Dusk painted the Crosscut Mountains in pink and gold as they emerged from the cave. Big Cyan stood at the entrance, nuzzling grass, its wounds already scabbing over—Wilderness Beast resilience, Im explained, faster than any magical beast's.
They loaded their packs onto the ox's back—Mana Stones, crystals, gems, and the last of their rations. Leon checked Im's bandage; the salve had stopped the bleeding, but the gash was still red and swollen.
"Rest tomorrow," Leon said, as they started down the mountain. "Your hand needs it, and we can sort the haul."
Im nodded, his steps slower than usual. "We'll camp at the waterfall pool—safe, now that Big Cyan's with us."
The walk back was quieter than the climb. Dahlia walked beside Big Cyan, chatting softly (though the ox couldn't respond, it leaned into her hand when she spoke). Flower kept watch, his crossbow ready, but the mountain felt safer with the ox nearby—no beasts dared approach its scent.
Leon walked at the rear, his mind racing. The Mana Stone haul would change things. They could buy better supplies for the ancient ruins expedition—high-grade mana crystals, stronger potions, sturdier gear. Erika's Bakery could expand, maybe hire more workers. Isabella could get better paper and ink for the accounts.
He thought of Eldrin's journal, tucked in his pack—notes of ruins, missing companions, a white light. The mine wasn't the clue they sought, but it was a step forward. Security, resources, time—all things they needed to keep their promise.
They reached the waterfall pool as night fell. Leon built a fire, while Dahlia and Flower unloaded the ox. Im sat by the fire, unwrapping his bandage to reapply salve.
"Low-grade Mana Stones," Im said, sorting through a pile. "Good for powering tools—your camshaft crossbow, the glass furnace. The crystals can store mana for spells. The gems… we can sell them in Sarneth Town."
Leon nodded, adding wood to the fire. "Essor Pen Workshop could use Mana Stones for rune engraving. Serena and Eunice would pay well."
Flower joined them, wiping his hands on his robes. "What about the cave? Should we mark it? Come back later?"
Im shook his head. "Too remote. Transporting Mana Stones from here is impractical. We took what we can carry—let the rest stay. No need to attract mages or bandits."
Dahlia sat down, hugging her knees. "Big Cyan could guard it."
Im laughed, a rare sound. "Big Cyan's coming with us. We need him for the ruins—his strength, his senses. Wilderness Beasts can detect mana fluctuations, hidden traps."
Big Cyan seemed to agree, nuzzling Im's shoulder.
That night, they ate dried fish and Shadow Bladed Panther jerky, sharing stories of the fight. Leon teased Flower about his panic when the ox charged; Flower retaliated by mocking Leon's near-fall over the tripwire. Dahlia listened, laughing, her eyes bright with excitement.
Im watched them, a faint smile on his face. He'd taken on apprentices to pass on knowledge, but now… they felt like family. Leon's pragmatism, Dahlia's warmth, Flower's grit—they balanced each other, stronger together.
The next morning, they sorted the haul: three sacks of Mana Stones, a leather pouch of mana storage crystals (two dozen, small but potent), and a cloth bag of gems (quartz, amethyst, a single small sapphire). Im estimated the value at forty thousand gold coins—enough to make them comfortable, but not wealthy.
"We'll sell half the Mana Stones and gems in Sarneth," Im said, packing the rest. "Keep the crystals—we'll need them for the ruins. Big Cyan can carry the rest."
They broke camp, heading toward Sarneth Town. The journey took three days—Big Cyan's pace was steady, but they stopped often to let Im rest his hand. Along the way, Leon practiced Tai Chi with Big Cyan nearby; the ox's mana-infused blood seemed to amplify the Tai Chi–mana resonance, making Leon's mana flow smoother.
"Your mana's more stable," Im noted, watching him. "Wilderness Beast aura interacts with Tai Chi. Interesting."
Leon nodded, feeling the difference—his Mage Hand was steadier, his light orbs brighter. "Maybe Big Cyan can help us train."
Im smiled. "Another reason to keep him."
They reached Sarneth Town at noon, came with curious stares—Big Cyan was impossible to miss. Garin and Erika were at the bakery, serving customers. Erika dropped her spoon when she saw the ox, rushing over.
"Leon! You're back!" She hugged him tightly, then stepped back, eyes wide. "What… what is that?"
"Big Cyan," Leon said, grinning. "Our new companion. A Wilderness Beast."
Garin approached, his hand on his hunting knife—until Big Cyan nuzzled his palm, gentle as a lamb. Garin laughed, relaxing. "Well. He's certainly… big."
Inside the bakery, Isabella was tallying accounts. She looked up, gasping when she saw Big Cyan (tied outside, too big for the shop) and the sacks of Mana Stones. "You found a mine?"
Leon nodded, showing her a gem. "Mana Stones, crystals. We're selling some—expand the bakery, buy supplies."
Erika wiped her hands on her apron, her eyes shining. "We could hire two more workers. Fix the oven. Buy more wheat."
Garin nodded. "And send Gage to a better school in Sarneth."
Leon felt warm—his family's joy was his own. He'd been reborn here, given a second chance, and now he could give them security.
That afternoon, Leon and Im visited Serena at Valoka Guild. She was shocked by the Mana Stones and gems, offering a fair price—thirty-five thousand gold coins for half the haul.
"Essor Pen Workshop needs Mana Stones for rune pens," Serena said, counting out gold coins. "Mages will pay well for the gems. This is a good deal."
Im agreed, tucking the gold into a secure pouch. "We need supplies—high-grade mana crystals, healing potions, durable rope. For an expedition."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "The ancient ruins?"
Leon nodded. "We're almost ready."
Serena smiled. "I'll have supplies ready by week's end. And Leon—your fountain pens are selling across the province. Scholars and mages alike swear by them."
Pride swelled in Leon's chest. The pens, the bakery, the mine, Big Cyan—all steps forward. All part of building a life worth fighting for.
That evening, they returned to Linden Pine Valley. Big Cyan settled into the meadow near the greenhouse, grazing on grass. Im went to his workshop to store the Mana Stones and crystals. Leon, Dahlia, and Flower cleaned their gear, sharpening crossbow bolts and checking potions.
As dusk fell, Leon walked to Eldrin's grave—under the oak tree, overlooking the valley. He placed a gem on the stone marker, his voice quiet.
"We found a mine, Eldrin. Not the ruins, but it helps. We're getting closer. Stronger."
He thought of the Cyan Wilderness Ox, of the Mana Stones, of his family and friends. He thought of Im's injured hand, Dahlia's laughter, Flower's determination.
"We'll be ready soon," he said, turning back toward the cottage. "And when we are, we'll find your friends. We'll uncover the truth."
The wind rustled the oak leaves, as if in response. Leon smiled, walking faster.
The expedition was coming. And this time, they were ready—with a Wilderness Beast at their side, a mine's wealth, and each other.