novelzi Chapter 16: Let Me Stay Awake
Chapter 16: Let Me Stay Awake
Chapter 16: Let Me Stay Awake
The forest in the east was dense, with thick roots snaking across the ground and patches of vibrant moss clinging to the tree trunks. The plants are older than I thought.
To ensure she wouldn't lose her way, Athena pulled out a small blade from her pack and began marking the trees.
I can't lose my way, but just in case the ghost wants to look for me. A quick, deliberate slash at eye level on each trunk created a clean notch, a subtle but effective guide for her return.
She crouched down to examine the soil, scooping a handful and rubbing it between her fingers. The soil is rich here. So planting and growing food won't be hard.
The texture was rich and damp, suggesting the area was fertile. Her trained eyes scanned the ground for edible plants or useful materials.
She spotted clusters of glossy leaves with dark red veins, which she recalled from her training were safe to consume and packed with nutrients.
As she moved further, she encountered a vine with thorn-like spines curling around a tree. It exuded a faint, citrusy scent. Lemon?
Intrigued, Athena carefully clipped a small piece to analyze later. If nothing else, it could serve as a natural deterrent or material for traps.
The forest was alive with sounds, the distant calls of alien creatures, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the faint hum of insects. Just like the forest back on Earth.
Her instincts were on high alert as she stepped lightly, avoiding areas where the underbrush was too thick or uneven.
The camera bot hovered close, its lens focusing on her hands as she worked and her face as she assessed the environment.
Athena deliberately ignored it, knowing her every move was being broadcast to millions.
After nearly forty minutes of exploration, she paused, leaning against a tree to catch her breath. This job is still exhausting. The days I trained were not enough.
The air was humid, the earthy scent of the forest clinging to her skin.
She glanced at the path she had marked, the slashes on the trees standing out against the natural patterns of the bark. "Time to head back," she murmured to herself.
She turned and retraced her steps, her markers ensuring she didn't stray.
By the time she returned to their meeting point, Mors was already there, standing tall with his arms crossed, his camera bot still circling him like a watchful fly.
"Find anything useful?" he asked as she approached.
[She's resourceful. I like her.]
[The Major General deserves someone better. This whole pairing feels staged.]
The stream's chat feature flooded with comments, and opinions ranging from admiration to outright disdain.
Athena, oblivious to the heated debates, tended to the fire, adjusting the wood to keep the flames steady.
"We should set up shifts for the night," she said, glancing at Mors. "I'll take the first watch."
Mors frowned slightly. "You've been working all day. I'll take the first shift."
She met his gaze, her tone firm. "I can handle it."
For a moment, neither spoke, the crackling fire was the only sound between them. Finally, Mors nodded. "Wake me if anything happens."
As he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, Athena positioned herself near the cave entrance. Her sharp eyes scanned the dark forest outside, her mind focused and alert.
Far away, the live chat continued its relentless commentary.
[She's taking the first watch? Respect.]
[I bet she'll mess up somehow.]
[Look at the way she's sitting, so composed. She's got guts.]
[What's her story? There's something different about her.]
[What about her family background?]
Though the galaxy buzzed with speculation and judgment, inside the cave, the couple worked silently, an unspoken understanding growing between them as the firelight flickered, casting shadows on the stone walls.
Athena's sharp eyes caught sight of a cluster of vibrant, reddish fruits hanging from a tall tree just a short distance from the cave.
Each fruit was almost the size of her head, its glossy skin gleaming faintly under the moonlight. What kind of fruit is that?
Her curiosity was piqued, not just by their appearance but also by their potential as a food source. Without hesitation, she moved toward the tree.