The Tich River was a shimmering expanse of life and magic, its waters reflecting the moonlight in hues of silver and gold. Bioluminescent pnts and algae created a surreal glow beneath the surface, their light shifting and swirling with the current. The riverbank was dotted with tall reeds and flowering aquatic pnts, each emitting faint magical pulses. Even the stones lining the shore glimmered faintly, infused with tent magical energy. In this magical ecosystem, every ripple and shadow seemed alive, pulsing with unseen currents of energy.

  A fourth of a mile to the east, four campers—Larin, Gwendon, Ngieri, and Rinku—had pitched their shelter near a shallow bend of the river. Their tarpaulins were staked between sturdy trees, forming a cozy, sheltered gde lit by the tiny, magical firepit. The air was crisp and held the faint perfume of river blossoms overid with the rich earth smell of wet soil. Fireflies imbued with faint magical auras flitted around, adding to the enchantment of the night.

  "Alright, let's go," Larin said, lifting a spear impregnated with a mundane [Detection] rune. "We'll catch whatever we can and make something of whatever we get."

  Rinku, already preparing her specialized gear, grinned mischievously. "And we'll do it all in style. Let's see who catches the most."

  Each member of the group contributed in a different way, incorporating indigenous techniques with creative spellwork. Their first catch was a Glowtail Luminidae, a small, translucent fish that shimmered like liquid light. Ngieri threw an enchanted net into the water, casting it in a pce where the glow was brightest. The net's [Attraction] spell drew the fish closer to her, the shimmering creature wriggling helplessly as she pulled it in.

  "Glowtails are great for extracting light essence," Ngieri said, holding up the fish. "Good for nterns or potions."

  Beside her, Gwendon worked with a long fishing rod embedded with a [Vibration Sense] rune. The rod's enchantment allowed him to feel even the faintest tremors in the water. With a practiced flick, he hooked a Stonebeak Sturgeon, its jagged, rocky scales scraping against the line as it thrashed violently.

  "A good catch," Gwendon said, straining to reel it in. "The scales of this one can be ground into powder for strengthening runes. They're tough as anything."

  Larin, standing knee-deep in the river, relied on a combination of spells and intuition. He cast a [Water Manipution] spell, creating subtle currents that funneled fish toward him. When the time was right, his spear plunged into the water, skewering a Thunderfin Eel that crackled faintly with electric sparks even after death.

  "Careful with this one," Larin warned, holding the eel aloft. "Its electric organ is potent. Great for energizing magical devices or enhancing lightning spells."

  Rinku's approach was the most mechanical. She had set up a small device of her own invention: a magically powered contraption with spinning gears and pulsing runes. The device created a mild magnetic field that attracted metallic or magically charged fish. A Magmafin Trout fell prey to the device, its scales glowing with fiery fissures that looked like molten va frozen in motion.

  "Perfect for heating spells or alchemical reactions," Rinku said, examining her catch. "And look at those fissures. Pure fire essence."

  As they worked, the river's ecosystem revealed its intricate beauty. Tiny bioluminescent creatures darted in and out of view, weaving through magical kelp that glowed faintly. The air was filled with the hum of nature—the distant croaks of amphibious creatures, the rustling of reeds, and the occasional spsh as a fish leapt above the surface. Every element of the river—from the pnts to the stones—seemed to py a role in sustaining its magical harmony.

  Suddenly, a rge shadow glided beneath the surface, catching everyone's attention. The shape was unmistakable: an Obsidian Fathomfish, its body jet-bck with streaks of glowing magical energy running like veins along its sides.

  "That thing is huge," Ngieri said, her voice hushed with awe. "And fast. How are we supposed to catch it?"

  "Together," Larin said firmly, gripping his spear. "Let's do this together."

  Gwendon stepped forward first, swapping his fishing rod for a spear. "I'll draw it closer. Ngieri, get your net ready. Rinku, can you use your device to create a distraction?"

  Rinku nodded, already adjusting her contraption. She activated a [Light Pulse] spell, causing the device to emit a series of bright fshes that momentarily disoriented the fish. The fshes illuminated the water in brilliant bursts, casting stark shadows across the riverbed.

  Ngieri cast her net into the water, its [Binding] enchantment glowing faintly. "Ready when you are."

  As the fish darted toward the light, Larin used [Water Manipution] to create barriers, narrowing its path and guiding it toward Gwendon. "It's heading your way, Gwendon!"

  Gwendon hurled his spear with precision, its point grazing the fish's side and slowing it down. The Obsidian Fathomfish writhed violently, its glowing lines pulsing brighter as it struggled. Then, it began to phase in and out of the shadows, a defensive mechanism unique to its species.

  "It's trying to escape!" Rinku shouted, her eyes narrowing as she adjusted her device for another attempt at distraction.