Five days after their arrival in Knob's Hill, morning sun rises like a blessing, warm and golden, spilling across the fields as the team prepare 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, and issuing waves of peaceful gratitude with his new empathetic aura. 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 frequent oiling, check. Emergency chocolate for Penelo…"
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!"
