The snowy, serene streets of Lowee are bustling with activity whilst sparkling under a thick blanket of snow, the cold air biting at exposed skin under this cold weather. Locals are seen wrapped in warm coats and scarves going about their day. Kaide and Filyn walk side by side.

"So, Filyn." he began.

"Got any plans? The guild should be somewhere in this area, right?"

Filyn, always composed, gave him a flat look.

"You're the one who wanted to come here. Don't tell me you're already clueless."

Kaide scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"I have a general idea. I just thought maybe we could ask around."

Filyn rolled her eyes but followed him as he approached an elderly woman tending to a stall selling warm drinks.

"Excuse me," Kaide said politely, "do you know where the guild office is?"

The woman smiled warmly.

"Ah, newcomers, You seem like travelers. Did you come to visit from Planeptune, maybe? Or Lastation?"

Kaide hesitated. "Something like that."

Filyn jumped in, smiling.

"We're from all over. Just passing through Lowee to register at the guild. Can you point the direction for us?"

"What a cute lass, Of course I can. The guild is just down the main street. Look for the large building with the wooden sign. Can't miss it."

Kaide nodded. "Thank you, ma'am!"

As they walked away, Filyn smirked.

"Was that fun? You just got lucky she didn't ask more questions."

Kaide sighed. It was gonna be a long afternoon.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

While Kaide walked leisurely, hands tucked into his pockets seemingly unbothered by the frost. Beside him, Filyn pulled her hands close, her breath forming small clouds as she shivered and blew on her hand.

"This place might be pretty, but it's way too cold,"

She muttered through chattering teeth.

"I swear, my fingers are going to fall off before we even find the guild."

Kaide glanced at her, his expression calm and composed. Filyn shot him a glare, while rubbing her gloved hands together and looked at him suspiciously.

"Seriously, though, how are you not freezing? You're just strolling along like this is some mild autumn afternoon."

Kaide smirked slightly, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement.

"Maybe I'm built different."

Filyn groaned.

"Oh, please. You're hiding something. What's your secret?"

Kaide reached into his pocket and popped a small, colorful candy into his mouth. Filyn immediately noticed and narrowed her eyes.

"What's that?" she demanded.

"Candy," Kaide replied simply, chewing casually.

"Candy?" Filyn repeated, not believing him.

"In this freezing weather? Don't tell me that's how you're staying warm."

Kaide shrugged, his tone light.

"Maybe ~."

Filyn stopped in her tracks, her shivering momentarily forgotten as she pointed an accusatory finger at him.

"You're telling me there's some kind of magical warmth candy, and you didn't think to share it with me?"

Kaide paused and turned to her, a faint smirk hiding at the corner of his lips.

"I didn't think you'd want one. You're the 'tough and independent' type, right?"

Filyn's jaw dropped, and she glared at him with mock outrage.

"You're impossible! How does it even work?"

Kaide tilted his head thoughtfully.

"It's a family recipe. Secret ingredient. Can't tell you."

Filyn groaned loudly.

"Great. Now you're being cryptic. So, what? You're just going to let me freeze to death while you hoard your magical candy?"

Kaide's smirk grew into a rare, amused grin.

"Skill issue."

Filyn froze, her expression a mix of shock and annoyance.

"Did you just— ? Skill issue?! You're lucky I'm not throwing snowballs at you right now."

Kaide chuckled, shaking his head as he reached into his pocket again. 

"Relax, I'm just messing with you. Here." 

He held out a small pouch, offering it to her.

Filyn blinked, caught off guard.

"Wait. . . you're actually sharing? I thought you were going to keep up the whole 'mysterious traveler' act."

Kaide raised an eyebrow.

"What, you thought I'd actually let you freeze? You'd never let me hear the end of it."

Filyn took the pouch, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Damn right I wouldn't."

She pulled out one of the candies, inspecting it closely.

"This isn't some kind of prank, is it?"

Kaide's expression softened, but the teasing glint in his eyes remained. "Just eat it. You'll see."

With a skeptical look, Filyn popped the candy into her mouth. Almost immediately, a soothing warmth spread through her body, melting away the cold and leaving her feeling cozy despite the frigid air.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh. . . that's actually kind of amazing."

Kaide smirked. "Told you."

Filyn crossed her arms, slipping the pouch into her own pocket.

"Alright, I'll admit it — this is pretty cool. But don't think this gets you off the hook for being a smug jerk about it."

