148 Outmaneuvered (1/2)

Red water swirled around Ed's body, causing his legs to sink deep within the snow. Steam radiated from his body, forcing back the falling snow. He threw a punch towards the ice in front of him. Almost instantly, the red water froze around his fist, causing ice to clash against ice. 'Again.' He clenched his teeth as he pulled his fist back and worked to melt the ice. One attack after another, he alternated his punches. Like this, several days passed without rest.

”Huff. Huff.” He heavily breathed, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His breath was visible as foggy mist in midair. Even with the healing abilities of his chimera flesh, his fists were torn to shreds and covered in blood. His usual powers weren't working, so he couldn't resort to healing it himself. His vision started to fade in and out from a mix of exhaustion and cold.

”Damn.” He blurted out as he lost consciousness.

...

Several hours later.

Ed remained unconscious. However, his body was up and moving, as if he was wide awake.

”Where the hell is this?” A voice slightly deeper and gruffier than usual grumbled. Interestingly, Ed's eye color had changed from black to a fiery red. ”I fucking hate the cold!” He complained as he pointed both arms forward. ”BURN!” He shouted enthusiastically, but nothing happened.

”Hmm? That isn't right.” He mumbled. ”This body should have fire abilities. I can feel it.” He snapped his fingers together. ”Nope, not that one.” He snapped again. ”Not that either.” Several snaps later, a silver flame appeared in his hand. ”BINGO!” He excitedly exclaimed before the fire quickly vanished.

”Huh?” He stared in confusion at the missing fire. He snapped his fingers again, causing it to reappear, but it vanished soon after. After several tries, he frowned. ”The fuck kind of hellhole did this brat land himself into?” He trudged through the snow, shivering as he went, the wind howling in his ears. ”There's gotta be a way out. I can't miss this opportunity to enjoy myself!”

...

Within a black void. Ed stood face-to-face with Mayor Mick.

”Tsk. Tsk.” Mick shook his head back-and-forth. ”I warned you they'd take any opportunity they can get to take over, and then you go and train yourself to complete exhaustion. So foolish.”

Ed grimaced. ”I didn't think another soul would be able to take over so easily. I never felt anything coming.”

”Well, now you know the real risks.” Mick sighed. ”I can't hold all of these guys back. You're lucky the esper's soul that escaped isn't a particularly special one. Only thing he's good for is burning everything to the ground.”

”Is that so?” He replied. ”Well, at least he won't be able to do anything with my body then. Flames are almost completely suppressed in this environment. That is, unless he can use my water powers?”

”He shouldn't be able to.” Mick shook his head. ”The soul that escaped is only compatible with fire and a bit of earth.”

”That's good.” Ed sighed in relief.

An unknown amount of time passed as the two chatted. The concept of time didn't seem to exist at all, and neither knew what was happening outside. It was as if they had been locked out from the world.

...

Back within the snowy tundra, Ed's body continued searching. The soul seemed to have no intention of giving up it's rare opportunity of obtaining a body. But no matter how long or far he travelled, he couldn't find any way to escape the frozen wasteland.

Unknowingly, two weeks passed as Ed's body struggled looking for food and warmth. Silver flames occasionally flickered over his entire body, briefly warming him up, but they always vanished quickly. ”Shit!” He grunted. His vision was fading in and out. Just as he was losing consciousness, he spotted what looked like a group of humans. He reached his left arm out towards them, and then, he fainted.

...

”Ugh...” Ed groaned as he awakened. He looked at his hands, sighing in relief at being back in his own body. 'What a terrifying experience.' He thought to himself as he sat up. Looking around his surroundings, he found himself to be in a pure white room with an exit barely large enough to crawl through. A sleeping bag covered his body, helping to keep him warm. He reached towards the wall, curious as to what it was made of. 'Snow?' He thought. 'Is this an igloo?'

”You're finally awake!” A Chinese girl appearing just a bit younger than himself smiled towards him. ”We found you passed out in the snow. You should really be more careful.”

”I've never seen an idiot like him before.” A masculine voice scoffed as a thin and tall Chinese boy entered the igloo. It seemed he was completely prepared for the harsh weather, as he wore warm furs all over his body. He could easily pass for a nomad or barbarian from the ancient past if not for this thin and delicate frame. He glared at Ed. ”What the hell were you thinking by coming here with no supplies or gear? Most cultivators prepare months or even years' worth of supplies before entering. You're lucky to even be alive.”

Ed frowned. ”Sect Leader Fang didn't tell me to bring anything in with me.”

”Sect Leader Fang?!” The both replied in surprise as they glanced at each other. ”You're saying the Sect Leader personally allowed you to enter?” The boy skeptically questioned.

”Mm.” He nodded. ”I'm an honorary elder, and he said I could use the training rooms as much as I wanted and led me to them.” He rubbed his head as it throbbed in pain. 'Did Sect Leader Fang fail to notice my damaged soul? Or was he trying to kill me? No, he wouldn't have anything to gain by doing so... Especially since he likely views me as someone easy to beat at the moment.'