Meanwhile, Lady Elysia, the object of Baldy Burke's fervent affections, had just sat up in bed. Rubbing her eyes, she stretched languidly, revealing her flawlessly smooth, hairless armpits. Finally, she swung her legs over the side and began to dress slowly.
Though she'd had the opportunity to suggest sharing a room with Scholar the previous night, she'd ultimately chickened out and slunk away to a private room, feeling rather sheepish.
In any case, a new day meant a fresh start. Elysia resolved to resume her search for side quests. Notably, her outfit today was strikingly androgynous: a white long-sleeved top paired with knee-length shorts that exposed her calves, and white sneakers. The ensemble was designed for maximum mobility.
After checking her reflection, Elysia closed one eye, struck a peace sign, and murmured, "Hmm~ As expected of me. I look cute in anything, don't I?"
Come to think of it, Elysia hadn't worn pants in quite some time, especially since her identity as an Outsider had been revealed within White Eagle. Since then, she'd been wearing various frilly dresses every day.
But she could only sigh faintly now. She'd long stopped caring about such trivial details. Elysia quickly tied her hair into a low ponytail and left her room.
It's worth noting that Elysia had already withdrawn from her Herrscher state. Naturally, her hair had returned to its normal length, shortening from ankle-length to waist-to-hip-length.
Still quite long, though.
Soon after arriving in the aircraft's main cabin, everyone was present except for Scholar: the six members of the Stone Army Squad and the three newcomers.
The reason for the gathering was simple. Yesterday, after Elysia finished bathing and was returning to her room, Shi Jun had approached her. They exchanged a few brief words, mostly Shi Jun asking if she wanted to join them in searching for "side quests" the next day.
With the sudden addition of two formidable powerhouses to the team, the main quest of surviving for seven days was no longer a concern. Shi Jun naturally turned his attention to completing side quests to maximize their rewards.
He approached Elysia, subtly suggesting that she join their group and, if possible, keep an eye on them.
It was a genuine request for "backup," not outright protection. The Scholar's "Ghost-Killing Weapon" had been successfully upgraded, and each member now possessed at least thirty rounds of special bullets. A single shot was enough to instantly kill any Ghost.
Yes, the upgrade had been completed in less than a day, far exceeding Elysia's expectations.
In any case, Elysia saw no reason to refuse the request for a joint operation. Searching for side quests alone was no different from doing it as a group, and with more hands, wouldn't they be more efficient?
As the plane gradually descended, the landscape below slowly came into view. However, it wasn't the street where they had first appeared, but a small, eerily dark grove.
Although the Scholar's aircraft had ascended and descended in a straight line, it was impossible for the trajectory to be perfectly precise.
Gazing at the landscape below, the new recruit couldn't help but shrink back. "What's this? Like trying to find a sword by marking the boat?"
Shi Jun said, "Alright, we're not exactly back where we started, but it shouldn't be too far. Everyone, spread out and search the area."
Once the aircraft had stabilized a few meters above the ground, everyone disembarked in an orderly fashion. The rookie streamer hesitated briefly before jumping, but the height was nothing to the others.
Elysia scanned their surroundings before pointing in a direction. "Let's go this way!"
Shi Jun asked, "Did you find something?"
Elysia shook her head instantly. "Nope, just a wild guess."
Shi Jun stared at her, speechless.
Ever since their encounter with the Hunter known as "Spandex Man," when Elysia had miraculously chosen the correct option in a one-in-five situation, she'd noticed her luck seemed to be improving. If she had the time and internet access, she'd already be testing her luck with a few gacha games.
With no other leads to follow, the group started walking in the direction Elysia had pointed.
The surrounding trees were withered and twisted, resembling the gnarled, wrinkled faces of old men, their branches like bony fingers staring intently at the group.
The wind howled through the forest, its shrill cries echoing eerily like a ghostly lament.
Yet, whenever they looked to the front of the group and saw Elysia, the pink-haired girl leading the way, her long, swaying pink hair behind her, the lingering dread vanished completely.
Lu Tianyu gritted his teeth, quickened his pace, and positioned himself behind Elysia. "Um..."
Hearing him, Elysia glanced back. "Lu Tianyu? What's up?"
Lu Tianyu froze in shock. "Miss Elysia, you know my name?! But you never asked..."
Elysia looked genuinely surprised. "Of course I do! I learned all your names from Shi Jun long ago."
For Elysia, the ultimate social butterfly, remembering a few names was child's play. Even in the White Tower, she could accurately recall everyone's name.
After all, remembering someone's name was the most basic courtesy, the cornerstone of building good relationships.
Lu Tianyu's pupils trembled slightly. If he had only felt a mild affection for Elysia before, he was now completely smitten.
Elysia, however, remained blissfully unaware that her casual mention of his name had completely captivated this innocent young man. Even if she knew, she probably wouldn't care.
After all, countless people adored her. How could she possibly reciprocate everyone's feelings?
Elysia turned her gaze forward, her cherry lips parting slightly as she announced, "We're here."
An ancient courtyard unfolded before them, flanked by two massive stone lions guarding the entrance. Simultaneously, a notification popped up for everyone:
Quest Triggered: Assist the Manor's Master in Completing the Burial Ritual
Completion Reward: 8,000 Points
Failure Penalty: None
P.S.: The Scholar's real name is Gongsun Hua. Elysia knows her true name, but the Scholar dislikes it and prefers to be addressed by her codename. Elysia has always respected this preference.