World Alliance (62)

We didn't know what kind of beast it was, but it was probably a species that preyed on Early Summer Bird eggs—whether it had noticed that their numbers had decreased or simply had that habit by nature.

There were also many broken eggs in this "egg storage area"; that would make sense if they had been broken by predators.

Evening was slowly approaching.

The Early Summer Birds had increased slightly in number, but the pack of wild beasts was lying low in the forest.

What did this mean?

——I think the beasts are waiting for nightfall. Once it gets dark, it'll be harder to see what they're doing. However, the Early Summer Birds would also notice if anyone entered the "egg storage area," so I believe they haven't let down their guard...

That was Punta-san's analysis.

Then we had to finish our business before night fell.

By evening—at last, what I had been waiting for appeared.

Fog...