角色故事•四（解锁条件：角色等级80）
“地点：匹诺康尼
时间：██年██月██日
客人：██、██、██、██
‘一份悲伤的回忆，来自██。这份鎏金般的回忆带着夸饰与渴望，它将在往后的岁月藏起隐秘的伤怀，也注定了回忆的主人将长久受此影响。’
‘一份欢乐的回忆，来自██。这份戏剧般的回忆披着斑斓的色彩，欢乐，混乱，滑稽——却难以称之为幸福。它所呈现的未来，也是如此。’
‘一份遗憾的回忆，来自██。这份幸福的回忆美丽而瞬息即灭，如同死火堆中飞出的流星。享受时光吧，客人，它告诉我那很快就要逝去。’
‘一份模糊的回忆，来自██。这份回忆微弱、混沌且令人迷茫，就像看不见尽头、望不到结局的冷雨。我渴望捕捉它指向的明天，是雨，还是晴……’”

——黑天鹅的回忆

“我看到一个女人的身影，在影像和图案间跳跃变形。不…我没有疯，我的确看到了‘她’。我记得她的声音，那种丝绒一般的质感，我也记得她手中流光溢彩的纸牌，好像有什么魔力似的…噢，对了，她还邀请我占卜。她说，‘不管你是想占卜幸福、灾难、失物还是意外所获…我只需你付出一个真实的故事——因为过去和未来本是同一个圆上的同一个点。’我的脑袋晕乎乎的，她真温柔，我和她说了好多好多，只记得她很耐心的听完了我说的胡话…然后，根据她的占卜，我替酒店的客人找到了她的镜子！噢，你问我向她说了什么——没什么重要的，不过是一些关于过去的传言……”

——一位匹诺康尼本地人的回忆

如今，她以占卜师的身份，穿梭于不同的世界，追索与命途，与星神有关的记忆。她相信，那些记忆坚硬如宝石，即便遗忘也无法彻底消磨它们。

“很多忆者都去过匹诺康尼，但一无所获，他们说那只是水面上一场浮华的梦。”
“但梦…亦是记忆的一种变形。趁着那些窃忆者和焚化工还没到来，我会潜入深海，一睹残骸。”  

Character Story: Part IV

• Unlocked at Character Level 80

Location: Penacony
Date: ██/██/██
Guests: ██, ██, ██, and ██
"A sorrowful memory from ██. This opulent memory, adorned with ostentation and longing, conceals an unknown sadness that will linger for years, influencing its owner for an extended period."
"A joyous memory from ██. This dramatic memory is filled with vibrant hues of joy, confusion, and funny elements, but it can hardly be called true happiness. Such is the future it portrays."
"A regrettable memory from ██. The fleeting happiness in this memory is beautiful yet short-lived, like a shooting star from faded ashes. Cherish your limited moment, dear guest, for it informs me that it shall soon vanish."
"A vague memory from ██. This memory is faint, chaotic, and disorienting, akin to an endless downpour with no respite in sight. I yearn to capture the future it points to, whether it be filled with rain or sunshine..."

— Black Swan's memories

"I saw the figure of a woman, gracefully leaping and transforming amidst images and patterns. No... I'm not crazy, I did indeed see 'her.' I remember her voice, its velvety texture, and the colorful cards in her hands, imbued with some sort of magic... Oh, and she invited me to partake in fortune-telling. She said, 'Whether you want to foresee happiness or misfortune in the future, retrieve lost possessions, or seek unexpected gains... All I need is an honest story, for the past and the future are overlapped on the same point of a single circle.' My head spun, and she exuded such gentleness. I talked so much to her, and she patiently listened to my ramblings... And then, following her divination results, I retrieved a lost mirror for a guest of the hotel! Oh, you asked what I said to her? Oh, nothing important... Just some rumors about the past..."

— A native Penacony resident's memories

Currently, she journeys through various realms as a diviner, uncovering memories intertwined with her Path and Aeons. She believes that those memories are as enduring as gems, impervious to the eroding forces of oblivion.

"Numerous Memokeepers have ventured to Penacony, only to discover it as a mere illusory mirage dancing upon the water's surface."
"However, dreams... They represent a distorted form of memories. I shall delve into its depths and catch a fleeting glimpse of the buried memories before those Memosnatchers and Cremators arrive."

