Zaber stared for a long time at the pool formed from the blue liquid. The surface of the pool was calm. The damp scent rising from the slime liquid still enveloped his surroundings.
"It is time to move to the next stage," he said in a low but resolute voice.
Zaber turned back and headed toward the tent. With each step he took, drops of slime liquid dripped from his body onto the ground. A short while later, he reached the front of the tent.
Near the tent, Luna was preparing food. Hot steam rose from the pot, spreading a fragrance around, while the fire crackled softly. The moment Luna saw Zaber, she froze for an instant. Her face flushed red, her eyes dropped to the ground, and she turned her head away.
Zaber looked at Luna but understood nothing from her state. Without a word, he turned to the crow.
"Where is the slime I brought?"
