The vegetation roared as a golden glow enveloped the forest. In the midst of it a flame kindled between a stack of half charred sticks. Era stared intently at the exiting fumes and smoke. The forest came to a rest, and the distant echo of something drawing near grew more distinct. Sounds akin to heavy exhales accompanied the rustling of bushes. "I was beginning to think you died." Era said as she turned meeting Hitori eye. Hitori quivered as he stopped. His eye retained a faint glimmer before it fell shut and he began to descend to the ground. Era rushed forward and caught him inches from a concussion. "Did I pass? The test?.." As Hitori fell unconscious in her arms, Era's eyes were filled with surprise. She stared not at Hitori, but at the trophy he had dragged back with him. "Well done, Rookie." The beast's decapitated juggernaut rested opened and it's tongue hung over the side of the top jaw with dust stuck on it, but rest of it was no where to be seen. Its stench was undoubtedly awful, which urged Era to roast it with her magic, thus removing it's pungent properties...
The glow that encompassed the forest gradually became a luminous shimmer peering into the window. Hitori's eye fluttered open. He sighed and as he looked to his side. His eye fixed on the specks of light coating the night. His vision blurred for a brief moment. Hitori placed his hand over his sealed eyelid. "It's gone" Hitori held his tears and replaced his pain with a smile. "At least I'm still alive." The cabin door creaked open. "Oh, you're awake... For a moment there, I thought you'd never open that eye again." Era said with a pleasant smile. "You had such little faith in me huh? "Yeah, but you survived, and you also killed the Slither-wing, but..." Era picked up Ethos from the table beside the bed. "Oh... that's a long story!" Hitori mustered with nervous smile. "Don't waste your energy... I'm not mad that you broke it... That's expected when you fight bigger monsters. it's my finest blade, but the best wasn't good enough... I'm worried, because I know you'll need it for your journey." Era eyes remained fixed on the blade as she got lost in her thoughts. "Uh, what exactly is outside of this forest? Era's sharp gaze locked onto Hitori. "Beyond the parts of the forest you know is the Devil's Veins. I myself haven't seen what's inside the structure, but the stories I've heard from those who survived are about a relic. Outside of the forest are the Eastern Kingdoms." "If I get that relic it may give me a edge on monsters like that Slither-wing." "I would hope, but you can't fight with a broken blade, so take this one. You should get Ethos repaired by a blacksmith as soon as you can."
Era unclipped her scabbard and placed it on the table. "You should get some more rest" Era remarked as she closed the door behind herself...
Golden rays beamed into the cabin and settled on Era's face her eyes opened. Upon lifting out of rest, she found herself alone in the cabin. "He gone... who knew I would live long enough to witness a otherworlder... I'm sure we'll meet again, Rookie." She smiled knowingly... Deep below the sound of snapping reverberated with timed succession. It's a scavenger's feast. Inch by inch hands and feet are pulled from the dimly lit spaces to the abyss.