Wind Flute's efficiency was high; a journey that would take Líng Děngxián half an hour, Wind Flute completed a round trip in the same time. Líng Děngxián had also finished inventorying the necessary supplies, along with the subsequent tasks needed for their departure from the house.
"Coincidentally, the messenger on the other side agreed readily this time, saying they had felt something was wrong for a while and had already sent people over.
"Although it's strange they haven't sent many small teams over here yet, they have such timely information. Perhaps there's an informant among the garrison here." It seemed Wind Flute's side went smoothly, and Líng Děngxián nodded: "I've also nearly finished inventorying what we need to bring. However, Wind Flute, didn't we bring too little dry food?"
"Didn't you just call me 'Dizi' before? Why did you change it again?"
"No, it's just... I'm not used to it..."
Líng Děngxián averted his gaze.
"Hmm? I think it's quite good, 'Dizi.' It simplifies my codename and reduces the sense of distance," Wind Flute said excitedly, gazing at him with anticipation.
"...Dizi." Líng Děngxián didn't know how to react to Wind Flute's response, which was different from the girls in his original world, and a sense of helplessness welled up in his heart.
"Also, you think we have too little dry food?" The Wafan girl looked very happy. Líng Děngxián nodded, "I don't know how far we'll have to travel, but if it's a long trip, this much dry food doesn't seem enough."
"A long... trip?" A question mark reappeared above Wind Flute's head.
"Sorry... I just meant a trip where we won't be back for a while." Líng Děngxián forgot again that Wind Flute hadn't grasped some vocabulary yet.
"I see... But you don't need to worry about food." Wind Flute slung the slightly heavy backpack over her shoulder with one hand.
Líng Děngxián looked at her with doubt.
"We'll... go hunting!"
Hunting. An activity Líng Děngxián had not experienced much in his original world.
"If we're going hunting, what should I do? Should I sneak up close to the prey until I'm within range and then suddenly pounce for a thrilling tug-of-war of distance, finally seizing the opportune moment to bite the prey's neck, sever its trachea, and suffocate it?" Líng Děngxián recalled his limited knowledge of the subject.
"You... Where did you learn to hunt like that?" Sweat beaded on Wind Flute's forehead.
"On TV." Líng Děngxián's mind was still filled with that scorching golden savanna.
"Our hunting methods are different from those of Fang Beasts! The spear techniques I taught you aren't just for self-defense; they can be used for survival too!"
"Sigh, when we encounter dangerous wild beasts, I'll show you. Dealing with Fang Beasts, Pincered Beasts, and other wild beasts is different from facing enemies," Wind Flute decided to teach by example.
"Indeed, wild beasts have a higher chance of being hit—and generally, they fight more desperately than humans," a bounty hunter who had arrived earlier chimed in. Líng Děngxián was startled by her sudden appearance, but Wind Flute seemed prepared and was not surprised, waving enthusiastically to greet her: "Miss Midnight! You're here early."
"Not early, I just arrived." The small beasts beside Midnight stretched their bodies after sitting for a long time, shaking their heads like puppies when they finished, which suddenly gave Líng Děngxián the urge to pet them.
"So, Miss Wind Flute, what did you want to see me for?"
"Ah... well, we're about to set out. Miss Midnight, do you want to join us?" Wind Flute extended the invitation.
"...No," Midnight looked at the two of them. "I'm more accustomed to acting with my own companions."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"Yes."
"Are you really not going to join us?"
"...Really."
"Alright then, but you must take these things with you." Wind Flute gestured for Líng Děngxián to hand over the smaller backpack he was carrying to Midnight. Líng Děngxián and Midnight were both stunned: "Ah?"
"The terrain in the mountains is unpredictable; it's always good to be prepared. Little Xian, hurry up." Wind Flute smiled brilliantly.
"Oh, okay... Here, hold this. Be careful, the water is on top. The dry food and communicator are a bit further down, the tent is at the bottom, and the medical supplies are in the hidden pockets on the sides." Líng Děngxián finally understood why Wind Flute had him pack things in two piles; it wasn't to share the load with him.
He guessed that the bigger, heavier pack would be his to carry later.
Líng Děngxián foresaw his task, while Midnight seemed a bit flustered: "These... these things... are you giving them to me all of a sudden? Do I have to pay? I didn't bring much money."
"Ah? No, no charge, no charge. Since you're helping us in addition to the official bounty, as companions, we should offer some assistance, right?" Wind Flute quickly waved her hands by way of explanation.
"But..."
"Then perhaps we should travel together?"
"...No, I cooperate better with them. I'm not familiar with your combat style." Midnight still politely declined.
"Alright then." Wind Flute also expressed understanding, though with a hint of disappointment.
"Yes, well, thank you for your kindness. The little ones and I will be going ahead." Midnight sincerely expressed her gratitude, hesitantly took the backpack and slung it over her shoulder, then left for the mountains with the small beasts.
"Then let's go too, from the other side." As expected, Wind Flute handed the bag to Líng Děngxián. "Eh, what's with that expression?"
"It's nothing, I just feel... you were rather insistent about Midnight joining us." Líng Děngxián used a Victoria Royal Guard Academy vocabulary word he had learned from Wind Flute's handwritten scrolls the night before.
"Hmm, it's nothing really, I just felt—" The Wafan girl turned to look in the direction Safra had left. "Miss Midnight seems... a bit lonely."
Líng Děngxián also looked at the retreating figure, dark and resolute. "She must have companions, they're just not with her right now, right?"
"Hmm... By the way, I wanted to ask you earlier, how do you say 'insistent' in the Great Yan language?"
"You're really eager to learn..."
"Huh? Is that... strange?"
"No, I'm just a bit curious about your grades at Victoria Royal Guard Academy."
"Uh, I got full marks on practical tests, but my theory grades were always hovering around the passing line... hehe." Wind Flute scratched the back of her head a bit sheepishly.
"So, is this for your classmate? You're studying so diligently."
"Not entirely." Wind Flute smiled brilliantly. "My mother always said Wafan women should know a little bit of everything."
"Who on earth is your mother..."
"Besides, the more I learn, the smoother our communication will be," Wind Flute's hair gleamed in the morning sun.
Líng Děngxián unconsciously smiled as well.
"Why do I feel like we've forgotten something important..."
"Is there new information?"
"Ah, ten minutes ago, a reconnaissance squad discovered traces of the Iron Eagle Mercenary Group."
"Why are you only reporting this now!" the yellow-haired Rupert exclaimed, asking urgently.
"Captain... they only told me just now."
"Damn it, what's going on with the garrison... Get me the detailed intelligence!"
The team member hurried to hand her the intelligence file. The captain snatched it, scanned it rapidly, and then calmly said.
"They went in Wind Flute's direction? It really is the hinterland mentioned in the contingency plan. Strange, who is this mercenary group trying to deliver smuggled goods to?"
"Captain!" Another subordinate ran into the reception room. "The garrison is urging us to depart. A team will be accompanying us."
"Delay and stall. What's going on... I hope it's not what I think it is." Rupert picked up her gear, ready to depart.
"Lieutenant Skamandros, you're a bit slow with your movements." Hearing the words of the leading officer of the garrison team, Rupert, the female leader, furrowed her beautiful brows completely.