MOTWS- Part One

This is the first Part of "Miracula Luxia IV: Miracle of The White Star".
It was released on 24.12.2022.
== Plot ==
Exhausted from their adventures in the badlands around the world, Adam and Aurora become aware of their own humanity. The fires in their souls start to get a little faint and they decide to take a break, for the sake of rekindling what they almost lost.
But trouble is always around the corner, be it in the form of a simple bandit or a horrible monstrosity. Even in their current, weakened state, they are forced to help whenever (and however) they could.
Will they eventually find the peace that they deserve?
== Story ==
Adam walks into a forest outside of the region in Silverdale. He has an arrow in his left hand and a bow in his right, ready to strike down any enemy that comes in his way.
"Alright, big guy. You've got it."- He says to himself- "Just stay calm. Be youself and nothing bad will happen."
Yes. This is the same Adam Kaos who was lost in the fire ages ago. The spark of life that was thought snuffed away, now burning bright somewhere else. Adam was forced to leave what he held truly dear behind, becoming an outcast with no name who wandered the Known Lands, lost in his own guilt and too ashamed to ever show his face again.
Though Adam vowed to walk alone, he soon heard some bad news about Aurora Kaos- his closest niece and the person whom he swore to protect years ago. Apparently, the girl had an affair with a young and handsome paladin that she fell in love with years ago. While the two of them were making out, members of the group whose leader the young do-gooder slew a year ago barge into her home and stab him to death right in front of her. Aurora herself is taken hostage and Adam is forced to murder every single member of the hostile group after they refused to make a deal with him, unknowingly invoking the wrath of the vagabonds upon himself.
Having decided to go into hiding, the duo barely managed to escape from their pursuers. For three days and nights, they struggled for their lives until a local band of adventurers attacked and killed some of the bandits, allowing the duo to run away. 
Hunted by the hostile forces of this world, Adam and Aurora helped the people to repel the evil and live peaceful lives. Adam set a good example for his niece, hoping to make her happy by integrating her into their heroic society. Five months passed since they began their adventure and the mighty hero is nowhere near his goal. And then, the winter came and the two of them were forced to find a safe place to stay for the season.
With his niece in a warm home and their enemies far away from them, Adam is much calmer and eager to make himself worthy of Aurora's attention. Thus, he decided to go for a little outlaw hunting, hoping to be source of motivation for her, just like he used to be for his very own son- Geralt.
"Now, where could they be?"
A single rustle in the bushes alerts Adam. He draws his bow and prepares to shoot. However, before he can fire the decisive arrow, a creature jumps out and startles him.
"Agh!"
It is just a little rabbit, though. And it seems to be as confused as him.
"Heh. I thought that you were... bigger."- He says- "It is alright, little buddy. Go back home, I will not hurt you."
The rabbit seems to be a little scared, so Adam sheathes his weapon and approaches it. Leaning a little closer, he pets the animal, seemingly putting it at ease.
"There we go."- He says- "I know that this will not make us friends, but it will still let you know that I am not dangerous to you."
Seeing that he is not a bandit or some kind of similar miscreant, the rabbit nuzzles his hand, but stops when it hears a sound and wisely runs away.
"What could it be? Some kind of larger wildlife?"- Adam wonders to himself- "No, that can't be right. Wildlife does not wear boots."
At this moment, he notices the numerous footsteps left in the dirt. They crisscross the area, as if patrolling it.
Hmm. Could this be the reason why the wildlife in this region is so... scared?
"I suspect that whoever is in here is expecting human visitors."- Adam says to himself- "Such a cowardly act is not unfamiliar to those capable of banditry. Thus, I assume that the people patrolling this forest are actually-- "
His words are cut short when an arrow flies overhead and barely misses him. He dodges another arrow as bandit archers appear everywhere around him.
"Alright, chump! We've got you surrounded!"- One of them yells- "Pay up for yer crimes?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Crimes?"- He asks- "But I have not wronged you! I simply wish to have safe passage!"
The bandits laugh.
