The journey back to the forest camp was quieter than any of them expected.
The blazing caverns of the Trial were far behind them now, replaced by towering trees and the gentle glow of lanterns hanging from wooden posts. Smoke curled from cooking fires, merchants laughed over shared drinks, and travelers exchanged stories beneath the evening sky.
For the first time in weeks, the camp felt like home.
As the party emerged from the treeline, conversations gradually died down.
People noticed the soot covering their clothes.
The faint embers dancing around Nico's gauntlets.
The heavy pouch of garnets hanging from Aether's belt.
And most importantly—
The tiny salamander-shaped flame hovering over Oliver's shoulder.
A murmur spread through the camp.
"They survived..."
"Wait... isn't that a Salamander spirit?"
"No outsider has completed the Trial in decades!"
Several children ran forward before their parents pulled them back, staring at the little flame with wonder.
At the center of camp stood Riven beside the old stone well, Goldie right beside him. His blue wooly hat, black hair over his face remained unreadable as the group approached.
Then, slowly—
He smiled.
"So."
"You've returned."
Oliver nodded.
"We passed."
Nico grinned.
"Almost died."
Sorrel folded his arms.
"Several times."
Anne raised a finger.
"And Nico was unconscious for most of the important part."
"Hey!"
Laughter erupted around the camp.
Even Garrick couldn't hold back a chuckle.
Elder Rowan stepped forward, his eyes resting on the elemental.
"A Salamander chooses only those who endure flame without losing themselves."
He looked at each of them.
"You left this camp as travelers."
"You return as something greater."
"Adventurers of Avernal."
The surrounding crowd burst into cheers.
Mugs were raised.
Musicians grabbed their instruments.
Someone began roasting wild boar over a fire twice the normal size.
For one night—
There would be no monsters.
No trials.
No ancient ruins.
Only celebration.
As music filled the camp, Oliver drifted away from the crowd and sat atop a fallen log overlooking the forest.
The Salamander ember floated beside him, pulsing softly.
Nico eventually dropped down beside him.
"You thinking about what's next?"
Oliver stared toward the distant horizon.
Beyond those trees waited kingdoms they had never seen.
Forgotten temples.
Storm-ridden seas.
Ancient beings sleeping beneath mountains.
And enemies strong enough to make the Trial Master seem merciful.
"Yeah," Oliver admitted.
"I think this was only the beginning."
Nico smirked.
"Good."
He ignited one fist, orange light dancing across his face.
"I was getting worried things were becoming easy."
Oliver laughed.
"They were never easy."
"No," Nico agreed.
"But they're going to get harder."
The two sat in silence.
Above them, stars slowly appeared one by one.
Then a sudden gust swept through the camp.
The Salamander's flame flickered violently.
For just a moment—
Oliver thought he heard a distant voice carried by the wind.
Seek the Four.
Before the Fifth awakens.
The ember dimmed.
The wind vanished.
Oliver's smile faded.
"...Did you hear that?"
Nico blinked.
"Hear what?"
Oliver looked toward the endless darkness beyond the forest.
Somewhere out there—
Something had noticed them.
And it was waiting.
---
AVERNA L – SEASON 3 FINALE
The Salamander has awakened.
5,000 Garnets obtained.
Orcish Trial completed.
Forest Camp reputation increased to Revered.
New Main Quest Unlocked
The Four Elemental Sovereigns
Coming in Season 4...
"When one flame rises, the others begin to stir."