Deep in the primeval forest.
Leaves blocked most of the sunlight.
The air still reeked of blood.
The group walked outward over a thick carpet of fallen leaves.
Kite led the way.
He gripped his spear tightly.
His nerves were stretched to their limit.
With every step, he scanned his surroundings warily.
He feared that terrifying Neferpitou or another Squadron Leader might suddenly double back and attack.
By contrast.
The scene at the rear of the group looked utterly out of place.
Luo Ye had both hands tucked into his trouser pockets beneath his floral shirt.
He hummed some nameless tune, hopelessly off-key.
Shizuku followed obediently beside him.
She was still holding a plate of sliced watermelon she had just taken out of Blinky.
Every couple of steps, Luo Ye lowered his head and took a bite of watermelon.
He looked as relaxed as if he were strolling through his own backyard.
The two seriously injured men, Lu Renjia and Lu Renyi, had regained consciousness.
They supported each other.
They limped along in the middle of the group.
Lu Renjia's severed arm had been hastily bandaged.
His face was deathly pale.
But at least he had survived.
"Thank you."
Lu Renyi turned his head.
He looked at Luo Ye with mixed emotions.
"If it weren't for you."
"We brothers really would've died here today."
Luo Ye stopped.
He swallowed the watermelon in his mouth.
Then he casually tossed the rind onto the ground.
"There's no need for verbal thanks."
Luo Ye pulled a crumpled notebook and a pen from an inner pocket.
"Let's make it something tangible."
He scribbled several lines in the notebook.
Then he tore out a sheet.
Holding it between two fingers, he extended it to Lu Renyi.
"Boss."
"Time to settle the balance."
Lu Renyi froze.