Chapter 15: Anima Gems
Dylan was dragging the corpse with both hands, glancing back from time to time to avoid tripping. Halfway to the fire set up in the center of the village, he suddenly felt the weight lighten. Looking up, he saw his commander, Maggie, who had just grabbed the creature's feet to help.
Together, they quickly carried the body to the fire, where a young elf girl was sitting, munching on a portion of military rations.
Dylan stepped closer, wiping the dried blood off his face with the back of his hand.
"I can't believe she can eat in a situation like this," he muttered, sitting down on a chopped tree trunk not far from her.
She finished her meal — or rather devoured it — like she hadn't eaten in days. She took a few gulps of water and wiped her hands on her already filthy pants, completely unfazed.
Caught by Dylan's stare, she said:
"You're not harvesting the anima gems?"
Dylan blinked, clearly lost.
"Anima gems? Are those supposed to be edible or something?"
She chuckled as she stood.
"Every creature, except humans, has one in this world. Don't you guys have them where you're from?"