Chapter 13 : Next, we’ll split up

As cool, dry air slipped into the tent,
first dawn light dusted the tree-shade corners,
and camp welcomed another morning.

“Morning, everyone~ How’d you sleep?”
Lilix, usually a late riser, was up early today.
Stretching by the edge, she greeted teammates emerging from tents.

“Qianyu, early—and you two slept together, huh.”
Spotting Xingyao tiptoeing behind, unaccustomed to attention, Lilix teased.

“Report, Captain—one bed. Couldn’t let her sleep on the ground.”
“Of course not—great job. All girls, no gossip.”
“Y-Yeah.”

True, but outwardly female, inwardly kinda male—Qianyu agreed guiltily.
Facing a girl trusting her so,
last night she did nothing,
no stray thoughts, back turned, slept fast.
First shared-bed night in this world—safe.
(Dreamwalking incidents don’t count—unconscious.)

“Take care of her, don’t betray that trust.”
“Got it.”

Purpose met, Lilix returned to center, announcing plans.
Suspect early rise was just to tease:

“Last night’s celebration—you heard. We split today.”
“Simple: supplies won’t last more camping.”
“Foraging in dangerous wilds—unwise, so—”
“Del’s interrogation gave area intel.”
“Multiple beasts, bandits—scattered, unorganized.”
“Task: eliminate one by one, clear region. Splitting maximizes efficiency.”
“To prevent accidents, stay in contact—balance strength.”

—
Lilix “Me and Leila—clear monster nest.”
Leila “Can’t help it—strong one’s duty.”
Del “Thick skin, if not strength.”
Lilix “Ahaha… Next, Yeyuan and Suwa—drive off forest bandits.”
Suwa “Yay, with Yeyuan sis!”
Yeyuan “Leave it to me.”
Lilix “Then Del and Qianyu—suppress rampaging beasts.
P.S. Del volunteered to pair with Q—”
Del “That P.S. is unnecessary!”
Lilix “What’s wrong—Captain moved seeing you get along, can’t hel—mmph!”
Del rushed, covered Lilix’s mouth—afraid of more secrets.
Del “D-Don’t misunderstand! Just needed luggage help!”
Qianyu “Haah, I said nothing. But thanks.”

Pairing with strong Del—luggage no issue.
Used to it—grateful.

“Ah, important: regardless of progress,
meet at mountain entrance by tomorrow noon. I marked it.”

After simple food/luggage split, Lilix team divided into three, heading opposite ways.
Lilix & Leila—cave-like foothill.
Yeyuan & Tasuwa—dense jungle.

“Where are we going?”
“Beasts—water sources. Common sense.”

Forest elf Del conjured round compass with magic.
Arrow pointed opposite others.

“Let’s go. Quick out, quick back.”
“Okay—”

Guided by compass, Patridel, Qianyu, and trailing Xingyao
headed to unknown distance.

*

“Hm. Water source—perfect.”
On gentle narrow forest path,
Qianyu, carrying two shares luggage, muttered—interested in Del’s mention.

“What, Qianyu?”
“Not much—just want to bathe Xingyao en route.
No chance since rescue yesterday.”

Not smelly—just odd aura.
Qianyu, sharing bed last night, knew well.
Wouldn’t voice it—girl’s privacy.
For health—clean wounds, prevent infection.
Symbolic: wash away enslavement’s bad luck,
start free life.

“X-Xingyao, huh. Her name?”
“Yes, I gave it. Traveling without— inconvenient.”
“Eh—”

Del exclaimed, surprised.
“Like your Qianyu—rare, weird name. Sounds similar.”
“Mm, used my homeland’s script and spelling.”
“Unknowingly close now, eh—”
“W-Why so shocked. I have friends.”
“Friends who name themselves? Her eyes don’t say ‘friend’.”
“Read minds from eyes… mind-reading magic?”

Qianyu glanced back at Xingyao—
messy bangs hid half face, eyes.
Blank expression—no info.

“If only such convenient magic.
I’d peek your brain—why keep her.”
“No deep reason. Saw her alone, pitiful—body moved.”
(Like past me.)

Qianyu unsure true answer.
Fate, chance—more convincing here.

“Just that—world’s full of people for you to save.”
“I-I’ll try.”

Chatting to kill boring walk,
Xingyao behind had other ideas.
Suddenly stepped up, lightly tapped Qianyu’s back.