The trip was planned for three to five days. On the first day, they planned to reach a city called Luoyang, which was located on the east side of Shaanxi. They had to rest there for the night and gather supply for the next two days.
To avoid scaring people in the city, they stopped the Humvee a bit far away and walked to the gate. He put the Humvee into a capsule form, a shrinking pill that could be created in Armory Level 5. He still had a few of them in his Main Cube.
The sun was about to set and the sky was orange.
Luoyang City wasn't much different from Chengdu. The main difference was the size and the architecture. While Chengdu had a lot of buildings, Luoyang was more focused on the castle and walls.
"It looks beautiful." Leo comnted as he walked down the street. "And there are more martial artists here. Is it because Luoyang is Wudang Sect's territory?"
"Yes, that's correct." Zhen replied politely.
Since the incident with the attacker, the middle-aged martial artist from the Hao Sect turned so polite that Leo wanted him to relax slightly. But it was normal considering the horror he had seen and felt earlier.
"From the information I gathered, the Wudang Sect is currently recruiting new disciples. Most of the martial artists gathering here are just 1 Star or an apprentice who can't even feel Qi yet. But they want the opportunity to get stronger by joining the Wudang Sect."
"I see." Leo nodded. "Then, shall we find an inn and rest for the night?"
"Can we act freely, Leader? I want to have so drinks." Jack made a drinking motion with his hand and grinned.
"Yes, of course. Just don't get drunk? We can't waste ti tomorrow. The supermoon will appear in ten days and we need to be ready."
"I will watch over this gun maniac, so you don't have to worry." Shui said, patting his comrade's shoulder.
"Hey, you just want to drink with ." Jack retorted.
"Haha, I'll join you too."
Zhen smiled as he joined the conversation. The three of them seed close and comfortable with each other.
The group separated after agreeing to stay in a place called the White Horse Inn. It was a simple na, but Leo knew better than to judge the establishnt from its na.
After all, the building itself looked pretty good and comfortable. It even had a stable for the guests' animals and the guards were well-trained as well as the dining hall.
Leo sat on the table with Chiaki and ordered a few foods. He was starved after 6 hours of journey.
"Are you sure you're going to stay with , Chiaki? You can drink with the others, you know?" He asked.
"No, I am fine. I don't want to drink with those stupid n."
"But I am a man too."
"You... are different, Leader." Chiaki muttered, averting her gaze.
"Heh."
Sotis, the aloof and cold Chiaki could appear cute. He wanted to tease her a bit, but decided not to. He didn't want her to get angry and ask Coco to bite him or sothing.
Just like she said earlier, she hated n. Not for a useless reason because they were disgusting or sothing. But it was related to the setting he created for her.
'She's an experintal subject who was forced to beco a killing machine. All the n in her life abused her, used her, and treated her as an object not even a human. But I appeared and saved her.'
It was a tragic backstory, but Leo didn't regret it in the past. After all, Chiaki's existence was his creation.
But now that she was real, he wanted to show her so love and kindness. He didn't want to push her into anything she didn't want.
"Umm, Leader. Can we walk around the town together?"
She suddenly asked, and he was surprised. Chiaki was never interested in sightseeing or leisure activities.
"Oh, is that what you want?"
"Yes. Our... leisure walk before got interrupted. And I want to see this new place. It looks interesting."
Her eyes sparkled, and he saw her smile a bit. It was a rare sight.
Leo couldn't refuse such a request. He didn't think his NPCs would develop new interests once they beca sentient.
Out of the others, Chiaki had less interest and activity. She was always calm and collected. But maybe, being in a new environnt changed her perspective.
'Everything is just gray and destroyed in the ga. So, she didn't have any chance to explore and see new things. But now, there are a lot of new things for her.'
"Of course, let's have a leisure walk."
The two left the inn and headed into the streets after eating.
***
Night had fallen, and the streets were empty. Only a few stalls were open, and people were chatting while drinking.
"It's noisy." Chiaki muttered.
"Yeah, it's lively."
Two different opinions. But it was clear they both enjoyed it.
They walked toward a nearby fountain and sat on the edge. Chiaki was silent, and he didn't know what she was thinking.
But he knew her enough to guess that she was thinking about sothing.
After a while, she finally spoke.
"Leader, may I ask sothing?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Am I... be of use? My research stalled and you even took this job to get the reward to help ."
Was she of any use?
What a stupid question. Leo wanted to say that she was stupid for asking. But he stopped himself.
Chiaki was an intelligent person. She was just asking a question based on her insecurity.
"Of course, you are useful. You're a vital mber of our group and I wouldn't have it any other way."
"But I-"
"Did a lot of things since we were stranded here. You got us our initial fund and helped us establish a base. Then you researched Qi and set up our defensive system."
"Leader..."
"Your work is priceless, Chiaki. You don't have to worry. The content of the epigraph we got from this mission will only accelerate your research and help us gain the best thod to control Qi. That's why we are doing this job."
He patted her head gently like a child. His fingers were careful, and she felt warm inside.
"Then, I am glad." She said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Leo got surprised but smiled warmly. He didn't expect such a gesture from her.
"Let's return. We need to wake up early tomorrow to find Jack and Shui. They might have drunk too much."
"I know. They are so annoying sotis." She complained.
"Haha, I can't argue with that."
The two returned to the inn and went to their room. Leo had the one at the end of the second floor hallway, so they walked together.
"Well, goodnight then, Chiaki. Have a nice rest."
"You too, Leader."
After getting an answer, he opened the door and entered. Then, he was about to close the door, but Chiaki unexpectedly entered with him.
"Hmm?" He raised an eyebrow. "Do you still need sothing, Chiaki?"
"Hmm...?" She tilted her head in response, "I am attending to you, Leader. Without Jessica here, I will be the one to stay and protect you while you're sleeping. Don't worry. I will only be here at night. No one will suspect anything."
"A-Ah, that's..." He scratched his cheek. "That's right. Okay, I get it. Please stay with tonight, then."
"Yes."
Her expression was calm and she nodded. Leo felt relieved seeing her like that.
He closed the door and lay on the bed. He had been traveling all day and needed so rest.
As if it was completely natural, Chiaki lay beside him. They didn't change their clothes and still wore their bodysuit because they were outside of their base.
"Goodnight, Chiaki."
"Goodnight, Leader."
In a short while, Leo closed his eyes. His Nanites helped him fall asleep in less than a second.
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