(Bonus chapter thanks to .ChaosGG. for the tip)
You He asked in confusion:
"Beggars?"
The boatman nodded.
"That's right, beggars. Ever since I was little, those beggars have lived in the nature reserve, living like savages.
Sometimes those beggars came down from the mountains to steal things, and they also begged food from the nearby villagers.
My grandfather often tossed food to those beggars, and he even spoke their language."
You He rapidly processed the information, trying to learn more about these beggars.
"Do these beggars only come down the mountain to steal and beg? Do they have guns? Have they hurt anyone?"
The boatman scratched his head.
"I've never heard of those beggars hurting anyone. They're all a bunch of old men. They've lived in the mountains for so long that they're like savages.
As for guns, they don't even have proper clothes or shoes, let alone guns.
Oh, right. As for the attack, not long ago, a T'au official came from the direction of Hive City with several clan warriors to inspect the sugarcane yields near us.
I heard they were attacked, and every T'au official was killed. Maybe that's the terrorist attack you were talking about."
Having heard something important, You He hurriedly pressed on:
"Did those terrorists only attack T'au officials? Were any humans killed or injured in the attack? Do you know what weapons the terrorists used?"
This important information should have been included in the battle report delivered to him.
But Commander Fireburst's mission briefing had been vague. He had only said that there were around five hundred terrorists hiding in the mountains, with nothing else provided.
That left You He with no choice but to come to the scene himself and ask the locals for intelligence.
That was why he was so confused.