Chapter 268: Helping each other
The sky had gradually darkened, making it harder to see the trail ahead.
Luke looked toward the driver.
"Should we set up camp nearby?"
The driver nodded.
"I was thinking the same. We’ll stop for the day. There’s a stream not far from here. It has enough open space for us to rest."
By "space," he meant distance from the dense wilderness where predators lurked unseen among the trees.
Camping near a stream had its advantages.
The flowing water carried away much of the human scent that would otherwise attract wandering beasts, making it a relatively safe place to spend the night.
Of course, it wasn’t without danger.
Once darkness fell, many wild animals that had remained hidden inside their dens throughout the day emerged to hunt and drink from the stream.
Someone would have to stay awake and keep watch through the night.
"It’s getting cold," Monica muttered, wrapping her arms around herself as a chilly breeze brushed past.
It caused her bust to stick out even more, unconsciously drawing a certain young man’s attention.
Ah, how he wished to be buried in those buns.
But not right now. Luke reached into the System Shop and pulled out a simple woolen shawl. "Here. Wrap yourself in this."
"Ah... I packed one in the bundle," Monica said, though warmth still spread across her cheeks at his concern.
No matter how often he cared for her, she could never grow used to the feeling.
Each small gesture made the same quiet happiness bloom across her face.
Luke smiled.
"It’s fine. And if it gets colder, make sure to cover your ears too."
Monica nodded before draping the shawl around her shoulders, immediately feeling the comforting warmth settle over her.
The gentle murmur of flowing water gradually became louder.
At the same time, the chilly breeze sweeping through the forest made Thea visibly shiver, stirring her from her sleep.
"Why is it so cold?"
She rubbed her eyes before glancing outside, only then realizing the once-bright sky had grown noticeably darker.
"Once we’re by the stream, you can try catching some fish," the driver said as he guided the carriage toward the riverbank. "If your eyesight is good enough, that is."
The carriage slowly came to a stop.
Luke was the first to step outside.
"Stay inside for a moment," he said. "Let me check the area first."
Monica and the others nodded as they watched him walk several steps away before lowering himself into a crouch.
He placed his fingertips against the ground.
<Echolocation>.
Invisible waves spread silently through the surrounding forest.
Moments later, the returning echoes painted a clear picture in his mind.
A few snakes.
Several birds.
Countless insects.
Nothing dangerous.
Satisfied, Luke rose to his feet.
"You can come out now."
Though instead of waiting, he walked back to the carriage and offered each of the women a hand as they carefully climbed down.
The carriage floor stood nearly a meter and a half above the ground, making it difficult for the women to climb down on their own.
After helping everyone out, Luke turned to the driver.
"Will you be staying with us?"
The man shook his head.
"I’ll sleep in the carriage. But wake me before you all turn in. I’ll keep watch while you rest."
Luke nodded in understanding before shifting his gaze toward the others.
They had already begun exploring the area.
Thea lazily wandered around, searching for the perfect place to sleep.
Roxanne stood near the stream’s edge, watching the crystal-clear water rush past with childlike excitement.
Meanwhile, Monica and Laila remained off to one side, quietly whispering to each other.
Luke silently spoke to the System.
’Show me my Gamma Points.’
[Gamma Points: 1,220]
He had once carried over sixteen hundred points.
Some had gone toward buying equipment for Ginna, while the rest had been spent on supplies for their journey.
Necessary expenses.
No point regretting them.
’Let’s see... two tent sets, one electric fence, some blankets, two bear traps, and a few alarm bells.’
[Calculating cost...]
[Cost: 115G]
’Buy everything and send it to my Inventory.’
[Command accepted.]
After finishing, Luke looked back at the group.
"I’ll bring out the food baskets. Does anyone need anything else?"
"Where exactly are we supposed to sleep?" the shortest woman asked, her irritation impossible to hide.
Luke merely shrugged.
"Figure it out."
Thea let out an exasperated groan.
Before she could complain further, Monica hurriedly stepped forward.
"Ah... we can make a canopy using the sheets I brought."
Luke raised an eyebrow.
"You really came prepared."
Monica smiled shyly.
"My mother taught me how to build temporary shelters with bamboo poles and sheets. I can make one for you... I mean, for all of us."
Luke couldn’t help but chuckle.
"I appreciate the offer."
He smiled.
"But I’ve already got it covered."
The next moment, piles of unfamiliar equipment suddenly appeared on the ground one after another.
Laila jumped back in surprise.
"W... What is all this?"
The others looked just as bewildered.
Luke grinned.
"Our home for tonight."
He rolled up his sleeves.
"Come on. Give me a hand."
Luke picked up the folded fabric and spread it across the ground.
"First, clear the rocks," he instructed. "Sleeping on them isn’t exactly comfortable."
Nobody argued.
Even Thea, despite grumbling under her breath, began kicking away loose stones.
Roxanne eagerly gathered fallen branches, humming to herself as though they were preparing for a picnic rather than camping in the middle of a monster-infested forest.
Monica carefully swept away dry leaves with a long branch while Laila silently carried the heavier equipment wherever Luke pointed.
"Those poles," Luke said. "Hand them over."
Laila passed them to him one after another.
After extending the collapsible poles, Luke pushed them into the ground before fastening the fabric over them. The tent slowly took shape.
"...That’s it?" Monica blinked.
Luke looked at her.
"What did you expect?"
"I thought we’d have to tie knots and cut bamboo."
"We’re camping, not starting a construction work."
Roxanne giggled while Monica scratched her cheek awkwardly.
"I suppose that makes sense..."
Within several minutes, the first tent stood firmly on the ground.
Luke moved on to the second one.
This time Monica had already figured out how the pieces fit together and began helping him without needing instructions. Laila secured the pegs with a small hammer while Roxanne stretched the fabric tight whenever Luke asked.
Even Thea wandered over after realizing everyone else was working.
She folded her arms.
"So? Am I supposed to just watch?"
Luke tossed her a bundle of pegs.
"You can start by proving those hands aren’t just for complaining."
"...Tch."
She clicked her tongue but crouched down anyway, driving the pegs into the soil with surprising force.
Luke glanced at her work.
"They’re straight."
"What? Were you expecting me to mess it up?"
"A little."
"You..."
Thea glared at him while Laila burst into laughter.
By the time the sun dipped lower, both tents had been erected.
Luke then said, "I will place the traps for our security in a bit. Now, let me take care of the food."
Monica exchanged a glance with Roxanne before the latter said, "No, you rest and let us take care of the food."
Monica nodded, "Yes, you have already done a lot. Let us take care of the meal, Luke."
Luke smiled warmly at them before saying, "I understand but at least let me bring the firewoods from the forest."
Monica and Roxanne didn’t argue since they knew what he would say if they asked to go in the forest.
Luke then turned to Laila before saying, "Come and help me."
Laila nodded before following the man to the dark forest.
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