While Liam was busy with the orcs, the rest of the group slowly started to spread out and take charge of the city. They split into two groups and started expanding their circle in two different directions.
But they soon realized that Liam's warning was not for naught. As they headed deeper into the outskirts, where every single beast hadn't already been cleared, they started running into some unexpected elites and strong beasts.
Despite the danger and difficulty presented by these beasts, the group gained a substantial amount of experience points from defeating them.
But the drops were non-existent and there were also no mana cores. At least the beast meat obtained from them was extremely nutritious.
Unlike Liam, the two groups couldn't simply pump and dump. They did not have any soul minions working for them at the moment. They had to personally take care of the resources.
Alex had already taken this into account, and she arranged for some means of transportation and reliable workers after talking with Derek's sister, Lily.
These people followed the two groups around on big trucks and helped in the loading and unloading of beast meat when the fight was finished.
This way, they were also able to cover more distance.
Even though there were times when it was inconvenient, such as when the road became clogged because drivers had stopped their vehicles and left them in a chaotic state, it was, by far, the most convenient and effective option available.
In this way, the two scouting and hunting groups continued their expansion mission for the next couple of days. Their presence was like a parade on the street as more people began to learn about the new group forming at the heart of the city.
Some individuals even boldly approached passersby in order to inquire about the situation. They took the information with a healthy dose of skepticism, at least up until the point where they heard the name "Crimson Abyss."
With weird rumors spreading about some sort of apocalypse and some people even claiming that the game world had merged with the real world, many survivors decided to check out the so-called Crimson Abyss headquarters.
Meanwhile, more mana zombies had also started to emerge. This further led to more people flocking towards Crimson Abyss.
Soon, the base became extremely busy, with various people handling various tasks and duties around the clock.
Thankfully, eating beast meat not only provided them with the additional strength they required but also assisted everyone in remaining in the best condition possible, with their physical and mental capabilities operating in high gear throughout.
Among this hubbub and busy atmosphere, only a few people noticed that something was odd. An important figure was missing in action at least for three straight days.
"No, I really haven't seen Mr. Liam." Lily apologetically shook her head and answered the redhead, who was nervously biting her lips.
"Where the hell did he go? Is he alright?" Alex sighed as her chest heaved, letting out a deep breath. She weirdly felt restless after not having been in contact with Liam for so long.
Her attractive features remained scrunched up in worry for a few good minutes when she forcefully reminded herself. "What am I worrying for? He is a monster. He will be fine. There shouldn't be anyone on this entire planet who is capable of hurting him."
Her words were spoken out loud, but Lily knew that they were not meant for her. Alex was simply trying to comfort herself by saying these things.
"Ok, thank you." The redhead nodded and left after a couple more seconds. Despite all the logical assurances she had given, she still seemed worried.
Seeing the woman walk away half absent-mindedly, Lily couldn't help but smile bitterly. This was not the person who had come to visit her today about this matter.
Mei Mei, Shen Yue, and Ning Xi had also come to her earlier with the exact same set of questions, all wanting to know if Liam had returned to the base at all after he left to explore the updated dungeons a couple of days ago.
They all had the same look of worry and concern on their faces and were extremely distressed that they hadn't heard back from him.
"Our guild leader has a lot of women looking out for him." Lily couldn't help but chuckle to herself. She then sighed as her gaze wandered to the skies, searching for the familiar sight of the three-tailed snow white fox.
"Please be alright, Mr. Liam." She muttered under her breath. What she didn't realize was that, at the moment, she too had the exact same look of concern.
Unfortunately, the second day also passed by without any sign of this person.
Finally, at the end of the third day, a fox lazily drifted across the sky and landed with a yawn in front of the hotel. From atop the fox, Liam rolled down, his body covered in numerous cuts and injuries.
Lily almost shrieked in fright on seeing this appearance of his. She was scared stiff, and her face turned pale.
The all-powerful Liam was actually hurt? Just what had he been up to for the past three days? Was something worse coming their way? Was the world going to end?
Numerous questions ran through her mind as she rushed forward to support the man whom everyone looked up to.
She did not want to see him stumble and fall, not in front of these people or in front of anyone else. He was their pillar of support, and he needed to stay strong. For the sake of her brother, he needed to become even stronger.
Lily felt guilty that her thoughts were a little selfish, but she couldn't help it. Her situation was like that. This man in front of her was the only person capable of bringing her brother back, if at all.
"I am fine. Don't worry." She heard Liam mumble, but she continued to cling closely to him and helped him to a suit on the ground floor of the hotel.
***
Mass Release Chapter 5~
Please thank Frenchii for sponsoring this mass release!
