While Maddy's family bathed in the light of a new world, Erwin's party moved cautiously through the Glow Garden of Area 2. Normally, this sector was a deadly, vibrant trap—swarming with oversized insects, predatory reptiles, and territorial amphibians. But today, the only sound was the soft clink of their armor.
Gela, the cleric, scanned the shimmering flora with wary eyes.
"Something's wrong… This place is usually crawling with monsters. Where are they? It's like someone came through here with a giant scythe and just… harvested everything."
Behind her, Ed looked noticeably uneasy. He walked slowly, clutching his arms as if he were cold, shivering with every step.
"Oh gods… please," he whispered. "Please let there be no insects… please…"
Lita quietly crept up behind him, wiggling her fingers mischievously. Then she tapped his shoulder.
"BOO!"
Ed released the thinnest, most high-pitched scream imaginable.
"AAAHHHHH!!!"
