Is this Really Ok?

Taking out a map, Airhorn tried to identity their current location.

Take a look around. Take a look at the map. A few moments passed.

With knitted brows, Airhorn lightly shook his head.

There's no distinct landmark features around. Taking a look at that pillar of light... Airhorn could guess their distance away from the exit. However, they weren't here to do the explorer 'Final Exam.'

Got to find a bandit's fort. And then get to the mines inside that fort.

Turning his head, Airhorn gave Pitcher a nod.

Without any words needed, Pitcher understood the team lead's message.

Taking a marble out of a pouch, Pitcher injected his mana into this small artifact.

Gradually, that marble started to glow with a teal light. And that light eventually took the form of a small sparrow.

With an upward throw, that teal sparrow flapped into the sky. In a moment, it's too far to be seen.

Yep. All artillery class mages had scouting skills. If they couldn't pinpoint their enemies, how were they supposed to snipe these targets?

With closed eyes, Pitcher turned his head to look around. By the looks of it, he had shared vision with that sparrow minion.

Focussing his gaze, Jake had no trouble detecting an energy signature in the sky though.

That teal sparrow spiralled above their head for a moment, gradually widening its path.

Finally, choosing one direction, it flew off.

However, by the looks of it, this unhidden visitor had attracted some attention.

"Watch out. 9 o'clock. An energy signature is approaching."

Without any hesitation, Pitcher broke off the connection with his scout minion. That sparrow quickly formed back into a marble, powerlessly dropping to the ground.

"Thank you." Pitcher politely nodded at Jake.

Jake replied a 'no problem' nod.

True, if that sparrow minion got killed, Pitcher wouldn't be that injured. But it's still a hit to Pitcher's mind. After all, his consciousness was on that sparrow's body. Experiencing death might not be a pleasant experience. Also, there's a long skill cooldown if the minion dies.

As expected, after being attracted, that monster continued to fly this way. Noticing the group of explorers, it dived down like a silent bomber plane.

That black dot in the sky quickly expanded. In a few seconds, this thing was already just 10 meters above Jake's group!

Taking a closer look, it was a Steel-Feather Eagle! Its wings had to span at least 3 meters wide!

Even with this size, it's still a silent and agile killer. Silently diving down. Quickly picking off an explorer into the sky. High above the ground, it would drop off the explorer, leaving that explorer to experience a last minute of despair.

With its armor-like features, most attacks won't even leave a scratch on this monster.

A beam of teal light shot right through that bird. The monster disintegrated into a cluster of metallic dust, fading away in air.

A dozen light-blue metallic-looking feathers slowly fell towards the ground.

Seeing this result, Pitcher put the rest of marbles back into his pouch.

Jake raised his brows and nodded in approval. Looks like this really was going to be an easy trip.

Airhorn went over and collected the feathers. "Old rules? All loot spread evenly among all members? 20% each."

A nod from pitcher.

"Sounds good!"

"Yeah. Sure. Whatever."

Jake raised his brows. Looks like he was getting a share as well.

To be honest, Jake couldn't care less about this pocket money. However, he did like the approach though.

No need to carry anything. Low effort. Free money. Eh. Why not.

'I'll take it.' Jake nodded in reply.

Having this agreement settled, the group chose to move in a random direction. No distinct landmarks nearby. Got to locate themselves first.

Maybe it's because of the date. 24th already. Most monsters had been cleared already. Or maybe it's because of the collaboration among the explorers. This trip had been pretty smooth so far.

If this easy target, Pitcher would casually one-shot the monsters from afar. If it's troublesome. Just take a detour.

Just like this, a morning passed.

Airhorn repeatedly hummed the same part of a song. Seemed like classic rock.

Pitcher yawned sleepily from time to time. Applying eye droplets from time to time. Still not interested in talking. Still giving off a tired aura.

Arsonist rhythmically flipped his zippo light opened and closed.

"So Jake." Emily Rogers leaned a bit closer.

"Yes?" Jake replied with a 'I'm listening' nod.

"Do you know why I've been single all these years?"

"Tsch." Arsonist scoffed. "Too violent maybe?"

Gritting her teeth, this short girl stared at the biker with squinting eyes. Then she turned to Jake. Her expression instantly became cute and innocent.

"Because I was waiting for you."

Those three dudes were too lazy to react now. Seemed like they got used to this by now.

The edge of Jake's mouth twitched a little. "I- Ok."

There's really no end to this girl!

By now, Jake could be 80% sure. OK. Maybe 90% sure that this girl was serious. But isn't this going too fast?!

Who'd ask a stranger to be her boyfriend?!

"Erhm. So. Master Collins. Why are you collecting the pebbles here?" Airhorn dryly changed the topic.

"It's for research purposes." Jake replied.

At his strength, even by throwing non-magical pebbles, it might still be enough to kill off monsters. Theoretically... Some testing would be needed.

"If you don't mind... about the cleanse talisman..." Airhorn hesitantly asked with a lowered voice. It's as if he was afraid of people eavesdropping or something. Though, on this vast empty plains, no other explorers could be seen.

"For now... About 80%." Jake replied.

Hearing this, the explorers in this group relaxed a little. With that success rate, looks like this trip won't be meaningless.

"Wow. That's amazing!" Emily took over again. "Can I come watch you practice?"

Jake: ...

"Sorry..." This short girl put on an apologetic look. "I get it. Personal space right?"

"But there is still space in my heart. You are welcome to move in at any time. You can make this space your personal space."

Jake: ...

There's really no end to this girl!

'Maybe I should have a good chat with this girl...'

'Also... Maybe I should goo-(copyright)-gle what to do...'