Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 6: Beyond the Hills

Walking through the quiet, vacant area where few people ventured at this hour, they found themselves passing by a serene ice sculpture garden, where delicate frozen figures sparkled under the moonlight.

"You know what we need?" Rome said suddenly, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Yukio raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"A race," Rome declared, pointing towards a distant hilltop crowned with a solitary ice-encrusted pine tree. "First one to the top wins!"

Yukio grinned, a competitive spark igniting in his eyes. "You're on!"

And with that, they took off at a sprint, their footsteps crunching softly on the packed snow as they raced towards the icy hill, leaving behind the echoes of their playful banter in the crisp, cold night air of Spadia.

As they arrived at the climb to the hilltop was steep but rewarding. As they reached the crest, Spadia lay spread out below them, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. Finding a flat rock to sit on, they settled down, the world quiet and serene around them.

Rome stretched out, hands behind his head. "Man, this view never gets old."

Yukio nodded in agreement, taking in the sight. "It's peaceful up here. Perfect for thinking." They sat in companionable silence for a moment, watching as the sky shifted from gold to deep blue, stars beginning to twinkle above.

After a while, Rome broke the silence, his tone thoughtful. "You ever wonder what's beyond the mountains? I mean, I can't imagine how it would be out there."
Yukio leaned back, considering the question. "Sometimes. But Spadia's home. I can't imagine living anywhere else."

Rome nodded, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Yeah, but what if there's more out there? I mean despite us being in isolation, but like other towns, cities, maybe even kingdoms? That would be an interesting experience Yukio.

Yukio chuckled softly. "Maybe. But then we'd miss moments like this. Just chilling, watching the sunset."

Rome grinned, nudging Yukio playfully. "True. Though I wouldn't mind a little adventure now and then."

Yukio raised an eyebrow. "Adventure? Like trying to impress Lila back there?"

Rome laughed, scratching his head sheepishly. "Yeah, well, a guy's gotta try, right?"

Yukio chuckled, glancing at his friend. "Sure, but I think she was more impressed with our library exit than your arm wrestling skills."

Rome rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Hey, at least we made her laugh."

As they enjoyed the cool evening breeze rustling through the grass around them, Rome leaned forward, eyes scanning the town below. "Yukio, have you ever wondered how Spadia was built? The architecture is so unique."

Yukio glanced at the ancient stone buildings clustered below. "Yeah, it's fascinating. My mom used to tell me stories about how our ancestors carved these structures out of the mountainside."

Rome nodded thoughtfully. "It's like they were part of the landscape itself. I wonder what life was like back then."

Yukio's gaze softened, thinking of his mother and younger sister at home. "Mom says they were simpler times. People relied on each other and the land. It's why she loves gardening so much."

Rome leaned back, eyes still fixed on the town. "That's interesting. Do you think those stories about the mythical creature helping to build Spadia are true? Like, could there really be a giant snowy beast out there?"

Yukio smiled, amused by Rome's curiosity. "Who knows? It's a comforting thought, though. Adds a bit of mystery to our history."

Rome chuckled. "Yeah, and then there's Senroco, the singing tradition honoring the deity. People have been singing those songs for generations."