"Oh, you've got such a short memory!"- He exclaims- "We're not askin' you to pay us money. We ask you to pay with your blood!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Is that so?"- He asks- "Remind me why I have to obey your petty orders."
The bandit smirks.
"Because you mercilessly slaughtered our kind, that's why!"
Adam gasps.
"Oh no!"- He says to himself- "If the bandits who have been hunting us are here, then this means that Aurora is in terrible danger! I must warn her as soon as possible!"
The bandit smirks.
"We know what yer thinking. You wanna tell your niece about us."- He says- "But the girl's as wanted as you are. It's impossible for you to reach her in time!"
Adam draws his bow.
"If that is what you think, then allow me to prove you wrong!"
Adam slams his bow into the ground, creating a shockwave that draws out all of the archers from their hiding spots. But the bandits were prepared for such a trick, so they fire a volley of arrows to counterattack.
Without a moment of hesitation, Adam jumps in the air and grabs all of the incoming arrows, shocking the bandits. Then, he throws them back at their senders with unerring accuracy, striking each and every single one of them in the head.
"You see, my friends."- He says and smiles as he lands on the ground- "The world... is filled with miracles. You just have to look for them."
At this moment, he notices that one of the bandits is desperately backing away. At first, he decides to spare the fool, but then remembers what happened earlier- those people murdered his niece's boyfriend in cold blood. He has to teach them a lesson. So, he decides to approach the terrified man, even though he is trying to be a pacifist.
"Alright, outlaw. Your options are numbered right now."- He warns him- "You can either face me like the man that you are, or run for your dear life and tell your dear buddies that they should not mess with the wrong people."
He glares at him.
"What is it going to be?"
The bandit trembles.
"I... I just... I just want to... "
He tries to sound innocent, but one look at his eyes tells Adam that he is dealing with someone far more dangerous that he had anticipated. By the time he realizes that, the bandit is already smiling and holding a magical dagger in his hand.
Without a warning, the vile outlaw cuts down tree behind him with a single blow, causing it to fall down at an alarming speed. Fortunately, Adam's lightning-fast reflexes allow him to avoid the worst of it, jumping sideways to avoid the incoming blow.
However, it doesn't seem like the fool who tried to kill him was that fortunate. Due to his incapacitated state, the bandit couldn't run away and was squished by the falling tree, being killed on the spot.
Seeing that another human being has fallen victim to the merciless ravages of time, Adam sighs and shakes his head.
"And so, the cycle of despair continues."- He says- "Everytime a source of evil is defeated, another one arrives to take its place. When it fails, another one will replace it."
He sighs.
"Sometimes, I wonder why they keep trying."
As he turns around and starts to walk away, another bandit jumps out of the bushes. This time, Adam does not have enough time to reach, and is immediately trapped by magical chains, rendering him powerless against his new opponent.
"There you are, you son of a gun!"- The bandit exclaims- "I've got you right where I want you!"
Adam shakes his head.
"What do you want?!"
The bandit smirks.
"Only to watch you suffer for what you did to my friends."- He says- "Trust me, old Kaos. Your suffering shall be imminent. And once you're gone, your niece is ne-- "
Before the bandit can finish his taunt, a robed man runs into the glade and strikes him with his spear. When the outlaw attempts to get up, the man strikes him with a fire spell.
The bandit attempts to run away, clearly to warn the rest of his kind about the new arrival, but the man blasts him with an incredibly powerful fire spell, sending the vile creature flying overhead, never to return.
"Well, that was a nice show of pyrotechnics."- Adam says- "Could I get a little bit of help, though? Those chains are starting to itch!"
The man nods, raises his spear and cuts down the chains holding Adam in place with a single blow.
"Thank you very much, young man."- He says- "Being a warrior of light is not as good as they say. The weakness to the forces of darkness is not really worth it."
The man sighs.
"Was that scum right about you?"- He asks- "Are you really him?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You mean his attempt to uncover my true identity?"- He says- "Well. I... "
Then he sees the man's eyes. He realizes that he is serious.
He sighs.
"Yes."- He says- "I... am the hero known as Adam Kaos."
The man grins.
"I knew it!"
He lifts his hood, revealing the face of a boy in his late teens.
