After breakfast, everyone slipped into their combat suits. Sanju and Mika walked a short distance before noticing the ground littered with strange flowers, tiny leaves, and plants with unusual textures.
Sanju halted, crouching down. "This could be useful," he murmured, carefully observing.
Mika glanced at him, her tone calm but firm.
"Normal flora category. Toxicity is low, but they're not edible. No point in taking risks."
She moved ahead without hesitation. Sanju rolled his eyes,"Alright then, scientist madam."
Further along, they spotted massive nests perched atop tall trees. Mika stopped,"This might be worth something."
Sanju tilted his head back,"Guess we'll have to climb."
Both ascended swiftly, and minutes later, they descended carrying nine large, heavy eggs. The eggs were far bigger than anything ordinary.
"Protein source," Mika said flatly, her voice steady.
They continued their exploration, encountering strange waterfalls, narrow caves, and bizarre creatures. After two hours, they began their return to base.
Meanwhile, Jun and Mahi pressed forward relentlessly. After nearly three and a half hours, the jungle thinned out, giving way to a dry, desert-like stretch. The heat was oppressive, the air shimmering.
Jun focused inward, his mind locked on the second page of the Mimic ability. A virtual interface hovered before him visible only to his eyes. Controlled breathing, energy channeling, muscle reinforcement… his efficiency had climbed to nearly 34%. Compared to his earlier 20–30%, it was a significant leap.
His movements grew smoother, his bones and muscles more flexible. Beside him, Mahi was drenched in sweat, yet her breathing remained rhythmic, controlled. She was clearly practicing something internally as well.
Jun's gaze flicked toward her for a brief moment. Her white top clung tightly to her frame, outlining the defined lines of her chest and waist. Her shoulders were sharp, arms toned, and her compact build radiated strength. Despite the heat, her expression remained unwavering like a warrior carved straight out of a legend.
Sanju loved Mahi, but even Jun couldn't help himself. His eyes lingered for just a few seconds. Unaware of his glance, Mahi spoke evenly, eyes fixed ahead,"We should change direction. This terrain is too open."
Jun snapped his focus back instantly,"Yeah… north side would be better."
He mentally scolded himself. "Focus, Jun... Focus."
Together, they veered north. Not long after, a massive sand snake appeared, half-buried in the dunes. Its movements were sluggish, as though already wounded.
Without hesitation, Mahi drew her twin blade swords. In one clean strike, she severed the serpent's head. Its body twitched violently for a few seconds before falling still.
She hoisted the carcass effortlessly and continued walking alongside Jun. Moments later, Jun's card interface flickered with a message:
Desert Tentacle-Ant defeated.
You have acquired its ability: Poison Tentacle.
Use:Poison can be infused through nails and teeth.
Jun blinked in surprise, but his attention was soon drawn to the ground. At his feet lay an ant nest, scattered with dead ants. He crouched, collected several, and stored them carefully in a jar inside his bag. With Mahi at his side, he pressed onward into the desert.