Xiao Jin ignored the complex gazes of the players behind her, which were almost tangible, and she didn't even glance at the leopard warrior who was trying to force a "respectful" expression.
He merely tilted his head slightly, then took a step, his blood-stained boots treading through the dark red mud, heading in the direction the orc warrior had indicated.
The orc warrior hurriedly led the way, his posture still extremely humble. Only when he occasionally glanced back at the group of players he had called "flesh worms" did his eyes regain their usual ferocity and a sense of driving away.
Once they were far away, someone couldn't help but curse.
"Damn it, it's just an NPC, how dare it look down on me? I'll find a chance to take it down sooner or later!" the man spat.
————
The animal-hide tent was low and narrow, filled with a strange smell of sweat, blood, and the tanned leather.
Xiao Jin sat cross-legged on a simple bed covered with rough animal hides, his cold gaze sweeping over the so-called "single tent"—aside from the "bed" and a rickety shelf with a dilapidated wooden basin on it, there was nothing else inside.
The orc who had led the way had already retreated, leaving this small space to Xiao Jin.
With a slight thought, the pale blue player panel unfolded in his field of vision, and the cold system notification was clearly visible:
[Second Stage Mission: Eliminate the enemy tribe (Werewolf Tribe). Rewards: Points, 5 Spirit Stones, 5 Wooden Treasure Chests.]
To wipe out a tribe?
Xiao Jin's eyes remained unchanged. Was a large-scale elimination process already underway in just the second stage?
She keenly noticed a problem.
If there are players from the opposing faction, does the 'elimination' mission not count as completed as long as one player remains alive?
Just then, the tent flap was roughly pulled open a crack, and a leopard warrior carrying a wooden tray poked his head in.
When it saw Amo on Xiao Jin's neck, it visibly shrank back before placing the wooden tray on the ground by the door and saying in a muffled voice, "Centurion, this is your food."
After saying that, it quickly retreated, as if staying even a second longer would mean being devoured by those cold snake eyes.
Xiao Jin ignored it. She looked down and saw several large pieces of charred meat ribs with a strong meaty smell, as well as a few shriveled, wrinkled wild fruits with rough skin on the wooden plate.
Xiao Jin picked up a fruit; the texture of it between her fingertips was hard and dry. She took a bite casually, and a strong sour and astringent sensation instantly filled her mouth; it was almost devoid of juice and tasted like chewing wood chips.
"Tsk." She tossed away the half-eaten fruit with a blank expression, but was drawn to A-Mo's appearance.
Suddenly, the little creature, which had been lazily curled up on him, raised its head. When its gaze fell on the pieces of roasted meat, its vertical pupils lit up noticeably, and Xiao Jin sensed a feeling of longing.
"Hmm? You want it?" Amo nodded in response.
Xiao Jin's heart stirred slightly.
This meat... seems to be good for Amo? Could it enhance his strength?
It seems we need to keep an eye on the source of this meat and stock up on some "food" for Amo.
Xiao Jin didn't even glance at the few pieces of pungent roasted meat. Instead, he took out steaming hot roast duck pancakes, smooth cold noodles, and a pot of chilled plum juice from his spatial storage.
Inside the animal-hide tent, which exuded a primitive and rugged atmosphere, she leisurely enjoyed modern cuisine.
Amo, meanwhile, sat nearby and quickly swallowed the few pieces of roasted meat containing a trace of energy. His black jade-like scales seemed to have become even more mysterious.
After filling her stomach, Xiao Jin stood up.
The system only gave her the mission objective, but didn't mention when the next war would break out. She had to go out and gather intelligence.
Xiao Jin slowly stepped out of the tent, while A Mo remained perched on her shoulder, like the most loyal guardian.
As darkness fell, campfires flickered in the camp, and the air was filled with the smoky smell of roasting meat and the rough laughter of orcs.
Xiao Jin looked around for a while, then casually walked towards a leopard warrior who was sharpening a knife.
The leopard warrior was agile and had smooth muscle lines. He was focused on sharpening a bone blade.
Sensing someone approaching, it cautiously looked up. Upon recognizing Xiao Jin, the ferocity in its eyes vanished instantly, and it immediately lowered its bone blade, stood up, bowed slightly, and spoke with obvious respect: "Centurion!"
Without wasting words, Xiao Jin conjured up a large, juicy, and sweet-smelling apple in her hand with a thought.
Its vibrant red color, smooth and alluring skin, and rich, unprecedented fruity aroma instantly captured the leopard warrior's attention.
Its throat bobbed uncontrollably as it stared greedily at the apple, its gaze so intense it could melt ice and snow.
As expected, Xiao Jin understood.
When Xiao Jin saw those dry and unpalatable wild fruits before, she had some guesses.
Comparing the leopard warrior's reaction at this moment, she was certain that fresh, high-quality fruit was an absolute luxury in this resource-scarce tribe that revered strength and meat.
“Answer my question, and it’s yours.” Xiao Jin’s voice was cold and emotionless as she handed the apple forward.
The leopard warrior's gaze was fixed on the apple. He swallowed hard and nodded hurriedly, "Please ask, sir! I, Gru, will answer to the best of my knowledge!"
"What are our identities?" Xiao Jin asked directly, pointing out the core issue.
The inconsistent attitude of the orc who led the way, and the contempt of the other orcs in the camp towards ordinary players, have always been a question.
Gru paused, seemingly surprised by the question, but the allure of the apple overwhelmed him: "You...you are of course the esteemed Centurion! But...uh..."
It hesitated for a moment, then lowered its voice: "Our tribe's leader is very kind... As long as you have the ability, the status of a prisoner is not a problem at all."
"You are now a centurion, one of the elite warriors of our Leopard People tribe."
Prisoners of war! No wonder!
A cold glint flashed in Xiao Jin's eyes.
So that's how it is; the players were directly thrown into the lowest-level cannon fodder roles by the system.
No wonder that orc treated ordinary players so badly, but treated her, a "prisoner of war" with the status of "centurion" and terrifying combat power, differently.
"What's the situation with the werewolf tribe? When do we make our move?" Xiao Jin asked, waving the apple in his hand.
Gru's gaze followed the apple as it swayed, and he spoke rapidly: "Those stinky wolves? Ha! They're in for it!"
Yesterday, their main force went to fight a fierce battle with the 'Venomous Fang' snake clan to the west. I heard it was a very brutal fight! Many of their elite troops were killed!
The commander-in-chief received the news and believed that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
That's why we launched this surprise attack today, while their main force hadn't completely retreated and their camp was empty and exhausted!
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