[VOLUME 12: THE ORIGIN][ERA: THE PRIMEVAL AGE][LOCATION: RIVERWOOD VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS]
Elara didn't stop running until she reached the safety of the village gate.
Her heart was hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. She clutched her rolling pin so tight her knuckles were white.
"Demons," Elara panted, leaning against the wooden post. "Gods. Flying men in pajamas. Too much."
She looked back at the river path. No one was following her. The twilight sky was quiet. The massive explosion that had vaporized the Toad Spirit seemed like a fever dream.
"Elara!"
Headman Gou ran up to her, holding a pitchfork. "We heard a boom! Is it the Toad? Did he... did he eat you?"
"The Toad is gone," Elara straightened up, trying to compose herself. "He... combusted."
"Combusted?"
"Yes. Spontaneously. Gas buildup, probably." Elara lied. She couldn't tell them about the flying men. They would think she was crazy, or worse, they would build a shrine.