黄泉

角色详情
自称“巡海游侠”的旅人，本名不详。身佩一柄长刀，独行银河。

淡漠寡言，剑出如紫电般迅猛，却从来只以刀鞘战斗，收而不发。  

Character Details

A drifter claiming to be a Galaxy Ranger. Her true name is unknown, and she walks the cosmos alone, carrying with her a long sword.

Though aloof and taciturn, her blade flicks out like lashing lightning. And yet, she always strikes with her scabbard, never drawing the sword free.

角色故事•一（解锁条件：角色等级20）
“…并非人选择刀，而是刀选中了人。正如人无法选择命运，而是命运选择人…那一日，看着‘刀’经由我手锻成，再被交予少女手中，我意识到，在对抗‘八百万神’的道路上，她选择了——或是被选中——踏上那条看似迈向明日的道路。我多么希望这是一个美好的时代，即便出云国依旧面临威胁，人们也依旧怀抱希望，相信恶神会被尽数斩落，天下将重获自由…可直到刀光消陨，我才明白，这是一条没有终点的死路，而踏上它的人们，再无回头的可能……”

——古老的残卷

  

Character Story: Part I

• Unlocked at Character Level 20

"...Warriors don't choose their blades, but rather their blades choose them. Just as people don't choose their fate, but rather their fate chooses them... On that day, as I witnessed the blade I had crafted being passed on to that girl, I realized that in the fight against Yaoyorozu no Kami, she had chosen — or been chosen — to embrace the path that seemingly led her toward a new tomorrow. How I wish that there would be a bright future, that despite the peril looming over the Izumo Kingdom, its people would hold onto hope, believing that the evil gods shall one day be vanquished, and the world shall be liberated... However, it was only when the blade's light waned that I came to a realization: This is an impasse with no escape, and those who venture upon it have no recourse to turn back..."

— An Ancient Scattered Manuscript

角色故事•二（解锁条件：角色等级40）
“…从锻刀者留下的残卷可知，出云曾一度来到破灭边缘。为求存续，他们以‘神骸’锻刀，持刀者被奉为救国的英雄。学会对其中的‘八百万神’很感兴趣，目前尚不清楚它们与哪条命途有关，而在日后的记述中，出云人对那些刀主的称呼也渐渐从‘人’变成了‘鬼’。

遗憾的是，这个世界已经从星图上消失了，历史的真相无处可寻，‘记忆’也不复存在。武装考古学派抵达时，星系中只流淌着“神秘”的歌谣：无边的雨自黑日中如泪涌出，微茫的雨幕下，出云国的孑遗背对被她拯救又亲手抹去的故乡…她的前方，只有目不可视的阴影。”

——“执笔者”奥本海默

Character Story: Part II

• Unlocked at Character Level 40
"...Through the scrolls left behind by the blade forger, we have learned that Izumo was once on the brink of destruction. In order to survive, they forged blades from the remains of gods, and those who wielded them were hailed as the saviors of their realm. The Guild is interested in the enigmatic Yaoyorozu no Kami mentioned in these scrolls, but the Path they are associated with remains shrouded in mystery. In later accounts, the people of Izumo ceased to refer to the wielders of the blades as 'heroes,' but rather as 'revenants.'

Unfortunately, the world has long vanished from the astral charts. The truth of history eludes us, and the Remembrance no longer holds its place. When the Armed Archaeologists arrived, the galaxy resounded solely with the melody of the Enigmata: Dark Sun's tears, rain's boundless outpour. Beneath faint curtain, survivor departs from her shore. Her homeland, once saved, by her hands erased... Invisible shadows ahead, her vision encased."

— Oppenheimer, the Recorder

  

角色故事•三（解锁条件：角色等级60）
“我用了‘醒觉-310’制剂，它能让人沉入极深的睡眠，重历过去的回忆。一些患者能以此重拾对生活的信心，但她不同。在她以前，从未有人能主动从沉睡中醒来。我观察了她的梦…那实在难以被称作幸福的记忆：阴沉的天空、破败的城市、废土残垣，还有连绵不绝的细雨。

那雨仿佛永远不会停下，在高涨的潮水中，人们在溺亡中微笑。而在沉沦的黑夜，我总能听见遥远的雷声在迫近，直到某一刻，雷光乍现，将黑夜撕裂。在破碎的天空下，我又看见了她——在褪色成无的世界里，她轻轻挥出一刀，将整片梦境带走。

