Story Reader / Adaptation Fitting / Frost Oath / Story
Frost Oath
You're back.
Shall we finish where we left off with the calibration?
Rosetta hops off the CUB and responds to Asimov on the comms.
That won't be necessary.
Something has happened between you two, I assume.
Yes. I want to keep it this way a little longer. I think it'll be better for us if we help each other as individuals.
That's what Combat Unit Boosters are designed for.
Combat Unit Booster...
Asimov, does it have a name?
No. After all, it's not like other CUBs. Most of the data is unique to your centaur module.
As I said before, you're the most suitable candidate.
I see...
Rosetta looks at the CUB, lost in thought. A moment later, she quietly utters a phrase.
Frost Oath...
Sorry?
Frost Oath.
The CUB standing off to the side nods slightly. Rosetta quickly realizes the meaning behind the gesture.
She takes a step forward, then gently places her forehead on the CUB's forehead.
Frost Oath... The snow and storm has witnessed our vows to each other.
Frost Oath, is it? I'll enter it into the file.
What happened, Rosetta?
Diana's inquiry can be heard coming from the direction of the camp, interrupting the conversation between Rosetta and Asimov.
You can go. I'll have someone else collect the equipment.
Just one more thing. Temporary integration is still within the scope of our technology. You can always ask me to recalibrate it should the need arise during an operation.
I don't think Frost Oath will have any objections.
Neigh.
Frost Oath briefly neighs in agreeance.
Thank you.
After saying goodbye to Asimov, Rosetta leads Frost Oath in the direction of Diana and the Forest Guard.
Now that the blizzard had subsided, the sunlight shines all the more radiantly.
There was a minor hiccup, but we completed the mission successfully.
Huh? Is that...
You guessed it. We have a new addition to the Forest Guard.
Everyone, say hello to Frost Oath.
The marks on you two... Did you go to the mountain?
We did.
...
Sorry for making you all worried.
Sigh. It's not like we can do anything about it now.
Let's go back to camp and get you fixed up.
...
Before the hesitant Rosetta can finish speaking, Frost Oath walks off toward the camp.
I'll leave it to you then.
Yeah, that's more like it.
Diana pats Rosetta on the shoulder. Then the Forest Guard follows Frost Oath to the camp.
While undergoing maintenance, Rosetta looks at her comrades standing before her. Even though they have been through so much, they still stand dignified. She cannot help but smile.
I didn't realize how much everyone has grown.
You have, too. The old Rosetta wouldn't be so willing to accept help from others.
I'm sorry.
It's okay. We've been working hard to help shoulder your burden.
You've known all this time?
You wear your heart on your sleeve, Rosetta.
Members of the Forest Guard might not be strong individually, but as long as we come together, nothing can stand in our way.
This is how we survive.
It's not one person's responsibility to protect everyone. We work together and share this duty.
...You're right.
I did go overboard in the past.
But now, I hope you will all help me shape the future of the Forest Guard.
Neigh!
Hehe, even Frost Oath knows what's up.
?
You don't have to ask. We'll gladly stand by your side.
Everyone...
Having finished repairs, the Forest Guard follows Frost Oath and gathers with Rosetta in the center.
Welcome back.
Glad to be back.
