Chapter 202 (2/2)

She threw Hao Ren a surprised look, and after noticing the composition of his group, she took a few steps back, alarmed. “You already have so many female companions… This is difficult for me… I—I have already taken the vow…”

Hao Ren was dumbstruck by her reaction. “Who was talking about that?! Can’t you stop being so imaginative?”

Y’zaks shrugged with a hearty laugh and he patted Hao Ren on the shoulder. “Seems like I’m being ignored.”

Her eyes immediately widened again as she looked at Hao Ren and Y’zaks. Biting her lips, she went, “This is even more difficult that I thought… If your interest is…”

“… If you are insisting on going that way, I don’t think we can ever cooperate.” Hao Ren was almost green in the face by then. He was taken aback by the astute woman’s imagination and her blunt way of speaking. Who the hell talks like this to people they meet for the first time? Things like this are usually kept to yourself, no? “…Talk of compensation can come later. But rest assured, we won’t demand for something that we won’t do ourselves. Our motive is simple, we are looking for a partnership in research. ”

The blonde woman was late in catching Hao Ren’s displeasure. She realised that she had spoken too much, too directly. “I’m sorry… Our kind speaks from our hearts. In fact, I have come to ascertain that your kind acts very differently from ours.”

Hao Ren noticed her serious look and understood that the lady meant no ill-will. Her kind probably treasured candor over flowery languages. He proffered his hand to her, “Let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Hao Ren.”

The lady looked at Hao Ren quizzically as she returned his handshake. “I’m Hilda. Hilda Vader.”

The group quickly introduced themselves as well, even the ever-so confused Becky. Hilda had only introduced herself by name and nothing else. She clearly had some reservations about the group. Hao Ren was certain that the ice would break soon enough. As soon as they were able to find a time where Becky was not around, they would reveal their true identities.

“…So…what’s next?” Becky still wore a confused expression as she spoke. The group was so relaxed by then that she thought they had completed their quest. “I thought we were looking for the Orb?”

“We are,” Hao Ren said as he waved her off. “But, you know…I’m a scholar…”

Vivian and Wuyue coughed drily by the side.

Hilda did not seem to be unperturbed by the ruckus. She was only concerned about going home. She took the opportunity to ask Hao Ren, “So, when do we begin? How do you plan on sending me home? I thought you were just theorists and have yet to find any success? Let’s start from more practical tests then. I have expertise in this…”

“Calm down. We don’t need to rush this.” Hao Ren was taken aback by the rapid fire questions and waved his hand to calm Hilda down. “We too have some things to clarify with you before hand. This place is definitely not where you want to talk about it. We are heading to Beinz after this. There’s a rest station there, where we can have a breather. Let’s talk about it when we get there. Even a teleportation gate will need a proper spot, won’t it?”

“The Blood Lake? I’m heading there too.” Hilda heard the mention of the Blood Lake and nodded as she slowly calmed down. “You’re right. We need to exchange information. I’m not even sure if you are able to help… Wait a moment, I need to do something about my treant protector.”

As she spoke, Hilda ran towards the burnt out husk of a tree giant to perform some sort of magical ritual. Hao Ren took the chance to contact his MDT. “Say, can we bring someone out of The Plane of Dreams?”