The two of them ventured together into the depths of the forest.
Large wild beasts roamed this area. For most people, it would be extremely dangerous.
But for Alvin in his current state, those so called ferocious beasts were nothing more than tonight's ingredients.
After searching for a while, Alvin discovered a concealed cave. The two of them entered cautiously.
"Perfect. There is airflow inside. It is ventilated. You stay here for a moment. I will go gather some firewood."
Alvin felt a steady current of air flowing inward, which meant the cave extended deeper inside.
After speaking, he turned and ran out.
Left alone in the dim cave, Robin felt a trace of tension. She widened her eyes slightly and observed her surroundings with vigilance.
Time passed slowly.
Eventually, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. A tall silhouette appeared at the cave entrance.
Alvin walked in and casually used his spatial storage ability to take out a large bundle of firewood.
Then he began working efficiently.
He arranged the dry branches, placed a small cluster of dried grass beneath them, ignited it, and gently blew on the flame. The fire quickly caught and spread.
Soon, a lively bonfire burned in the center of the cave, illuminating the rocky interior. Warm light flickered across Alvin and Robin's faces, bringing a sense of safety in the darkness.
They sat beside the fire.
As soon as they settled down, Robin looked at him seriously.
"Now tell me. What exactly happened with Zelas?"
Alvin gave a small smile.
"Did I not tell you before? I came here specifically for him. Now he has been dealt with."
Robin parted her lips in surprise.
After a moment, she spoke again.
"You do know that Zelas holds a legal position as mayor. Even though his bounty was never revoked, the World Government may not necessarily honor the payment now."
Alvin shrugged casually.
"It does not matter. I was never truly after the bounty. I simply wanted him removed."
Robin looked at the boy five years younger than herself. For a moment, she felt that his composure and decisiveness did not match his age.
Roar!
A powerful beast's roar suddenly echoed from outside the cave.
Both of them turned toward the entrance.
Alvin inhaled sharply.
"Well then. Tonight's dinner has arrived. I will be back shortly."
He picked up his broken Tang Hengdao and ran out excitedly.
Not long after, the anguished cries of a beast rang through the forest.
Then Alvin's voice drifted in from outside.
"Robin, I am going to skin and prepare this tiger first. I will be right back."
"Understood," Robin replied calmly.
Meanwhile, inside the mayor's office building.
Isa's expression was colder than ice.
Several hours had passed since Zelas pursued that mysterious young man, yet there was still no sign of him. Even the gangs had failed to locate any trace.
The most likely explanation was that they had ventured into the deeper forest.
But it was nighttime.
At night, the strongest beasts became active. Sending people into the depths now would only result in heavy casualties.
"Should I personally go search for him…" Isa murmured softly, lowering her head. Her delicate brows knitted together.
With her strength, ensuring her own safety would not be difficult.
However, she did not truly care whether Zelas returned.
After serving as his secretary for two and a half years, she had come to see him as increasingly incompetent.
"Or perhaps… I should become mayor instead. Yes. That will do."
In that instant, she made her decision.
A beautiful yet chilling smile appeared on her face, like a poisonous flower blooming beneath the night sky.
----
Back in the cave deep within the forest.
The aroma of roasted meat filled the air.
Alvin stared at the large pieces of meat roasting over the fire, practically drooling.
"Are you truly that hungry?" Robin asked with an amused tone as she watched him.
"Have you not heard? A growing boy can eat endlessly. And right now, I am still growing," Alvin replied, his eyes never leaving the meat.
Robin covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"That is the first time I have heard that explanation."
She wore a short top that did little to conceal her figure. When she laughed, her posture shifted slightly, drawing attention naturally.
At seventeen in this world, most people were already physically mature. Height rarely increased further after that age.
Only certain aspects of a woman's body would continue to develop past seventeen, and Robin, now twenty, was still in that phase.
Unfortunately, Alvin did not notice at all.
"It is ready!" Alvin declared happily.
He took out another knife, sliced the roasted meat into smaller portions, then retrieved utensils from his system storage and served a portion to Robin.
"Here."
"This one is yours."
"Thank you," Robin replied with a warm smile as she accepted it.
Seeing her take the food, Alvin immediately began devouring his share without the slightest concern for appearances.
He ate with complete focus.
Only after finishing every last piece did he release a satisfied breath.
Turning his head, he noticed that Robin had not yet finished her portion.
"Robin, that will not do. You need to eat more. Otherwise, how will you have the strength to run?" Alvin said with a faint hint of criticism.
"You are too relaxed. We are still being hunted. Once dawn arrives, they will begin searching the mountains. We will have to escape again," Robin said with slight irritation.
She finished the final bites of meat, handed the utensils back to him, and a trace of worry surfaced in her eyes.
"Worrying does not help. It is not like we cannot outrun them. Oh, right. Can you read sea charts? I obtained a West Blue sea chart."
As he spoke, Alvin retrieved the chart he had taken from Zelas' office.
Robin nodded.
"I understand them well enough."
She was not exaggerating. If she could not read sea charts, she would not have survived years of pursuit.
After all, she was a scholar of Ohara.
Even if her field was archaeology, navigation knowledge was essential.
Alvin spread the chart out on the ground. Robin leaned closer to examine it under the firelight.
After studying it carefully for some time, she finally lifted her head.
"Well?"
Alvin asked eagerly.
"It is indeed a West Blue chart. It covers a considerable region, including the seven kingdoms surrounding Asriel," Robin replied thoughtfully.
"That is perfect. Then we can leave Asriel. Once we reach the coast, their ships will not be able to catch us," Alvin said excitedly.
"We…" Robin repeated softly, slightly stunned.
"Yes. You are coming with me, right? I cannot read sea charts properly. So we have no choice but to leave together," Alvin said as if it were completely obvious.
"Alvin, staying near me for too long will only bring you trouble."
"No."
"You already said that before. And now the World Government has likely taken notice of me. So it is too late to say that."
Alvin interrupted her without hesitation.
Robin froze once more.
When she regained her composure, the melancholy in her eyes slowly faded, replaced by a gentle smile.
"Very well. Then we will form a temporary partnership."
She looked at him with playful seriousness.
"From now on, you will call me Big Sister. Understood? Little Brother Alvin."
Alvin's eyes widened instantly.
"Who are you calling little? That is slander. I am not little at all. If you do not believe me, take a look."
...
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