A Throne of Dignity and an Overgenerous Reward
Wendigo waited for Isaac in the temple, seated on his jade throne with a reasonably dignified air. Geron paced around him, meticulously checking for any flaws.
"Hmm... We should consider lacquering the throne sometime soon."
"No need to bother people with that..."
"Absolutely not. You're no longer just leading a small tribe, Spirit. It may not be ornate, but you need at least some symbol of authority."
Geron shot down Wendigo's mild complaint with a firm expression. Others might have been moved to tears, thinking, 'He's so considerate of his people!' But Geron knew Wendigo too well. It was just laziness—he wanted to skip the hassle.
"Back then, we lacked manpower and resources, so it couldn't be helped. But not anymore. For the sake of basic dignity, we must at least replace the throne."
"...What if I make the throne myself? It'd be plenty dignified and impressive."
"No."
Geron rejected Wendigo's suggestion with an even more serious look. He knew a throne crafted by Wendigo would be extraordinary. The problem was, it would be too extraordinary.
"A throne made by you would surely emanate chill, right? Ordinary folk couldn't endure it."
"If I use plants, the cold would be milder..."
"Still no. I don't want to see visitors freezing to death from the chill radiating from your throne."
Wendigo eyed Geron as if to say, Who do you think I am, some people-killing monster? But Geron stood ramrod straight, refusing to yield on this point. Even living near Wendigo was tough enough on him in the cold; Skadi's talismans and enchanted clothes had saved him from constant illness. A throne deliberately shaped by Wendigo? Even as his loyal servant, Geron couldn't guarantee no accidents.
"I recall a tribe skilled with lacquer trees. I'll contact them to prepare a throne for you, Wendigo."
"Sigh... Fine. If you're that insistent, I have no choice. But don't force them—just prepare proper compensation if they agree."
Geron nodded with a smile. It was these very traits that deepened his loyalty. How many rulers prepared rewards for what underlings saw as mere duty?
'Lacquer work makes raising livestock hard for them... I should help broker trades with a nearby herding tribe.'
He paused mid-step toward the door to send a messenger, a sudden worry striking him. Turning back to Wendigo, he asked,
"You planned to reward Isaac today, right?"
"Yes. Skadi's learned plenty from him, so it's time to let him go."
"...Just to be sure. The reward for Isaac isn't something dangerously powerful, is it?"
Wendigo gave Geron an aggrieved look—or tried to, with his expressionless skull. Geron missed the nuance.
"Don't worry. I discussed it with Skadi—we'll make it something he can handle."
"Ah, if Skadi's involved..."
"Overdoing it, aren't you? Do you trust Skadi but not me?"
Wendigo teased lightly. Others might have broken into cold sweats under his authoritative jest, but Geron didn't flinch.
"You tend to be overly generous with rewards, Spirit. That's why."
"Enough nagging... Off with you."
Wendigo waved him away, and Geron reluctantly stepped out.
A short while later, Isaac arrived with Skadi and bowed deeply to Wendigo.
"This humble shaman, Isaac, greets the Spirit."
"No need for such formalities with me... But are you alright?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
He doesn't look fine... Wendigo scrutinized Isaac's face. His eyes were glazed, body limp—like he'd overindulged in some drug.
'Did he eat too many fruits?'
Isaac flinched. Wendigo glanced at Skadi beside him. She scratched her cheek with an awkward smile.
"Ahaha... I told him we were seeing you, so he ate too many fruits."
"Even so... He's totally out of it."
Wendigo blew a chill wind at Isaac's face. It seeped through his eyes, ears, and nose, snapping his eyes wide open. It was freezing—enough to make one think their brain might freeze solid!
"S-Spirit! I'm awake! Awake, so please stop the wind!"
"Pretty effective."
Wendigo ceased as Isaac chattered his teeth. Skadi placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing out the embedded chill. It flowed into the ring on her little finger at her will.
Wendigo admired her proficiency.
"You're already handling the ring so well."
"Not quite at casting spells through it yet, but your mysticism feels familiar now. Simple tricks like this are easy."
"Th-thank you."
As warmth returned, Isaac dazedly thanked Skadi. Who could've foreseen this mishap from nerves and a few fruits?
'Should've eaten moderately...'
He blamed himself for downing fifteen, straightened up. He didn't want to look foolish before a spirit he respected.
Wendigo chuckled at Isaac's transformed aura, so different from their first meeting.
"I thought I'd wronged you, but looks like you've gained something here."
"Yes, of course."
