"Theresa, don't you think next time we return to Terra, we should bring some food?"
Theresa didn't answer. Instead, she silently offered Xing Chen a grilled crab leg, slathered with a sauce made from ground Originium Slug liver, bringing it to his mouth.
"Actually, I don't get hungry even if I don't eat. You should keep these good things for yourself."
Since the two entered the dream, they had traveled for a day and a night. The land beyond Terra's civilization was so vast; in all that time, they hadn't seen any trace of man-made objects.
"Xing Chen, what does that Preserver you mentioned do?"
"Friston? He's a colleague of the Seer. For some matters concerning the Seer's level, we need to get sufficient support."
Theresa said, "Oh," and continued her battle with the crab leg.
The creations of the Pre-civilization were all troublesome things, one after another. Not to mention distant ones like the Deep Blue Tree and the Paradise Fulcrum, just a single iterative Kal'tsit was beyond Xing Chen's comprehension.
Could this truly be considered an individual? Who was the main body? Or was it that the old cat and Monster, one of them was just a backup for the other?
Also, PRTS was currently under the control of the Seer. Who knew when Prythian would wake up and directly control Rhodes Island to unleash a Burst Dawn on every Terran.
He also didn't know if, in the end, Kal'tsit would say to the Doctor: Seer, has AMA-10 lived up to expectations?
He needed some support, such as some Pre-civilization weapons, to deal with their own creations.
Xing Chen was lost in thought, while Theresa was rapidly eating beside him. For some reason, Xing Chen didn't feel hunger or fatigue, lacking most physiological characteristics, but Theresa, whom he brought in, still retained her original needs.
"I'm full. Let's keep going."
Theresa stood up, and Xing Chen then squatted down.
"Theresa, us walking like this isn't going to work."
"Is there a problem? Our ancestors used to migrate across the wasteland like this too."
"Before was before, now is now. You're comparing before... Never mind. Do you have any other way to move quickly across the wasteland?"
"Yes, we could hijack a vehicle or steal a Camel—but I don't think that's a good idea."
Xing Chen thought it was a good idea, but Theresa seemed to disagree.
Is there a compromise?
Yes, brother, that would be to rob wasteland bandits. Fighting fire with fire, Theresa shouldn't have any complaints, right?
"Alright, I guess." Theresa reluctantly agreed with Xing Chen. She closed her eyes, leaned her head towards the ground, and pressed her ears against it, feeling the vibrations.
Just as she began to sense, she suddenly opened her eyes. "Someone's coming."
"I know. He's already standing in front of us."
The place where the two were resting was a high ground, with a large slope on one side. Even if there were people below, they couldn't see them.
"Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, lady and gentleman." The merchant wearing a metal bucket walked up the slope and greeted the two. "What a nice camping spot—do you mind if I sit here for a while?"
"Of course..." Xing Chen instinctively made room, but then realized Theresa was staring intently behind Kannout. "Uh... it's still a bit crowded..."
The bucket-head also noticed the anomaly, but as a professional wasteland merchant, he quickly began to show his goodwill, such as taking out some clean water and normal food.
"Sir, could you please call out those people behind you?" Theresa was very clever. As a Demon King who had been in power for over two hundred years, she wouldn't be fooled by such small favors.
"I thought they were hidden quite well." Kannout waved his hand, and soon, many people appeared in their line of sight.
"Rusthammer?"
"The lady is very knowledgeable," Kannout scratched his head with a tentacle. "Don't worry, we're just passing through."
The enemies of Rusthammer were civilization, and Sarkaz were generally outside of civilization. The relationship between the two was relatively harmonious, and many Sarkaz had joined the organization.
Theresa nodded, accepting Kannout's explanation.
So, the three sat together, and Xing Chen couldn't help but ask the peculiar bucket-head.
"Mr. Kannout, where are you going next?"
"Oh, wherever change needs power, that's where I go," Kannout's voice came out of his helmet, sounding buzzy. "If you're asking about recently, I plan to visit Kazimierz for a bit and also peddle my excellent investment classes."
"Then will you pass through the Tara region of Victoria?"
"Wait, Xing Chen, didn't we say we were going to Columbia?"
"Yes, Theresa, but Columbia isn't our final destination. We'll be going to Ursus to wake up the Doctor afterward. Before entering that country, we need to make several preparations to prevent any accidents."
"I understand. I'll listen to you." Theresa nodded, and after that, she no longer interfered with Xing Chen's dealings with Kannout.
Although Kannout seemed quite strange, after a few actual exchanges, he would become your good brother, and then with you... "You've come at just the right time, Mr. Xing Chen. We just picked up a few Camels from the wilderness and were about to sell them to those in need."
"Then how much will the travel expenses be?" Xing Chen rummaged through his pockets, finding no Originium ingots, only some worn-out Leimbieta banknotes.
"It's fine, bartering is also acceptable. Any valuable item will do, even what you consider trash."
Hearing this, Xing Chen had an idea. He took out the completely inactive Originium crystal cluster fragment.
"A completely inactive Originium fragment, how about it?"
"Of course, guest."
"Then I have another request: could you please give us some currency that can be used in Victoria?"
Kannout scratched his head and then carefully examined the Originium fragment in Xing Chen's hand. Soon, he determined whether the trade was worthwhile.
"Deal."
Riding on Kannout's Camel, the speed was a bit slower than when the two traveled on foot, but the advantage was having an extra person for conversation and to relieve boredom.
However, as Xing Chen and Kannout chatted animatedly, Theresa, on the side, seemed to be in a state of worry, her gaze occasionally darting in a certain direction.
"Lady, what are you worrying about?" Kannout said from below, leading the Camel.
"I'm worried about my two messengers. I suddenly have an ominous premonition."
"Relax, lady, this world needs change, but change won't come so quickly—so enjoy this moment of peace."