Kaide chuckled.

"Noted. Just don't expect me to share next time."

Filyn grinned slyly.

"Oh, it's too late for that. This pouch is mine now."

Kaide raised an eyebrow.

"Really? You're just going to steal it?"

"Yup," Filyn replied, smirking.

"Skill issue."

Kaide blinked, then burst out laughing — a rare, genuine sound that caught Filyn off guard.

"Alright, fair enough," he said, shaking his head.

"You win this round."

As they continued walking, the warmth from the candy made the snowy streets of Lowee feel almost bearable. Filyn glanced at Kaide, a small, grateful smile tugging at her lips.

"Thanks, Kaide," she said softly.

He didn't look at her, but his tone was calm and sincere.

"Sure."

|♪♪♪♪♪|

The guild building was as described — large and welcoming, with a carved wooden sign reading "Lowee Guild".

Kaide pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a cozy interior filled with adventurers warming up by the fire or standing by the quest boards.

The receptionist, a young woman with long, blonde hair and a friendly smile, greeted them.

"Welcome to the Lowee Guild! Are you here to register?"

Kaide stepped forward.

"Yeah, we'd like to register. It's our first time here."

Filyn leaned casually against the counter, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

"What do we need to do?"

The receptionist handed them a pair of forms.

"Just fill these out, and we'll get you set up. It's straightforward — name, age, region of origin, and any special skills you'd like to list."

Kaide grabbed a pen and started writing. As he did, Filyn glanced at him.

"Region of origin?" she asked.

"What are you putting down?"

Kaide hesitated for a moment.

"Planeptune. It's close enough to the truth."

Filyn arched an eyebrow.

"You're awfully good at this half-truth thing."

"Hey, I'm trying to keep a low profile here," Kaide replied with a grin.

As they finished their forms, Kaide struck up a conversation with the receptionist.

"So, It's pretty lively, huh? Lowee's got such a peaceful vibe compared to Planeptune."

The receptionist tilted her head.

"You're from Planeptune? I heard it's a bit chaotic there, but it's full of energy. Are you familiar with the other nations too?"

Kaide nodded cautiously.

"A little. Planeptune is the tech hub, right? And Lastation's more industrial. Leanbox is all about culture and games. And Lowee. . . Well, it's calm and snowy."

Filyn smirked.

"Your surface-level knowledge is showing, Kaide. You make it sound like you read a pamphlet."

Kaide shot her a playful glare.

"Hey, I've got the basics down. That's what counts."

The receptionist laughed.

"That's a good start, at least. Lowee's also famous for its writers and artists. If you're planning to stay for a while, I recommend visiting some of the museums and libraries. They're fantastic."

"Thanks for the tip," Kaide said, smiling.

The receptionist took their completed forms and stamped them before giving each a guild card.

"All set! Welcome to the Lowee Guild. You're now registered adventurers. You can take quests from any guild board in any of the nations, but don't forget to check in with the local office if you're staying in one place for a while."

Kaide nodded.

"Gotcha. Thanks for your help."

As they turned to leave the guild, Filyn leaned closer to Kaide.

"So, what's the plan now? You going to take on some random quest to improve your charisma?"

Kaide smiled.

"Who knows Maybe I'll take a quest that makes you admit I'm not so clueless."

Filyn smirked. "Good luck with that."

After they left the guild, they stepped back into the snowy streets of Lowee. Their journey in the Hyperdimension was just beginning, but Kaide couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He knew there was so much more to this world than what he remembered.

|←←•→→|

Kaide activated the device, and with a flash of light, he was gone. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a vibrant, fantastical world: the Superdimension.

A bustling city filled with technology and wonder. Kaide wandered the streets, marveling at the strange yet familiar environment. His thoughts were interrupted by a voice.

"Hey, you look lost."

Kaide turned to see a woman with silver hair and a calm demeanor, a mysterious yet approachable figure.

"O-oh, yeah. It's my first time traveling alone. . . I came from a different dimension."

The woman gave him an amused look.

"Well, with the way you carry yourself and your choice of clothing, I'm more inclined to believe it now."

She let out a soft chuckle. Over time, she became his guide in the Superdimension, helping him adapt and teaching him about the world.

Kaide's life in the Superdimension took an unexpected turn when he met Filyn, a cunning and enigmatic girl with a sharp intellect.

