The rest of the day passed in steady waves of battle.
With the two groups reunited, they continued their hunt, taking down Keldars efficiently.
No Named Monsters appeared again, but it didn't matter—everyone knew the real fight would be tomorrow.
Even with the lingering energy from the earlier fights, there was a sense of finality in the air.
They weren't just hunting anymore.
They were preparing.
By the time the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, the decision was made to return to camp and rest.
The journey back was quieter than usual, the fading sunlight casting long shadows as they walked.
Even Zack, who had spent most of the hunt joking around, had fallen into thoughtful silence.
Maybe they were just tired.
Or maybe… the weight of tomorrow was finally settling in.
---
The campfire crackled, its glow flickering against the faces of those gathered around it.
