The challenge trial was over. Silence fell around them. The lively Insectoid Phantoms had vanished without a trace, and the air no longer rang with the sound of insects chirping and beating their wings.
The three of them were all that remained, standing in the center of a vast, ruined arena overgrown with mottled moss.
The giant stone stands still bore faint traces of the long years that had worn them down.
"Is it really over?" Alya looked around, still somewhat dazed. A beautiful pink butterfly rested on her shoulder.
After such an intense and thrilling battle, the quiet now and the generous rewards seemed almost like a hazy dream.
"Yeah, it's over." Gauss shook his head, thoughtful. "I wonder if anyone else will be able to trigger the trial when they come here."
The moment the Insectoid Phantoms vanished, it had seemed as though some force sustaining this place had been exhausted.
If the trial could only be done once, they'd hit the jackpot.
As usual after a battle, the three of them carefully searched the arena and the surrounding stone stands.
But apart from getting dusty and picking up some moss, they found nothing else.
The Thorned Giant Beast's remains had also vanished completely into black smoke, leaving no trace of anything behind.
With nothing else to find, they chose a relatively level, open spot and began setting up camp to rest.
Theron swiftly put up a simple tent, while Alya washed the wild greens and other food they had gathered along the way.
Their Storage Bags held only some meat and emergency rations. The insulated box had limited space, so they hadn't brought many vegetables.
So the best way to get some vitamins and dietary fiber was to keep an eye out for wild greens and fruit