The Hero Turned Into A Potato And The World Fell To Ruin

"No, I've said it before, it's physiologically impossible," Osar argued while holding a chopstick in his hand. "Look at how thick my fingers are plus the pads; it's impossible to use these sticks to pick up food. So, it's perfectly fine for me to use my hands!"

"Don't give me that. I know very well how agile a fighter's fingers can be," Yaine dismissed his excuse. "You just don't want to learn. You could definitely do it if you really tried!"

"No! I really can't! I've already tried!" Osar protested vehemently. "Can't you just let me use my hands?!"

"No, that's unhygienic." Yaine shook her head. "And you only tried once. Try a few more times; I believe you can pick it up!"

"But I don't believe I can," Osar groaned, thumping his thigh in exasperation. "I just want to eat!"

Liu Ji, holding his wooden bowl and eating quietly, might not have understood the specifics of their conversation, but it didn’t stop him from enjoying the show.

After solitude for so many years, just having some lively company felt great.

Just then, a dark figure descended from the sky.

"Ah, Mervant, you're back." Osar's face lit up as if seeing a lifeline. "Come and settle this for us. They insist I use these two sticks to eat meat. Can you believe this?"

"Sorry, let's discuss such trivial matters later," Mervant said solemnly. "We have a tail."

Upon hearing this, Osar and Yaine tensed up.

"Are you sure? How many are there?" Yaine asked.

"I'm certain; a standard squad of twelve," Mervant replied, glancing at Liu Ji, who appeared utterly confused. "What about him? Should we have him turn into a potato and hide for a bit?"

"No need, we can just let him stay here," Osar said as he put down his bowl and stretched his limbs. "We can't let this place be exposed. We'll intercept them up ahead."

"Agreed. We have left too many traces of activity here. We can't give them a chance to investigate and send messages back." Yaine also put down her utensils and picked up her staff.

Seeing the three suddenly getting serious and gearing up as if ready for a confrontation, Liu Ji felt bewildered. After all, he knew next to nothing about this world or these people.

His first thought was that they were about to face bandits or robbers. But when he thought about it, they barely had a camp, without even a tent—it was unlikely that they had been specifically targeted.

Considering none of them seemed like bad people and each seemed extraordinarily capable, Liu Ji guessed they might be facing someone out for revenge.

He looked worriedly at Yaine and noticed she was also looking at him. Then, unexpectedly, the young girl reached out and patted his head.

Liu Ji felt a bit awkward, wanting to protest but not knowing how to express it.

While he was still conflicted, Yaine withdrew her hand and then gestured to him. Liu Ji roughly understood that she was telling him to stay put and wait for them to return.

Although Liu Ji was worried, he really didn't know what to say due to the unclear situation, and even if he wanted to say something, he couldn't articulate it. After some hesitation, he could only nod.

Yaine sent a faint smile at him, before turning to say something to the others. Then, the three of them dashed off into the dense forest together.

As he watched their figures gradually get smaller in the distance, Liu Ji glanced down at the steamed meat in front of him.

A nearly full bowl of steamed meat was untouched, yet he no longer felt like eating.

It wasn't that he was full; rather, after the flurry of activity, the idea of eating alone in silence seemed particularly unappetizing.

Should I… follow them? Liu Ji wondered to himself.

Hmm…

That's not impossible.

But before that, he might try something. Liu Ji walked over to the spellbook that was being caressed by a gentle breeze.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of a certain green bird, the book had almost dried, although the pages had become somewhat wrinkled as expected.

But that didn’t matter. Relying on the single syllables he had just learned, perhaps Liu Ji could master a few simple spells.

Though he vaguely felt that the kind of magic that burst forth uncontrollably from his fingertip might not really count as having "learned" it, that wasn't important. What mattered was being able to use it.

And then, on top of that…

He felt the strange surge of impulse within his body.

Hmm…

There was no one around, so perhaps it was time to try it out.

But, before recalling this impulse, he ought to first take off his clothes.

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"A standard squad of twelve; two shield guards, two clerics, two archers, two mages, two scouts, and two elite warriors."

Hidden behind a huge rock atop the cliff, Mervant was making strategic plans.

"Given they're concentrated because of the desert, now is the best time to ambush them. I can take out their archers and mages, but you need to buy me some time."

"Mm, usual rules, then; I take the front line, and Yaine provides support," Osar said.

"No, that won’t work. Girunini and Ternox aren't here, and their scouts could easily keep me occupied," Yaine objected. "If I get held up, you'll be in danger."

"Yes, that's the problem," Mervant added. "We're short-handed. Their shield guards and elite warriors will require Yaine's attention. This will be a tough fight; prepare yourselves mentally."

"F**k, how did these bastards even track us down here?" Osar scratched his head in frustration.

"There's nothing surprising about that; a dog's nose is always keener than a person's. And we are all well aware that the desert might stop the common folk but not the Tyrant's claws," Yaine remarked offhandedly, then looked at Mervant. "So, what's the plan? Lure out their scouts first for an ambush?"

"That would be ideal, but it's too risky." Mervant shook his head. "Their scouts are especially quick. Attacking them might expose us and lead to a counter-chase. Desert terrain doesn't favor retreats. If we get cornered into a direct fight, we would be in big trouble."

"Hmm…" Yaine frowned. "But letting them get close before we strike could complicate things further. Any ideas?"

"Of course, and that's to use this," Mervant said, stamping on the rocky ground. "This cliff itself is our biggest advantage—a natural fortress."