"Del, it's time for bed, sweetheart," Rachel says, her voice soft but firm.
Evandel looks up at her mom, her eyes wide with excitement. "Already, Mommy? Can't we stay up a bit longer?"
Rachel chuckles, ruffling Evandel's hair. "No more adventures for tonight, my love. We need our rest. Besides, tomorrow holds quite the adversity for us."
With a serious expression, Rachel turns her attention to a small, mystical creature perched on her shoulder – Ratatoskr, the contracted spirit. "Ratatoskr, my vigilant companion, keep watch for us tonight. Wake me immediately if there's any sign of trouble."
The tiny squirrel chirps in affirmation, and Rachel, through their mental connection, understands the unspoken promise. She nods, reassured by the silent communication.
Carefully, Rachel helps Evandel into her sleeping bag, making sure she's snug and warm. Evandel gazes up at her, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Mommy, can't we share the sleeping bag? It's cozier that way."
Rachel smiles, her heart warmed by her daughter's innocence. "Of course, my dear. We'll share the sleeping bag tonight."
As they settle in, Rachel gazes down at Evandel, her voice gentle. "Now, close your eyes, sweetie. It's time for dreams and adventures in the land of sleep."
Evandel obeys, her eyelids growing heavy. "Goodnight, Mom."
"Goodnight, Evandel," Rachel whispers, watching as her daughter drifts into dreams. With a final glance at Ratatoskr, Rachel closes her own eyes, trusting in the silent guardianship of the night.
The dim light in the abandoned building casts a soft glow on Rachel as she keeps a vigilant eye on Evandel. The little girl’s rhythmic breathing signals a peaceful slumber.
With a gentle wave of her hand, Rachel taps into her elemental magic, adjusting the temperature in the room. The air responds, embracing a comfortable warmth that wraps around Evandel like a protective cocoon. Carefully, Rachel removes herself from the sleeping bag, allowing Evandel monopoly over it.
Rachel settles herself on the cold concrete floor, her gaze never leaving Evandel's serene face. Her own sleep can wait; she's accustomed to the unconventional conditions. Her magic, a silent guardian, circulates effortlessly, ensuring her rest remains undisturbed.
The remnants of a torn sleeping bag, a casualty of a past encounter with a formidable monster, lie nearby. Rachel's mind drifts back to the eighth timeline, where the ambush occurred. She shudders at the memory but quickly redirects her thoughts to the present. Rachel prefers not sleeping in a sleeping bag. She rather has her limbs free so that in the event of an emergency, she can quickly react and adapt to the danger.
As she watches over Evandel, a flicker of concern crosses Rachel's face. Her thoughts reach out beyond the confines of the room to someone else—Hyon Hyung. Silently, almost instinctively, Rachel offers a prayer for his safety. The weight of the unknown future hangs in the air, and in this quiet moment, her only solace is the belief that her silent plea might somehow reach and protect the one she cares for.
In the dimly lit room of the abandoned building, Rachel and Evandel find a momentary respite. Dust hangs in the air, and the silence is broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside.
Evandel, her eyes wide with curiosity, turns to Rachel. "Mom, where's Dad? Why isn't he with us?"
Rachel sighs, her gaze fixed on the cracked ceiling. "He'll join us soon, sweetheart. He's just taking care of some things."
"But you said we'd all be together," Evandel pouts.
"I know, darling. Your dad has some special instructions for us," Rachel says, her mind drifting back to the words of Hyon Hyung, her so-called husband. "He told me we need to enact the Emergency Escape protocol."
Evandel furrows her brow. "Emergency Escape? Is something bad happening?"
Rachel brushes a strand of hair from Evandel's face. "Not exactly, sweetheart. It's something your dad and I have been planning for a long time—two years to be precise. He's found building the Interdimensional Router too challenging. So, we're going to return to our own timeline manually."
"Manually?" Evandel's eyes widen.
Rachel nods. "We'll be traveling through something called leylines. It's a bit complicated, and your dad has been working on theories about it. These mysterious Dragon Veins run beneath the earth, and we're going to use them to get back home."
"But is it safe?" Evandel asks, concern etched on her face.
Rachel hesitates, the uncertainty lingering in her eyes. "It's not entirely reliable. Leylines are unexplored territory, and we're stepping into the unknown. Your dad is a scientist, and he's doing his best to figure it out, but there are no guarantees."
As mother and daughter rest in the quiet of the abandoned building, the weight of uncertainty hangs in the air, wrapped in the enigma of leylines and the elusive journey that lies ahead. More than that, Evandel is feeling troubled as she understands to some extent the danger of their situation.
The aroma of the simmering cup noodles wafts through the air as Rachel stares out the window, lost in her thoughts. It's been months since she and Hyon Hyung were separated, and worry etches lines on her face. She glances at her daughter, making sure to hide her concern, not wanting to burden the young girl with the weight of her own fears.
