Recalling the simple thought experienced briefly during the escape, it seems that even if it "regains consciousness," it wouldn’t be able to communicate complex ideas to give the answers he wanted.
However, the one thing that is certain is that whatever this oval-shaped egg-like object is, its preciousness is undeniable.
After all, effortlessly controlling so many demons in an instant, even if those demons might have a close relationship with it, is by no means a simple act.
Demons, especially wild ones, are difficult to tame creatures, yet they exhibited near-instinctual reverence and submission when faced with this egg.
This absolute suppression in terms of power far surpasses that of ordinary Magic Items or demons.
For now, it must not be revealed to others.
Gauss subconsciously felt this.
Thoughts were chaotic and unresolved.
Exhaustion swept over like a tide, and he soon fell into a deep sleep.
...
Night fell.
The glow from torches alongside the road brightened the path.
A short woman, just about waist-high for an adult, stood by the roadside, putting away the map in her hand.
"Hey, kid, move aside. This isn’t a place you should be!"
A drunkard stumbled out from the tavern, nearly bumping into the small figure, shouting loudly.
As he spoke, he reached out, intending to push her aside.
But the small woman slightly turned her body, gracefully dodging the drunkard’s movement, her sharp gaze sweeping over the man.
Soon a wooden staff taller than herself appeared in her hand.
With a gentle wave, the tip of the staff touched the drunkard’s abdomen.
The next moment, a slight ripple flashed in the air.
The man immediately flew several meters away, landing by the roadside, his mouth filled with dirt.
"Who are you calling a kid?" The short woman adjusted the wide brim of her hat and walked indifferently past the drunkard.
And those who witnessed the scene, including the man who had been shocked into sobriety, dared not breathe loudly.
After all, he was a Level 1 Warrior, being blasted away effortlessly like that, even when drunk, showed the other’s power far exceeded his own.
Only when she went inside the tavern.
Did he get up dejectedly.
"What are you staring at? Get out of my way!" The man shouted in anger and shame.
This incited a burst of laughter from the surrounding spectators.
But having learned from experience, he didn’t dare again to have physical conflicts with anyone, huffing as he quickly left the tavern.
Second floor of the Lucky Rabbit.
Gauss stretched and sat up from the bed.
He had slept exceptionally well.
Looking at the window, the sky was completely dark, it was already evening.
He faintly heard lively conversations downstairs.
He walked to the room next door and knocked on the door.
"It’s me, Gauss."
Aaliyah opened the door.
She had gotten up earlier, and there was an open book on the table.
"Awake?"
"Yes."
"Aaliyah, where did Serdur go?" Gauss had just gone to the room next door, he wasn’t in there.
"He went out with Ulfen and Aik for a stroll, and by the way, to scout for information," Aaliyah replied. "Seems like another batch of people arrived in camp this afternoon."
"Then let’s go downstairs and grab something to eat."
The two headed downstairs.
By now, the first floor was almost full of diners.
Adventurers were exchanging stories about today’s gains.
Noticing the changes at the outpost, especially seeing the cavalry corps heading out wasn’t limited to Gauss and the others, other adventurers noticed as well.
Most qualified adventurers are aware of the importance of information, particularly in this precarious, battle-prone front line, where any slight movement doesn’t escape the adventurers’ eyes.
"...They don’t seem to be heading towards the dragon’s nest...."
"Yes, their target seems to be the Misty Path."
"Wasn’t that place blocked off by the cavalry corps days ago? Why are they sending people there again today..."
"Who knows? Maybe some mysterious treasure appeared."
"How irritating..."
"I heard someone say the mist near there has cleared."
...
Gauss quickly listened to the conversations while scanning the hall, looking for an empty seat.
Suddenly, his gaze stopped at a certain corner, his eyes turned bright with surprise.
On the seat stood a petite figure.
Her hair was smooth and ebony, with the height of a child, yet she had the face of a beautiful adult woman.
Her body proportions were harmonious, looking completely different from those stocky Dwarves.
He didn’t expect to meet her here!
He walked briskly over, with a slight smile, feeling a bit like encountering a familiar face in a foreign land.
"Miss Andri, I didn’t expect to meet you here."
Before him, was none other than the owner of the Thorny Hut, the Half-Elf Mage Andri.
"It’s you, Gauss." Andri beckoned. "Sit down and eat with me, I just ordered a bit more."
Compared to Gauss, she appeared quite calm.
Gauss glanced at the food in front of her, most of it hadn’t been touched.
Evidently, she sensed he was here and ordered extra.
"It’s been months since we last met." Gauss sat down at the empty seat with the somewhat awkward Aaliyah. "Miss Andri, where have you been these past months?"
Since last autumn, he hadn’t seen her at the Thorny Hut in Gray Rock Town.
Every time he went, she wasn’t there.
So, he figured she must have gone on a long trip.
"Well, it’s a long story." Andri forked a piece of roast meat, her gaze fell on the quietly sitting Aaliyah beside Gauss. "Aren’t you going to introduce your teammate?"