"I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Adam seems to recognize the look in the boy's eyes. That stare of fire that can cause even the most coldhearted opponent to rethink their decisions. The desire for success that burns brighter than a thousand candles.
"You... seem rather familiar."- He says- "Who are you, my boy?"
The boy smiles.
"Well, my name is Dante Gonoru- Prince of Goznor and your biggest fan!"- He exclaims- "My daddy has told me a lot of stories about the mythical Darkthrop Vanquisher! You, sir, are a living legend!"
Adam smiles.
"Ah! Dante!"- He says- "I see that you've grown a lot! How is your father doing?"
Dante sighs.
"Not so well, sir."- He says- "After I decided to leave, I heard that he's been feeling rather... lonely. Even mama's presence is not enough to keep him calm and collected."
He turns around.
"I vowed to return and make sure that they're happy, but my duty to the world is greater."- He says- "I hate to be such a jerk, but it has to be done."
Adam nods.
"Maybe someday you will be able to visit them again. Adventures like those do not last forever, that is for sure."- He says- "Until then, you're welcome to stay with us for the time being. We would appreciate the presence of a warrior such as yourself."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"Us?"- He asks- "So, you're not alone here?"
Adam sighs.
"Come with me."- He says- "It's cold outside. We don't want you to freeze to death."
Dante nods.
"With pleasure!"- He exclaims- "The cold has always been by biggest enemy!"
While taking a few steps toward the exit, Adam chuckles.
"Funny. My son always said the same thing when he was a child."- He says- "I think that you two have a lot in common."
Dante smiles.
"You mean Geralt- the boy who is rumored to be conquering Fate itself?"- He asks- "I didn't get the chance to see him while he was in Goznor, but I heard that his visit was quite eventful!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"My son is still alive? And he came all the way here?"- He asks- "Hmm. It seems like Kaiden couldn't keep him away from adventure. Determination has always been one of his greatest virtues, though, so I don't blame him."
Dante nods.
"I'm sure that he's doing great right now!"
Adam sighs.
"I really hope so."
Once they go to the place where Adam and his niece are staying, they notice that it has been blissfully left behind. Apparently, the raiding party that Adam and Dante fought was the only one and nobody else had the chance to emerge.
Ahead of them, Aurora- Adam's niece- hears that her uncle has come home. She weakly gets out of her bed and approaches them.
"Uncle? Is that you?"- She asks- "How are you? Did you find what you wanted to see?"
Adam smiles.
"I am alright as long as you are, my dear."- He says- "Yes. I did find it. But the news are... not quite as good as you think."
Aurora sighs
"So, that means more running."- She says- "It never stops, does it?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Someday, you and I are going to stay in a much safer place, filled with comfort and happiness. People are going to eagerly hear the tales of our many feats and we are going to he happy and appreciated once again."- He says- "Until then, however, we must endure. Winter is here and we need to be in our finest shape if we want to survive this ordeal."
Aurora looks down.
"I just wish mom and dad were here with us."
Adam nods.
"Me too, my dear."- He says as he hugs her.
Dante smiles.
"You must be Mr. Kaos's niece! Greetings to you!"- He exclaims- "I am Dante Gonoru- a local Pyromancer and warrior-in training!"
Aurora looks up.
"Warrior, huh?"- She asks- "What took you so far away from home?"
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"You know where I'm from?"
Aurora nods.
"Of course, I do."- He says- "The best warriors of fire come from the kingdom of Goznor. And you must be one of them."
Dante nods.
"Come to think of it, it's true, Your assumption... is correct."- He says- "Yes, I do hail from Goznor. I am the prince of the place, but I am unsatisfied with all the comfort that my parents have provided me with."
Aurora smiles.
"So, you're just like us."- She says- "Please, be our guest. We would love to hear tales of your adventures, of which I am sure that there are many."
Dante smiles back.
"I would love to stay with you, if it means that I can help you out."
As Dante sits down with them, Adam pats him on the shoulder and nods.
