CHAPTER 62: CHANGED PLAN

After walking for a long time, Shaan’s body began to show signs of exhaustion. His legs started to tremble, his breath was gasping, and his movements started to slow down. Damn it, who knew how much longer they had to follow the courier through this forest before they could finally get out of this forest?

"Alright, we’ll rest here for today." The courier slowly stopped his movement. "The sky will turn dark soon, and we need to start building shelter now."

"Uhm... but, but... do you guys want to rest here?" Chelsie scratched her cheek repeatedly. "In an open space like this?"

"Yes, is there any problem?"

"Uhm, ye-yeah. I...I think so, Mr. Courier."

Shaan scratched his head with a confused look on his face. "Wait, Chelsie. I don’t understand what you’re saying at all. What do you mean?"

"Uhm... you know, it’s about-"

"Mycoflorae. She just doesn’t want that creature to show up out of nowhere and drag her body back into that cave again," said Lira.

Chelsie nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, that’s right. Everything Lira said is true. I... I just don’t want to end up trapped in that horrible cocoon for a second time."

"We should keep moving and leave this forest," said Nalira as she walked past the others. "Mycoflorae or other dark creatures still roam this place, and if we stay here any longer, they’ll find us."

"Yes, I agree with Lira." Chelsie fastened her movement, following Nalira from behind. "Shaan, Mr. Courier, come on. We have to keep—"

"No. You’re wrong," said the Courier as he stopped both Chelsie and Nalira in their tracks. "If you insist on moving in the dark, Mycoflorae or any other dark creatures will find us even more easily."

Chelsie’s face turned pale at his words. "W-what do you mean, Mr. Courier?"

"When the sky turns dark, everything in the silent forest grows even quieter and darker. Of course, our footsteps will sound louder, and Mycoflorae or any dark creatures will hear us easily," the Courier explained. "Besides, if we keep walking at night, we’ll lose our way. And we might even run into one of those bloodthirsty creatures."

’Mr. The courier’s reason made sense. He had been through this forest quite often, so at least he had more experience than all of them.’ Shaan nodded his head. ’It’s far more dangerous if we keep walking.’

"So, what do you think, ladies?" The Courier crossed his arms. "Do you want to continue walking?"

Nalira stayed silent for a moment after hearing Mr. Courier’s explanation. "...Alright. Your idea sounds worth considering. We should take a rest here."

Mr. Courier smiled. "Good. But don’t worry, we’re not going to sleep without anything beneath us," he said as he opened his bag and began pulling something out. "So, I always put this thing in my bag."

’Huh? What does he mean?’

The courier then pulled something out of his bag. At first glance, the object looked like a round disc similar to the black disc that Grandma Isabel used to play music. However, something seemed strange. It had several folds (maybe three or four folds). The courier unfolded it one by one, and with each fold, the object grew larger and larger until it eventually turned into a tent.

"Can anyone help me hold the corner of this tent?" the courier asked. "I need to set up this tent, but I need someone to hold it, so it will open properly."

"Oh, sure. I’d be happy to help."

Shaan quickly grabbed one corner of the tent, and soon all the folds had spread out. The courier then placed the tent on the ground and picked up a few stones to weigh it down, so it wouldn’t collapse easily.

"Alright, done," The courier said while patting the dust off his hands. "The tent is ready now."

"Wow, Mr. Courier," Chelsie said, her eyes wide open. "I... I don’t expect you will prepare all of this."

"Of course. As couriers, we must bring a tent from the faction so we can stay safe from any threat."

Nalira gently stroked her chin. "...Hmm. Okay. But there’s only one tent, and there are four of us. How are we all supposed to fit insi—"

The courier immediately pulled out another tent from his bag and left Shaan and others completely speechless. Damn, it turned out the courier had prepared everything, far better than the three of them had.

"I always carry another tent, just in case if tent suddenly breaks," the courier explained. " Hey, Shaan, can you help me set this thing, again?"

"Sure thing, Mr. Courier. I would like to."

"Oh my God, Mister Courier, you’re amazing!" Chelsie said, her face full of admiration. "You thought everything through so well. "

"Haha, of course. I’ve been a courier in the Dark Realm for almost five years. So, I know how these things go."

After hearing the courier’s words, Nalira simply nodded. "...Alright, in that case, I’ll go look for firewood nearby." She walked toward a mass of bushes not too far from their tent.

"Uhm... Wait! I’m coming with you!" Chelsie quickly ran after Nalira.

Looking at the two women already moving, Shaan started to get to work and helped the courier set up the tent they’d use for rest. The courier also didn’t forget to set up a simple homemade trap, using basic materials like empty cans tied to a long string that circled the tent in case any threats tried to harm them.

"All set. With this simple trap, we’ll be able to notice right away if any dark creatures try to disturb us."

"You’re right, Mister Courier," Shaan said with a nod. "We should be fine like this."

Just a few minutes later, Nalira and Chelsie returned, carrying several tree branches. They placed the branches in the middle of the camp, and Nalira used her ability once again to light a small campfire.

"Ah, this feels much more comfortable now."

The courier then pulled out four canned meals from his bag. "Take this. I prepared these food supplies in advance."

"Uhm..."

"C’mon, don’t hesitate." Mr Courier offered the food to them. "Take one."

"Uhmm... Thank you, Mister Courier." Chelsie eagerly grabbed one of the cans. "Thanks again, Mr. Courier. It means a lot to us."

"You’re welcome," the courier said with a smile. "In fact, I should be the one thanking all of you for helping me out there."

"Mr. Courier... If you don’t mind. There’s something I want to ask you."

"What is it, blonde girl?" The courier opened his can. "What do you want to know?"

"...Can you explain more about the Crimson Moon Faction and what you are doing in this forest?"