Rachel's mind drifts back to that pivotal moment when she received a text message from Lancaster, the one that changed everything. The words echo in her mind as if they were spoken just moments ago.
[Lancaster's message: I have Hyon Hyung. Go, Rachel. Don't look back. Make your choice.]
Rachel had been torn, her heart pulling her in two directions. The temptation to go back for Hyon Hyung had been overpowering, fueled by loyalty. But Hyon Hyung had explicitly told her to go, and she had reluctantly heeded his words, escaping to the 2nd timeline with her daughter.
As she recalls that moment, a conflicted expression crosses Rachel's face, a mix of regret and uncertainty. The weight of her decision lingers in the air, and she wonders if she made the right choice.
In the midst of her thoughts, Evandel's voice interrupts, calling out from where she's been keeping an eye on the cooking cup noodles. "Hey, mom! The noodles are done. Do you want me to stir them now?"
Rachel blinks, pulling herself back to the present. She forces a small smile, trying to dispel the heaviness that clouds her thoughts. "Sure, Del. Go ahead." Rachel turns away from the window, the worry still lingering in her eyes, but she pushes it aside for now.
The scent of the cooked noodles fills the room, a simple distraction from the complex emotions that swirl within her. Rachel sighs, realizing that this must be her most challenging moment yet.
In the dimly lit room of the abandoned building, Rachel and Evandel sit on the cold floor, their backs against the decaying walls. The air is thick with dust, and the only sound is the echoing slurping of cup noodles.
Evandel smiles, "This is kinda fun, Mom. Eating like this, just the two of us."
Rachel forces a smile in agreement, "Yeah, it's... different. Fulfilling in a strange way." They continue eating, the rhythmic sound of their slurping filling the silent space.
Muttering to herself, Rachel confesses, "I never thought I'd see the day when cup noodles would feel like a luxury." Evandel, sensing the weight of her mother's words, glances at her with concern.
Evandel asks, "You okay, Mom?"
Pausing, Rachel sighs, "It's just... it's hard to see you go through all this. We used to have so much more."
Tilting her head in confusion, Evandel puts down her cup noodles, "Go through what?"
Softly, Rachel replies, "This. The hardships, the struggles. It's unpleasant, and it hurts me more to see you suffer."
Evandel, with a mix of confusion and compassion, walks over to Rachel and asks, "Mom, I'm okay. We're okay together. That's what matters."
Forcing a smile, Rachel nods, "You're right, sweetheart. I just... I'm sorry you have to endure all of this."
Evandel wraps her arms around Rachel, whispering, "I love you, Mom. We'll get through this, okay?"
Touched by her daughter's gesture, Rachel feels a lump forming in her throat, "I love you too, Del." She hugs her daughter tightly, holding back tears that threaten to fall. The warmth of the embrace momentarily eases the cold reality of their situation.
Rachel and Evandel sit in the cozy living room, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight. Rachel watches as Evandel plays with her toys, a smile playing on her lips.
"Evandel," Rachel begins, "you're such a strong girl. I'm proud of you."
Evandel looks up, her eyes sparkling with innocence. She shakes her head, her golden curls bouncing. "No, Mommy, you're the strongest."
Rachel chuckles, a tender warmth spreading in her chest. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm just doing my best."
"No, Mommy, you're amazing!" Evandel insists, her voice animated. She sets aside her cup and moves her arms in exaggerated gestures. "Remember when you fought those kobolds all by yourself? You were like a superhero!"
Rachel's eyes widen in surprise, and then she laughs heartily. "You remember that, huh? Well, it wasn't exactly a challenge, but yes, they were quite annoying."
Evandel giggles, her enthusiasm contagious. "And you were like, 'whoosh!' with your sword, and 'bam!' with your magic. It was so cool!"
Rachel playfully mimics the actions, and Evandel claps her hands. "Yeah, Mommy! You were awesome! The wind was swirling around you, just like this!" She waves her arms energetically, creating a mini whirlwind in the room.
Rachel can't help but be impressed by her daughter's hyper-activeness. As Evandel continues to share the details of Rachel's heroic feat, the volume of her voice rises. However, Rachel smiles and extends her hand, creating an invisible barrier that contains the sound within a gentle breeze.
Evandel doesn't notice the barrier but is lost in the excitement of her storytelling. "And then, Mommy, you cast this amazing spell, and the air shook! You're the best!"
Rachel watches her daughter with a mixture of pride and love. Despite the animated reenactment, she appreciates the magic Evandel adds to their everyday life. As the wind barrier contains their conversation, Rachel's heart swells with warmth, grateful for these moments with her extraordinary daughter.
