"It seems we've been underestimated," Mahama suddenly said.
It was hard to tell whether he meant the big fish in the lake, Ernites, who had inexplicably returned and vanished again, or both.
Ruger laughed at that.
Big Guy seemed a little glum. His earlier regret still lodged in his great heart. After all, that had been a Wizard's laboratory, and an extraordinarily high-ranking Wizard's at that, so his regret was equally enormous and unyielding.
Ruger's unrestrained laughter disrupted Big Guy's brooding, and Big Guy let out a long sigh.
The group continued exploring the vast cavern.
Ever since Ruger had obtained those ancient Legtisa Bugs, the other three had paid closer attention along the way and made some finds of their own. That was one reason they had been unable to travel faster. Naturally, they could not pass up the cavern containing this strange lake, either.
As Mahama carefully dug up and put away a little blade of grass twisted like a snake, Big Guy's mood seemed to improve.
Ruger dreamed of finding another material needed to cultivate Spirit Furs, but sadly, it remained only a dream.
The group spent three days conducting a passably thorough exploration of the cavern, mostly in areas far from the lakeshore.
Now all that remained was the main event.
Ruger stood on a jutting rock and looked toward the calm waters in the distance.
Mona came to stand beside him.
While their group had been wandering about, sounds had occasionally come from the lake, as though a big fish were turning in the water and slapping its tail above the surface.
Now that they were actually taking turns watching the lake, it had instead fallen silent, with no movement for a long time.
They were observing the lake in pairs now, with Mona and