A Dream as the Axe Handle Rotted

That's all.

Inside the dimly lit cave.

Time passed, and Aimina, Biscuit, and the others stood quietly by, observing Ian's every move.

The other party seemed completely unaware of what they were doing.

He simply kept chiseling away, like a gaunt miner.

However, the muscle definition on his body is becoming increasingly defined.

Until...

Ian's mechanical movements suddenly stopped, and his previously dull gaze gradually cleared.

"Kindness?"

Biscuit and the others looked surprised, as if they were somewhat taken aback that Ian had suddenly stopped!

"I'm so tired..."

Ian's face suddenly fell, he let out a long sigh, and his shoulders slumped.

They looked just like exhausted calves or ponies returning home after a long day at work.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, Biscuit appeared beside him, her eyes wide as she carefully observed him, and asked with some uncertain surprise.

"Ian, are you... are you alright?"

Aimina and Eluna also gathered around, their eyes widening slightly as they curiously observed Ian.

"It's Biscuit, what are you doing here instead of digging for treasure?"

Ian frowned, glanced at Biscuit, then looked at Aimina with a puzzled expression.

Why is everyone staring at me like that?

"I'm fine, just feeling a bit tired. Sure enough, relying entirely on my own Nen without using any tools really does improve my cultivation. The only downside is that it's so tiring..."

As he spoke, he glanced around at the empty space and was slightly surprised.

I never imagined I'd dug such a deep hole; it feels like I've dug a football field.

However, he paused for a moment, looked around, and asked in confusion.

"Huh, where are Uvogin, Kuroro, and the others?"

That's strange... Everyone's mining here together, so why is he suddenly the only one left struggling here?

Could it be... they all deserted!?

Upon hearing his words, Biscuit looked surprised and slowly recounted what had happened to Ian.

Ian's mouth dropped open in disbelief.

He glanced again at the marks he had made behind him, and said somewhat uncertainly.

"You mean... we've been digging here for two days and two nights?"

Even if Biscuit had said it, he wouldn't have believed it.

Because there is absolutely no such awareness.

Although my memories of the past are hazy, like a tiring dream where I was constantly mining, I feel that I actually quite enjoyed the process.

But suddenly Biscuit told her... two days had already passed.

Ian was naturally very surprised.

It has a similar feel to the story of "watching a game of chess until the axe handle rots."

However, he quickly regained his composure, then looked at everyone and asked.

Where are Uvogin and the others now?

Upon hearing Biscuit say that they had fainted due to excessive "Essence, Energy, and Spirit," Ian was shocked and immediately prepared to rush back.

However, Biscuit quickly stopped him, looking at him Biscuit an annoyed expression.

"Don't worry about Uvogin, we've taken good care of them."

"As for you, although I don't understand why you can still stand here conscious, you should be careful with your movements. Your body is very weak right now!"

Upon hearing Biscuit's reminder, Ian quickly began to examine his own body.

As the other party stated.

Just by looking at his arms, one could tell that his body had become much thinner, but at the same time, just by clenching his fists slightly, one could feel that his hands and feet were now very strong.

This experience was truly amazing for Ian.

He... wasn't even aware of the passage of time.

Soon, accompanied by Biscuit, Aimina, and others, Ian returned to the Sharku Manor and found Uvogin and the others fast asleep.

When I saw how skin and bones they looked.

Even though Ian had already heard Biscuit said beforehand and was mentally prepared.

Seeing their state, I couldn't help but gasp.

"Ian!"

How are you feeling right now?

Noticing Ian's arrival, Machi Pakunoda and Elina gathered around, looking somewhat worried.

Ian gave a wry smile and said softly.

"I only intended to take this opportunity to cultivate properly, but I didn't expect to overdo it. I'm sorry for making you worry."

Hearing his words, Biscuit hesitated for a moment, then shook her head helplessly and sighed.

"You're mostly alright, that's good enough."

"I completely don't understand what your body is made of. Under such extreme strain on your Essence, Energy, and Spirit, you should have collapsed long ago..."

Hearing Biscuit's words, Ian understood her thoughts to some extent.

Looking at Uvogin and the others, who looked as if their bodies had been emptied by a female ghost, Ian couldn't help but shudder. Luckily, he was clean-living enough.

Otherwise, lying here in this state would be a huge blow to his handsome image.

But.

Ian wasn't too worried about Uvogin, since he still had three more chances to sign in and draw items, including the time before the treasure hunt.

Moreover, even if Uvogin and his group really did get into trouble.

At worst, there's the [Time Cloth] that can reverse their situation; everything is under Ian's control.

At the same time.

Located in the Republic of the Congo.

Meanwhile, the leadership within Peji inside were gripped by complete panic.

Despite sending a distress signal to V5, looking at the overwhelming monsters in the sky outside, they all knew... they probably wouldn't get a chance to be rescued.

It was located in a closed and concealed operations command room.

A middle-aged blond man in Republic of the Congo, stared unfocusedly at the screen in front of him, and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Can anyone tell me why this monster is still alive!"

"How many cities did it destroy along the way to get here? Answer me!"

"Can we still wait for V5's help!?"

Faced with the terror of death, the president could not hide his fear and kept questioning the group of military commanders in uniform below him.

Below him, a group of subordinates remained silent, trembling with fear.

In his view, if it weren't for these idiots insisting that they had already dealt with the monster... if it weren't for this false information, he would have had a chance to escape long ago!

Because of these idiots, he... ended up surrounded by these monsters in the city.

He now deeply regrets having trusted those military idiots so much; it was incredibly foolish of him!

But.

Just then...

Someone who had been staring at the screen suddenly widened their eyes, revealing a look of surprise.

"Your Majesty, a large number of Airships are arriving, it must be... it must be V5's rescue!"

I suddenly heard this.

President Xiupa of the Republic of the Congo's bloodshot eyes widened immediately, his face showing disbelief, and he quickly stood up.

"Where!?"

When he saw nearly a dozen Airships flying in on the screen.

A glimmer of hope suddenly appeared in the midst of despair, instantly exciting Xiupa. He grabbed his blond hair and shouted.

"Great, it really is V5, our rescuer has arrived!"

At this moment, he no longer dared to think about devouring the monster for himself...

Even...

He didn't want to stay in this godforsaken place for even a second longer. Right now, he wanted to run to V5 for political asylum as soon as possible.

This damn country, held back by stupid military idiots, let whoever wants to be president be president! He can't stand it for another day!