The chilling air pierces through the bones. As Tha and Zamman stepped out of the dimensional portal into the region bordering the city of Vorkuta, the world around them changed drastically. The blue light of the portal faded, replaced by a dense gray sky hanging low overhead. Snowflakes fell slowly, covering the cracked asphalt and the old train tracks that stretched into the distance.Vorkuta in Russia is a mining town in the northernmost part of the human world—cold, lonely, and dusty. In the past, this city thrived on iron, coal, and rare metals. However, in winter, most factories choose to shut down. Large pipes froze, dripping residual water that quickly helped form small stalactites at the ends of the iron. Only the sound of their two pairs of shoes could be heard, scraping against the layer of ice on the sidewalk.Zamman looked around, observing the dull brick walls and the rusty, wind-blown billboards. He sighed softly. "The human world is always grimmer than I remember," he m

Snow has been falling since early morning. Its white granules clung to the dormitory windows of the Filanesian Academy of Magic, forming delicate patterns like frosted glass etchings. The cold air penetrated even into Luda's room, even though the fire in the stove was still burning dimly.The girl woke up to the sound of a gentle tapping on the window—not human, but a small blue-winged bird with a scroll of paper in its claws. Luda opened the window, and the bird immediately flew in, landed on her desk, and then remained still.Its small, marble-like eyes stared at Luda in silence, as if waiting. The girl picked up a roll of paper. The wax seal was dark red, with a stamp she recognized instantly—the symbol of a circle of black roses.Luda's hands were trembling. The letter is from Tha."Mother is still alive; don't worry about my whereabouts. Study diligently at the magic academy in Filanesia and become an honest alchemist. This is a valuable opportunity, so never waste it. Don't worr