Lynx

The youngest daughter of the Landau family, and one of Belobog's best extreme environments explorers. She is highly capable of action despite her apparent lack of motivation. She only appears introverted and lazy to avoid unnecessary socialization. As for what counts as unnecessary socialization — "Um, aren't all socialization unnecessary?"

Scenes from the Snow Plains are far from to the daily lives of Belobogians. So far that a girl could only see them in her dreams. During the days of her education, she always read about how the world before the Eternal Freeze was vast and varied. However, when Lynx asked her teachers for more details, they would always respond with an exasperated expression: "Only the deepest parts of the Snow Plains hold the answers to that..." Lynx often heard from the teacher about the outlandish phenomena known as "aurora" in geography class. She found herself imagining the variegation and capricious alterations of that band of light. But when she asked her teacher why she couldn't witness such a sight within the confines the city, they would always respond with an exasperated expression: "Unfortunately, the aurora can only be observed in the deepest parts of the Snow Plains..." The girl was never able to get the answers she so desired for that vast world. However, if her teachers were correct, then the answers behind everything could be found hidden in the Snow Plains. So, wouldn't simply venturing into its depths personally be the resolution? "So... I've decided that I want to go explore the depths of the Snow Plains!" "Huh?" "What?"

"Lynx, you know how cold it is outside Belobog..." "...It's not big deal, Gepard. I got warm clothes and a heater. I'm all ready." "But the Snow Plains aren't just dangerous because of the extreme weather. There are also all kinds of vicious monsters there..." "...That's not big deal. Don't worry. Ran into some of them a few times when I was with the patrols before. I can handle them." "Wait, when was that?" "Uh..." "Agh... Serval, give me a hand here. She's your sister too." "Huh? Oh, she should get to do what she wants to do. Seeing our little Lynxy be such a go-getter about what she wants makes me real proud to be her sister..." "...Hehe, thanks, sis." "But Gepard's right: You need to pay attention to your safety when you're exploring the outside alone. Don't! Push! Yourself! Here, take these things too..." "...What's this stuff?" "This is the 'Vanguard' climbing pick you said you wanted to get last month. But don't you worry, your sister's got your back. I might've made a small redesign to it, but I promise it works well. Also, this is new 'Pathfinder' series snowboard from your brother. And, oh, this water bottle — a Goethe Hotel annual exclusive make. I changed the shoulder strap to your appropriate measurements and added some decorations. Also — also! These energy bars and food cans can fill you right up..." "Uh, didn't you promise not to tell her about the snowboard." "Agh, this really isn't the time to be stuck on that!" "Anyway, remember to use these well and keep yourself protected out there. You hear me? I want to hear you promise!" "...Alright, I promise!"

"Lynxy? You there yet?" The girl's phone chimed a sharp sound from an incoming message. Lynx sees the message coming from a familiar profile picture and is in no hurry to respond. Rather, she releases a steam-laden breath at the camera lens and carelessly uses her frost-coated gloves to rub at the device. The camera remains perfectly operable. She lifts her phone and captures the night sky — clear, cloudless, and almost never seen within the walls of Belobog. Without wind nor snow nor stratocumulus to deny her gaze, only the dark velvet of the void stand companion to the scintillating canopy made of up shimmering stars. Click... and sent. The signal isn't very good. The air congeals with the ascension of altitude. Snow and night make silent bedfellows. Not long after, the sound of clicking is followed by a series of rings. It turns out the girl just finished her manuscript: the summit, the night, the stars. Lynx smirks and points her lens at her tent, its shape inflating like a lung filling with breath. Again, she pressed down and snapped her shots. Click. Send. Ding. The screen soon lights up again. This time, what is displayed is a woman's workbench, schematics and utensils strewn beneath the darkness of dimmed lights. Click. Camping chairs and Lynx's favorite velvet blanket. Ding. A glass of tepid milk. Click. A cup of black tea steaming with warmth. Ding. An iron table lamp and a girl's favorite picture album. Click. A warm sleeping bag. Ding. Disheveled bedding. Click. A mountain top view towards Belobog, gazing upon the golden waves. Ding. The shimmering streets of the Administrative District outside an apartment window. Click. Last was the resplendent aurora lights dancing in night sky in a sudden instant. Ding. A cute sticker follows. Lynx knows that girl only sends this one when she expresses envy. So, she carefully makes a selection from her photos as a response... "This will be good enough." They have tacit understanding of each other.

