The previous was strange because at the other side of the forest, when they were at the outer area, while there weren't any animals, insects were still present here and there, which is the norm, but here one couldn't even hear a single cricket making any noise.
On the other hand, Aster and the others also had a pleasant encounter, at this side of the outer forest there were trees that produced another edible fruit that could be consumed on the spot, crab apple trees to be more accurate.
Speaking of which, Aster has been wondering what would happen if Nim's clone were to release its transformation, just like the little wyrm, that chatterbox of a runic oak had the capacity to change the size of its clone at will.
But unlike Espi, it didn't participate in the trials, because Aster couldn't think of a way to make it so that the people on Wade's side didn't notice large wood whips, smacking the ghosts or the golems around.
