The next day, Vaelorian used a communication crystal and regrouped with Lan Liuyue. A total of 500 reincarnates and 4 elders were appointed for the expedition. As Li Han instructed, the elders made a register with the names of the reincarnates accompanying them and decided to take attendance every day.
Each elder was responsible for 125 people, and 4 groups were formed. Eight large carts were prepared with all the necessary items and food. However, the amount of food was comparatively low because the elders planned on teaching how to hunt and cook. The weather was cloudy, and there was a chance it might rain; hence, there was an air of discomfort among everyone. The minimum duration of the expedition was 3 days, plus 2 days of travel. The elders provided the participants with one attack spell and one defense spell to make up for negligence like last time. Li Han was also participating, and King Maximus ordered the elders to not ignore Li Han's input and to take his advice seriously.
When they arrived, Vaelorian saw elders sorting everyone according to their groups with a register in their hands. Vaelorian knew that he would need to be discreet, and no one could find out that he wasn't from Earth.
"Don't worry, I will help you cover your tracks," Lan Liuyue spoke as if reading his thoughts.
"Which group are you in?"
"Let's see," Lan Liuyue took out a crystal and showed it to Vaelorian, the symbol C was visible. "Elder Osiris is responsible for us," he spoke and led Vaelorian to the members of Group C. No one paid any extra attention as they arrived. Everyone was busy with their plans and making strategies in case something extreme happened like last time.
"Alright, we are going to take a quick attendance call; raise your hand and shout 'present' when your name is called," Elder Solon spoke loudly and began reciting the names.
After the attendance, another Elder joined him and observed everyone before speaking. "I am Galadron. I will be responsible for Group D. Elder Solon here will be responsible for Group B. Elder Osiris will be responsible for Group C, and Elder Poe will be responsible for Group A. Before we start our exploration, you need to make sure you are extra vigilant. The place we are going to used to be the biggest city of the entire continent of Celestara and was the major source of income. The King of Celestara, Ephraim, used to live there with his family, and his castle was 20 times bigger than our castle, Celestal Haven! He was the wealthiest king that ever lived in the history of Celestara. I am sure that there are many treasures hidden in the city itself, not just the castle, but the only thing we are looking for right now is not the wealth but the scrolls and any knowledge that might help us advance, so I would like to request you to share whatever you find with us. Of course, it will be returned to you after the knowledge is inspected. When we reach there, don't break formation no matter what you see or hear. You will be instructed by elders about your tasks, and we are going to search the ruined palace once the city is explored, so do not go on your own. That palace had many traps that might still get triggered, so wait for instructions before acting on your own. I hope this is clear to everyone. Though this expedition is supposed to finish within a week, it can stretch up to 10 days, as I have already told you."
Elder Galadron then started explaining the formation. Groups A and D would travel together and enter the city from the North, and Groups B and C would enter the city from the West. The palace was southeast, and they would regroup near the palace and share their experiences.
After making the final preparations, Elder Galadron took the stage again and spoke, "Good luck to everyone," and with that, the groups took the course of their respective paths.
It was supposed to be a really long walk, so Elder Solon and Osiris decided to take a total of three breaks. As for Groups A and D, they had already parted and took a different route. The Empyrean City was so big that it could be called a country on Earth. All the reincarnates were really surprised when they learned that, and since then, Empyrean City has been the talk of the day. Vaelorian, who was walking silently beside Lan Liuyue, could hear all sorts of conversation since they were in the middle.
"What's the plan now?"
"I am not sure, but I don't want to share all the treasures with them."
"How are you sure we will get any? I am sure this Li Han is gonna snatch up something again. You know how these Asians are! They think the world should revolve around them."
"I don't think he's going to be in the spotlight for long. Someone is bound to take his place. I heard that some of the guys here have killed several wolves, and their levels are in double digits now!"
"What? Double digits?! I am not even level 5 right now!"
"That's what I am saying. We need to be really careful now. Think of this as those MMORPG games. You level up, you gather resources, you earn, and finally, you rule."
"Yeah... By the way, is it true that the system might get updated at a certain level? I really want to access the system shop if possible."
"Don't talk about this now. Let's slowly slip towards the end of the group; everyone has ears to our conversation."
Vaelorian immediately straightened his posture and glanced towards Lan Liuyue, who was shamelessly looking at them. There was a strange glint in his eyes.
"What's up?"
"Oh, it's nothing," Lan Liuyue showed a stiff smile and walked silently. 'I will make sure you regret this,' he thought and looked their way one last time, remembering their faces.
'He and Li Han are Asian?' Vaelorian observed Lan Liuyue, whose thoughts were hard to read, but he was obviously displeased.
He broke his gaze from Lan Liuyue and looked around; the forest was getting thicker, and the trail of footsteps thinner. Those who were walking in large groups thinned out into pairs and groups of three.
"Should we explore the city together?" Lan Liuyue suddenly asked Vaelorian.
"I thought that was what we were gonna do."
"I have something to take care of when we reach there. I will let you know through the communication crystal."
"Alright."
Vaelorian pretended it was fine and didn't ask anything.
'Did his system give him something?'