Don't Turn On the Light, the Door Will See

Milluki sat on the deck and began tallying the losses.

"Twenty-three mechanical mosquitoes, one relay dragonfly. All gone."

Bai Zhu moved closer.

"How much?"

Milluki did not even look up.

"You can't afford it."

"Then don't name a price. It'll hurt our relationship."

"Do we have a relationship?"

"A debtor-creditor relationship is still a relationship."

Milluki looked up and glared at him.

"You'd better remember that you owe me money."

Bai Zhu looked toward Morel.

Morel was checking the return route with Captain Nishimatsu.

After thinking for a moment, Bai Zhu walked over.

Morel did not turn around.

"You two did fairly well this time."

Bai Zhu paused.

"That counts as praise?"

"It's the lowest rating."

Morel turned around, his gaze landing first on Milluki's pile of equipment.

"His ability is useful. Scouting dangerous areas is better than sending people in to die."

The moment Milluki heard that, he immediately sat up straight.

Bai Zhu translated it for him.

"Master, he praised you."

Milluki cleared his throat.

"Did you really need to tell me that?"

Morel looked at Bai Zhu again.

"As for you."

Bai Zhu was already prepared to respond.

Morel paused.

"You haven't proven yourself yet, but at least you didn't cause trouble. You were fairly calm too."

Bai Zhu fell silent for two seconds.

"Are Hunters always this stingy with their compliments?"

Morel slung his pipe over his shoulder.

"If you want sweet talk, find an insurance salesman. Health supplement sellers are good too."

Milluki nearly burst out laughing behind him.

Bai Zhu turned back to look at him.

"What are you laughing at? You nearly applied to withdraw earlier."

Milluki immediately shut up.

The return trip was faster than the voyage out.

After docking, the crew efficiently secured the ship.

The Purple Smoke Soldier carried the