A Familiar Book

At first light, while sweet morning dew still clung to the tips of the grass, the survivors set out on their expedition to the island's highest point.

According to the map, the island's highest point lay inland. From the cave camp, they would have to head south to the Crossroads at the foot of Camp No. 2, then turn sharply west through the dense woods marked "Salt Pillar Forest." From there, another half day south along Bonefall Valley would bring them to the foot of the mountain.

The air was sweltering. Insects buzzed around them, and the humidity felt thick enough to wring out. Even so, spirits were high.

As arranged beforehand, Xia Lun was responsible for the rear guard and walked at the back of the group. That gave him a chance to observe the others closely.

The Gunner led the way as scout. This time, rather than going bare-chested, he wore a crude breastplate made of sheet metal and wooden boards. His heavily muscled arms remained exposed, and his right hand gripped the barrel of his Long-Barreled Flintlock.

A grass stem hung from his mouth. He looked distracted, but his brown eyes swept their surroundings with vigilance.

The Brigadier General and Horn followed about five meters behind him. Both remained alert. Even when they drank water, they kept their guns in hand and stayed on guard.

Nun Delis walked in the middle of the group. Unlike the others, she seemed elated, her body trembling slightly with anticipation. Though she was farther back, she kept rising onto her toes to peer ahead, her green eyes full of longing.

At around nine that morning, the group reached the Crossroads below Camp No. 2. They rested for half an hour at a supply point Xia Lun had prepared, then followed the