"Dante is the son of my very good friend known as Donovan of Goznor- the same man who now serves as the sovereign of the kingdom."- He explains to his niece- "Even thougb we've barely known each other, he managed to light a certain spark in my heart- the sign of true hope. I think that he will be able to help us discover a miracle.
Aurora nods.
"It's true. When I look at Dante, I see him as someone very... special."- She says- "But miracles like those don't happen very often. Are you sure that we're looking at one, uncle?"
Adam smiles.
"I already told you, my dear."- He says- "When your old uncle looks for something, he always finds it, no matter how long it takes."
Aurora hugs him.
"I'm just glad that you're here."- She says- "You're the only light left in my life. I don't know what I'll do if I manage to lose you."
Adam nods.
"I am sure that you will do great, with or without me."- He says to her- "But you are my little angel. My heart just cannot bear the thought of having to leave you alone, like I did three weeks ago. It pains me to know that I can lose you and that's why I try to stick around as much as I possibly can."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"You... left the girl somewhere for a while?"- He asks- "Why?"
Adam sighs.
"We were being chased by the same goons that attacked me in the forest. Apparently, I killed some of their most valued members, so they took a personal hatred for me."- He says- "I figured that, by leaving my niece in a place far away from them, I could get them to focus their attention on me. They did not. By the time I arrived, Aurora had escaped further into the realm and I was forced to search everywhere for her."
He looks at Aurora.
"When I finally found her, she was looking desperate. Older and desperate. Somehow, the magic within that realm makes people age faster, so it seems as if three whole years have passed."- He says- "And the effects of it were clear. My niece, once so innocent and blissfully ignorant, became the very embodiment of inner sadness. She realized just how unfortunate her situation really is and became reluctant to continue running away."
He shakes his head.
"It was only through a combination of love for her and sheer determination that I dragged her out of that place before they butchered her."
Dante nods.
"You, Mr. Kaos, are a true hero. No matter where you go, you always vow to protect others and never ask for question or payment."- He says- "That's why you will always be my greatest inspiration."
Adam smiles.
"Well, thank you."- He says- "I am flattered."
Dante nods.
"You're welcome, sir."
Aurora looks at them.
"Umm, I think that it's time for bed right now."- She says- "Can we... rest for a while, uncle? Please?"
Adam nods.
"Of course, my dear."- He says- "A good night's sleep always does wonders for us."
The three of them search for places to sleep. Adam and Aurora find two beds and lay on them, but Dante is unable to find a third one.
"What is it, my boy?"- Adam asks him- "Isn't there a bed for you to sleep in?"
Dante shakes his head.
"Not really."- He says- "I guess the previous owners of this home were not considerate enough to put a third one."
He sighs.
"I guess that I'll be sleeping on the floor tonight."- He adds- "Don't worry about me, I've already done it many times in my adventures.'
Adam stands up and shakes his head.
"You can sleep in my bed, if you would like."
Dante looks up.
"Umm, really?"- He asks- "But you're a great hero! You also deserve a good night's sleep!"
Adam smiles.
"Oh, do not worry about me! A hero like myself never needs it that much!"- He exclaims- "Besides, I am like an owl in the night. I am always vigilant, so I can warn you of anything that tries to get in."
Dante tries to say something else, but Aurora shakes her head.
"You should probably accept his offer, Dante."- She says to him- "If uncle offers you a little bit of kindness, then you should know that it's always genuine."
Dante sighs.
"Then I shall do as he says,"- He says- "Thank you for your kindness, sir. Good night."
Adam smiles.
"Sweet dreams, children."- He says- "May the God of Dreams bless you with his spell."
Aurora nods.
"Goodnight, uncle."- She says- "Don't worry. I'll watch Dante for you."
Adam chuckles.
"I am sure that you will, dear."- He says- "Good night."
As Adam goes to sleep on the ground nearby, he overhears the conversation between Aurora and Dante.
"So your dad really was Alcander Kaos?"- Dante asks- "That man is a legend! Getting into a dangerous place like World's End nearly alone takes a lot of hard work and dedication!"
Aurora nods.
