When the fight was finally over, and the glowing Brightstem Flower was safe in their hands, the team faced a new problem.
There was just too much to carry.
The bodies of the wolves, the lizard-beasts, the piles of meat, hides, and bones—it was far more than their tired arms and small packs could handle.
They sat together and talked. In the end, the choice became clear. First, they would take only the most precious things: essence crystals, the rare herbs, the strong hides, and the sharp claws. The heavier spoils, like meat and bones, would be left behind for now. Karl marked the spot carefully so they wouldn't forget.
Their plan was simple: once this initial trip was done, they would return with more hands. Karl decided that on the second journey, even those who usually stayed behind—like Korath and the less combat-oriented members—would be brought along. Strength is in numbers, not for fighting, but for carrying the vast spoils back safely to the Sanctuary.
The walk back to the Sanctuary was quiet.
The forest, which had been full of snarls and battle cries only an hour ago, now felt empty.
Only a few sounds broke the silence— the crunch of boots on dirt, the creak of packs stuffed with loot and the steady breathing of the people walking alongside them.
At last, they crossed the glowing boundary of the Sanctuary. The air felt lighter, as if a heavy weight had been lifted.
Those waiting inside noticed them right away. Gasps spread through the crowd.
They saw the blood stains on armor, the bundles of wolf pelts, the shining Bronze II and III crystals, and—most of all—the strange golden-green flower glowing softly in Liora's careful hands.
Whispers filled the air.
"So many crystals…"
"Those pelts—they're huge!"
"And that flower… what is it?"
Karl raised his hand for silence. He placed the Brightstem Flower down where all could see. With Liora confirming its nature, he explained what it was: a rare herb that could permanently make someone faster and sharper.
The people's-tired faces began to change. First, there were small smiles. Then, eyes widened with surprise. Soon, the whole group was whispering with excitement.
Hope spread through them like a warm fire on a cold night.
They all knew what crystals could do— Crystals gave power, but they also pushed a person's level higher. The flower was different, it didn't raise levels. Instead, it made the body itself stronger—faster, sharper, better—forever.
To the people, this was not just rare herb.
It was a miracle.
After unloading their goods and resting briefly, they set out again—this time with the entire group. Korath also joined them.
They walked back to the battlefield together, quiet but determined. The forest was still, the air heavy, as if it remembered the fight. When they reached the place, the marks of battle were still there—dark stains on the ground, broken rocks, and the bodies they had left behind.
Working together, they gathered what remained. Heavy wolf carcasses, thick hides, sharp claws, and even pieces of the lizard-beasts. Nothing was wasted.
The return journey was slower. Packs bulged with weight. Bringing everything back went well. No dangerous creatures came to bother them, and all the wolf hides, fangs, and bits of meat were carried safely into the Sanctuary.
The work was tiring, but it felt good—like the kind of tired you feel after finishing something important. By the time they made it back, the sky was dark. The sun had disappeared, and night had settled over the forest.
Korath, the young calf, surprised everyone. Though still small compared to the others, it carried a heavy load with ease, its sturdy legs steady on the rough ground.
The only problem was speed—it walked slower than the rest.
But Karl only smiled. "That's fine even that could be offset with proper planning," he said.
Karl looked at Korath, the young calf, and thought about how strong it was. This little creature could carry heavy loads and help them in the future. Quietly, he made a decision.
"One of the Brightstem Flowers will go to Korath," he said softly. "If it can become faster too, it will be even stronger and more helpful."
Then his eyes drifted to Ember, his first companion in this strange world. She had been with him through the hardest times, carrying him safely and helping him when he needed it most. Karl smiled.
"The other flower will go to Ember," he decided. "She's earned it. She's fast, clever, and always by my side. She deserves this gift more than anyone else."
And one flower, Karl realized, had to be for himself. If he wanted to keep everyone safe and lead them against the dangerous creatures in the Wilderness, he needed to grow stronger, faster, and sharper too.
It was not an easy choice, but he looked at his friends, at the piles of wolf hides, and the shiny crystals stacked neatly. He understood something important: surviving here wasn't just about fighting. They had to think about the future, and use every chance to grow stronger together.
Not long after, Sylus came back from his own patrol. The moment he stepped through the barrier, his eyes went wide. The stacks of wolf hides, the new summons, everything—it had all changed so much in just one day! Seeing that everything was under control, he relaxed a little.
That night, they sat around a big bonfire. The flames flickered and crackled as they roasted fresh meat. The smell filled the air, mixing with laughter and the clatter of cups. People told stories about the wolf hunt again and again. The voices were full of pride, and even the members who didn't fight listened with wide eyes, forgetting their worries for a little while.
But Karl couldn't stop thinking about Sylus's report. The rival lord hadn't come after them yet. It wasn't because he was nice—he had found a small beast lair nearby and was busy collecting crystals and other things.
Karl shivered a little. That lord was already Bronze III level, with ten Bronze II warriors and many Bronze I ones. And for the worse, they weren't human at all, but a different humanoid species. That fact alone made treaties and alliances far more likely, a possibility Karl could not ignore. If they cleared this beast lair, their strength would surge to new heights. And when that happened, Karl knew the threat to his Sanctuary would be greater than ever.
But before Karl could feel too worried, he heard laughter. The smell of smoke and roasting meat drifted through the air. His people—his summons—were happy and proud. Karl took a deep breath, letting the worry fade a little. Tonight wasn't for thinking about problems. Tonight was for enjoying the moment. With a small smile, he raised his cup and joined their laughter, choosing to be happy with everyone around him.