Five days after their arrival in Knob's Hill, the morning sun rises like a blessing, warm and golden, spilling across the fields as the team prepares to depart.
Villagers press in from every direction, offering gifts, cheers, and tearful thanks. Some even reach for Pip's hands, as though touching him might grant a miracle.
Pip stands at the center of it all, glowing softly, beeping politely, issuing waves of peaceful gratitude with his new ability. Half the village swoons. Several elders faint. One girl proposes on the spot.
Vuvi, calm amidst the chaos, kneels beside the team's pile of bags, checking and double-checking straps, weights, provisions, and enchanted locks. "Rations, check. Alchemical grenades, check. Portable shower unit for Pip's and Penelo's oiling sessions, check. Emergency chocolate for Veena, check."
Penelo dances past, arms full of pastries, flowers in her hair, cheeks puffed with compliments and homemade jam rolls. "I'm good on the chocolate too!"
