Back at the cabin, as Eldo continued to recover, Kyo delved into their past, fostering a deeper connection.
"Yeah, I'm pretty much on vacation right now," Eldo stated nonchalantly.
"Really? That's a big deal! On vacation way earlier than anyone should be around this time, especially at 13!" Kyo expressed in awe.
"Yep, perks of being homeschooled. If you finish your curriculum early, you're essentially done," Eldo shared, rubbing under his nose with his finger, visibly proud.
Curious to learn more, Kyo asked, "Why were you homeschooled anyway?"
Eldo hesitated, recalling the reason but feeling too embarrassed to share. Bullied and often left out during his early school life, his parents opted for homeschooling, where he excelled at a faster pace and felt safer.
"Wait, how old are you, Kyo?" Eldo blurted, deflecting the prior question.
"Oh, I'm 15! And Elliot's probably like 6 or so," Kyo replied, turning his attention to his cat.
"Isn't that right, girl?" he continued playfully.
Returning to the conversation, Kyo asked, "Anyway, you said this was your parents' vacation home?"
"Yeah, so that's why this place is mine and not that covered-up weirdo's!" Eldo exclaimed, referring to Winter.
"Okay, but can we at least ask him why he thinks he owns the place?" Kyo suggested with a genuine look on his face.
After a few seconds of contemplation, Eldo reluctantly conceded, "Ugh, fine."
As the cabin door opened, the entire building plunged into freezing temperatures.
"Speak of the devil..." Eldo muttered, rolling his eyes.
In an instant, Kyo fainted due to the sudden cold. Concerned, Eldo shook his new friend in an attempt to rouse him.
"Kyo! KYO! WHAT'S GOING ON!?" he panicked, unsure how to help the boy who had saved his life. Frustration turned towards Winter.
"THIS IS ONCE AGAIN YOUR FAULT!" Eldo screamed at the top of his lungs.
"YOU DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER JUST TO SCREW WITH ME, HUH?" Eldo shouted, his skin turning bright red.
"I'm so tired of this. I'm tired of dealing with people like you," Eldo declared, head down.
"I went on this vacation just to get some time with myself and nature. To avoid the harsh people of this world," Eldo said, slowly raising his head.
"And yet they always come back..." Eldo stated with eyes beaming with energy, staring directly at Winter.
"I feel the slight killing intent," Winter said, smiling.
"I need no one but myself in this world. So follow me outside once more, and we can see whose ability rises above all," Winter said as he stepped back outside.
The two of them were on the brink of a fight that promised to be a battle of a lifetime.