Going downstairs had been easy, but getting back up was much more troublesome. However, Elf Number Four, already parasitized by an Alien larva, would no longer become a target for the other Aliens. The journey was therefore extremely peaceful; even the Hunters secretly watching him had withdrawn.
Half an hour later, he returned to the campfire carrying the dead Facehugger. Their agreed exploration time was nearly up, and before long, the others who had investigated different directions returned one after another. The entire process had gone surprisingly smoothly.
Number One said he had found dead animals, meaning there might be danger aboard the spaceship. Number Three said he had found some huge tanks containing many identical-looking humans, but he could not open them. Number Two said he had found nothing at all—he had simply kept walking, as if he were out shopping. Number Five had even less to report, since he had stayed behind to guard the campfire and meeting point. Everything had been calm.
But then Elf Number Four stepped forward. With a crooked grin, he showed everyone his "prey," a starfish-like creature with a tail.
Though somewhat slimy, it was not poisonous. Mollusks were fairly strong, too, so it should have a decent chew to it.
"I found food, and there's plenty more of it!" He seemed to be competing for leadership of the player team. After all, among five people, someone had to call the shots, right?
Just like in primitive society, whoever could find food was impressive—it was proof of ability. It did not matter whether the food had been found through luck; finding it was a skill, and luck was also a form of strength.
"This thing is ugly." Number One set down the rifle he had been using as a club and poked the