The Light Over The Horizon [Arknights]

Chapter 14

"How have things been at the city?"

"Things have been going well."

"That's good. Last time we discussed, you said that you were very busy rebuilding an old pharmacy."

"To think that was around 2 months back I believe." He looks at the cup of coffee that had been placed down right in front of him. "Thanks by the way." He went ahead and grabbed the cup of coffee by the handle.

"I hope the taste is to your liking."

"The smell certainly is. Either way, I'm not picky with what's handed to me." He raised the coffee to his mouth and sipped. It was warm and sweet. "Not bad. You certainly know how to make a good cup of coffee." At times like this, he could go for some iced French vanilla.

On a daily, he used to get a French vanilla coffee on his way to work. Wake up early in the morning, get ready, leave the house, and drive to the nearest donut and coffee restaurant. That once-normal lifestyle is something that he misses.

'However, I suppose I don't miss work a lot.' While he enjoyed his corporate job from time to time, the feeling of overworking sometimes was something he disliked. But sacrifices often come with the job. He's used to overworking and it's not like it was so bad.

"Next time I want a nice cup of coffee. I'll be sure to come to you." He joked. "I needed this so you have my thanks. With this weather, it's nice to have something warm to drink."

The two spend a good amount of time talking about topics to pass the time.

"Now then, what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?" Patriot had his attention focused on the boy.

"Right." The boy nodded at him as he set his empty cup aside. With a calm expression, he reached into his cloak. His eyes focused on the item that F/N seemingly pulled out as it was an interesting sight. Confused and curious, he looked at the orb of flames that didn't seem to harm the boy. "Since the last time we've last seen one another, I've been experimenting a bit. At first, it was but a hypothetical speculation on my end. But once tested I came up with a new creation of sorts. That creation is this." He placed the orb in front of Patriot who went ahead and grabbed it.

"?!" Patriot is not often caught off guard or surprised. This is why he finds himself feeling those two things as he feels his entire body wrapped in warmth. "What sort of creation is this?" His hand firmly examined the orb thoroughly with curiosity.

"To put it in simple terms, an orb created through Arts. However... there's more to it." F/N cupped his hands together as Patriot watched him. Without even closing his eyes, he stared at the tall man as slightly above his hands formed a necklace of ice. "The shape. The element. I can change it and depending on the element, different effects will appear." The necklace was reshaped into a bracelet of fire, then a pair of ice earrings. He showed examples of his creations as he smiled at the older figure.

"... What is the purpose of these creations?"

"Interested are we? Well, the purpose of all these creations of mine is simply to help others." Equipping an ice bracelet over his wrist, he feels fresh. "While in the city, some of the children were quite cold due to the temperature. It doesn't help that the children are in rags or their clothing is either dirty and roughed up and torn for some. So I thought of an idea at the moment. I wondered if it was possible to warm them up by creating something with my Arts. I wondered what to do at first until I thought of creating an orb that essentially holds flames that don't harm, but instead warm the person who is holding it. With this thought in mind, I began tinkering with my Arts. With a bit of tinkering and metal focus, I manifested an orb of fire and instantly I noticed how grabbing hold of the orb, my whole body was warmer than usual. From there on, I created many other things to help others. If they're cold, they get a fire orb. If they're feeling hot, I create an ice orb."