That evening, Jaeden sits by the fire, reflecting on his successful day of crafting and hunting. After awakening from a sensation of being watched, he prepares the gator meat and transforms the remains of the Gator King into armor, creating a breastplate and helm that give him a fearsome appearance. As he reviews his Character Sheet, he notes significant experience gained from his recent battles, earning new skills like Armor Crafting, Hunting, and Improvised Armor.

Jaeden revels in the progress he has made, especially with the Swamp-Aspected Prismata Core he acquired, which allows him to summon a Baby Gator King as a companion. Feeling a surge of confidence, he extinguishes the fire and marks his path through the swamp, relying on the light of his Star Pendant to navigate the illusions the swamp tries to obscure.

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However, the ground shifts unexpectedly, and Jaeden finds himself caught in quicksand. Using his sword for leverage, he draws on the strength from the Heart of Asterius to escape. Covered in muck but undeterred, he presses on toward a shimmering light in the distance, driven by his instincts and the promise of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.