---
The rest of the team was too exhausted and busy collecting minor beast cores from the scattered bodies. Even Captain Darius, with all his cunning, appeared preoccupied with counting the star cores. That was ideal. The hush after the storm was perfect for covering up Kai's secret feast on the alpha's essence.
Gradually, the clearing fell into a lull. Darius reasserted command with a snarl, ordering everyone to gather near the big oak at the clearing's edge. By now, the day's savage battles had taxed them all beyond measure.
Gashes, bruises, and mental strain weighed heavily on every ant's shoulders. In swift compliance, the team deposited the beast cores, including the alpha's massive, shimmering trophy, into a single rough container pouch. Darius oversaw everything with an air of quiet menace, counting each core with a suspicious glint in his eyes. But no matter how he started, he found no direct reason to accuse Kai of any wrongdoing.
