The creature's body remained motionless a few more seconds, as if the forest itself needed to confirm it wouldn't rise again. Dark ice remained adhered to the cuts, crystallized over dead flesh, and the surface no longer showed that irregular pulse it had maintained before.
Bīng Xuě let air escape slowly. The red energy enveloping him reduced, extinguishing in increasingly faint lines until disappearing completely. Horns blurred, retreating until merging with his forehead. His posture returned to normal, though he kept the katana in hand a few more seconds before turning it and returning it to Aku.
"Here."
Aku held it without comment. The blade showed no visible blood. The corroded edge seemed to have absorbed all trace.
Around him, the rest of the group began moving.
Silence gave way to concrete actions.
Lyria was the first to approach the body, evaluating the area with spear still in hand. She pushed one of the separated parts with the tip, checking it didn't react.
