Sophia's tone was quiet, respectful. "The Basin accepts the offering."

The Guardian bowed its head, its body dissolving into countless silver motes that floated into the night air, leaving behind still water glowing faintly with reflected moonlight.

For a long moment, no one spoke. The silence that followed wasn't empty—it was peaceful.

Caria let out a shaky breath and lowered her crossbow. "Please tell me we never have to fight that thing again."

Aria smiled faintly. "Not unless the Basin loses balance again."

Sophia tucked her sensor stone away, its glow now calm and steady. "That's the last one. Final Boss complete."

Rhys sheathed his sword and looked into the basin. The water was finally clear, smooth as glass. "Then it's over."

Moonbounce's light dimmed to a soft blue glow.

Aria looked at Rhys, her voice quieter now, but proud. "You did well, rookie."

Caria smirked. "Guess that means we owe you a drink."

Sophia gave a small smile too. "And maybe a better title."

Rhys chuckled softly, weary but content. "I'll hold you to that."

As the mist thinned completely, the moon's reflection spread across the basin—a perfect mirror with no ripples.

For the first time since they'd entered, the air smelled clean. The swamp was quiet. Peaceful.

And the Guardian's presence was gone—its duty fulfilled.

As they caught their breath, Aria's expression changed. The faint hum of mana that had filled the swamp since the battle hadn't faded—it was deepening, pulsing like something beneath the basin had begun to stir.

Sophia frowned and pulled out her sensor stone. The green light within it flickered fast. "That shouldn't be possible. The Guardian's gone—there's nothing left to generate that much mana."

Caria peered over the edge of the water. "Then what's making that noise?"

Before anyone could answer, the basin rippled once, slow and heavy—like a heartbeat echoing through the ground. The wave spread outward and vanished into the thinning mist.

Aria's gaze sharpened. "Something's moving deeper down. It doesn't feel hostile, but the current's unstable."

Sophia studied the readings again. "The mana flow's still repairing itself. It might take a week before the Basin balances completely. If we leave before that, it could unravel."

Rhys nodded. "Then we'll stay until it settles."

Caria groaned. "So much for an early break."

Aria gave a small, knowing smile. "We've had worse waits. Once it's calm, we'll return together. After that, the Basin will stay peaceful."

Rhys glanced toward the still water. The reflection staring back was tired but quiet—a face finally free of tension.

"One week," Sophia murmured. "Then we move on."

Caria stretched her arms overhead. "And when we do, I'm finding the best food in the city. No rations, no campfire stew—real food."

Rhys's lips curved slightly. "Count me in."

Aria chuckled softly. "Then it's settled."

They stood for a moment longer, the sound of the Basin soft and even around them. Moonbounce's glow brightened faintly, casting gentle ripples of light across the clearing.

Then they went their separate ways, setting up small outposts around the basin to watch over the restoration flow.

Days slipped by.

The swamp's heavy fog lifted little by little until only pale wisps remained. The constant hum of mana steadied into a calm rhythm, the ground no longer trembling with imbalance.

When the final morning came, sunlight touched the basin directly for the first time in years. The water was clear now—so clear it reflected the sky like a mirror.

Aria, Sophia, Caria, and Rhys stood at the edge, silent for a moment, simply taking it in.

Sophia's voice was quiet. "It's done."

Aria nodded once. "Let's go home."

By the time they reached the city, dusk had fallen. Lanterns glowed along the streets, and the smell of baked bread and spices drifted through the air.

Caria led the way through the market, grinning. "Come on, I know the perfect place."

They ended up in a bright little restaurant tucked near the plaza. Warm lights reflected off polished wood tables; the air buzzed with chatter and laughter. Plates filled with rich food and fruit drinks arrived soon after, steam curling gently above them.

The four of them ate, talked, and laughed—without tension, without the weight of danger pressing behind every breath.

They lingered there long after the plates were empty, the table cluttered with half-finished drinks and crumbs of laughter. Caria was midway through one of her wild stories about her first mission, waving her hands as though she were still fighting invisible foes, while Sophia tried—unsuccessfully—to hide her smile.

"—and that's when the wolf turned out to be just a very large dog!" Caria declared proudly.

Aria laughed, resting her chin on her hand. "You really are impossible sometimes."

Rhys chuckled quietly, watching them. It felt… different. The kind of warmth that didn't come from fire or mana—but from belonging.

Caria raised her glass. "To surviving cursed swamps, mana storms, and questionable camp stew!"

They all clinked their glasses together, the soft chime melting into the hum of the tavern.

"Friends, then," Aria said softly, her eyes warm.

"Friends," Rhys echoed. Moonbounce pulsed once beside him, a faint shimmer of silver light marking the moment.

When the laughter began to fade and the streets outside grew quieter, Aria turned toward him. "Rhys," she said, her voice light but deliberate, "if you're not too tired… would you like to come to the Second Floor of the Seragon Caves tomorrow? There's something there I think you'd want to see."

Rhys tilted his head. "The Second Floor?"

Aria nodded. "It's not like the upper layer we cleared before. The flow of mana is different—older. Some say it's where the Seragon's heart still echoes."

Rhys's gaze lingered on her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "All right," he said finally. "I'd like that."

Aria smiled faintly. "Then meet me at the cavern gate after sunrise."

Rhys nodded once, and that was that—the kind of quiet agreement that didn't need more words.

Outside, the night had deepened into a cool hush. When they stepped out of the tavern, the streets shimmered with the faint blue of mana lanterns swaying in the wind. The air carried the scent of rain—not the heavy kind, but the soft, cleansing promise that followed long journeys.

Caria stretched with a groan. "Ugh, I'm going to regret all that food tomorrow."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "You say that every time, and yet you never stop eating."

"Because it's worth it," Caria shot back, grinning.

Aria laughed softly, shaking her head as the two drifted ahead, bickering like sisters. Rhys lingered a step behind, his gaze drawn toward the faint glimmer of the horizon beyond the rooftops. Somewhere out there lay the Seragon Caves—their depths stirring again after centuries of silence.

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