Qu Xiangyun told me not to worry about her, but how could I not? The ice layer hid dangers, and I had already experienced countless perils these past few days.
Even if Qu Xiangyun was extremely important to Xavier and the others, Professor Gu Gef had still died here.
If anything were to happen to her, Xavier and his companions would likely struggle to protect themselves, let alone Qu Xiangyun.
My lips moved, but in the end, reason triumphed over emotion.
On one hand, Qu Xiangyun's life and death were in Xavier's hands, and she had repeatedly emphasized that I should get the item out.
Perhaps this item could help her completely escape the control of Xavier and the others?
I did not know.
But I was not alone. I had been gone for so many days, and I had no idea what the situation was with Luo Yaqin and Shangguan Yao.
Even though I had made many arrangements before I left, and there was plenty of food, this strange deserted island was full of dangers. If they encountered any trouble, they would have no one to rely on.
My loved ones were on both ends of the scale, and for a moment, I didn't know how to choose.
I endured the night with this agonizing feeling.
The next morning, I yawned and stepped out of the tent.
Hephaestus's condition was no longer severe. She had regained consciousness, but her face still bore a blush, and her spirit seemed a bit weak.
During breakfast, Xavier calmly told us, "We'll rest here for today and continue our exploration tomorrow."
I was a little confused by Xavier's words.
What was going on?
Xavier, who was usually so driven, unwilling to delay their progress even at the cost of lives, was now voluntarily stopping?
From what I knew of Xavier, she was utterly focused on completing the mission and would not consider anything else. Why would she kindly let us rest now?
As I expected.
Xavier chose to rest for a day not because she was considering our condition.
She spent the entire day hidden in the tent, poring over Professor Gu Gef's遗物 (yíwù - remains/relics) and data. She even ate in the tent.
Professor Gu Gef had served as the scholar in this team. Now that he had suddenly died, someone had to fill his role.
It was likely with this in mind that Xavier decided to delay their progress.
We did not take any action that day and relaxed properly.
It should have been a good thing to find a moment of peace in this dangerous underground palace.
However, my sharp sixth sense constantly warned me.
Beneath our seemingly safe environment, a fatal crisis lay hidden.
This premonition had been lingering in my mind since lunch, and it grew stronger with the passage of time.
It was as if a skilled hunter was lying in wait in the darkness, watching us, ready to strike without mercy as soon as an opportunity arose.
Later in the evening, I could no longer suppress this unease and brought it up with Qu Xiangyun and Xavier.
"I have the same feeling. We're definitely being watched, but I've observed all day and found no trace."
Xavier nodded at my words, her expression exceptionally calm.
Indeed, Xavier was not someone to be trifled with.
She had an almost instinctive keenness for danger.
In the following time, my heart settled a little, but I remained vigilant, paying attention to every rustle and stir in the vicinity.
By the time we had dinner, Hephaestus had recovered completely and was even chatting and laughing with us.
She playfully slung an arm around my shoulder, her hands occasionally feeling me up like a hooligan.
If Qu Xiangyun hadn't been present, and I had nothing else to do, I might have considered a more intimate interaction.
But seeing Qu Xiangyun's watchful gaze, I silently removed her hand and went into the tent alone.
At some point, I gradually lost consciousness and fell asleep.
I had a long dream. In my dream were Shangguan Yao, Luo Yaqin, and many other people I had met on the island.
We all seemed to have turned into beasts, trapped in cages.
No one could escape...
This unprecedented sense of despair made me even more exhausted.
"Bang!"
I don't know how long I slept. In my dream, I suddenly heard a gunshot outside the tent!
Something was wrong! Something had happened outside!
I instinctively sprang up from my sleeping bag, grabbed the revolver by my pillow, and rushed out.
Outside, before I could get a clear look at the situation, a heart-wrenching wail suddenly reached my ears!