"Indeed. My dad was truly part of the legends that they tell today."- She says- "However, he was already bitten when he came to Goznor. He used the last of his energy to leave a legacy for the rest of the world to admire and then left for realms unknown."
Dante nods.
"And I assume that the legacy was you, the most beautiful maiden I have ever laid my eyes upon."
Aurora chuckles, amused by his charming attitude.
"We all leave something behind in this world, be it children, changes in the sacred Order, or maybe even pleasant memories for others to remember."- She says- "And yet, I never thought that mine would happen... so early."
Adam sees Aurora look down at her abdomen. It has been swollen for months and the girl always claimed that she is sick. Due to the fact that Adam cannot find out if this is true or not, he was forced to believe it. But now, he starts to doubt his niece's claims, wondering if there is something that she is desperately trying to hide.
Even so, his love for her weighs more than his doubts. He quickly dismisses it, instead silently vowing to bring her to a safe place faster.
"What happened to the lucky man in your life?"- Dante asks- "If you... don't mind me asking?"
Aurora sighs.
"Killed in a raid caused by those fiends."- She responds- "When uncle found us, he was already bleeding out. He told him to protect me and make sure that the bandits don't harm me. And he did. He's always been there when I needed him, a beacon of light in a sea of darkness."
She shakes her head.
"But I always feel like he's a little... sad. As if he did something in the past that he doesn't want to talk about."- She says- "Is is just a memory that burns inside of his mind? Or a promise that he never managed to keep? I guess that a secret... shall always remain a secret."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"So, he won't reveal the reason of his sadness to anyone?"- He asks- "Even you?"
Aurora sighs.
"Shocking, I know. But I've gotten used to it."- She responds- "Many years ago, uncle was a part of some sort of incident. Apparently, some evil emperor ordered the destruction of our family, and nearly succeeded."
She looks up,
"I still wonder if his grief if caused by it, but I never dare to push further."- She says- "Before he left his past behind, he vowed to never speak of it. All this time, I respected his wish, so I still try to understand his wishes... even though others refuse to be like me."
Dante smiles.
"Well, I'm just glad that we're in this together!"- He exclaims- "If I had not found your uncle, I would have continued to wander the chilling wastes outside of this home. And then, I'm not sure if I would have survived for much longer than I did."
Aurora gasps.
"Hey! Don't say that!"- She exclaims- "You look like a strong warrior! You might have a soul of fire, but that doesn't mean you can just toss it all away because you're cold!"
Dante looks at her.
"But you don't understand how much the cold affects me!"
Aurora nods.
"Trust me, I already do."- She says- "On our way to this place, me and my uncle had to set up a bunch of camps in the wild. We always heard the howling of the wolves and the cold managed to pierce its way through our thick clothing. Uncle prepared us well for the worst of it, but even his awesome abilities cannot save us from the unforgiving Mother Nature."
Dante nods.
"And yet, you are still here."
Aurora smiles.
"And I will always be, as long as my uncle is here with us."
Dante raises his eyebrow.
"Us?"- He asks- "I thought that it was just the two of you."
Aurora smiles.
"Well, now that you made it all the way here, you're also a part of the family."- She says- "You should consider youself lucky, though. Normally, I don't trust people as much as you. If my uncle wasn't able to accept you in the team, then I would've been much colder to you."
Dante nods.
"You know, I've always been lucky when it comes to meeting people. I've seen so many ingenious souls with plans to keep the world in check, but I've never met someone as illustrious as your uncle... until now, of course."- He says- "For that, I must thank you both. When we're out of here, I know that many good stories will come out of our adventure."
Aurora smiles.
"And I'm lucky that you came into our lives at the right time."- She says to him- "Thank you, Dante. I don't know if someone ever told this to you before, but you are amazing."
Adam watches as Aurora leans foward and hugs Dante.
"Aww, shucks! Thank you!"- Dante exclaims- "I guess that we're quite special to each other, huh?"
Aurora nods.
"Special things happen on special days."- She says- "And you're the most special of them."
As Adam watches them embrace, he smiles, remembering how he and Aalia met decades ago. Memories of how their bond bloomed after their first hug shine within his mind, making him even more hopeful than he usually is.