Isaac nodded happily. Turning misfortune to fortune wasn't just a saying; his efforts through hardship had elevated him. His wolf-fur cloak brimmed with agility, his white branch staff swirled with frost—both crafted with Skadi's guidance. They were shaman-worthy!
'...Fur's one thing, but that branch?'
Wendigo side-eyed Skadi, but she brazenly looked away. It was a new evasion tactic, but he let it slide this time. Skadi's growth pleased him, and if he wanted white wood, he could just freeze some.
"What you've gained is from your own efforts. To reward your toil, I need something extra."
Isaac gazed at Wendigo expectantly. A gift from a spirit was thrilling, unknown contents be damned. And this spirit would give something proper!
Wendigo raised his hand, condensing mysticism at its center. It crystallized into pure ice crystal. Isaac shivered at the mysticism within.
'That much mysticism in one item—as my reward?!'
Isaac watched in ecstasy as Wendigo infused more. And more. And even more?
Skadi gaped at the absurd—no, astonishing—sight and rushed forward.
"Wait! Hold on! Wendigo, please stop!"
"Hm?"
Wendigo paused curiously. The ravenous ice crystal settled gently in his palm.
Skadi tiptoed to inspect it. The pure mysticism lay serene like a calm lake, but...
"Wendigo... That's not... Isaac's reward, right?"
"...Too much?"
Skadi barely stifled a scream, clutching her head. She knew Wendigo marched to his own beat, but this was unreal. That tiny crystal holding that much mysticism!
"It's pure and excellent. But the problem is..."
"What problem?"
Skadi glanced at Isaac. He paled but nodded calmly, grasping her point.
"Isaac's level... isn't enough to handle it. One slip, and the mysticism could surge like a wave and overwhelm him."
Isaac nodded vigorously—it was exactly what he'd wanted to say. He'd hoped for a reward, not a deathtrap!
"Hmm... I wanted a worthy gift."
"What if you extract some mysticism? To match his level."
Isaac panicked at Skadi's suggestion. Overkill, yes—but draining it felt wasteful. Better if Skadi had it... But before he could speak, Wendigo began extracting.
Mysticism gushed out like water from a holed bucket. Isaac froze in shock.
"This enough?"
"Need more."
"This?"
"Still too much. One mistake, and he'd lose an arm to frostbite."
Isaac stared dreamily at the mysticism scattering into the air. His Spirit Eye wasn't as sharp as Skadi's, but it sufficed to see the river-like flow. First time witnessing so much—and watching it dissipate uselessly!
'Tell other shamans this; would they believe me?'
No way. Shamans were stingy with mysticism, second only to spirits. A spirit wasting it? Unthinkable. Easier to believe spirits were kind.
"Really the best?"
"Only if he avoids major mistakes."
Wendigo eyed the now-meager crystal dubiously. Even his usual ice spears used more mysticism. He offered it to Isaac.
Isaac snapped to, carefully lifting it.
"Compared to the first, it's so plain... Satisfied?"
"Yes! Perfect!"
Isaac beamed. The original terrified him to touch; this was manageable. Still risky if careless, but what a treasure!
Skadi approached the grinning Isaac.
"Still dangerous. Let me split it in half."
"Really?"
Isaac gazed at her gratefully. She nodded, tapping it with her ring. It cleaved neatly.
"Ooh!"
"Glad you're happy."
As Isaac fiddled joyfully, Wendigo swallowed regret. For aiding Skadi so much, he'd wanted something more useful. This felt cheap. Testing, he dangled bait.
"You seem pleased, but I could give something better."
"No! This suits my level best."
"......"
Wendigo deflated at the innocent reply. He'd aimed for cool and touching...
"...Good you're happy. Go find Geron—he'll outfit you properly for travel."
"Thank you! I'll spread word of your benevolence beyond the forest!"
Skadi moved to caution him, but Wendigo raised a hand. Isaac bowed and departed briskly, light-footed with his prizes.
Now alone with Skadi and Wendigo, she asked worriedly,
"Wendigo... Is that okay? If Isaac spreads word, it might invite trouble."
"Not wrong. But the forest can't hide forever."
Wendigo didn't deny it. Nor did he plan to silence him—pointless anyway.
"The land grows fertile, our people a true force. Outsiders have noticed."
"...They'll act on the changes soon."
"Probably. But don't fret. We just do as always."
The pacifist Wendigo's way was simple: Ally? Grasp hands. Enemy? Crush them. Whoever reached out first... He hoped they'd choose wisely.