It had been six months since Kaide arrived in Superdimension, his first destination after receiving his father's gift that allowed him to travel between worlds. He had spent most of that time trying to lay low and figure out the intricacies of this new dimension, knowing only the hazy, fragmented knowledge from his past life about goddesses, Shares, and nations like Planeptune.

Chrome decided it was time for Kaide to meet someone she trusted — a friend and ally who could help him further.

"You've been learning quickly," she said.

"But there's still a lot you don't understand about this dimension. I know someone who might be able to help fill in the gaps."

Kaide raised an eyebrow.

"Someone like you?"

"Not exactly,"

Chrome replied, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

"She's. . . different. But I think you'll get along."

In the weeks that followed after Chrome had introduced the two, Kaide learned that Filyn was not only knowledgeable about Superdimension but also had her own unique approach to life.

She was sharp, independent, and unafraid to challenge him, which contrasted with Chrome's more measured and disciplined demeanor.

Initially, Kaide was wary of her flamboyant and teasing personality, but over time, he grew to appreciate her insight and wit.

Filyn, on the other hand, found his quiet resilience intriguing. Though he didn't talk much at first, his dry humor and occasional snarky comments kept her on her toes.

One particular moment solidified their bond. During an expedition to a nearby ruin, Kaide instinctively shielded Filyn from a collapsing ceiling, earning her respect.

"Alright," Filyn had said afterward, brushing dust off her cloak.

"I guess you're not just some clueless traveler after all."

From then on, the trio — Kaide, Filyn, and Chrome — became an unusual but effective team. Kaide found himself drawn to their company, Filyn's lively personality balancing Chrome's seriousness, and both women helping him grow more confident in this strange, vibrant world.

|←←•→→|

Kaide wasn't the type to seek out conversations, especially in a new environment. The snowy streets of Lowee were bustling with life, but he kept his gaze forward, focused on navigating the town. Filyn, however, seemed perfectly content to observe everything and occasionally smirk at Kaide's quietness.

Passing by a cozy bakery, the smell of freshly baked pastries wafted into the air making Kaide's stomach growl. Hearing it, Filyn glanced at him and grinned.

"Hungry already? You just had candy though?"

"If you haven't noticed, we left Superdimension without eating anything."

"But you don't deny that you're hungry? Let's go grab some grub."

Before she could continue teasing him, her stomach also growled.

". . . Hungry already?"

Kaide mimics Filyn's previous remark.

"You just had candy though?"

Filyn marched towards the bakery with her face flushed while Kaide followed her into the bakery. Inside, the warmth was welcoming, and the shelves were lined with an array of pastries dusted with powdered sugar.

The baker, a jovial man with flour-covered hands, greeted them.

"Welcome! You two must be travelers. Not often we get new faces this time of year."

Kaide nodded politely but didn't say much as he scanned the options.

"Is that Leanbox leather on your cloak?" the baker asked curiously, eyeing Kaide's attire.

Kaide blinked, surprised by the observation.

"Uh, yeah, it is. How'd you know?"

The baker chuckled.

"I've traded with merchants from Leanbox before. They make fine cloaks. Keeps you warm in the snow, doesn't it?"

Kaide nodded again. "It does. Thanks."

Filyn stepped in with a playful smile.

"He's not much of a talker, but I promise he's listening. What would you recommend for a quick bite?"

The baker laughed.

"For a quiet guy like him? Maybe something simple."

He takes out two saucers with baked goods.

"Try the snowberry tarts — they're Lowee's specialty."

Kaide glanced at the tarts, then handed over some credits.

"We'll take two," he said briefly, avoiding further small talk.

As they left, Filyn teased him.

"You know, you could've said more than three words. The guy was just being nice."

Kaide shrugged.

"I didn't want to waste his time."

Filyn smirked.

"Or you're just awkward with strangers."

Kaide sighed, biting into the tart. The sweetness of the snowberries was a stark contrast to his mood.

"Call it what you want. Let's just figure out where we're staying tonight."

Filyn rolled her eyes but grinned.

"Fair enough. Let's find something cheap before we freeze out here."

The two wandered down the cobblestone streets, the sky above growing dimmer with the creeping twilight. Small shops and homes lined the street, their windows glowing with light and laughter from within.

A weathered sign hanging above a narrow doorway came to view. The wooden sign read "The Traveler's Rest" in faded gold letters. Beneath it, someone had scratched into the wood: "Affordable beds and hot meals!"