"Once again, the bond between two souls grows even stronger. Their care for each other becomes a beacon for their trust."- He whispers- "I am so happy for you, Aurora. Savor your happiness while it lasts, because those are the moments that we shall always remember."
Having discovered what he needed to know, he goes back to sleep at the same time as the children do.
In the morning, Adam finds out that both of them have already gone outside. Grabbing his jacket, he leaves the house and sees them standing near a frozen pond.
"And this one is a reflection of the true colors within our dreams!"- Aurora exclaims- "Pretty cool, huh?"
Dante chuckles.
"Wow, Aurora!"- He says- "I never thought that you saw our world in such a... unique way!"
Aurora smiles.
"Well, being the niece of a legendary hero definitely has something to do with it!"
Adam approaches them.
"Good morning, children!"
Dante nods.
"And here comes the legendary hero."
They turn around.
"Hello there, uncle!"- Aurora greets him- "I was just showing Dante the magic of the icy river!"
Adam gasps.
"Oh! You mean the mirror of the ancients!"- He asks- "It is a fancy bit of magic, left behind by those who came before us. Some wise people might say that you can see your own dreams when you look at them, but all that I have seen are a lot of mist and vague silhouettes."
Dante nods.
"Then your dreams must also have some sort of meaning!"- He exclaims- "Have you checked the Internet for that? There's all sorts of answers for our problems, just a few clicks away!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You are using modern technology to solve your problems?"
Dante smiles,
"Of course!"- He exclaims- "Ever since some smart guy invented the phones and the internet, the world's greatest heroes have moved there to plan their next moves. The people's suggestions when it comes to dangerous problems are always so unique, like walkthroughs for games!"
Adam nods.
"It must be very nice to be educated on this subject."
Dante smiles.
"Indeed, it is!"- He exclaims- "And I always come prepared on adventures like those! Let me just pull out my phone and find out the nearest inn for us to stay."
He pulls out a phone from his pocket and presses its buttons. Nothing happens.
"What?"- He says- "Let me try it again!"
He presses the buttons for a second time. The result is still the same.
"Aww, come on!"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Is something wrong, my boy?"
Dante sighs.
"My phone's battery just ran out."- He says- "That's perfect. Now we're stuck and unable to call for help."
He looks at the two of them.
"Umm."- He says- "Did you guys bring any chargers with you?"
Aurora raises her eyebrow.
"What's a charger?"- She asks- "Is it some kind of a spell that energizes you? Because I really need it!"
Adam sighs.
"It seems like you have to survive in the old-fashioned way."- He says- "Without technology and help from afar."
Dante rolls his eyes.
"Very cool."- He says- "Let me just get my jacket."
Adam sits next to her and smiles.
"He is a good boy, isn't he?"
Aurora sighs.
"Pretty good."- She responds- "But he really needs to see the world like we do."
Adam shrugs.
"I guess that he is doing alright."- He says- "But... whatever you say. Perhaps he still has more to learn."
Aurora looks at him.
"You said the same thing about my boyfriend."
Adam sighs.
"Parents like me could be very demanding."- He says- "And he was not, well, the most righteous of them all."
Aurora shakes her head.
"But I still loved him!"
Adam sighs.
"And that is why we miss him so much."
Dante emerges from the house, now equipped with armor that is resistant to the cold.
"Alright!"- He exclaims- "I'm dressed like an Eskimo and ready to go!"
Adam smiles.
"Very well."- He says- "Then let us continue our search for a sanctuary. I am sure that we will find it soon."
He stands up. 
"Come on, children. Chin up and cheer up."- He says to them- "The road may be long and perilous, but our souls are still burning bright! Let's keep them like that!"
The three of them pack up and reluctantly wander further into the frigid wastelands. As they step further away from the house, they realize that they will not feel comfort for quite a while. The time that they spent in the house shall soon become a pleasant memory of a time when they felt safe and sound, and the desire of finding a permanent place to stay shall only become stronger.
