Everyone audibly swallowed, exchanging looks of resignation mixed with nervousness. Finally, they nodded one by one, their faces a mixture of dread and determination.
"I suppose it's the least we can do," admitted Mira. "Considering that with what we've collected, the exam is basically passed."
"Exactly," Ren smiled, his mushrooms pulsing with approval. "And don't worry, I have a method that minimizes the risk."
Two molting chambers later, their backpacks were completely full, and some had even had to improvise additional bags with cloth they carried for emergencies. The weight made the shoulders of some ache, but the promise of success outweighed the discomfort.
"We can't carry any more," announced Taro, adjusting his already overflowing load. "It's time to return."
"First," Ren intervened, pulling the weaver thread from his pack, "we have one last pending matter."