我必须承认，在这条路上她走得远比我们更深。那无可捉摸的‘虚无’引领她走向自灭，她却在无形中将其执握于手。也许在旅途之初，她就已准备好面对真正的敌人…我曾向她提问，这一切有何意义？但她并未作答。是她不知晓如何回应，还是她心中早已有了答案？”

——某位混沌医师的手记

  

Character Story: Part III

• Unlocked at Character Level 60
"I used the 'Revitalization-310' tincture, which induces a profound slumber, enabling individuals to relive their past memories. While some patients found solace and rediscovered hope, she proved an exception. No one has ever awakened from their dream state, yet she defied the odds. I closely observed her dreams... and they can hardly be called happy moments: gloomy skies, crumbling cities, ruined lands, and incessant rains.

The rain never stopped. Amidst the swelling tide, individuals wore smiles even as they were drowned, and within the engulfing darkness, I heard the distant rumble of thunder, until, at a particular moment, lightning shattered the veil of night. Below the fractured sky, I saw her once more: Within a world fading into oblivion, she elegantly swung her blade, eradicating the entire realm of dreams.

I must admit that she has ventured far beyond our progress on this path. The elusive Nihility beckons her toward self-annihilation, yet she subtly holds its reins. Perhaps she was prepared to confront the true enemy from the very beginning of her journey... Once, I asked her about the purpose behind it all, but she remained silent. Was she at a loss for words? Or did she already have an answer in mind?"

— A Note from a Doctor of Chaos

角色故事•四（解锁条件：角色等级80）
“我把这封信留在这里。如果我没能回来，就由它来讲述她的故事，一位我在俄尔刻龙邂逅的同伴。迈向彼岸的路艰难无比，幸亏有她同行，我才能一路平安无事。初见面时，我总觉得她似乎背负着某种使命，是“复仇”吗？恐怕不是。一个心怀仇恨的人总会在某些时刻将其展露，但她永远那么平静，除了偶尔流露出的一丝悲伤……

…在我们相遇前，她已去过许多世界，各种生活技能都十分熟练。我和她一起在野外烹饪和搭帐篷，那些没有星星的夜晚，她会听我讲故事，和我讨论明天要做什么。更多时候，我们只是在默默行路。这里的雪是紫红色的，尝起来有树莓的酸甜。她已尝不出多少味道，但依然会赞赏我做的俄尔刻龙雪团子……

…在认识她以前，我曾长年在‘虚无’的河流中跋涉。她向我伸出了手，我们便一起在这条河流中同行。如今，分别的时候到了，我还没走到岸边，也不知道即将面对的是什么…但我没有理由停下脚步。生命无非是一条终有尽头的道路，在此之前，我会用自己的双脚走到终点。我相信她也一样。”

——“扶里巴斯”的笔记

  

Character Story: Part IV

• Unlocked at Character Level 80
"I am leaving this letter here. In the event that I do not return, let this letter bear witness to the tale of a companion I encountered in Orkron. The journey to the other side was perilous, and it was thanks to her that I managed to navigate it through. When I first met her, it appeared that she was on a certain quest, possibly seeking revenge. However, I soon realized that it wasn't the case, as a person consumed by hatred would inevitably expose it, yet she remained remarkably composed, with only fleeting glimpses of sorrow...

...She had traversed numerous worlds before our paths crossed, and she possessed a wide range of life skills. Together, we cooked and established camps amidst the wilderness. On starless nights, she lent an ear to my stories and deliberated plans for the following day. Yet, more often than not, we journeyed in silence. The snow here bears a purplish-red hue, carrying the tangy flavor of raspberries. While she has almost lost her sense of taste, she appreciates the Orkron snow doughnuts I prepare...

...Before meeting her, I had spent countless years wading through the river of Nihility. She extended her hand to me, and together, we ventured along this river. Now, the time has come for us to part ways, and I have yet to reach the shore, uncertain of what lies ahead... Even so, I see no reason to halt my journey. Life is merely a road that eventually culminates, and until that moment arrives, I shall keep pressing forward. I am certain she would do the same."

