QT: Against My Will-Chapter 561 - 8.78 - New Teammate Orion - Monster Heist

Amidst the looming trees, Shina’s team pressed forward. The forest’s canopy blocked out most of the sunlight, casting eerie shadows that danced around them. The twisted roots of the trees, protruding off the ground, began to slow their fast pace.

Finding a safe place to camp was a near-impossible task. Every hollow trunk they encountered seemed either too exposed or too cramped.

Orion led them to the one he found with his team the last time. It was a bit far away, but better than taking turns keeping watch out in the open.

Orion’s brows furrowed as he glanced at the expanded hollow trunk, "You know, the last time we found shelter in this tree, it was much more spacious."

"This is enough," Shina placed her palm on Alain’s shoulder when she began to notice everyone’s fatigue, "It’s on you now."

Alain’s fingers brushed against the rough bark of the massive tree, his keen gaze analyzing its proportions. With a focused determination, he began to mimic the intricate structure of the tree’s roots and bark, layer by layer.

The protective cover he was crafting seamlessly melded with the tree’s existing features, appearing as though it had always been an integral part of the massive trunk. He increased the size of the hollowed trunk, subtly expanding the space within to accommodate the team.

"Nice job," Bing Shi said with a brisk nod, her tone carrying a note of approval. She patted Alain’s back in passing as she stepped into the hollow trunk. She set up a small light source and her sleeping bag, "Liam and Aria, you’re on watch duty. Take turns and stay vigilant. The rest of you, take this time to replenish and rest up."

Henry patted Alain’s back and followed after Bing Shi.

Once everyone was inside, Laura distributed small rations to each team member.

Bing Shi accepted the water and the warm meal and began to eat it with gusto with her face facing the trunk of the tree.

"..." While the team members received their rations, Orion’s curiosity got the better of him, "How big is your space?"

Laura’s lips curved into a small smile as she glanced at Orion. "It’s not massive," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "About the size of our dining hall."

Orion’s expression shifted to one of mild astonishment as he glanced down at his own space ring, which boasted a considerably larger storage capacity, akin to a wardrobe with two doors, "I’ve come across various magic users with space abilities, but I’ve never heard of a ’Shan’ clan before."

Creating storage spaces within jewelry was a skill reserved for proficient magic users — most often made by old, off-duty alphas. Given the intricate and time-consuming nature of the creation process, these storage items were typically distributed within their own clans. Not many were set up for sale and if yes, they would cost a hand and a leg.

"Of course, you wouldn’t," Laura sat down on her sleeping bag. Nobody had ever connected her surname Shan with a ’clan’, "What happened to your previous team?"

Orion slurped on the noodles, his gaze thoughtful, "They’ve been eyeing Victor Egerton for a while. You know, an Alpha usually carries more weight than a Delta. Words got around that your team was in need of a healer, so I decided to leave."

Aria’s playful smirk turned into a mischievous grin, finding it strange how such a revered medic would join them, "So, you traded in your experienced team for a bunch of newbies like us? You must be really desperate for an adventure."

Orion chuckled softly. "I’ve heard quite a bit about this team. Unconventional methods, unexpected solutions—it’s like a whirlwind of creativity and unpredictability."

Aria exchanged amused glances with the team. "You make us sound like a bunch of renegades."

Orion shared a hearty laugh, "Maybe that’s exactly what I was looking for."

He watched as the team members began to settle into their sleeping bags, "How do they manage to sleep so soundly?"

Liam, who was taking his turn with the watch, turned to Orion with a wide smile. "Here’s the deal: whoever wakes up with the most impressive set of eye bags usually gets knocked out cold on the next stop."

Orion’s eyes widened, his expression a mix of disbelief and surprise. "Wait, seriously?"

Liam’s lips twitched with suppressed laughter as he continued to tease the new member, "Oh yeah. It’s like a team tradition. Our Lady’s got this uncanny ability to spot folks who aren’t getting enough ’beauty sleep’. And then, bam, they get knocked out – works like a charm every time."

"..." Orion settled into his sleeping bag and closed his eyes.

Juliet rolled her eyes at Liam’s teasing remark, "Who knocks you out matters much more."

"..." Orion began to think whether it was a mistake signing up for this team.

· · ────────── · ⊱❈⊰· ────────── · ·

In another part of the vast southern region, Orion’s old teammates and Victor Egerton had also settled for a night’s rest in an abandoned part of an ant nest.

In the center of the camp, the team leader stood tall, his posture commanding attention. He surveyed the area with an air of authority, and his very presence seemed to dictate the pace of the camp’s activities.

One of the Deltas approached him with a respectful nod. "We’ve secured the perimeter as instructed. We report minimal activity in the vicinity. The ant nest seems to be abandoned."

"Thank you. Your diligence is noted." He then approached Victor cautiously, his expression a mix of respect and resolve. "Alpha Egerton, it’s a different experience having you with us on this mission."

Victor, who had been observing the camp’s activities, turned his attention to the team leader. His posture was relaxed, his aura exuding an air of nonchalance, "How so, exactly?"

The team leader took a deep breath, his eyes steady. "We’ve had the least number of Alphas in our team for a while now. Having you here, it’s a bit of a game-changer. It gives us a chance to venture further beyond the first layer." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Arching an eyebrow, Victor’s curiosity was piqued. "Interesting observation. But if we count, there are 6 Alphas in total, including myself. Shina’s team, however, seems to have only 4."

The team leader’s expression shifted slightly, "Well, you know how Shina is—always oozing confidence. She’d probably claim her team could take on the world with just a toothpick and a rubber band."

Victor chuckled in response, finding amusement in the team leader’s jest, "Tell me about it. If she wasn’t looking for a water user specifically, I might have ended up in her squad as well."

"..." The team leader felt that Victor began to be somewhat defensive, "Why?"

"Beats me," Victor replied, his tone casually dismissive as he settled down before the light source that mimicked a fire camp.

He watched as one team member poked fun at another’s choice of rations, sparking a round of good-natured teasing.

He couldn’t help but feel like a strong outsider amidst a group that had already forged deep bonds.

Everyone treated him with respect, and nobody tried to get under his skin.

The absence of the playful teasing and attempts to annoy him was, in its own way, a departure from the norm he had grown accustomed to.