“If that’s the case… could Agnes’s earlier overreactions have been faked too?”

Sasha couldn’t help but suspect.

Just then, Agnes turned and gave her a faint smile.

That subtle gesture slowly turned suspicion into certainty.

“Miss Tina researched everyone’s habits and tendencies beforehand. She had me stage that little act—to keep you all on edge.”

“…”

At that moment, the icy Deity closed her eyes. In the next blink, she vanished without a trace.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the cabin.

“This wasn’t just ‘on edge’… I thought I’d freeze solid,” Thuke muttered, patting her chest.

“I’ve had a heart condition since childhood. If I died of fright, would Tina cover burial costs?”

“If that happened? Probably toss you overboard. Saves time.”

Thuke paled and waved her hands frantically. “Kidding! Totally kidding—don’t take it seriously!”

*Nope. Zero humor. Zero clarity,* Sasha thought dryly, then asked aloud, “So… for the mission ahead, are we under the Deity’s protection the whole time?”

“‘Protection’ is too strong. She’ll just make sure you don’t die.”

Agnes crossed her arms and exhaled deeply. “We’re not here for a picnic. Go in without braving death in your heart, and you might return missing limbs. None of you want that, right?”

“Uh…”

*If she won’t step in until we’re severely hurt… yeah, tricky.* Yet Sasha felt oddly reassured. For someone who danced daily on death’s edge, “guaranteed survival” was the ultimate comfort.

“Any last wishes to quit the plan?” Tina clapped her hands, scanning the group.

Silence.

*Obviously.* They’d already summoned a Deity. Refuse now? Next time she appears—warning or straight drop from thousands of meters up?

“Good. No objections. Time to split teams.”

Thuke shook her head fast. “No way! Seven together is stronger! Splitting just weakens us!”

“Actually… grouping is smarter.” Roland stroked his chin calmly.

“Why?!”

“More people = less room. Monster dens—forests, caves, mountains—are tight. Seven of us? Loud, smelly, easy prey. Splitting is necessary.”

Nods all around.

Tina’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Truly a battle-hardened Wolf-rank mercenary. So level-headed.”

*It’s basic tactics. No need to flatter me,* Roland thought—but stayed silent.

“Teams: three and four. Autumnwater and I, as Heaven Rank High Martial, lead each. Others draw lots—fair and square.”

Agnes instantly pulled up a lottery app: red and blue lights flashing.

“Press Enter to stop. Little Sasha, you first.”

Sasha tapped the key. Blue.

Others followed.

Result: Roland and Thuke—red. Xue Die, Agnes, Sasha—blue.

“The blue team’s with me.” Tina extended a hand to Sasha. “Little Sasha, I’ll rely on you.”

“…”

*Huh? Why me? Because I’m cute?* Confused, Sasha took her hand—

—and Agnes swooped in from behind, hugging her tight. “Little Sasha! I knew we’d be together! Time to cuddle again~”

“Uh, I—um…” Flustered, Sasha stiffened. Tina, amused, wrapped her arms around Sasha’s front. “My turn! Let me hug Little Sasha too!”

“Mmph…”

Sasha’s face buried in soft warmth. *Smells nice… but—can’t… breathe!*

*Oxygen… fading…!*

“You’ll suffocate her.” Xue Die stepped in, gently pushing both aside before pulling Sasha into her own arms. “My turn. I haven’t hugged her yet.”

Sasha sighed in relief. *Like escaping a bottomless abyss into open plains.*

…Though Xue Die’s chest felt a little jabby.

Thuke snickered. “Now *that’s* a view~”

“Mm~” Roland added dryly, “Pleasant to watch… and almost feel.”

Thuke: “So envious.”

Roland: “Yeah.”

Thuke: “Who *should* I envy more~?”

Roland: “Wha—?! Stay away from my sister! One word to the border guards and you’re jailed. Lolicon offenders? Get shanked by everyone inside.”

Thuke rolled her eyes. “Joking! Geez, so tense.” She turned to Autumnwater. “Brother Autumnwater—us three brothers. If monsters show up, we’re counting on you.”

“No ‘brother.’ Call me Autumnwater. Older, yes—but same path. Let’s strive together.” He waved modestly, steady and grounded.

*Yeah. Partnering with him feels solid.* Roland offered his hand. “Watch each other’s backs.”

“Naturally.” Autumnwater clasped it firmly.

“Some talks… just flow easier between men.”

“Totally!” Thuke perked up. “So—big breasts or big butts?”

“Uh…”

Roland and Autumnwater froze. Disapproving glares shot from the girls’ side.

Open? Sure.

*Too* open?

…

Definitely not *now*.

…

…

Soon, Heiyang City. After exiting Bochuan Port, the group headed straight for the Heiyang Mercenary Guild.

Thirty minutes later—ice creams and drinks bought along the way—they reached the crossroads.

Roland stared at his melting cone. *Wait… we’re here to hunt a Grade A monster. Not picnic.*