The heavy wicker basket pressed against his shoulders, laden with samples of Red Crystal Sand ore and water-ripple stone rubbings. The squad set off on their return journey; the atmosphere was slightly lighter than when they had ventured in, yet their vigilance remained undiminished. Albedo examined the Khaenri'ah symbols flowing with rhythm on the rubbing, while Old Zhang leaned on his wooden staff, the shock on his face still lingering. The Millelith soldiers maintained a combat formation, with the injured Ah Meng protected in the center, the toxic burn throbbing beneath the bandage on his left arm. The Captain Tie Zhu walked at the very front, his hand resting on his sword hilt, his gaze sharp as an eagle's.
The outline of the landing zone's buffer strip had already appeared in the distance, and the camp's faint glow brought hope.
*Hiss—!*
Chapter 26