Having survived an apocalyptic disaster, everyone was exhausted, and now, hearing the Crow's cawing, they all felt a bit hungry.
Thirst is the most formidable enemy. Fresh water is manageable, as there's a lake not far ahead, but food is a major problem. There are no large animals on the island, only birds and rodents. Hunting these prey is no easy task; they lack hunting tools, and firing a gun would not only waste bullets but also attract savages.
However, if you go fishing in the lake, you will be easily spotted because the lake surface is too open, and it is also too close to the camps that the savages have built on the lake.
Petru, who had the most experience in wilderness survival, first picked some wild fruits from the surrounding trees that he was sure were edible so that everyone could have something to eat, and then suggested finding a better campsite.
"But before we find a campsite, we should observe the cannibals' movements and see what they're up to. Otherwise, we'll always be living in fear. It would be best if we could find an opportunity to wipe them all out and end it all," Petru said.
Seeing that no one had any objections, Petru began to take stock of the weapons. There were now two submachine guns, three pistols, seven grenades, and a pair of binoculars that were still usable.
He looked at Mrs. Larry and asked, "Madam, do you know how to use a gun?"
The lady said, "I've fired a hunting rifle."
"Then you've got it." Petru handed her a pistol and then showed her how to take off the safety. "This thing is simpler than a shotgun."
Mrs. Larry saw that there were only five guns on the ground and shook her head, saying, "These guns are more effective on you than on me."
She then looked at Alice, "I think Alice is just like me."
Alice said, "Give me a grenade! I'd rather die than let those savages touch me!"
Petru hesitated for a moment, then put his gun away, gave them two grenades, and showed them how to use them.
Mrs. Larry still refused, only allowing Alice to keep one.
Looking at the remaining weapons, Petru asked Qingmu, "How should we divide them?"
Qingmu went over to check on Anderson's injuries and found that the white floral mud he had applied earlier was very effective. It not only removed the poison but also seemed to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, it looked a bit unsightly after being soaked in water for a while.
He tossed the submachine gun to Anderson and Petru, saying, "You've both been in the military, so the weapon will be most effective in your hands. Professor Su and I aren't that reliant on weapons; a pistol will suffice."
He turned to look at Su Huilan.
Su Huilan shrugged and said, "I have no objection."
Petru pointed to the six grenades on the ground and said, "What about these?"
Qingmu said, "You can use it. If a conflict arises with the savages, Professor Su and I will deal with the wizard. Your task is to protect Mrs. Larry and Alice."
Petru nodded to indicate that he understood, and then asked, "So, shall we act together or separately? I mean, would Mrs. Larry and Alice like to come with us?"
Mrs. Larry said, "Let me go with you. I understand some of their language and might be able to help you."
Su Huilan also suggested, "Without means of communication, we shouldn't separate."
Qingmu reached out and touched the willow branch in his arms, saying, "Alright, everyone be careful then."
After tidying up their belongings and erasing all traces of their presence, they headed towards the camp where the savages were.
Along the way, because there was nothing to eat, both the Crow and Hanran were listless. One perched on Qingmu's head, and the other perched on Su Huilan's shoulder, looking like wilted eggplants.
Petru originally intended to carry Mrs. Larry, but she insisted on walking on her own, saying that she was alright and that as a professional archaeologist, surviving in the wild was commonplace for her, so everyone should not worry about her.
She was very interested in what Qingmu was saying about dreams, so she walked alongside Qingmu, quietly discussing the topic of dreams, especially language exchange in the subconscious state.
Qingmu said, "Actually, we don't speak in our dreams because our subconscious thoughts are completely transparent. Whatever you think, your subconscious will retrieve related memories and construct it in your dream. When you can enter someone else's subconscious world, you can see their entire thought process."
"So how did you communicate with her? Did you also project your thoughts into her dream world?" the lady asked.
Qingmu said, "Yes, but you must abide by the spatial rules of the other person's dream and not break them, otherwise it will cause the collapse of their dream. There is also a prerequisite: the other person must accept you and allow you to create things in their space. Of course, if there is a significant difference in the Mental Power between the two parties, everything will be different, and the rules will also be changeable."
Mrs. Larry seemed very interested. "Oh, that's fascinating! So, can you tell me what exactly is Mental Power? And where does it come from?"
Qingmu shook his head and said, "I don't know where Mental Power comes from, but I know how to improve it..."
While Mrs. Larry and Qingmu were discussing dreams and thoughts, Petru kept trying to get close to Alice.
" Alice, you are such a Beauty!" Petru said, trying to make conversation.
Anderson glanced at him warily, but Petru didn't seem to care.
"Oh really? Thank you!" Alice said.
"Are you Mrs. Larry's assistant?" Petru asked again.
Alice said, "Yes, what's wrong?"
"Oh, it's nothing, just asking. How long have you been with Madam?"
"When I was in school, Mr. Yeger was my mentor. Later, I interned in Mr. Yeger's studio, but I mainly learned from Mrs. Larry. If you count from then, it's been almost five years."
"Oh, it's been that long? That's good, that's good!" Petru said absentmindedly. "Um... who is this Mr. Yeger you're talking about?"
" Mr. Yeger is Mrs. Larry's husband!" Alice said. "Mrs. should actually be called Mrs. Yeger, but she doesn't like being called that, so everyone calls her Mrs. Larry."
"Oh, I see." Petru seemed a little disappointed. " Mr. Yeger... was he also a great scholar?"
"Of course! He is the world's most authoritative expert on Maya civilization and Atlantis Civilization. He was also the first to propose the possibility of ancient civilization ruins existing on the seabed of the South Pacific. It was because of his views that Professor Silva later discovered the seabed ruins and the inverted pyramid."
Petru's disappointment became even more pronounced. He sighed, patted Anderson on the shoulder, and seemed about to say something but remained silent.
Anderson found it a bit strange and asked, "Hey buddy, what's wrong? If you're unhappy, don't think about anything. Thinking too much isn't good. Why don't you think about fishing? Every time I think about fishing, my mood improves, and I leave all my unpleasantness behind."
Petru sighed again, "I should find some hobbies like you, brother. A man with an interesting personality is more likely to attract women! Unfortunately, I'm good for nothing but fighting."