Back Already?

As it turned out, Avina really did know how to farm.

Of course, she did not know how to farm herself. Rather, she knew how to teach others to farm. With her petite figure and a pair of smooth, jade-like hands, she looked far too delicate for farming—or even for being an alchemist. Landen had given up on asking her after seeing those unbelievably tender hands.

But Avina had proven through her actions that the King of Trash Talk was still a king.

What this Alchemy Apprentice had personally planted was indeed all alchemical materials—in other words, the flowers and plants Landen had mentioned. However, in order to obtain more materials, this diligent and hardworking girl had specifically studied many books on cultivation. Those books recorded not only the plants of the Surface World, but also many plants from the underground world, including numerous food crops.

The records in the books were naturally very detailed. From selecting the land and seeds, to plowing and sowing, and finally to harvesting, the entire process was documented. And Avina, this "model student," had not only studied the books seriously but had also taken a great deal of notes.

Yes, you had not misread that. A Mage Apprentice and Alchemy Apprentice had gone to read books about farming—and had even taken notes.

Landen did not know whether he should praise her diligence or mock her for neglecting her proper work...

Regardless, when Landen saw Avina choose a plot of land that was not large but was supposedly the most suitable for cultivation, then begin directing a group of Bear Hobgoblins as they busily worked the land with surprising competence, he still nodded in satisfaction.

The Bear Hobgoblins were still prisoners, with chains binding their hands and feet. Landen simply could not find better laborers. There were quite a few Hobgoblin Knights as well, but they were all old, weak, sick, or disabled survivors left over after the warriors had been selected. Having them work the fields would make Landen feel like a cruel landlord exploiting his tenants.

However, the King of Trash Talk was still the King of Trash Talk. The plot was less than half an acre. With experienced workers and strength-based helpers like the Bear Hobgoblins, it could probably have been cultivated in a single day. Yet Avina had taken an entire day.

Of course, that had already exceeded Landen's expectations.

Without Avina, Landen could only have waited for Hogg to return. According to the route Vivian had chosen, they had not even reached Morata City yet. They were still halfway there. After reaching Morata City, fighting several battles, and perhaps playing a few schemes against one another, they would not return until nearly a month later at the earliest.

The underground world's crops had low yields, but they also required less time to mature. Generally speaking, one crop could mature in a month. A month was enough for these foods to grow by a third. Landen did not want to waste that time. Especially after obtaining the Heart of the City, using this time for the first Experimental Field could not have been better.

However, in this world, it was impossible for everything to remain within Landen's control. For example... the movements of Vivian and the troops under her command.

And so, the following scene came to pass.

"Si... Sister? Why are you here?" Landen stared at the still-valiant woman before him in utter astonishment, his mouth hanging wide open.

Yes, the person who had appeared before Landen was Vivian—the "dear" second sister he had deduced was currently outside Morata City.

Perhaps she was somewhat exhausted from the long march, but Vivian clearly seemed to be in low spirits. Her pretty face was stiff, though not with its usual sternness, which made her look somewhat unnatural. This made Landen even more curious.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that question? Why are you here? This place doesn't seem very close to your nest. You sent your strongest subordinate to me, yet you actually had the nerve to come out? I'm extremely surprised that you're still alive." Although her spirits were low, Vivian's voice was still full of vigor and force the moment she spoke. Looking at her younger brother, who resembled an old farmer, she furrowed her brows. She had disliked this younger brother from the moment he was born, and seeing him now, combined with certain other thoughts, made her dislike him even more.

Landen did not take Vivian's words too seriously. This sister had wanted him dead ever since he was born and had said things like this hundreds of times. He was already used to it. Ignoring her outright, he asked, "You should have just arrived near Morata City, right? Why did you give up halfway? That doesn't sound like you."

"Like me? Since when did you understand me?" Vivian sneered. "Don't think that becoming some inexplicable lord means you truly understand everything. The relationships between cities are far more complicated than you imagine."

"All right." Landen shrugged. He and this "dear" second sister really had nothing to say to each other. So he could not be bothered to waste any more words. He even shifted his gaze away and began looking for Hogg.

Landen spotted Hogg at a glance because her position was particularly conspicuous. She was directly behind Vivian and her three subordinates, leading the Hobgoblin Knights—but she had reached the front of the Dark Elf and Dark Dwarf forces.

Landen's eyes lit up.

When they had left before, Hogg and the Hobgoblin Knights had been at the very back of the entire group. Now, they had moved so far forward. That change in position alone was enough to explain a great many things.

At that moment, Hogg, who was sitting boredly on the back of a Vulture Turtle, finally noticed Landen as well. She immediately sprang to her feet and rushed toward him at top speed.

Although she was extremely excited and happy, the Beast-eared Cutie forcibly suppressed her emotions and put on a serious expression, just as she had when she first met Landen. She said solemnly, "Riverclaw Lord, reporting in. Lord, Hogg has not disappointed you on this journey!"

"I know. I've always believed you could do well." Landen smiled and raised his hand. Before he could even approach, Hogg instinctively moved her head closer and placed it in his palm. Although she still tried to maintain a serious expression, her eyes had already narrowed uncontrollably.

"Hmph!" A cold snort rang out, filled with Vivian's undisguised anger. The Matriarch of the city said coldly, "All right, save the sweet talk until we get back. We've been traveling for so many days, and my troops are exhausted. Hurry up and lead the way!"

So sour!

Those two words naturally flashed through Landen's mind. He finally understood why Vivian was in such low spirits. She was plainly jealous and resentful—and the target was actually the younger brother she had always looked down on.

Thinking this, Landen smiled even more broadly. He patted Hogg's head again and said, "All right, I know you have a lot to say. We'll have a good meal after we get back. We can talk after you've rested."

Then Landen waved his hand and said, "Let's go. We're going home!"

It was obvious that not only Vivian but all of her subordinates were in low spirits. The Dark Elf and Dark Dwarf forces at the back in particular looked utterly dejected.

By contrast, every one of the Hobgoblins held their heads high and puffed out their chests. Even the Rock Lizards seemed to march with some inexplicable strength in their steps.

Seeing this scene, the smile on Landen's face grew even wider.

Good, they were back. They were finally back~