The room had a rare touch of domestic warmth. Though the fire was only a few pieces of wood piled together, the fish roasting over it gave off a rich aroma that made someone drool.
Slurp!
Ignoring the scorching fish skin, Dara grabbed a Charcoal-Grilled Long-Legged Sardine almost as long as she was and began eating. The flesh was sweet and springy, a texture only a fish that had exercised plenty could have, and Dara nearly swallowed her tongue along with it.
Soon, nothing but bones remained of the grilled fish. Dara sighed, "I'm alive again," and ate no more. She seemed full, even a little stuffed.
So all the remaining fish went into Yang Yi's stomach.
After eating, the two gradually lowered their guard and began to chat.
Yang Yi asked the first question. Too many mysteries had piled up, and he simply had to get them out.
"Why are you trapped here? And what's with that... exhibitionist outside called the Eagle Knight?" he asked.
Dara took a sip of tea and sized Yang Yi up again.
"Answer one question for me first.
"Why haven't you contracted Manic Laughter Syndrome, and why do you still seem capable of fairly logical thought?"
She turned the question back on Yang Yi.
Yang Yi did not conceal the reason. It was simple and blunt.
"...My Mental Attribute is very high. I came here to seek a breakthrough in that area."
As he explained, he flashed aside, and a spray of water fell over the spot where he had just stood.
Dara had failed to hold it in and spat out a mouthful of water. She began coughing violently, almost as though she would stop breathing.
Only after a dozen or so seconds did the elderly Dara recover enough to complain.
"You nearly