The night sky was filled with stars, and tonight was cloudless, allowing the silver-white moonlight to pour down unrestrainedly.
In the clearing, orange-red flames blazed wildly, and the wood in the campfire crackled and popped.
The firelight stretched the shadows of the people sitting around the campfire.
Warrior Liam used a dagger to poke at the charcoal, setting up the grill. The wild rabbit on the fork sizzled over the flames, its grease dripping into the fire, sending up sparks and releasing a continuous aroma of roasting meat.
In Gauss’s somewhat tired eyes, there was a hint of anticipation.
This might be the last night of this dungeon exploration journey.
According to the estimated schedule, by tomorrow, they should be able to thoroughly explore this dungeon.
Therefore, Lawrence suggested that they rest well tonight and gather around the fire for a meal, as a way to celebrate the upcoming successful conclusion of the dungeon exploration journey. This dungeon exploration had yielded a considerable harvest, and everyone found it hard to hide their joy.
After a busy day, delicious food, especially greasy meat, was the best comfort.
Unfortunately, the traps set up in the morning only caught one wild rabbit, barely enough for everyone to have a taste of meat.
Faced with Lawrence’s suggestion, although Gauss felt a bit odd, with a strange sense of premature celebration, he hesitated but eventually did not spoil the mood.
By the fire, Priest Apprentice Adrian couldn’t help but praise.
"You’re the one who knows how to enjoy, Lawrence."
The spices used in roasting the rabbit were kindly provided by young master Lawrence.
It’s known that good spices are not cheap.
Even as adventurers, they aren’t always willing to use spices for seasoning in every meal.
"If you’re alive but can’t even enjoy basic food, then it’s really a waste of this trip to the world." Lawrence waved his hand.
Gauss glanced at him.
Quite a few people were affected by that blanket statement of his.
Regardless of others, judging by those present, at least half were probably ordinary people from impoverished backgrounds.
Many ordinary people are lucky to have a full meal, let alone enjoy gourmet food.
At least the original owner of his body didn’t have those conditions.
By the fire, apart from the roasted rabbit, everyone also prepared some emergency food, since the meat on the grill was not enough to divide among seven adventurers with bigger than average appetites.
Gauss brought coarse oatcakes, dried meat strips, and meat sauce.
Others also took out their food to heat.
Gauss glanced around, noting the food everyone brought.
The only food that puzzled him was that of the Half-Beastman warrior Sok.
Did this guy really eat only black bread for several days in a row?
Watching him take a bite of black bread after letting boiling water cool slightly, as usual, Gauss raised an eyebrow, a slight confusion passing through his eyes.
Logically, given his abilities, it shouldn’t be that he resorts to only eating black bread, even if he just relied on the money saved from the usual commissions.
Moreover, does black bread provide enough nutrition?
Does he simply love black bread? Or is he broke?
Are there really people who love black bread? Gauss found it hard to imagine. But if the reason is poverty, it’s rare to see capable adventurers ending up like this, right?
Sok devoured his food in a few bites.
"Do you want a cake?" Gauss subtly moved his food towards Sok.
He wasn’t acting out of pure kindness.
During the past days of dungeon exploration, Sok had instinctively stood in front of him to provide protection.
Although most of the time, the dangers weren’t actually threatening him, thanks to his Mage Armor.
But still, it was a kind gesture from the Half-Beastman warrior.
"No need. My own bread is enough." Sok shook his head.
"You keep it."
Gauss noticed the bag he used to store black bread was already empty.
He handed his extra coarse oatcakes and a few meat strips to Sok.
"Tomorrow should mark the end of the exploration, I brought extra, and they’re not worth much."
Sok hesitated for a moment but wiped his hands on his clothes and accepted the food Gauss offered.
"Thanks, then."
After thanking him, Sok tore the coarse oatcakes and meat strips into pieces and chewed them.
Seeing him accept his goodwill, Gauss also breathed a sigh of relief.
In the past few days, others had offered their food to Sok, but he stubbornly refused.
Perhaps since tonight was the last night, or maybe because he saw that Gauss’s food wasn’t particularly valuable, he finally accepted Gauss’s offer this time.
"Sok, are you really short on money?" Gauss hesitated for a while and asked softly.
"Yes." Sok remained silent for a moment and nodded. "All my money goes back to my family; I have ten or more siblings, and I am the eldest."
"After this exploration ends, it should be enough for..."
"No, stop! Let’s discuss any future business after the exploration is over." Gauss interrupted, feeling things were not okay.
"Oh, okay." Sok nodded, not quite understanding.
This low-key exchange did not draw the attention of the others by the fire, busy with the roasted rabbit.
Gauss finished his portion of the meal.
He moved closer to the fire for warmth, reflecting on the events of the past few days.
Tonight marked the fifth day of the dungeon exploration.
In these five days, he had killed a total of 68 monsters.
Averaging 13 to 14 per day, it might not sound like many.