The cheer of the villagers echoes behind them as Vuvi, Pip, Penelo, and Veena trudges down the dirt road and out into the sun-drenched fields of the western countryside.
"Bless you, golden one!" an elderly woman cries, waving a carrot like a flag.
"May your pleasure cure the curse!" another yells.
"Save our daughters!" shouts a hoarse old man before adding under his breath, "and if you have some time, lad. Please save our loins, too..."
Pip offers a sheepish beep and waves. Vuvi groans.
"I got into alchemy," she mutters, "to avoid fights. And forests. And missing daughters."
Veena strides behind her, unbothered, her cloak fluttering in the morning breeze. "You also got into it to prove to the Mystberns that you're the best."
"That's different. That was personal."