"Just as I told you earlier, Miss Yui might have run into some trouble, or something might be holding her up. That would explain why she hasn't come out of the Desert."
Big Bear spoke thoughtfully. "What we need to do now is scatter these Red Ants as quickly as possible, then try using the Summoning Technique to summon Miss Yui here."
Hearing Big Bear speak with such certainty, Nai Hyuga was momentarily dazed, and joy instantly flooded her mind.
"Yui is still alive!" she murmured several times, unable to suppress the delight on her face.
But she hadn't forgotten what mattered. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she asked urgently, "Then what should I do now, Big Bear?"
At that question, Big Bear pondered for a moment. "Normally, these Red Ants shouldn't be able to stay on the outskirts of the Desert. Since they're gathered here now, they must have used some kind of method."
"We could actually leave that Gourd alone. Once the time comes, these Red Ants will turn back into sand, and they won't pose a threat to us anymore."
Big Bear paused and looked up to meet Nai Hyuga's eyes. The tone of the reply suddenly shifted. "But given Miss Yui's current situation, we can't afford to wait. We'll have to use that method..."
The last word trailed off, followed by a brief silence, as though Big Bear was considering something.
Nai Hyuga knitted her brows, losing patience. "Hurry up and tell me. Stop hemming and hawing and just tell me what to do."
"Why so fierce?" Nai Hyuga's shout made Big Bear choke back a reply and silently huff in irritation. Then Big Bear scratched an ear sheepishly. "You just need to find a way to get that Gourd over here, then mask