— A Note from Frebass

椒丘

角色详情
仙舟“曜青”的狐人医士、策士，常以笑脸迎人，实际颇有心计。
出身于丹鼎司名家，曾一度心死避世，不再行医，后为医治“天击将军”飞霄再度出山。
精于医食同源的丹方研究，尤其是能带给人痛感的辣味食物，发明了名为“九宫格”的鼎镬药式。

  

Character Details

A foxian healer and counselor from the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Often greets people with a smile on his face and a scheme in his heart.
Born into a prestigious Alchemy Commission family, he once withdrew from practicing medicine due to a broken heart. However, he returned to the field to treat "the Merlin's Claw," General Feixiao.
Skilled in the study of alchemical prescription that views food as medicine, especially those that induce a sensation of spiciness. They invented a cauldron-based medicinal formula known as the "nine-square grid."

角色故事•一（解锁条件：角色等级20）
曜青，飞雨湖。
荇藻开着黄花，游鱼在雨丝中跳跃，菱角荷花肆意生长，湖边石滩常有老龟晒背。

狐人少年背着药篓，划着小舟，雨丝顺着他的耳廓流下，又被轻轻甩去。
他捞取荇菜，撷取荷花，剥开鲜嫩的茭白，随手往嘴里扔去。
“甘甜入脾，滋润可口……”
摘毕，他撑起小船，轻盈地越过湖岸，换上了医者的服饰。
……
医馆内蒸汽氤氲，异香浮动。
“脉象比上次好了些，只是还缺少调养，要不试试我的新药？”
他撤去脉枕和金针，微笑着搬上一套崭新的医具。
老者看着桌上的九宫铁锅，不禁苦笑。
“别人一辈子也搞不出几种新药出来，你倒好，一天就能发明好几种。”
“师父谬赞了，这是名为“九宫格”的鼎镬药式，制作简便，效果奇佳。”
他倒出药篓中的食材，简单清洗后改刀切片，锅里的高汤开始冒泡沸腾。
“一两天锦草，三钱苦木，四厘苁蓉，大骨熬煮，搭配深海贝可驱散苦味，助心神安眠。”“这白鳅和紫鱼片性温，最能滋养气血，只需涮两三秒即可。”
“青菇、银针、雪藕…都是飞雨湖中我以药渣精心培植的作物，除了鲜美之外，兼有药性。”
晶莹的鱼片滑入沸汤，师徒二人大快朵颐，雨天的湿寒一扫而空。

杯盘狼藉之际，老者放下杯筷，仿佛看穿了什么。
“这顿‘九宫格’，看起来是醉翁之意不在酒。”
他站了起来，郑重地行了个礼。
“师父敏锐。是否进入丹鼎司，徒儿已有决定。
“丹鼎司虽好，终究和徒儿悬壶济世的心愿不符。要问何处最需要医家，必是曜青征战之地。
“而众多医家之中，唯有我等染指派强调药食同源，以饮食之乐解疾病之苦…‘九宫格’之药，方便快捷，祛寒除湿，正是徒儿为战场所特制。
“生死之间，人命至重。倘若我有一方济之，也算不辜负丹鼎司培养之恩。”
老者似有言劝告，但最终却还是咽了下去。
“战场苦寒异常，出发之前，记得…多带些热性的食材。”  

Character Story: Part I

• Unlocked at Character Level 20

Rainsoar Lake, the Yaoqing.
In the misty rain, yellow floating heart foliage and blossoms decorated the lake as frolicking fishes leaped out of the water from time to time. At this lakeside abounds with lotuses and water chestnuts, old turtles basking on the pebbles were an everyday sight.

A foxian youth with a basket for storing harvested ingredients on his back rowed a small boat, raindrops running down his ear before being lightly flicked away.
As he scooped up floating heart plants and picked out lotus flowers, he peeled open wild rice stems and threw them casually into his mouth.
"So sweet and refreshing, it delights the palate...."
After harvesting the plants, he steered the boat to shore and crossed the lakeside with graceful ease before changing into the attire of a healer.
...
Inside the apothecary, misty steam hung in the air as tantalizing aromas filled the premises.
"Your pulse has become more stable since you last visited, but you should still work on getting more rest and nourishing your body. Care to try one of my new medicines?"
With a smile, he put away the wrist cushion and golden needles, bringing out a whole new set of medical tools.
As the elderly man gazed at the nine-squared cauldron in front of him, he couldn't help but break into a wry smile.
"Others can hardly even invent a few decent medicines in their lifetimes, yet a single day is all you need to achieve that and more."
"You flatter me, Master. This cauldron-based medicinal formula is called the 'nine-square grid.' Not only is it simple to make, but its effects are also wondrous."
The youth poured out the ingredients from his basket, cleaning them quickly before slicing them. As he did, the stock inside the cauldron began to bubble and boil.
"A tael of euphorbia, three mace of bitterwood, and four cash of desert cistanche... Boil with big bones, then pair with deep sea shellfish to dispel the bitter flavor. The concoction can aid one in achieving peaceful slumber." "As for the white loach and threadfin snapper, their constitution-warming properties are great for nourishing the qi and blood. We need only dip the slices in boiling water for two to three seconds."
"These green mushrooms, silver needle tea leaves, and snow lotus roots were all carefully cultivated with decoction dregs by me at Rainsoar Lake. Not only are they tasty and refreshing, but they also offer medicinal benefits."
As glistening fish slices met boiling soup, both master and disciple enjoyed a delicious meal that quickly made them forget about the damp coldness of a rainy day.

