However, Patriot noticed that something was not quite right with the dead Originium Slugs on the ground. He picked up one of the insect corpses and began to observe it with meticulous care. This action naturally drew the attention of both Jeanne and Talulah, but they were merely curious. Why would Patriot focus so intensely on the corpses of these insects?
Although the two of them were quite knowledgeable, their understanding of how to distinguish between different types of Originium Slugs was only skin-deep. This was primarily because there were far too many variants; even slugs living between two neighboring villages could have significant differences. They only knew how to identify the specific types that exploded or were poisonous.
But since this object had caught Patriot's attention, it meant that this was likely no simple insect; it served a special purpose.
"What is it, old gentleman? Is there something special about this thing, or is there a secret hidden on its body?"
Since they weren't sure what was happening, the two of them had no choice but to ask Patriot what was so unique about this particular Originium Slug. Faced with their confusion, Patriot did not answer immediately. Instead, he very earnestly identified the corpse, even flipping over every single scale.
Finally, after Patriot seemed to have finally confirmed that he hadn't misidentified the thing, he turned and questioned the two of them:
"When you two were carrying this thing, did you return to the village, or did you walk around the village for a long time?"
Judging by his tone, this matter seemed quite important. Upon hearing Patriot's question, Jeanne and Talulah shook their heads almost at the same time.
"No, we ran into the hunting party when we were still a short distance from the village and then came directly here to ask you about it. Why? Is there a problem?"
Hearing Patriot's solemn tone, the two immediately grew tense. Could it be that this thing was actually a biological weapon carrying a virus? Although biological weapons weren't commonly used on Terra, one couldn't say they didn't exist at all. As for why no one researched viruses as weapons, the reason was simply that they weren't as effective as Oripathy; that stuff was cheap to produce and had a high infection rate—a few dirty bombs could get the job done.
"As long as you didn't return to the village, it isn't a particularly serious problem. This slug can release a special substance that attracts other Originium Slugs to this location."
Patriot's words were clear: this thing was something those people had intentionally released to lead the way. It was originally intended to find their village directly. Fortunately, they hadn't reached the village; they had luckily run into the hunters halfway and turned to find Patriot instead. Otherwise, leading the enemy to their doorstep without knowing it would be too shameful to face anyone.
"However, now that we've confirmed the other side will come looking for us, let's get prepared. I estimate it won't be long before they arrive."
After saying this, Patriot lifted his great halberd and carved several characters into a nearby rock. It was likely a type of script rarely seen nowadays, as even Talulah couldn't understand it.
"This is Ancient Sarkaz. It is rarely used now. It signifies that I will meet them here."
Patriot turned and explained to the two of them. He did this to prevent the other side from searching all over the place, which might result in harm to passersby. As for whether they would honestly wait for him here? If it were anyone else, Patriot wouldn't dare guarantee it, but the Sanguinarch was an exception. That "elegance freak" who always maintained his poise was extremely observant of these ancient Sarkaz rules and would demand his companions follow them as well. If those people wanted to disregard martial virtue and ignore this message to conduct a massive search, they would likely have to resolve their internal strife first.
Talulah expressed her understanding upon hearing this. It wasn't strange for characters with ancient heritages to follow certain rules they identified with. However, Talulah still had one point of confusion: since they were now cooperating with the rookie Emperor's Blades, why didn't they obtain information about their location from them?
One must realize that Kashchey was still acting as a double agent, and the village's location was naturally one of the pieces of information that had been passed out. Regardless, what Kashchey had given the other side was merely a general area. This kind of intelligence could potentially be gathered just by asking a few nearby villagers. In this situation, it seemed as if the "allies" had discarded the opportunity to receive information from each other and insisted on investigating from scratch here.
"It seems the Emperor's Blades and the Sarkaz are not that united. In fact, they might even be dying for a chance to kill each other," Talulah muttered to herself on the way back. She felt this was good news; the difficulty of the upcoming battle might be significantly lowered.
"You should use fire to ignite the ground around your walking path. If these things haven't died, coming into close contact with them also has an attracting effect. High temperatures can destroy it."
In other words, if they weren't careful, they might still be found? What kind of Originium Slug was this! It was clearly one that had undergone special training and rigorous selection to become an undercover agent!
Fortunately, the two weren't worried at all about the flames harming them. Both were experts in using fire; if they managed to burn themselves, it would be far too hilarious.
As the three walked toward the village, they bumped into Mudrock, who was walking back and forth inside the village as if looking for someone. Judging by her expression, her mood wasn't very good.
"Jeanne, there are some things I want to ask you!"
When Mudrock saw Jeanne return, she hurried to her side. It seemed she indeed had urgent matters to explain to Jeanne. And the expression on her face... if the big girl hadn't been without her hammer today, Jeanne felt that with a couple of pats, she might have unleashed a Rock-Shattering Hammer.
Jeanne looked at Mudrock's expression and left with her first. She was curious—what was so urgent that Mudrock needed to find her?
"I just received news that this time, my squad and I are responsible for the security and protection of the village interior instead of going to the front lines to fight... is there some other reason behind this?"
Once they reached a place where no one else was around, Mudrock finally asked Jeanne with some concern why her squad was not joining the battle this time. She had long heard that they would be enemies with the Sarkaz coming from Kazdel, and she and her subordinates had already made full preparations for this fight.
But now, they were actually being told to stay behind in the village? Even though they were currently short-handed, there was no plan to let them participate? Furthermore, she had heard over the past two days that they had given some kind of lecture before, yet not a single person from her side had received a message to go there...
She worried that the reason for all of this was because they were Sarkaz, and thus were suspected of being spies for those people, here to scout for intelligence.
"That... it's true that you were told to stay in the village, but it's not because we don't trust you. Rather, all Sarkaz are staying behind in the village. A few Shieldguards on Patriot's side have also stayed behind because of this."
This was indeed true, but Jeanne hadn't expected that there were actually a few Sarkaz among those Shieldguards! Those people dressed up like iron cans every day; she couldn't tell at all.
Jeanne understood upon hearing this that the other party was worried about being suspected or even sidelined by them. This was indeed a lapse in her own consideration. She had originally thought she was just leaving them to defend according to the preparations, but she had subconsciously forgotten that they were also Sarkaz.
At a time like this, not letting them participate in the battle made it very hard for them not to think it was intentional. Although leaving them in the village was indeed intentional.
But that had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that they were Sarkaz or that they might have a connection to the other side!
"I want to ask why? Is it because the opponents are Sarkaz from Kazdel, and we are also Sarkaz?"
"This... it does have something to do with you being Sarkaz. But it has nothing to do with Kazdel."