The creature’s body remained motionless a few more seconds, as if the forest itself needed to confirm it wouldn’t rise again. Dark ice remained adhered to the cuts, crystallized over dead flesh, and the surface no longer showed that irregular pulse it had maintained before.

Bīng Xuě let air escape slowly. The red energy enveloping him reduced, extinguishing in increasingly faint lines until disappearing completely. Horns blurred, retreating until merging with his forehead. His posture returned to normal, though he kept the katana in hand a few more seconds before turning it and returning it to Aku.

"Here."

Aku held it without comment. The blade showed no visible blood. The corroded edge seemed to have absorbed all trace.

Around him, the rest of the group began moving.

Silence gave way to concrete actions.

Lyria was the first to approach the body, evaluating the area with spear still in hand. She pushed one of the separated parts with the tip, checking it didn’t react.

"It’s dead."

Noelia descended from the rock where she had remained during combat. Her steps were light, measured. She observed the surrounding terrain, where marks of altered textures remained, cracks, hardened zones and soft others.

"And the ground’s a mess."

Marlon ran a hand through his hair, releasing a long exhalation.

"Better that than us."

Kenji had already turned toward the camp. The shelter was partially destroyed, fire reduced to scattered ashes, several backpacks thrown on the ground.

"We need to reorganize this."

Gerald remained on the ground, but had managed to sit up. He brought a hand to his head, still dazed.

"...Yeah... that... that would be good..."

Bīng Xuě approached him and extended his hand.

"Come on, strategist. We’re not done yet."

Gerald hesitated a second, then accepted the gesture and stood with help.

"Thanks..."

He adjusted his glasses, looking at the camp’s state.

"Okay... first the basics..."

He took a deep breath.

"We reorganize the perimeter. Then the shelter. And light fire again."

He didn’t raise his voice. Wasn’t necessary.

The group began moving.

Some collected fallen branches, selecting those still useful to rebuild the structure. Others cleaned the area, removing combat remains, ensuring no dangerous obstacles remained.

Noelia worked the terrain again, this time with more control. Her ability smoothed irregular zones and hardened key points to stabilize the camp’s base.

"Here," she indicated. "If you support the structure on this side, it won’t give."

Lyria and Marlon placed main branches following that indication. Structure took shape faster this time, with less doubts.

Bīng Xuě took care of fire. He gathered dry material, repeating the process from before, but with more precise movements. In a few minutes, a stable flame illuminated the clearing again.

Gerald supervised everything from the center, moving just enough to indicate adjustments.

"That side a bit higher."

"Don’t leave gaps at the base."

"Fire a bit more centered."

His voice remained firm, though fatigue was noticeable in his tone.

Aku didn’t intervene directly in reconstruction. He walked the perimeter, checking the clearing’s limits, ensuring no movement in nearby darkness. His presence was enough to cover that flank without need for words.

Camp recovered its form.

Not perfect.

But functional.

When they finished, fatigue fell on them suddenly.

"Okay... now yes..." Gerald murmured, dropping near the fire.

No one argued.

One by one, they settled. Some inside the shelter, others around fire, leaning against rocks or trunks.

This time, there were no long conversations.

Body demanded rest.

Lyria organized watch shifts quickly. Kenji took first without hesitating. Marlon took care of next. No one questioned the order.

Bīng Xuě dropped face up, arms behind his head.

"Been a good day."

Gerald let out a short laugh.

"You’re crazy..."

Aku sat near the clearing’s edge, in a position where he could see both fire and darkness beyond. His eyes remained open a few more minutes before closing partially.

Night continued.

Without attacks.

Without interruptions.

Forest recovered its natural rhythm.

Time passed.

And finally...

Light changed.

It wasn’t abrupt.

First, a clearer nuance on the horizon between trees. Then, a gradual transition in illumination intensity. Night’s pale blue gave way to a warmer, softer tone.

Artificial star ascended.

Its light descended on forest in diffuse beams, filtering through leaves, illuminating clearing with gentle clarity.

Fire had already reduced to embers.

Air was fresher.

Cleaner.

Bīng Xuě was first to open eyes. He blinked a couple times, adjusting to light.

"...It’s day already."

He sat up slowly, stretching arms above head.

Beside him, Gerald stirred, turning before opening eyes with effort.

"Huh...? What...?"

He sat, rubbing his face.

"Ah... okay..."

He adjusted his glasses.

"We’re still alive... good..."

Lyria was already awake, checking perimeter calmly.

Marlon yawned, standing shortly after.

Aku opened eyes without moving from his spot. His gaze rose toward light filtering through branches.

Environment seemed different.

Calmer.

More stable.

"So..." Gerald murmured. "What’s for breakfast?"

Bīng Xuě smiled.

"Already thought of that."

He stood completely, shaking off his clothes.

"Wait here."

Without further explanation, he left the clearing, disappearing among trees.

Gerald followed him with his gaze.

"...Okay..."

He looked at the rest.

"I hope he doesn’t come back with something that attacks us..."

Noelia crossed her arms.

"If he comes back with something, it’ll be food."

A few minutes passed.

Group finished waking up. Some checked their belongings, others simply sat near embers, waiting.

Then, sound of footsteps.

Bīng Xuě returned.

He carried several pieces in his hands.

Fish.

Medium size, still fresh, with scales reflecting morning light.

"There was a pond nearby," he said naturally. "Pretty clean."

Gerald blinked.

"...Really?"

"Yes."

He left the pieces on ground, near fire.

"Come on, help."

Group moved again, but this time with different rhythm.

Lighter.

More relaxed.

Lyria took care of cleaning fish with precise movements. Marlon prepared suitable branches to use as support. Kenji revived fire, adding dry material to raise stronger flame.

Noelia adjusted terrain to create stable surface where to place food.

Gerald observed everything, then decided to intervene.

"Okay... I... can help with this..."

He crouched, trying to imitate what others did.

Bīng Xuě sat near fire, watching cooking.

Smell began spreading slowly.

Aku took one of the pieces when ready. He examined it a second before trying it.

Flavor was simple.

Direct.

But sufficient.

Group ate in silence for a few minutes.

Fatigue remained present, but no longer weighed the same.

Artificial star’s light illuminated clearing with complete clarity.

And for the first time since night began...

There was no tension in air.