"Oh? Did someone beat us to it?" Zeng Mu asked.
Kanni shook his head. "No, the creature has already gone far away."
"What do you mean?" Ma Linya asked as well.
He explained that a hundred years ago, Wood Element beasts like Burche had been extremely common. But they were naturally dull-witted, and their great value had led to relentless hunting over a long period. Their numbers had plummeted until they were exceedingly rare today. Their instincts had evolved in response, and every surviving Burche was now cautious and sensitive.
The center of the overturned well-like mound had already blackened and hardened. This meant the Burche had moved far, far beyond this territory. It might have headed toward Morgaya City, or it might have gone in another direction. Either way, they would not be able to catch it in a day or two.
After hearing his explanation, both looked somewhat disappointed. Zeng Mu shook his head. "All right. It looks like we aren't destined to find it just yet. We can try again if an opportunity comes up. Our priority right now is Morgaya City. If this interferes with the army's movements, we'll be sacrificing the greater goal for a minor gain. It wouldn't be worth it."
"Lucky creature. Still, I have a feeling we'll run into it again sooner or later," Kanni said with a faint sigh.
"Let's go. We've finished today's task." Ma Linya started walking, and the two followed her.
Half an hour later, the overturned crystal mound melted like water, seeped into the earth, and vanished. It was as though the Burche had never left any trace at all. This was the adaptation their cruel world had forced upon them.
At noon, the two helped several healers crush and refine the medicinal herbs prepared for this