On a floating island high above, Yuto Saito sat calmly on the sofa, eyes closed, listening to the frequent alerts.
[Ding! Team member Nako killed a second-order red-winged python and gained 200 experience points.]
[Player Nako killed a first-order White Flower Snake and gained 100 experience points.]
[Team member Nako killed an ordinary green snake and gained 10 experience points.]
The steady stream of notifications confirmed what Yuto already knew: Nako was in a frenzy, wiping out the threat in X City. He smirked, satisfied. Keeping her in the city had been a wise decision.
Yu Qi, sitting nearby, gleefully interrupted his thoughts, "I've leveled up to 3! My combat power increased by 50. I can finally unlock 'Heart of Nine-Nine-Seven'!"
"Congrats," Yuto said with a hint of amusement, keeping his focus on the progress reports.
Yu Qi, curious, leaned over. "Are other members hunting too? My experience points keep going up!"
Nako answered, "Yes, we have someone in X City. Nako."
While the others couldn't see the combat stats of their teammates, Yuto could view everyone's power level and progress. It was just one of the many advantages of leading this group.
Back in X City, Nako stood victorious. The majority of the snakes were either dead or had fled from the school grounds. Her spear glinted in the light as she planted it firmly into the ground. The winds of victory blew through her hair as her classmates cheered.
"Nako is a beast!"
"Look at her! She's unstoppable!"
"My goddess, Zhang Feina!"
As the crowd roared her name, a small smile crept onto Nako's lips. The glory was intoxicating, but it was only possible because she was part of Yuto Saito's team. Without his leadership, none of this would have been possible.
She checked her inventory: 96 spar. A good haul. Her eyes flicked toward the boys' dormitory as she set off to trade her spoils.
Inside, Xian Moumou and his friends were huddled together, still awestruck by Nako's performance. When she entered, all eyes were on her, their awe palpable.
Xian Moumou stepped forward, offering a thumbs-up. "Nako, you're incredible!"
She smiled slightly. "How many spar did you collect?"
Xian Moumou, eager to help, quickly replied, "We gathered 6 spar in total."
Wang Pin added, "I have 4 more. Here, take them."
Liang Fu chimed in, "I've got 1."
Tony followed suit, "Same here, 1 spar."
After collecting the spar from them, Xian Moumou handed everything over to Nako. "Please give these to Brother Yuto. He's given us so many resources, and we owe him this."
Nako nodded appreciatively. "I'll let Yuto know. Make sure to exchange spar for supplies whenever you can."
They all agreed, their faces filled with respect and admiration.
"Remember," Nako added, "if you ever need more supplies, just tell me. Yuto Saito is fully committed to helping you build up your strength."
Xian Moumou was visibly moved, tears welling in his eyes. Yuto's faith in him meant the world. It was more than he had ever expected. Even Wang Pin, a relatively new recruit, silently vowed to help Xian Moumou grow their group. He dreamed of one day becoming an elder.
Nako bid farewell and made her way to the girls' dormitory, where Zhou Shuyi and the others were waiting, all gazing at her with admiration.
"Hey, Nako!" Zhou Shuyi greeted. "I'm Zhou Shuyi."
Nako had watched Zhou's broadcasts before and smiled warmly. "Hello, Sister Zhou."
Zhou Shuyi laughed. "Just call me Xiao Zhou. You're the real elder sister around here. You were amazing out there! So many snakes, all taken down by you."
"Just Nako is fine," she replied modestly. "I'm only one person. My captain is the truly powerful one."
"Yuto Saito, right?" Zhou asked, intrigued.
Nako nodded. "Yes. By the way, did you collect any spar? I can trade supplies with you."
Zhou Shuyi's eyes lit up. "I have 4 spar. What can I get for them?"
Nako opened her inventory, displaying a variety of snacks, fruits, and other materials. The girls' eyes widened with excitement.
"You can pick eight items," Nako said. "Each serves four people."
The four women huddled together, quickly deciding on their favorites: self-heating rice, packaged chicken legs, and fresh apples. After making their selections, Zhou handed over the spar. "Thank you, Nako."
"You're welcome," Nako replied. "Let me know if you need more supplies."
Zhou grinned. "Can we add each other on WeChat?"
"Sure," Nako agreed, and they exchanged contact information before parting ways.
Meanwhile, back on the floating island, Yuto Saito slowed its descent as it neared X City. He wasn't in a hurry. Nako had already informed him that everything was under control.