Rustle, rustle.
Under the night sky, footsteps were light and scattered in the desolate wilderness.
Dozens of orcs were heavily armed and armored.
Their expressions were solemn.
"Stay alert, everyone. We only have two more cavern spaces to go before we reach Chen Yu's camp. It's very likely they'll be stationed at the main camp with patrols in the adjacent caverns."
"Maintain stealth."
"Whatever you do, don't mess up the mission assigned by the boss."
The crocodile tribe orc leading the group peered forward cautiously and whispered. The other orcs around him nodded with serious expressions.
He took a deep breath.
The orc in front, leading the way, cautiously glanced ahead. Finding no suspicious spots, he waved his hand.
"Move out!"
"Where do you think you're going?"
Suddenly, a faint, ethereal whisper drifted from afar.
In the pitch-black night, the faint glow of fireflies dotted the desolate landscape. Almost the instant the words were spoken, over a dozen individuals with surging auras emerged from all directions.
This sudden turn of events startled the orcs.
"We've been ambushed!"
The crocodile orc exclaimed, then frowned as he focused on the approaching figures.
"Who are you?"
He was certain that these people were not from Chen Yu's camp. He had a general understanding of their strength, and even the Silver-ranked individuals were not this potent.
The ones surrounding them felt like they were above the Silver-ranked, and there were even Golden-ranked existences among them.
"Who are we? We are those who see injustice and draw their swords to help!" A disdainful,娇斥 (jiāo chì - coy reprimand) came from the darkness. "You lot, with your shifty appearances, must be up to no good. I've been waiting here for a long time, just to teach you a lesson. Attack!"
Instantly, the people who emerged from the night sky advanced.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, it's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! We're not bad guys, please let me explain." The crocodile orc yelled, followed by cold sneers from the shadows. "Villains die because they talk too much. I don't have much to say to you. Attack them, hit them hard, and if they die, it's on me... it's on my account. Beat them up!"
Under the dark night, screams echoed incessantly.
It was as if even the fireflies were frightened.
They flew to the side.
A patch of fireflies gathered together, shining brightly, like a crowd of onlookers silently witnessing the tragic scene unfolding in the darkness.
Meanwhile, in Black City, Chen Yu, carrying Illya, was rushing out.
Once he was clear of the city, he breathed a sigh of relief and took off his cloak.
"Chen Yu!"
Seeing Chen Yu out of his disguise, Illya's eyes widened in surprise.
"It's you."
"Who else would it be? Did you really think someone else was coming to save you?" Chen Yu exhaled lightly, seeing Illya's delicate face up close.
Honestly, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Almost flawless.
Being stared at, Illya's delicate face flushed, and she instinctively frowned.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"I'm just wondering what this little princess is thinking about," Chen Yu said, his expression unchanged. His thick skin was already honed to perfection.
He could tell lies with his eyes wide open without missing a beat.
"Ah?"
Hearing this, Illya actually became a little flustered. She pursed her lips and smiled.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm asking why you, the princess of the Merfolk tribe, would come to a place like this," Chen Yu spread his hands, then grinned slyly, "Have you had enough of being a princess and want to experience mortal life? Hey... where's your bodyguard?"
"I... I don't have a bodyguard," Illya whispered.
"No bodyguard?"
Chen Yu was startled and looked at her intently.
"Is that true? You're the third princess of the Merfolk tribe, with a noble status. How dare your people let you venture out alone?"
"I ran away."
"Hiss!"
Running away.
That explanation made a lot of sense.
To be honest, Chen Yu never expected Illya to run away. Seeing how assertive she was in Black City earlier, he thought she had a bodyguard.
Chen Yu had been thinking that if she had a bodyguard,
they would likely be quite skilled.
Chen Yu had planned to negotiate with them, perhaps asking for their help during the siege. Now, Illya had run away secretly without any escort.
Then—
Wouldn't that be even better?
Chen Yu glanced sideways at Hei Dou, and the two of them shared a mischievous smile.
No bodyguard.
That meant they could do whatever they pleased.
In the past, they had let this mermaid princess go, unaware of Illya's long, beautiful legs. Now, Illya had reappeared before them.
With no bodyguard.
It would be a waste of Mother Earth's good intentions not to take her back.
It was just that he needed to figure out how to reasonably get her to come with him. If this girl said she wanted to return to the Merfolk Kingdom, that would be troublesome.
"Ahem."
Chen Yu coughed lightly to clear his throat. Before he could speak,
"Can... can I go with you?" Illya pursed her lips and whispered softly, "I have nowhere to go right now. Would it be convenient for you to let me stay at your place for a while?"
"Eh?"
Hearing this, Chen Yu was stunned.
Such a good thing?
He had just been contemplating how to ask Illya to come to his camp, and she had delivered herself right to his doorstep?
Delivered herself?
This was too polite, it made him feel a little embarrassed!
"Can't I?"
Noticing Chen Yu's expression, Illya bit her lip.
"My wristband was destroyed, and I can't contact my people. I've never left the Merfolk royal palace since I was little. I don't know many people outside. Please, please, let me stay at your place for a while."
Illya clasped her small hands together, looking pitiful.
Her gem-like eyes blinked rapidly.
Chen Yu was mesmerized.
Was there any reason for him to refuse?
"Then, come with me," Chen Yu sighed, feigning helplessness. "My camp doesn't usually accept guests, but your situation is quite dire. I can't just stand by and do nothing. Alas, what can I do? I'm an upright gentleman who can't bear to see a cute and beautiful younger sister suffer."
"Thank you~"
A sweet smile blossomed on Illya's face, and Chen Yu maintained his smile.
"Let's go."
Almost the moment Chen Yu turned his head, he exchanged a knowing, cunning glance with Hei Dou. Unbeknownst to him, the sweet-smiling Illya behind him suddenly dropped her facade.
Looking at Chen Yu's retreating back, she slightly raised the corners of her mouth.
Revealing a—
Triumphant smile.
However, the moment Chen Yu turned his head again, they both concealed their true intentions. Chen Yu maintained his gentle smile, while Illya, like a sweet girl, gazed at him as if he were a worshipped hero.
Her eyes sparkled brilliantly.