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n?If the previous booklet harbored Code 19’s secrets, safeguarded by a unique encryption, then it was inevitable that Code 19 would prepare a contingency for certain dire situations.

nPerhaps in the event of his demise seeking someone to exact revenge? Or if wronged, to seek retribution?

nThe information within the booklet was accessible and easily interpretable by Code 19 himself, yet he must have also devised a key for those who found the cipher incomprehensible—a means to “unlock the door” for them.

nCould this booklet serve as that very key?

nAli picked up the booklet and opened it.

nIts pages were yellowed with age, clearly having existed for some time.

nThe contents were sparse, mainly comprised of symbols and equations.

nBy identifying a starting point and embarking on a simple deduction, Ali discovered these to be the derivational equations of a spell matrix.

nThough incomplete, Ali could approximately discern the matrix’s function: it directly influenced the ability to shape mana, allowing for the precise molding of mana.

nNearly half of the booklet was filled with related equations, the remainder blank.

nAfter perusing the booklet, Ali’s confusion didn’t dissipate but deepened.

nWas this supposed to be the key? Or had Code 19 not left any key at all? Or perhaps, had she overlooked something crucial?

nAli reviewed her own actions and those of Code 19, assuring herself that her deductions were correct.

nCode 19 didn’t come across as a deeply scheming individual; rather than a hitman, he seemed more akin to a straightforward warrior.

nHe preferred direct combat and liked to use his own strength to defeat enemies.

nWould such a person concoct an intricate series of contingencies?

nIt wasn’t impossible, but it seemed overly taxing for his intellect.

nThus, the primary concern remained with the booklet.

nPerhaps trying out the spell matrix? It might conceal something significant.

nYet, it could also be a trap.

nHowever, now wasn’t the time for these endeavors.

nAli needed to ascertain Jelia’s situation first.

n“Roronora, take me to Jelia.” .

nAfter packing up all discovered items and casting a final glance at Code 19’s body, Ali dusted off her hands and stood up.

n“This body, do you have any ideas for dealing with it?”

nLeaving it here was definitely not an option.

nAside from the risk of decay and attracting wild animals with the stench, if Gick had left any surprises within Code 19, they might activate at any moment.

n“Burn it?”

nOne of the best methods to eliminate traces was fire.

nA simple blaze could ensure there was nothing left to worry about.

n“That makes sense. Let’s burn it.”

nAli nodded, and with a flick of her wrist, mana coalesced and swirled into a flame-like crimson, rolling and flickering in her palm as though it were a real flame.

nHaving accumulated a sufficient amount of mana, Ali flicked her wrist, sending a roaring orb of mana flying out, striking Code 19’s body on the ground.

nFlames burst upon impact, the intense heat causing Ali’s bangs to curl slightly.

n“The fire seems a bit too large? Well, it’ll do.”

nAli established a circular mana barrier around the corpse to prevent the flames from spreading.

nAfter confirming the fire would reduce Code 19’s body to ashes, she and Roronora turned to leave.

nThe fire, formed purely from concentrated mana, was fiercely dangerous, with high temperatures and rapid combustion.

nMoreover, due to the small amount of mana contained within human flesh, the body itself could serve as a special kind of fuel, even in the absence of conventional materials.

nBy the time Ali decided it was okay to depart, the scent of roasting meat wafted through the air.

nDespite the grim source, the aroma of grilled meat was unmistakably similar.

nShaking her head to dispel the nauseating thoughts, Ali looked up and saw Roronora’s silhouette ahead.

nWas there something different about this Werewolf?

nA faint sense of unease lingered in Ali’s mind, yet she couldn’t pinpoint the source.

nThe hideout where Jelia and Roronora were staying wasn’t far from the site of their confrontation with Code 19.

nIf it were, Roronora wouldn’t have been able to arrive so promptly.

nAs Ali approached within a hundred meters of the hideout, Roronora had already sensed her presence.

nThe defenses and alerts around the hideout were all crafted by Roronora.

nIn other words, if the hideout was considered a nest surrounded by a web, then Roronora was like the large spider lurking within.

nAny disturbance in the web, and he would react immediately.

nAnd Jelia? She was the spider’s boss.

nDespite her young age, she carried herself like a mafia boss, exuding authority and control.

