Attack
After hiking along the mountain trail for more than two hours straight, having a chance to rest for a moment was naturally more than welcome.
Even Zhao Ziwu, who still had plenty of energy, wanted to catch his breath and recover a little.
But Li Bai's first few words had barely put the three of them at ease before his last sentence made them tense up again.
"What? Someone's here!"
Professor Yamada, who had been about to drop to the ground, quickly straightened up.
Who else could show up at a time like this? Academy Under Heaven? Or those Kakaya people?
"Drink some water and eat something. We might have to exert ourselves quite a bit soon."
Li Bai reminded Zhao Ziwu and the others to replenish their energy while they had the chance.
"Right!"
Professor Yamada didn't hesitate. He pulled some rations from his backpack and alternated between taking a bite and a sip of water.
Most of the space in their packs had gone to water and food. The rest was taken up by medicine and tools, while professional equipment accounted for less than a tenth.
After all, once they entered the tropical rainforest, survival was the most important thing. They first had to make sure they could stay alive before worrying about anything else.
"Li Bai, are they Kakaya people?"
Taking Li Bai's advice, Zhao Ziwu tore open a small packet of compressed biscuits. They tasted decent enough, at least compared with the US Military's unconventional rations.
Compressed rations were convenient and nutritionally balanced, but eating too many could cause internal heat and constipation. There was a solution, though: mix fifteen grams of inulin into warm water each day, and the problem down south would be solved in no time.
"They probably are!"
Li Bai gazed