Chapter 176

"Worried about my safety? Then you can protect me!"

After discussing the time with Zuo Jian, the Doctor casually hung up the phone.

"It sounds like there'll be more trouble to deal with tomorrow... Hey, Wraith, what do you want to say? Say it now."

The Doctor shook the communicator and said with a hint of helplessness.

However, all she received in response was silence.

"Damn it, if you don't want to say it, then don't say it! Or do you just like to say half of what you mean? Don't you think that's going to corrupt the people around you? One day, the people around you will definitely all be riddle-makers!"

She pouted slightly, a little annoyed, then spoke as if she didn't care.

"Alright, if you don't want to talk, then don't. Tell me when you're ready. But next time if you only say half of what you're saying—"

'Thanks...'

The Wraith's voice sounded somewhat weary.

(Typing! Keep typing! My soul is burning! Aaaaaaaah!)

Chapter Eleven (Two chapters combined into one large chapter) A Tribute to the Legendary Tauren Lady Little Te

In the early hours of the following day, on the outskirts of the Warwick Earldom.

To prevent their actions from causing unnecessary panic and suspicion among the residents, Zuo Jian, Laurentina, and Skadi made sure to arrive at the outer perimeter very early in the morning.

The good news is that last night, in addition to finding the flush toilet that Skadi had been longing for, Laurentina also discovered that the mansion's guest rooms even had ensuite bathrooms.

Well, it is, after all, Earl; no matter how simple it may be, it can never compare to the furnishings of an ordinary family's home.

As a result, apart from Laurentina, who has always looked unwell, Skadi's mental state is surprisingly good.

Zuo Jian sat inside the land vehicle, watching from afar as the city gradually came to life with the sunrise. They could see a few pedestrians emerging from their homes and walking through the streets.

Perhaps it was related to his request to his steward yesterday to publicize his extraordinary friendship with Earl Warwick, or perhaps it was simply wishful thinking on his part. For these residents, leaving their homes each morning to greet the next day's sun was an essential part of life, and perhaps had nothing to do with his actions...

However, as he thought of this, his enhanced vision easily noticed a pair of neighbors emerging from their doors almost simultaneously outside the two adjacent houses. Both wore expressions of relief and naturally began chatting with those around them...

Seeing this, Zuo Jian smiled and shook his head.

What does it matter? What does it matter if they left their homes and showed that relieved expression because of their own reasons? The point shouldn't be who is to blame for these events; the point is that these Tarans...

They've started walking the streets, though only a few here and there, but it means a good start.

Thinking of this, Zuo Jian, looking at the map formed by the blood floating in his palm.

The mysterious underground facilities built by the Sarkaz weren't far from here, and if something were to break out one day, he could hardly imagine what would happen to this place.

... He wouldn't allow that to happen.

Perhaps with a bit of luck, not far underground, there was a group of reclusive Sarkaz, a group of Sarkaz yearning for life, and the one affecting his consciousness might just be an innocent Sarkaz had accidentally awakened a mental Originium Arts.

If that's the case, he even hopes that, after quickly confirming that the threat is merely speculation, he can still accept the Sarkaz who are struggling to survive in the wilderness.

"You're thinking about unrealistic things again, Zuo Jian."

But the next moment, Laurentina walked to his side and spoke calmly.

"I just... hope things will turn out for the better."

Zuo Jian, looking at the somewhat dazzling sunlight.

"Zuo Jian, I still have to remind you not to have too high expectations. It's not that I have any prejudice against the Sarkaz race, but simply from the perspective of the outcome, a group of mercenaries, a group of mercenaries who have tasted blood and slain swords, have come to a no-man's-land, and are secretly building something with supplies obtained through some unknown channel! To be honest, I can't think of anything positive about this at all."

"To be honest, I think the safest way would be to surround them with explosives and then bury them all in one go."

The more Laurentina spoke, the more gloomy her face became.

But the next moment, Zuo Jian interrupted her.

"Laurentina, you're not feeling well, calm down..."

"How can I stay calm? There's something there that could truly threaten you! You're not as invincible as you think, are you? What if you accidentally..."

She gripped Zuo Jian's shoulders, almost instinctively expressing her worry in words.

"Cough cough... no... it's alright, Laurentina. There won't be any real threat this time. I think it will only have some impact at most, but it's far from being a threat."

He raised his hand, trying to soothe Laurentina.

"Really..."

"Real."

In the back seat of the lander, Skadi silently wiped her greatsword with a cloth, then looked up at Laurentina, who had rushed into Zuo Jian's arms...

Guh~~

My stomach, rather uncooperatively, let out a slight protest.

I'm so hungry, I haven't even had breakfast yet... These two creatures in front of me are, strictly speaking, special beings who don't need traditional feeding. At times like this, I naturally forget there's Orca beside them that needs to perform normal bodily functions...

Skadi hesitated, wondering if she should speak up and tell her to get out of the car and have breakfast first, but looking at Zuo Jian, who was calming the Shark, she wondered if she shouldn't interrupt them now...

The captain said that if you encounter a situation where you don't know how to start a conversation, you should remain silent... but silence doesn't seem to be enough to get her to eat breakfast...