In the aftermath of the meal, the older man put down his chopsticks, seemingly having realized something.
"This meal that I've just had, the 'nine-square grid'... It seems there is more you wish to tell me with this meal than what I'd thought."
The youth stood up and solemnly bowed.
"Master, you are perceptive indeed. I have long since made up my mind about whether to join the Alchemy Commission."
"While the Alchemy Commission is a good place to be, it is ultimately not compatible with my wish to practice medicine for the masses. The one place that requires a healer the most is undeniably the battlefield where the Yaoqing's forces are."
"Among the many schools of healers, only practitioners of the Ranzhi School — such as you and me — place emphasis on the tenet of 'food is medicine,' using the joy of food to alleviate the pain of ailments... The 'nine-square grid,' with its convenience and effectiveness in dispelling the cold that ails one's constitution, was specially made by me to provide succor to those on the battlefield."
"For those who yet breathe, there is nothing more important than the preservation of life. If I could deliver the people from pain and suffering with a mere medicinal formula, the Alchemy Commission's time and effort spent in grooming my talents would be well-spent indeed."
The elder looked as though he wanted to talk the youth out of his decision, but he ultimately decided against it.
"The battlefield is a bitterly cold place... Don't forget to bring more foods that warm the constitution ere you depart."

角色故事•二（解锁条件：角色等级40）
曜青军队常年征战域外星球，他又对鼎镬药式进行了诸多改进，以应对日渐艰巨又复杂多变的驻扎环境。

因药式的罕见与奇效，他的名声迅速传遍曜青军队，赢得了诸位将士的信任。
然而这些成就全然无法减轻他内心的沉重。
每一日，当出发的鸣笛响起之时，他曾治好的病患将重新踏上战场。
每一日，当归营的脚步响起之时，围坐在鼎镬边的面孔，总会少上几个。
就在刚刚，那位每次回营都嚷嚷着要吃鼎镬的士兵，永远地离开了。
他完成了今日的问诊，走出临时搭建的战地医院，长叹了一口气。漫天风雪扑向他，而他似乎感受不到半分寒冷。
鸣笛声已重新响起，军队已整备出发。很快，战地医院中又会挤满重伤的士兵。即便他使出生死人，肉白骨的医术，无休止的战争依然在吞噬那些年轻的生命。

每晚，他都会同那位月御将军对谈，但这一日，他少见地沉默良久。
“这段时日，我一直在思考…如果我医治的病患注定还要奔赴死亡，那医者的意义是什么？”

病房中传来喑哑的哭声。他使劲眨了眨眼睛，才发现不知从何时起，自己的双眼已经干涩
——干涩到流不出泪来。  

Character Story: Part II

• Unlocked at Character Level 40

The Yaoqing's troops perennially fought on outer planets. He continued to improve the cauldron-based medicinal formula in a multitude of ways so that he could adapt it to the increasingly challenging, complex, and unpredictable environments that the soldiers must brave.

The unusual yet profoundly effective formulation his medicine came in soon made his name a common utterance across the forces of the Yaoqing, winning him the trust of officers and soldiers alike.
Such achievements nevertheless failed to assuage his heavy heart.
Every day, when the bugle call for departure sounded, he knew the wounded that he had nursed back to health would have to step onto the battlefield once more.
Every day, when he heard the footsteps of returning troops, he knew he would be missing a few more familiar faces among those that gathered around his cauldron.
Just recently, even the soldier who always returned to camp yelling about wanting to eat from the cauldron had departed this world for good.
He finished up the day's consultation and left the field hospital, letting out a long sigh. The cold did not bother him in the slightest, even with the snow flurries pelting at him.
When the bugle call sounded yet again, the army was equipped and ready to depart. The field hospital will soon be burdened with grievously wounded soldiers like before. Yes, he has the skills to bring the wounded back from the gates of hell, but these young lives still end up lost in the endless, ravenous war.