"Perfect," Filyn stopped abruptly, pointing to the Inn.

"Let's come check it out!"

Filyn grabbed Kaide's arm before dragging him towards the door.

Inside, the air smelled of stew and old wood. A few patrons sat at mismatched tables, nursing drinks or sharing quiet conversations. Behind a small counter stood a tired-looking innkeeper, a woman with graying hair tied into a loose braid.

She looked up as they entered, her sharp eyes sizing them up.

"Looking for a room?" she asked, her voice as dry as the cracked wood of the floor.

Filyn stepped forward with her best smile.

"We are. Something... affordable."

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow.

"We've got one room left. It's not fancy, but it's warm. One Thousand credits a night. Meals are extra."

Filyn glanced at Kaide, who nodded slightly. She turned back to the woman.

"We'll take it."

The innkeeper reached under the counter and produced a rusty key.

"Up the stairs, second door on the left. Keep it down, and don't cause trouble."

Filyn took the key and offered a cheerful, 'Thank you!' before leading Kaide upstairs.

The room was small, with a single bed pushed against the wall, a rocking chair, and a tiny fireplace that held the faintest of embers.

Kaide dropped his pack by the chair, looking unimpressed.

"Well," Filyn said, plopping down on the bed and bouncing slightly.

"It's not a palace, but it'll do."

"You know she probably thought I was mute."

Filyn giggled. "That would actually be funny, Wouldn't it?"

Kaide nodded, taking a seat by the fireplace and poking at the embers with a metal poker.

"Let's hope it's quiet."

Filyn leaned back with a smirk. "You mean, let's hope I'm quiet."

Kaide glanced over his shoulder, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"You said it, not me."

Filyn laughed, tossing a pillow at him.

"You're impossible."

For the first time that evening, Kaide let out a soft chuckle. The sound was fleeting, but it warmed the cold room just a little.

The two continued to chat for a bit until the two had no more topics to talk about. Kaide fiddles with the 'Dimenswatch E.X.A.' and turns it to a mode that shows time, which he didn't even know. It was already 6:14 in the evening, 2 hours had passed by the time they had stopped talking with each other.

"Welp, we got a place to sleep. And I'm not about to sit in that cramped room all night. Let's explore." Filyn complained, yawning while she stretched her arms out.

Kaide stood up, brushing off his cloak. 

"Didn't you say you needed to find something about the local lore? A library might be useful."

Filyn's eyes lit up.

"You're right! Let's see if this town has one."

The innkeeper, still manning her post downstairs, glanced up as they approached. Filyn leaned on the counter with her most charming smile. 

"Hey, quick question. Is there a library around here?"

The woman frowned for a moment, then nodded toward the window.

"Head three streets down and take a left. There's an old building with a sign that says 'Lowee Archives.' You'll find it there."

"Thanks!" Filyn said, pulling Kaide along.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

The Lowee Archives was a modest stone building, its age betrayed by ivy creeping up the walls and cracks in the stone steps. Inside, the scent of aged paper and ink filled the air. Shelves of books lined every available space, and a single librarian sat behind a desk, scribbling notes in a ledger.

Filyn wandered down the aisles, her fingers brushing over the spines of books. Kaide, more reserved, stayed close, occasionally flipping through a tome that caught his eye. Time passed quietly as they delved into various texts — Filyn eagerly jotting notes about folklore, and Kaide scanning for anything of interest to him.

Eventually, Kaide approached the librarian, who looked up from her work with mild interest.

"Excuse me, do you know if there's a local book firm? Somewhere we could submit manuscripts?"

The librarian thought for a moment before nodding.

"Yes, you'll want the Crystal Quill Press. It's not far. Head down to Market Street, and you'll find it nestled between a tailor and a cobbler's shop. Look for a sign with a quill etched into a crystal."

Filyn beamed. "Thank you so much!"

As they left the library, Filyn raised an eyebrow.

"You seem unusually excited."

Kaide looked at Filyn unamused.

"You know I wrote stories, Filyn. You snooped around me when i'm writing as often as you bother Chrome to play with you back in superdimension."

Filyn chuckled. Memories she would never exchange for anything in this multiverse she existed in.

"Let's hope it's worth the walk."

With the directions clear in their minds, they headed back to the inn, the promise of the Crystal Quill Press drawing them through the quiet, snow-dusted town the very next day.

|♪♪♪♪♪|

Chapter 2

Getting Settled

Word Count: 3156 Words