Moving next to Aurora and Dante, Adam feels like he is about to give up and fall on the ground at any moment. Even now, every part of his body is getting cold. Every single atom in his being tells him to stop and run back while he still has the chance. But the mighty hero has come here to lead his niece to a safe place, even though he is forced to risk his own life in the process. So, he presses on and continues to march forward like he usually does- with confidence that is capable of making every righteous hero, even the bravest of them, become ashamed of themselves.
Aurora seems to be doing well, although the memory of her beloved is slowing her down. It is like a chain that is trying to pull her back and she is barely resisting its call... for now. Her large belly is causing her a lot of discomfort, but she doesn't stop moving, knowing that her uncle will eventually make everything right, as it is supposed to be.
Dante is, understandably, concerned. Leaving your loved ones is not easy at all, and it must be even worse for him. He has always felt that the open world has been his true home, but he eventually came to remember his father's warnings. Even now, his desire to go back home is strong and he really craves for a nice, warm pizza and some hot chocolate. Of course, he also hopes that his family is safe and sound in Goznor, but cannot think too much about it, as his mind is currently busy trying to analyze his surroundings and warn his allies about any impending signs of danger.
They walk forward for a few hours, constantly fighting against their urge to turn back and scream for help. And then, things get worse as a massive snowstorm hits them, preventing them from going further without a lot of effort.
"Ahh. This reminds me of the time when me and my mentor were trying to escape from the evil Sholai of Sucia Island on boat."- Adam says, trying to lighten up the mood- "Me and Miss Emela were sent to the mainland by my parents, in the hopes that we could flee the island unharmed. However, on our way there, the sky was cracked open by a single lightning that nearly struck us both down. Like a bunch of pirates that are lost in the sea, the two of us piloted the boat to our destination, avoiding treacherous weather and crazed wildlife alike. In the end, we reached our goal, but not without a memory that remained within our minds."
Aurelia looks at him.
"You're not overexaggerating, are you?!"
Adam shakes his head.
"I never would, my dear!"
Dante points at something in the distance.
"Watch out, everyone!"- He exclaims- "There's a car heading our way!"
Adam gasps.
"It seems like we found what we have been looking for."- He says- "There is only one thing left to do."
He frantically waves his hands at the approaching car.
"Hey! Stop the car!"- He yells, at the top of his lungs- "There are living people in those wastes! Slow down!"
Following Adam's example, Aurora and Dante do the same. However, the car shows no signs of stopping and neither does the driver inside of it.
Just as the three of them prepare to get away, the car speeds up, hitting Aurora as it crashes into a nearby tree.
"Aurora, my dear!"- Adam says, rushing to her aid- "Are you injured? Is there anything that I should get you? Please, do not make me feel sad!"
Aurora smiles.
"It's okay, uncle. I'm fine."- She mutters- "Just a little mishap. That is all."
Dante approaches the crashed car.
"I found them!"
Adam stands up.
"Dante, I want you to stay with Aurora for now."- He says- "I will deal with the vagabonds that just ended their free trial of peace with me."
Adam approaches the car and realizes that the people inside have already emerged. However, they haven't seen him yet, so he ducks behind a nearby tree to hear what they are saying.
"Man. This sure ain't what I expected when they said "expensive and exciting trip to the lands of snow"."- He hears a man's voice- "Doesn't matter, though. We don't have a getaway vehicle anymore, but our victim's still here. Let's torture him and get outta here."
Then, he sees a younger man shake his head.
"But boss, I don't think it's a good idea to torture someone in the chilly lowlands!"- He exclaims- "What if the Law finds us?"
Adam glares at them.
"Oh, it already did."
The first man sighs.
"You're always such a fearful creature."- He says- "Grow up, Dixie! We ain't in civilized lands anymore! All that we can see is snow, snow and more snow. There's no law for miles ahead of us! We're safe!"
Adam continues to glare at them.
"That is true."- He mutters- "But not for long."
A third man weakly steps out of the car.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, but can we get this over with?"- He asks- "I'm starting to get cold!"
The first man glares at him.
"Quiet, vermin!"- He yells- "We'll deal with you whenever we want to!"
He turns to the second man.
