Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Chapter 44: Aiden’s Viewpoint_1

As the feast in Icelorn Basin continued in full swing, with lanterns lighting up the town square and town hall, creating a warm golden light over the people gathering there. People were talking, sharing feelings of relief, interest, and careful hope.

This was the first time many people had allowed themselves to experience a little tranquility after days of turmoil and worry. The rich aroma of the specially prepared meal, filled with flavors from the new world, making even the most skeptical mouths water.

Amira watched people eating and chatting from a distance, but she was lost in her thoughts. She looked closely, paying attention not only to what was happening now but also on what lay ahead.

Meanwhile, on the Outskirts of Central Province

Aiden and his unit had successfully crossed into the Vandrim province beyond Central Province’s borders.

The convoy stopped close to a large roadside diner, a once-thriving restaurant that was now abandoned, and despite being old and scarred, the structure was still strong enough to offer temporary shelter, since night had already started to descend on the area.

Aiden had chosen this place carefully because it was risky to travel at night, and this location, with its high walls and long boundary, was defensible. But before settling in, he had sent a team ahead to sweep the area, ensuring there were no lurking dangers inside.

When the team walked into the diner, they were met with a gruesome sight, and as they walked carefully into the premises with glass crunched beneath their feet and their weapons drawn, they noticed dried blood smears on the walls, floors, and even the broken furniture.

It was obvious that the people who used to live here were taken by surprise, while their lives snuffed out by something fast and ruthless.

And they were thinking what could caused this, it didn’t take long to spot the culprits as dozens of mutated creatures scattered throughout the diner could be seen as these once harmless stray rodents are now become something twisted something bigger and stronger driven by predatory instinct as their eyes glowed with unnatural hunger.

The team gone inside engaged swiftly as they eliminated every last of these mutated creatures which lurked in the shadows. And though smaller that the beast they had encounter on the road these were faster and more erratic forcing the to remain vigilant all the time.

Once they secured the area, Aiden gave the order to move their family members inside to rest as they moved to most safe section of the diner, while half of the unit took the position at key defensive point along the perimeter as the other half were made to rest as they were exhausted from the journey.

Up on the top floor of the diner, Aiden and Tommy had taken position in a room that offered the best vantage point. Through the cracked window, they could see the long stretch of highway they had traveled.

Tommy leaned back against the wall, sitting on a worn-out chair, his fingers idly tapping on his knee as his gaze flickered to Aiden before he sighed and spoke.

“Do you really believe it’s this bad everywhere?” There was a slight doubt in his words. “This place feels like a graveyard, but maybe it’s just a one-time situation?”

Aiden stayed quiet for a moment, staring out at the dark outside the window as he thought carefully about what to say next.

After taking a calm breath, he said with a firm tone. “It’s not just a isolated case—it’s far worse than anyone realizes.”

Tommy wanted to say something, but Aiden spoke before he could.

“The Federation thinks that this is merely a awakening event, where a few humans are developing abilities and some mutated beasts appearing here and there.” His voice became certain. “They believe they can control it, but they are mistaken.”

Tommy exhaled as he rubbed his chin. “Alright, I get that the Central Province alone can’t handle it. But what if they mobilize the entire military force from all provinces and sweep each area one by one, can’t they eventually control the situation?”

“That’s a big ‘if,’ and even if they could, do you really think they’d act fast enough. You and I both know that’s not happening?” He fixed Tommy with a sharp gaze.

“The Federation is too fractured currently, and getting a full military force mobilized across all provinces is a logistical mess.” Aiden let out a sigh and shook his head. “And we can’t ignore the corrupt politicians as they only care about their own interests and won’t follow orders.”

Tommy knew he couldn’t argue to that as what Aiden said has truth in it.

“Honestly, even if they suddenly stop being greedy and take action, these creatures aren’t just staying put—they’re getting stronger every day.” Aiden pressed, “Before long they will surpass us then what happens then? We will be trapped in our own cities, restricted like cattles, and will only go outside with a heavily armed group.”

The weight of Aiden’s words settled in, and the room fell silent. “I don’t like to say it, but you are correct.” Tommy looked discouraged.

Aiden nodded grimly. “Exactly, and the worst part is that this problem didn’t just begin with the surge. You and I dealt with cases of mutated wildlife before, but back then, it was only found deep in the forests, away from people.” He leaned forward slightly with his voice dropping and his fingers curled into a fist. “Now the forests are moving towards us.”

Tommy asked in a confused expression. “What do you mean?”

“Look around haven’t you seen how quickly plants are growing?” Aiden pointed outside and said, “Trees and vines are growing onto the roads, and bushes are popping up in empty spaces. It feels like nature is speeding up. If we don’t act soon, in a few years, forests could take over highways, roads, and even whole cities.”

“Shit” Tommy inhaled sharply. “I didn’t even think about that.”

Aiden continued. “But do you know what will thrives in forests, these mutated beasts and if we let nature take over unchecked, we’re going to lose every advantage we have.”

“And here I was hoping things would not turn so bad.” Tommy jaw tightened as he said.

“Traveling will become impossible, small towns, villages will become places like this diner? They’ll all be wiped out.” Aiden exhaled, leaning back against the window. “You haven’t even heard the worst part yet as real problem isn’t the wild animals but the domesticated ones.”