Night has fallen, casting a shadow over the dense ruined cityscape. The air is thick with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, and the moonlight filters through the concrete walls, creating a mosaic of shadows on the floor. Rachel and Evandel find themselves in the heart of this mystical realm, surrounded by the symphony of the night.
Despite the looming threat of monsters that become more active with the setting sun, Rachel remains composed. Her eyes, sharp and vigilant, scan the darkness around them. Evandel, however, seems unfazed, trusting her mom’s seasoned instincts. They have traversed these lands together, and the unspoken bond between them is their greatest strength.
As they find a suitable spot to rest, Rachel turns to Evandel, her voice steady amid the nocturnal chorus. "It's time to sleep, Evandel," she says, her tone carrying a soothing reassurance. The young little adventurer nods, trusting Rachel's judgment implicitly. Rachel unfurls a sleeping bag, placing it on the concrete floor with a practiced efficiency.
Just as Rachel finishes setting up, she raises her hand, fingers gracefully dancing through the air. A spark of magic manifests, and with a soft rustle, Ratatoskr appears. The creature, a squirrel-like beast with fur as soft as moonlight, perches on Rachel's shoulder, its eyes glinting with intelligence.
Evandel gazes at Ratatoskr with familiarity, a small smile playing on her lips. "Ratatoskr is cute," she remarks, her eyes reflecting a genuine fondness for the creature. Rachel glances at her companion, a hint of pride in her eyes. Ratatoskr, in turn, seems to bask in the compliment, its embarrassment evident as it squeals happily and sniffs curiously at Evandel.
The moon casts a gentle glow into the cozy walls of the abandoned building, where Mommy Rachel and her daughter Evandel are settling down for the night. The air is filled with a sense of peace as the wind barrier Rachel has put up protects their little sanctuary from the chaos of the outside. Rachel, with a warm smile, looks at her little one.
"Del, it's time for bed, sweetheart," Rachel says, her voice soft but firm.
Evandel looks up at her mom, her eyes wide with excitement. "Already, Mommy? Can't we stay up a bit longer?"
Rachel chuckles, ruffling Evandel's hair. "No more adventures for tonight, my love. We need our rest. Besides, tomorrow holds quite the adversity for us."
With a serious expression, Rachel turns her attention to a small, mystical creature perched on her shoulder – Ratatoskr, the contracted spirit. "Ratatoskr, my vigilant companion, keep watch for us tonight. Wake me immediately if there's any sign of trouble."
The tiny squirrel chirps in affirmation, and Rachel, through their mental connection, understands the unspoken promise. She nods, reassured by the silent communication.
Carefully, Rachel helps Evandel into her sleeping bag, making sure she's snug and warm. Evandel gazes up at her, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Mommy, can't we share the sleeping bag? It's cozier that way."
Rachel smiles, her heart warmed by her daughter's innocence. "Of course, my dear. We'll share the sleeping bag tonight."
As they settle in, Rachel gazes down at Evandel, her voice gentle. "Now, close your eyes, sweetie. It's time for dreams and adventures in the land of sleep."
Evandel obeys, her eyelids growing heavy. "Goodnight, Mom."
"Goodnight, Evandel," Rachel whispers, watching as her daughter drifts into dreams. With a final glance at Ratatoskr, Rachel closes her own eyes, trusting in the silent guardianship of the night.
The dim light in the abandoned building casts a soft glow on Rachel as she keeps a vigilant eye on Evandel. The little girl’s rhythmic breathing signals a peaceful slumber.
With a gentle wave of her hand, Rachel taps into her elemental magic, adjusting the temperature in the room. The air responds, embracing a comfortable warmth that wraps around Evandel like a protective cocoon. Carefully, Rachel removes herself from the sleeping bag, allowing Evandel monopoly over it.
Rachel settles herself on the cold concrete floor, her gaze never leaving Evandel's serene face. Her own sleep can wait; she's accustomed to the unconventional conditions. Her magic, a silent guardian, circulates effortlessly, ensuring her rest remains undisturbed.
The remnants of a torn sleeping bag, a casualty of a past encounter with a formidable monster, lie nearby. Rachel's mind drifts back to the eighth timeline, where the ambush occurred. She shudders at the memory but quickly redirects her thoughts to the present. Rachel prefers not sleeping in a sleeping bag. She rather has her limbs free so that in the event of an emergency, she can quickly react and adapt to the danger.
As she watches over Evandel, a flicker of concern crosses Rachel's face. Her thoughts reach out beyond the confines of the room to someone else—Hyon Hyung. Silently, almost instinctively, Rachel offers a prayer for his safety. The weight of the unknown future hangs in the air, and in this quiet moment, her only solace is the belief that her silent plea might somehow reach and protect the one she cares for.