"Anyway, he's right."- He says- "I don't know how long we'll have until we start to freeze, so let's get on with it. Then, we'll find a warm place, pretend that we're innocent travelers and keep on waylaying fools like this one."
The second man nods.
"At your command, boss."
From the looks of it, it seems like the two men ahead of them are bandits, responsible for robbing people, perhaps in a different way from what Adam has seen. The third man must be their victim, and they waste no time to pin him to the same tree where the car crashed and search him for valuables.
"Alright, old man. We've had enough of your tricks."- The first man says- "Where are all the riches? Answer us or perish!"
The victim shakes his head.
"I already gave you what my caravan had in it!"- He exclaims- "Was it not enough?"
The first man shakes his head.
"It's never enough!"- He exclaims, barely restraining his rage- "Open yer pockets and show us what you've got!"
The victim sighs.
"I guess that people like you can never have enough, huh?"
The first man grabs him by the neck.
"What did you say?!"
The victim shakes his head.
"I was just... just saying that you need what I have."- He says- "Here. Take it."
The first man shakes his head.
"Stupid merchants."- He mutters- "Always on the top of the food chain. No one's better than 'em."
He turns to the second man.
"Alright, Dixie. You know what to do."- He says to him- "Pick him dry and don't leave a single trace. We don't want the authority to track us down, after all."
The second man makes an expression that seems like he is raising his eyebrow.
"But boss!"- He exclaims- "You just said that the law won't find us here!"
The first man sighs.
"Yeah, but their guard dogs can."- He says- "So, move your butt and get this job done. The sooner we get outta this cold land, the better for both of us."
As the two men get to work, Aurora and Dante approach Adam.
"What is it, uncle?"- Aurora asks- "Did you find-- "
Adam shakes his head.
"Shh!"- He whispers- "Be quiet!"
Aurora nods.
"Right."- She whispers- "Did you find the culprits?"
Adam nods.
"I certainly did."- He says- "They are a group of two. Lowly bandits that rob people for a living. It seems like they've caught some kind of an unfortunate soul and are persuading him to surrender his valuables to them."
Dante looks at the bandits.
"We should save the man, right?"- He asks- "He won't survive for much longer!"
Adam sighs.
"Sometimes, it is best to let sleeping lions lie where they are."- He says- "However, we may still have a chance to keep the man alive, so let's go."
Only a few steps ahead, the quiet conversation between culprit and victim turns into a scandal when the victim refuses to give up one of his prized possessions.
"No! I can't do it!"- He says- "This is my memory of my wife and kids! I can give you anything else, but please! Leave this one alone!"
The first man shakes his head.
"We don't care about what you consider valuable. We just take it."- He says- "Dixie, how about he show this fool what will happen if he tries to resist us?"
"Dixie" pulls out two daggers from his pocket and stabs the victim in both shoulders, pinning him to the tree and severely wounding him.
"Please! Have mercy!"- The man yells- "Why don't you respect the personal property of others? What have we done to you?!"
The first man punches him. 
"Silence, cretin!"- He yells- "I've had enough of your morals!"
The victim shakes his head.
"But isn't this how we're supposed to live? With morals?"- He asks- "Come on, gentlemen! Show some compassion and try to be more understanding of your victim's desires!"
The first man screams angrily and pulls out one of the daggers.
"Don't. Tell. Me."- He says as he plunges the sharp weapon into the man's chest- "What. To. Do!"
And then. he continues to stab him. Like a maniac with no sanity whatsoever, he continues to do the same thing over and over again, until his body finally tells him to stop.
When he does, it is far too late to save the man. The numerous stabs that he inflicted upon his body have proved to be fatal and he died not long after he was stabbed the first few times.
"Oh my God!"- Aurora exclaims- "Did that freak just murder the poor man in cold blood?!"
Adam takes a few steps back.
"Children, I think that it's time for us to leave."- He says- "This is no place for sane people like us. We can't let them see-- "
And then, the bandits turn around and see their silhouettes.
"Someone's out there!"- Dixie yells.
Dante draws his spear and stands ready for battle.
"It's too late to run away."- He says- "Now, we shall fight for our lives."