Inside the cave, the campfire had already burned down by more than half, but the orange-red embers flickered brightly and dimly amid the ashes. Occasionally, one or two sparks flew out with the crackling charcoal, landing on the cold, damp ground and going out with a hiss.
5
("0")
Only then did Annie finish her last bite of meat. She clapped her hands, kicked the gnawed frog bones in front of her into the fire, and casually wiped her hands on Little Bear.
Then, under Lania's expectant yet hesitant, hesitant yet eager gaze, she slowly pulled something from her pocket.
"!?"
Lania, who had been waiting all along, spotted it at once. That thing, that treasure, looked at first glance like a—
—a basin?
No!
On closer inspection, it seemed to be a small arena model shaped like a basin?
In any case, it was a grayish stone object, with what looked like worn marks around its edges. A circle of densely packed tiny runes was carved into its base. Lania had no idea what they did, but she was looking forward to seeing its effects.
Because she wanted to become stronger, and to become stronger in the shortest possible time. At the very least, she needed to keep up with the upcoming operation and not hold everyone back.
"Here!"
-(\°□
Annie did not put on airs or explain anything. She simply tossed the dog bowl into Lania's arms.
"This is the arena model."
"It's what Little Bear Tibbers uses to eat. I'm only lending it to you for now, not giving it to you!"
(.-)
As she spoke, Annie grabbed her Little Bear, whom she had just used to wipe her hands, and hurled him deeper into the cave.
(----)
(;)
The next second, with a flash of firelight,