Adventures beyond the void

Chapter 23: Lunar Lake, Danger and Confrontation

3RD POV

    Lyra: - Here we are, everyone! Behold...the Lunar Lake!

The group emerged from the thicket, and the forest canopy parted like curtains, revealing a breathtaking sight. Silvery mist drifted over a vast lake that shimmered under the light of the sun, the reflection rippling across the surface like molten gold. The water glowed brightly, tinged with a fierce orange that made the entire clearing feel otherworldly. Nicholas and Hunter froze mid-step, their mouths slightly agape. Even Severed, the sentient hand still perched on Nicholas's shoulder, tilted slightly as if taking in the view with awe, despite having witnessed the breathtaking view multiple times already.

    Nicholas: - Wow. This is so....

    Lyra: - Stunning. It really is. Just wait until night arrives. The true beauty of the lake can only be shown under the stars, by the light of the twin moons.

Hunter didn't speak, but he too found the sight incredible. Behind them, a heavy thud interrupted the quiet awe. Kenju grunted as he swung the colossal bag from his back and let it crash to the ground. The earth trembled slightly beneath their feet, and a few nearby birds took off into the sky with startled cries. He bent backwards, twisting his body left and right with unnatural flexibility and making disturbing cracking noises.

    Kenju: Finally, we can begin the first ever picnic with my bestest friend in the world.

Kenju with excitement, already writing down in his little notebook about today's picnic.

    Hunter: - We are here too you psycho!!

He was ignored.

    Kenju: - Let's see... the table goes here, the plates there, the meat over... wait, where's the spice pouch?

The manaless mage knelt beside the opened supply bag, muttering to himself while pulling out bundles of wrapped herbs, utensils, and cookware with the frantic focus of a battlefield tactician setting up camp. He scratched his head, oblivious to the growing irritation nearby. Hunter watched him with an incredulous expression, arms crossed.

    Hunter: - Hey! Don't ignore me!

Kenju ignored him again. Hunter scowled, muttering under his breath, but stomped off to go near the lake. Meanwhile, Lyra stood at the center of the clearing, hands clasped together, her eyes gleaming like a child about to unwrap a long-awaited gift.

    Lyra: - Alright! Time to prepare everything! Kenju, you're on kitchen duty, obviously. Hunter, please fill these buckets up, and don't worry the lake is perfectly safe to drink from.

Hunter sent her a glare.

    Hunter: - And why the hell should I listen to anything you say?

Lyra's bubbly demeanor faded, replaced by a sad pout.

    Lyra: - O...oh okay. I didn't realize it was that difficult for you. I'm really sorry! I'll go fetch the water.

The girl's words were so sincere. And that's probably what triggered Hunter so much. He really thought Lyra was looking down on him.

    Hunter: - HUH?! You think I can't do it?! Don't you dare look down on me!!

He screamed, grabbing the two buckets from her hands and angrily stomping over to the edge of the lake. Lyra looked happy again, her gaze now flickered to Nicholas, who had just finished admiring the lake's ethereal glow.

    Lyra: - Nicholas, think you can handle firewood duty?

    Nicholas: - Uh, sure thing.

Nicholas had barely finished talking before an axe embedded itself in the ground just inches from his foot, the blade glinting sharply in the light. He flinched back with a startled gasp, heart thudding in his chest.