"We did it," started Alice. "We defeated the cultists and even saved the World Core from the Darkness."

  Arana nodded, satisfied with the outcome. "You did. Your teamwork and perseverance were pivotal in the success of this quest. I must applaud your ability to work together as a team. It's quite heartwarming to see.”

  Arana smiled back, her expression softening. "Indeed. Teamwork is crucial, and you've proven that you have what it takes. You've grown a lot throughout this quest, and I'm proud of your growth.”

  Alice beamed with pride at Arana's words. "We've come a long way indeed," she remarked, her voice filled with fulfillment. "We've learned a lot, not just about ourselves, but about each other. We complement each other well, and we've grown as a team.”

  Arana nodded, her eyes fixed on the group. "That's absolutely true. Your growth has been substantial. I have great hopes from you all. Each one of you possesses a unique talent and skillset, and together, you're a force to be reckoned with. I thank each of you for dealing with the cultists and saving the World Core, I couldn't be any more grateful if I tried.”

  The girls smiled, the weight of the world slipping off their shoulders. Arana's words were a testament to their growth and progress. They knew they'd come a long way since they'd started their quest, and they were proud of their teamwork.

  "Thank you, Arana," said Zalgo softly. "Your guidance and belief in us has been invaluable.”

  Arana smiled, her expression warm. "You've earned your success through your persistence and hard work. You all have the potential to achieve great things, and I know you will continue to grow and succeed.”

  Alice looked at Arana, a curious glint in her eyes. "So, now that we've completed the quests, how will we get back to our own world?”

  Arana smirked, answering, “Oh, I know who can help you with that…”

  …

  Doc chuckled softly, noticing the exhaustion on the girls' faces. "Quite the challenge you guys had, huh?"

  Arana nodded in agreement, her expression serious but impressed. "They performed better than expected.”

  Rachel leaned against a nearby table, a pained groan escaping her lips. "Ugh... That was intense."

  Zalgo nodded in agreement, her breathing still heavy from the efforts of the trials. "You can say that again. My muscles hurt in places I didn't even know existed.”

  Doc chuckled again, amused by their exhaustion. "You guys put up quite a fight. You should be proud."

  Arana added, her voice softer now. "You proved your worth in the trials. Your determination and teamwork were impressive.”

  Alice smiled weakly, her energy depleted. "Thanks...I think."

  Zalgo groaned softly, stretching her aching muscles. "Now that it's over, can we get back home? I need a break, like, right now.”

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  Doc nodded, understanding their need for a rest. "Certainly, we can discuss your return. But first, a few questions.”

  Rachel raised a tired brow, curiosity stirring. "Questions? What kind of questions?”

  Doc's smirk returned, a slight hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, just some things I've been wondering about. Call it a curious scientist's hunch.”

  The girls exchanged glances, curiosity piqued despite their exhaustion. Zalgo was the first to speak up. "All right, what do you want to know?”

  Doc leaned back in her chair, her gaze shifting between the girls. "Well, for starters, I'm curious about the Void Magic you girls use. It's quite remarkable. I'd love to study you guys more, but I suppose you have places to be.”

  Arana, who had been observing silently, spoke up at that moment. "That's not unusual for Ephemerals. They evolve the most during hard times, gaining stronger powers with each trial or fight they survive."

  Doc's gaze turned to Arana, surprise etched on her face. "Wait, you know about the Void Realm, about the Ephemerals as well?”

  Arana nodded, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Of course, I do. I am the Forest Chief, after all. It's my duty to protect the forest and the secrets of this world, including the Ephemerals and the Void Realm.”

  Doc's eyes widened slightly, realization dawning on her. "Oh, I see. You're part of the ones who protect this world..."

  Arana chuckled softly. "Indeed. I'm one of the chosen guardians of this realm.”

  Rachel, regaining some energy, chimed in. "Chosen guardians? Like, to keep a balance between Light and Darkness?”

  Arana nodded, her expression serious. "Correct. The balance between Light and Darkness is a delicate equilibrium that must be maintained. If either side gains too much power, chaos will ensue. The world as you know it will fall into eternal suffering and destruction.”

  Alice, still leaning against a table, spoke up. "So, you're saying that light and darkness are meant to coexist, not overpower each other?”

  Arana nodded again, her eyes holding a weight of knowledge. "Precisely. Light and Darkness are two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other. Balance is important to maintain the harmony of this world.”

  Zalgo crossed her arms, an intrigued expression on her face. "If Light and Darkness need to coexist, how exactly do Ephemerals fit into this? You mentioned 'chosen guardians' earlier. So, we are more than just...magic users?”

  Arana looked at Zalgo, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Ephemerals are more than just users of magic. They are chosen warriors, blessed with immense power from the Void Realm itself. Their existence is part of the balance, the counterweight to the shadows that threaten the Light.”

  Doc, unable to hold back her curiosity, leaned forward in her seat. "The Void Realm... that's a force beyond just the physical world. It's the essence of the universe itself. If I remember correctly, Ephemerals are born from its energy. They are the chosen vessels to keep balance between Light and Darkness, right?”

  Arana turned her attention towards Doc, impressed by her understanding. "You are correct. Ephemerals are indeed chosen vessels born from the Void Realm's energy. They embody the essence of balance itself, and their power grows with each trial they face.”

  Zalgo couldn't help but interject, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten as her curiosity took hold. "Excuse me... but you said we're vessels born from the Void Realm's energy. So is this 'energy' a conscious force, some sort of...being?”

  Arana shook her head, correcting the assumption. "The Void Realm's energy is not a conscious force or sentient being. It's an essence, a force of nature that permeates the universe. It fuels the power of Ephemerals, giving them extraordinary abilities, but it is not a conscious entity in itself.”

  Zalgo's eyebrows furrowed, trying to grasp the concept. "That's...something to think about. Well, thanks for your time. We should be heading back home now. We have more worlds out there to save.”

  Arana nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood. It's true that your duty extends beyond just this realm. Just remember, should you ever return, our world will always welcome you back.”

  Rachel, her weary body still leaning against the table, managed to muster a tired smile. "Thanks, we'll remember that. It's been...interesting meeting you.”

  Arana returned the smile, her own tiredness evident. "Likewise. Stay safe out there, and take care of yourselves."

  Doc then stepped forward, her hands gripping a device. "Now then, to help you guys get back home…”