nAmid such boundless musings, Ali arrived at the new hideout.

nAnother cave… or rather, a burrow.

nThe entrance, barely large enough for a person to enter while stooped, was located at the foot of a mound about one and a half meters tall, surrounded by weeds taller than a person.

nAli looked around and then noticed smoke stains on a hollow in a withered tree next to the mound.

nIt seemed this was the ventilation shaft, ingeniously set up.

nRoronora led the way into the burrow, with Ali following two meters behind.

nThe burrow extended downwards, gradually enlarging, and after walking about five or six meters, Ali could stand up straight.

nA few torches inserted into the cave walls provided dim lighting, casting long, distorted shadows that danced and swayed with the flames, giving the impression of a chaotic dance of shadows.

nAbout twenty meters further in, the space suddenly opened up.

nIt was a unique area, spanning hundreds of square meters, with the ceiling rising more than four meters above the ground.

nThe floor was made of solid bluestone, and the walls were also compacted, resembling a windowless room.

nIt was more than adequate for a temporary dwelling.

nIn the center of the cave, a campfire had been built with stones, and an iron pot, sourced from who knows where, was suspended above it. .𝒎

nJelia, her hair in disarray, squatted beside the pot, her gaze dripping with anticipation, saliva flowing uncontrollably.

nThe pot bubbled with wild vegetables, dried meat, and chunks of bread.

nThough the fare was simple, the aroma wafting up after seasoning was surprisingly pleasant.

nHearing the footsteps, Jelia reluctantly shifted her gaze from the iron pot, then saw Roronora and Ali.

nThe moment she saw Ali, a radiant smile spread across her face, and she sprang to her feet.

n“Ali! You’re finally back! Help me comb my hair! There’s no mirror here, I can’t do it myself, and Roronora is all thumbs.”

nA shadow crossed Ali’s face.

nSo, your joy is merely because someone is here to comb your hair? Howard has spoiled you rotten.

nClattering across the bluestone floor, Jelia approached, holding a large soup spoon she’d found somewhere.

nStopping in front of Ali, she scrutinized her from head to toe, then nodded in approval.

n“You’re not hurt. Roronora rushed out so hastily, I feared you’d encountered serious trouble. Now that you’re unharmed, hurry up and help me with my hair! Do you even know what time it is?”

n“In this wilderness, who’s there to see your hair anyway?”

nAli huffed, her affection for the girl’s concern evident despite her retort.

nBut that was just lip service, a bit of banter.

nIf she truly refused to help Jelia with her hair, who knows how long the young girl would persist in her requests.

nRetrieving a comb from her bag, Jelia dragged Ali to a corner of the cave and sat down on a stone.

nThe rock was cool, and though covered with a layer of unknown animal fur, a chill still seeped through.

nAli frowned; after all, this was a cave, and even with a fire going, the warmth was limited.

nStaying here too long could prove challenging for Jelia’s health.

n“Roronora, keep an eye on the pot for me, will you?”

nOnce seated, Jelia, still preoccupied with her culinary endeavor, asked Roronora to monitor the cooking.

nRoronora nodded, dutifully squatting by the iron pot, mirroring the position Ali first saw Jelia in.

nWatching Roronora’s somewhat clumsy actions, a twitch flickered at the corner of Ali’s eye, as she barely suppressed a laugh.

nWas it true that the nature of the underling reflected the character of their leader?

nDespite Roronora’s formidable presence, capable of standing toe-to-toe with Code 19 without falling short, he seemed utterly docile around Jelia.

nAnd then there was Howard, usually so calm and rational, yet somehow always at a loss around Jelia.

nWas this a case of ‘every strong man has his weakness’?

nThough Jelia expressed urgency, combing hair wasn’t exactly challenging; it’s just that doing it alone without a mirror could indeed be tricky.

nQuickly tidying up Jelia’s hair, Ali patted her on the head.

n“It’s best not to linger here too long these next few days. This place is quite damp and chilly, and the cold is intense. If possible, getting some fresh air outside wouldn’t hurt, but safety comes first.”

n“Got it,” Jelia nodded, pushing off the stone to spring up and scampered back to the pot with a patter of feet.

n𝑖.𝘤ℴ𝘮

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