Just as she hesitated whether to speak, she suddenly noticed through the car window that a land vehicle was approaching them in the distance, billowing thick smoke...

A few minutes later, aboard a new land vehicle that was moving, Zuo Jian looked at the Doctor who was holding the steering wheel and spoke with some concern.

"To be honest, Doctor, you could actually stay outside; command can be done via radio..."

"Radio has a delay, and it doesn't allow me to make reasonable commands and judgments based on the surrounding environment in a more intuitive way."

"Don't forget, if the other party is really not a good person, and tries to move or hide something after being discovered, then time will be an invaluable resource."

"Besides, don't I need you to protect my safety?"

"This..."

I have no objection.

Just Zuo Jian Laurentina, in the passenger seat, spoke first.

"Oh? That's somewhat unexpected—"

The Doctor glanced at Laurentina, who was intently watching him, and listened as she continued.

"Doctor, I will do everything in my power to protect you, so please make sure you give swift and correct instructions. This is very important to me."

As she spoke, the Doctor noticed her unconscious clenching of her fists on her lap.

"Is that so...? I understand. Don't worry, I'll do my best too."

"To be honest, I really didn't expect you to ask me this so earnestly."

"Just a few days ago I was—"

The Doctor, with one hand on the steering wheel, began to chat with Laurentina.

"That's probably not your own idea; I can tell the difference."

Laurentina said

Here, he glanced again at Zuo Jian the back seat, who was trying to make excuses.

"Besides, this outfit suits you better; the previous one was just too deliberate."

She looked at the Doctor's gray, functional-style coat and gave a seemingly serious evaluation.

"That's really disappointing. I thought you would find me attractive dressed like that."

The Doctor looked at Laurentina with a wry smile, but the latter shook her head and said...

"No, rather, you're more attractive now. After all, this kind of outfit subconsciously makes people feel reliable... and trustworthy."

"That's true. I always feel that you, Doctor, give off a very reliable vibe when you wear this style of clothing."

The Zuo Jian in the back seat nodded, indicating that Laurentina was right.

However, the Doctor gave a wry smile and said...

"I really don't want this kind of charm..." After saying that, she deliberately glanced at Zuo Jian.

The latter was taken aback for a moment, then nodded at her and gave her a thumbs up.

Doctor is extremely reliable, even nine out of ten!

"Gurgle----"

But the next moment, their conversation was interrupted by a dry voice, and the three of them glanced at Skadi sitting next to Zuo Jian in the back seat.

The Orca blushed, then silently lowered its head and continued wiping its weapon as if it hadn't heard anything.

"Laurentina, could you zip up my right jacket pocket for me? It's inconvenient while I'm driving."

At this moment, it was the Doctor spoke up, ending the awkward situation for the Orca. The orca glanced at the Doctor's shirt with some curiosity, then reached out and opened its pocket...

"This is... compressed biscuits?"

"Give it to Skadi."

"Really... really?"

The Orca, its eyes shining, accepted the cookie Laurentina offered, then said gratefully to the Doctor, "Doctor, you're very reliable!"

Why did you bring this?

Seeing Zuo Jian, Zuo Jian subconsciously asked a question.

"Of course it's because I'm not capable of fighting. If something happens and I get separated from you guys, or if I encounter other situations, I need to be prepared, right?"

"If we don't prepare anything, what will we do in an emergency? We'll just have to throw stones. We need to prepare some emergency supplies."

Zuo Jian and Laurentina then noticed that the Doctor's coat had various small pockets, and they all looked to be stuffed with "little trinkets" she had prepared.

"Alright... if your map is correct, we're almost there."

The Doctor squinted, then stepped on the brakes.

"Let's start walking now."

Getting out of the car, she looked at the cold wind blowing across the wilderness, stirring up gusts of sand. The Doctor raised her hand, pulled up her hood, and covered half of her face with her neck brace, revealing only a pair of eyes that were constantly scanning her surroundings.

Only in this way can she feel at ease and subconsciously give instructions.

"Skadi, take this."

Zuo Jian, who was standing to the side, handed Skadi a dark red crystal.

"This is?"

"A part of my flesh and blood has been linked to my consciousness. Carrying it will protect you from any mental spells the opponent might use."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at the Doctor and then said.

"Doctor, could you please take out the amulet I gave you earlier?"

"... Will it affect you? I mean, will you be responsible for sharing the burden of those mental attacks?"

The latter seemed to be considering and hesitating about whether to do as instructed.

"You are the core of the team going forward. If you lose your focus, we'll be in serious trouble."

"Sorry, I'll be more careful."

After listening, the Doctor solemnly handed over the red crystal pendant that Zuo Jian.

Now is not the time to be sentimental. Zuo Jian is right; the biggest problem would be if she were affected by it.

"Okay, the connection is established. Now Laurentina— "

"I don't need it."

"That's true, I'll stay by your side, that will have the same effect..."

No, you don't need to stay by my side.

Laurentina stood to one side, using blood as a weapon, and spoke to Zuo Jian with a serious expression.

"I don't want to add to your burden; my mental state is far stronger than other hunters."