Although the language had switched to English, numerous young sorcerers in Dragon Kingdom had mastered this tongue. Not everyone resembled Lin Yu in being completely ignorant of English. Even those who couldn't comprehend the words could discern Hermione's meaning through body language and expressions.
Understanding without exposing the truth, everyone simply exchanged knowing, indulgent smiles.
Only Hermione believed she'd concealed matters effectively. Observing the surrounding sorcerers smiling at her, she remained somewhat puzzled, continuing to interpret their expressions as friendly gestures and reciprocating with her own smile.
Clearly, Hermione hadn't quite grasped Dragon Kingdom behavioral customs. Although Glenn, due to his previous life's worldly detachment, didn't fully understand them either, he could infer information by observing others' expressions and had noticed this dynamic. However, he refrained from mentioning it.
Trivial matter—unnecessary.
However, regarding Hermione's desire to mobilize and assist those besieged divine beasts, no immediate course of action presented itself.
First, clues and traces had been deliberately severed. The sole confirmable detail was that those tracks led toward the secret realm's center.
Second, their own objective remained this secret realm's center. Within such unknown and perilous environments, Hermione understood that independent action would constitute the absolute worst strategy—advancing alongside the main force represented the proper approach.
Grasping this reality, the somewhat anxious Hermione drew a deep breath, patted her cheeks, and restored her composure.
Presently, maintaining optimal condition held paramount importance, enabling her to contribute maximum effort when circumstances demanded.
The girl's self-regulation capabilities remained exceptional. She rapidly adjusted her mindset and regained tranquility.
The rest period concluded swiftly. Following Lin Yu's directives, everyone collected their belongings, sanitized the area, restored the rest site to its original state, and resumed their journey.
Having confirmed enemy activity's existence and recognizing the situation might prove more urgent than anticipated, Lin Yu refused to accelerate the team's pace accordingly.
Excessive haste breeds failure. Disrupting original plans and operational procedures to reach the secret realm's center faster would prevent team members from resting adequately and performing at peak capacity. Under such circumstances, honestly, he lacked confidence in extracting every operation participant from the secret realm intact.
Maintaining their established rhythm, the group proceeded with intermittent progress, finally reaching their predetermined rest and reorganization position by evening, commencing camp establishment.
Although Glenn and Hermione had brought a portable magical tent spacious enough for both occupants, to avoid appearing excessively isolated from the group, the girl decided against utilizing that magical implement, choosing instead to follow the team's gender-segregated, four-person tent arrangement for overnight accommodation.
Unfamiliar with tent assembly, Hermione volunteered to accompany young sorcerers responsible for casting protective enchantments around the campsite perimeter. Glenn, possessing tent-construction experience, remained within camp to assist others in erecting shelters.
Regarding certain aspects, Dragon Kingdom's magical implements proved less advanced than Eagle Kingdom's equivalents, creating a somewhat peculiar sensation for Glenn.
He'd mention this to Grandmother later while sharing Eagle Kingdom's superior magical tools.
In Glenn's perspective, no national boundaries existed—only distinctions between family and outsiders. Beneficial innovations should be shared with one's people, especially relatives.
Arms folded, Glenn magically manipulated several hammers and tent stakes that danced before him with rhythmic clanging, assembling and positioning the shelter so rapidly that he astounded several young sorcerers who had barely completed half their construction. This distraction caused their grips to slacken, and their partially erected tent collapsed again, prompting groans throughout the encampment.
"Allow me to handle this."
Glenn offered this suggestion, and after receiving the young sorcerers' consent, efficiently erected every tent within the campsite.
"What purpose did our remaining here serve?"
The young sorcerers observed Glenn's installation methodology while voicing existential inquiries.
"Uncertain, though the tents stand completed—albeit not through our efforts. Glenn, our gratitude."
Confronted with the young sorcerers' appreciation, Glenn shook his head dismissively:
"Unnecessary. Now assist others. Completing campsite construction expeditiously provides additional rest time, benefiting everyone."
Delivering these words, Glenn disregarded whether the young sorcerers heeded his counsel and proceeded independently toward the cooking group adjacent to the tent area, preparing to contribute toward tonight's meal.
Everyone exchanged glances, recognizing identical expressions in each other's eyes.
"Glenn clearly possesses fewer years than us all—why does he seem so mature?"
"Honestly, despite my own masculinity, Glenn's demeanor appears rather impressive. Let me clarify—I harbor no unconventional inclinations, merely man-to-man admiration."
"...Distance yourself from me. Your explanation worsens matters—now I suspect ulterior motives. Regardless, cease this nonsense. Despite his youth, he demonstrates such consideration. We seniors, older by one or two years, cannot permit him to surpass us."
"Precisely correct! We must demonstrate Dragon Kingdom people's character!"
Their discourse intensified their enthusiasm. Rolling sleeves and flexing arms, they advanced toward the cooking group.
Subsequently, the cooking group members expelled them for creating disturbances and providing counterproductive assistance.
"I mean, Glenn's exceptional culinary skills aside, why can an Eagle Kingdom student prepare our Dragon Kingdom dishes superior to we Dragon Kingdom natives?!"
The banished young sorcerers squatted in formation beside the cooking group, secretly lamenting while questioning their existence as they observed Glenn preparing familiar Dragon Kingdom cuisine with assembly-line efficiency—dishes that appeared absolutely delectable.
Would unappetizing food emit luminescence?
Impossible, surely?
The aroma and presentation alone rivaled creations from Dragon Kingdom's master chefs!
"Dragon Kingdom cuisine tastes exceptional, so I studied preparation methods."
The young sorcerers' murmuring reached Glenn's acute hearing through the evening breeze. Regarding this, Glenn provided his explanation.
What alternative existed?
Confess that his previous existence required self-sufficiency or starvation?
Who would credit such fantastical claims?
Having inhabited the conventional world for over a decade, Glenn retained some practical understanding.
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