"Why did Lynx choose to become a polar explorer?" Lynx's close friend once asked her this question. At that time, she had no idea how to reply, so she brushed the inquiry off like a joke. However, after that, Lynx also began to think about this question over and over again herself. Was she truly interested in ancient Belobogian history or geography? Or did she actually want to avoid socializing in a city trapped in eternal winter? Or... Or perhaps the girl didn't even realize that, to Lynx, the way Landaus do things is pretty simple. "If you want to do something, go for it." Serval was obsessed with machinery and music, so she ran the workshop and became a rock musician. Gepard wanted to protect Belobog, so he became a Silvermane Guard captain. Therefore, when Lynx suddenly announced to the family: "I want to venture deep into the Snow Plains," it was also simple as that. Afraid of the cold? Then wear something warm. Afraid of the danger? Then learn survival skills. No one's done it before? Then Lynx can be the first one. "After all, isn't it simple to just go from start to goal's end?"

sigh So... I'm Lynx, a member of the Belobog Snow Plains research team. For work-related matters, please contact me during working hours. I'm unavailable at any other time. That's all, bye.

It must be very tiring for Miss Bronya to have to deal with so many people every day.

I actually admire her for her many talents... Don't tell her I said that.

My brother is a very capable and very good man... It would be nice if he didn't worry so much about me.

There are many things that only Pela can understand... Hehe.

He seems to be a wanted criminal that my brother is tracking, but I feel like I see him occasionally in the Snow Plains... Ah! Is HE the legendary Belobog Caveman!?

Everyone needs some time alone...

Nice to have new survival skills under my belt...

Even the Snow Plains have an end...

Nice! I'll try it out in my next expedition.

Shout if you get into trouble, Pela.

Hm... Sleeping bag, moisture resistant sleeping mat... All ready. It's time to go.

Never thought I'd get to fight side by side with you, sis...

Stop holding me back, Gepard! I'm not a kid anymore...

Mm, I think I'll set up camp here. I wonder if the aurora will be visible tonight...

For the Landau family, matters are simple: If you want to do something, go for it. I wanted to see the Snow Plains, so I joined the research team... It was as simple as that.

There's nothing to worry about when you're prepared. It's the unprepared you should be concerned about. Oh, you're worried about me always going alone? Eh... It's better being alone.

Perfect, now's my chance.

Stay calm now, Lynx...

Commencing research.

Target specimen sighted, preparing for collection.

I should've brought a chair with me...

Excuse me, coming through.

Relax, deep breaths.

Time for something savory.

Ugh, I think something bit me...

Exploring the Snow Plains... Of course there will be all kinds of challenges along the way, but solving them is part of the fun.

I've gotta stop the bleeding.

To travel far away...

For a tough case like yours, we're gonna try them all!

Brother... Sister...

Let's start again.

Just in time.

Every step is just a part of the adventure.

Looks handy. Into the backpack!

Another handy survival skill.

Seems this path is no good either...

It's such a bother to talk to people and try to figure out what they mean... *sigh* At least when I talk to Pela, I don't have to think so much...

Get some rest while you can and gather your strength.

If they can fit in my rucksack, I'm taking them.

I don't have space for all this...

So that's how it works...

Beware of the mountain winds in the Kandor Valley — they are usually the harbinger of a blizzard. And never, ever stay in the canyon at night.

Everything outside of Belobog is buried in snow, including all the history of the old world. But if we can bring it all back into the light of day by exploring the Snow Plains, then the choice seems simple: Just go for it.