Areca ran along the Starship Passage, breaking into a jog. As she neared the exit, she paused.
Up ahead, in the darkness, pairs of eyes of all sizes glowed with greedy green light.
"Areca!"
"Don't be scared. It's us."
Natsumi and Red Peach called out.
Grass Dragon said, "Seven-Leaf, Melde, and White Ivy are waiting for you in the grove at the foot of the mountain. They sent us out here to greet you."
Areca: "..."
Natsumi ran up. "Areca, hop on. I'll give you a lift."
"Alright."
Areca climbed onto Natsumi's carapace.
They dashed out of the Starship Passage, heading straight for the woods behind the hill.
After a short exchange of greetings,
White Ivy couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Areca, just how many Divine-Given Seeds does Dragon Cypress actually have?"
Areca stood atop Natsumi's carapace, tiptoed to make herself look taller, and replied calmly:
