The Heart To Stand Up To Fate

Chapter 2: Welcome to Chaldea

When the helicopter door opened, Quinn felt a burst of crisp, frigid air hit him without remorse. He let out a breath when he felt it hit him, releasing a foggy white cloud from his mouth due to the temperature. Thankfully, his clothing had been enhanced to resist extreme temperatures of all kinds, so this was just a refreshing, cool breeze.

The sight around him was breathtaking. While there was nothing of note to look at, just being around the bright, white snow and ice that made up the continent was an experience very few people ever got to have.

It was a frozen wasteland, yet it was still beautiful. Quinn could never deny that. This world...Earth...humanity...it all was just so beautiful to him. Every part of this world filled him with pure wonder and love, whether it be the life-filled or lifeless parts.

This was it. This might not be the biggest reason why he traveled, but it certainly played a part in it. To see the parts of the world that would leave people speechless like this. He would imprint the sight into his mind and never forget it.

This is what it was all for. Why he made all those decisions in his life, even if it ended in nothing but pain. He was reminded of that fact every time a sight such as this greeted him.

What a lovely start to 2013.

Quinn loved it. He had to. He could have stayed there forever if he had been left alone, taking it all in.

Too bad the two ladies with him weren't nearly as enthusiastic about the wonder of Antarctica.

"Quinn! Hurry up and get in here! We're letting the cold air in!" Olga yelled at him.

Quinn sighed as he turned around to see Olga glaring at him from the front entrance of a large white facility. She was tapping her foot against the hard snow, her typical scowl on her as she huffed impatiently.

"Alright. Coming." Quinn called out as he took out a cig and lit it while he walked over to his lovely, beautiful boss. "Did Ritsuka already go in?"

"Yes. She wanted to see more of the area, but apparently, her clothes didn't have a good enough enhancement on them to prevent the frigid temperature." Olga grumbled as the two of them entered the building.

"Yeah, I figured. That'll teach her to pay attention to me when I'm showing her something." Quinn chuckled. "I can't exactly blame her for that reaction, though. She was really excited about this."

"I could tell during the trip." Olga rubbed her brows in exasperation as she recalled how energetic the girl had been throughout the flight. "You certainly haven't taught her the proper etiquette of being a magus."

"That's because all of that is a bunch of hogwash anyway. It's a load of crap worth less than the dirt we walk on. Or, I guess it would be ice in this case. Either way, you must realize how foolish it is to act like that constantly. I can understand during business transactions or when one is required to be professional, but constantly? With how bloody the world of magecraft normally is? No thanks. I'd rather act like myself than something I'm not, and that's something I refuse to compromise with anyone. I'd rather die, thank you very much."

"I suppose I can concede that point. Focusing only on pride and honor will get you killed in the end. One might be allowed to act like that within their workshop or estate, but out in the real world, against real threats, it is nothing but a hindrance." Olga nodded. "If one has the time to boast and feel proud, they have the time to refine their skill and craft."

"And isn't that the golden truth?" Quinn smirked. "That's something you must have learned when you realized you weren't going to get anything from anyone despite your namesake, huh?"