Every night, he would always talk with General Yueyu. This day, however, he was uncharacteristically silent for a long time.
"Recently, I have been thinking... If the patients that I nurse to health are destined to hurtle toward death once more, what is my purpose as a healer?"

A dull cry sounded from the direction of the wards. It was only after blinking several times that he realized both his eyes had gone dry, probably since some time ago...
So dry that he no longer had tears to shed.

角色故事•三（解锁条件：角色等级60）
又到了将士出征的时候。
但那恐怖的死状，居高不下的死亡率，终日喧响的炮火，浮现于天空的庞然巨物，预示着这场战争不同以往的惨烈。

直到那一日，高耸入云的“瞰云镜”承载联盟万亿众生的愿力，终于得到了祂的回应。
灼热的气浪毫无征兆地出现，弱小的丰饶孽物化作血雾，不可直视的光撕开天穹。
他看到光浪所及之处，一切山峦化为齑粉。
他看到未来得及撤离的仙舟军团和丰饶孽物一起化为尘埃。
他听说紧跟月御将军的少女在即将覆灭的敌阵中奔走，试图带回剩余的士兵。
在光之海的巨浪到达之前，他尽全力救下少女，而后在光芒的余波中失去了意识。
……
残破的军旗在风中猎猎作响，寥寥无几的幸存者围在火堆旁，无言对坐。
叮当，叮当，叮当——
坑坑洼洼的鼎镬被狂风吹着，在原野上滚动。

身体理应早就习惯了所驻扎的这颗星球上的寒冷，但他从来都没觉得那么冷过，从里到外，都是冰凉的。
他拾起铁锅，加水，烧开，放入所剩无几的食材，动作一气呵成。
“还是好冷……”
幸存者默默地咀嚼着食物，没有人说话。
“放点辣吧。”
他取出随身携带的药袋。
“不够辣。”
他放下了更多的辣椒。
“还是不够。”
他将随身携带的香料全数倒进鼎镬中。
“没有更多了。”
红油翻滚，他夹起野菜放进嘴中，当麻木的味觉被激活的时候，他第一次如此强烈地感到生命的存在——
那是近乎于痛的滋味。  

Character Story: Part III

• Unlocked at Character Level 60

It was time once again for the army to move out.
However, grisly bodies of the dead, the perpetually high death rate, ongoing blasts of artillery fire, and a monstrous creature that appeared in the air were all portents that heralded a devastating war unlike anything that had ever occurred before.

Until one day, when the towering Cloudpeer Telescope that bore the wills of the trillions of living beings aboard the Xianzhou finally received a response from THEM.
A searing blast appeared out of nowhere, obliterating the weak Abominations of Abundance into a miasma of blood. A light so blindingly bright that tore the sky dome asunder.
Even mountains and hills that the light reached turned into dust.
He saw the Abominations of Abundance and members of the Xianzhou Legion that were slow to retreat crumble to dust.
He heard about how the girl always by General Yueyu's side weaved in and out of the annihilated enemy ranks, attempting to bring the remaining soldiers back with her.
Before the wave of light could reach them, he dashed in with every last ounce of his strength to save that young lady before losing his consciousness in the afterglow of the obliterating light.
...
Tattered banners thrashed in the wind as the few remaining survivors gathered around the bonfire in silence.
Clank, clank, clank...
A strong gust of wind swept across, rolling a battered cauldron along the barren ground.

His body should have long acclimated to the frigid cold climate given the time he had been stationed on this planet. But he had never felt this cold before. He was cold from the inside out.
In a seasoned manner, he picked up the iron receptacle, filled it with water, and brought it to a boil before throwing in scraps of leftover ingredients.
"It's still so cold..."
The survivors ate their food in silence.
"Maybe I should add some spice."
With that, he retrieved the medicine pouch that he always carried with him.
"Not spicy enough."
He added more chili peppers to the mix.
"Not there yet."
He emptied every spice he had on him into the cauldron.
"That's it."
As oil from the chili bubbled, he picked up a herb from the cauldron to taste. When his already numbed sense of taste finally picked up on the spice, a jolt of current ran through him. He felt alive for the first time!
It was a sensation that bordered on pain.