Abyss Diving!

The wave of nightmarish critters was heading straight for them, their shrieking making the lake itself tremble. 

— SHRIEEKKKK! — 

"Woo!" (So many of them?!) 

The little wolf couldn't help but shake, but then it felt a soft nudge in his sides. Pumpkin Girl sent him a soothing glance, and she looked so peaceful…all because of the nearby Jack! 

"Those are cleaners, a hive race that inhabits the deep seas. They feast on the dead and only the dead. As for why they're here, it's probably because of the Abyss…" 

"The Abyss? Sea?" 

Jack pointed to the brown balls. 

"These are also found in the sea. At first I overlooked them, but then figured that maybe it meant there would be cleaners here too." 

"S-so, what exactly is this anyway?" Pumpkin Girl couldn't help but ask, a vile odor coming out of the brown paste even underwater. 

"This, well…. you'll see…." Jack cryptically replied.