When Rino returned, something strange happened in his shadow realm.
The womanticore he killed earlier dropped a beast core, but when he put that in his shadow sack together with the living crystals and other miscellaneous objects, they started to attract each other.
Rino was too busy trying to avoid the deadly sun rays on his way back, and by the time he noticed what was happening in his shadow sack, it was too late to stop the crystals from merging with the beast core.
Dismayed but also intrigued by the new fusion reaction, Rino wondered what they were doing.
Over the next few days, Rino searched for the best wood to carve Staff Zeraphina with. Gold and silver ornaments were created to Rino's design by the most skilful pair of tendrils. Ubel was thrilled to work with precious metals and gemstones that Rino gathered for him. The wraith king made a majestic staff, and the only thing missing from it was the place where the beast core was supposed to fit.
Reader Side Quest:
Are you team yin or team yang?
Team yin - 500 jumping jacks
Team yang - 20 min HIIT workout