I grow stronger by making my wife happy.

Chapter 207: 207:Camping.

The sun’s golden light painted the endless grasslands in shades of amber and crimson. Occasionally, distant beasts could be seen moving through the grass but none approached the convoy.

Perhaps they had already sensed the smell of blood clinging to the vehicles. Perhaps they simply weren’t foolish enough to challenge nearly a hundred armed contractors.

Silver kept both hands on the steering wheel. The earlier battle had left him mentally exhausted. Although his body could still fight, the constant vigilance had drained his concentration.

He glanced toward Ravenna. She had leaned her head against the window, quietly watching the passing scenery.

”You tired?”

She smiled faintly.

”A little.”

”You?”

”My shoulders hurt.”

She laughed softly.

”You jumped out of a moving car three times. It wasn’t exactly relaxing.”

Silver chuckled.

”Fair point.”

For a while they simply enjoyed the silence. The peaceful drive felt almost unreal after spending two hours fighting for their lives.

Eventually, the convoy leader’s vehicle flashed its rear lights several times. One by one, the trucks began slowing.

Silver immediately reduced his speed.

Ahead, a wide formation of rocky outcrops rose from the plains and formed a rough horseshoe shape. The opening faced south while the remaining sides were protected by natural cliffs nearly fifteen meters high.

Captain Harry climbed out of his truck and slowly surveyed the surroundings. Several experienced escorts spread out immediately, checking every shadow and crevice before giving a signal.

”Clear!”

Another team climbed onto the surrounding rocks, scanning the distant grasslands with binoculars. After several minutes, Harry finally nodded.

”We camp here.”

Relief spread through the convoy. Engines shut down one after another. The sudden silence felt strangely comforting.

People immediately began working. Some contractors unloaded collapsible tents, while others gathered dry branches from scattered shrubs growing between the rocks.

Several mechanics performed another quick inspection of the vehicles before parking them in a wide defensive circle.

Within twenty minutes, a temporary fortress had taken shape. The largest transport trucks formed the outer barrier. Smaller vehicles filled the remaining gaps. Heavy cargo containers were positioned to block the narrow entrances between the rocks.

Anyone, or anything, attempting to enter the camp would have to pass directly through carefully prepared kill zones.

Silver looked around with quiet admiration.

”This is efficient.”

Ravenna nodded.

”They’ve done this countless times.”

Nearby, Harry directed several teams toward the surrounding cliffs.

”I want lookouts there and there. Make sure there no blind spots.”

Four experienced marksmen immediately climbed onto the highest rocks carrying long-range rifles. Others began laying simple alarm systems around the perimeter. Thin wires connected small metal cans filled with loose stones. If something disturbed them during the night, the entire camp would hear it.

Silver and Ravenna also unpacked their own equipment. Their tent took only a few minutes to assemble. Once finished, Ravenna looked toward the center of camp where several fires had already been lit.

”...Hungry?”

Silver smiled.

”Very.”

They retrieved their remaining supplies before joining the others. The atmosphere around dinner was noticeably quieter. People still talked and laughed occasionally, but there was an unmistakable weight hanging over every conversation.

The contractors who had died earlier remained fresh in everyone’s minds. Silver sat beside one of the fires while Ravenna unpacked several portions of preserved beast meat.

Nearby, another team simmered vegetable stew inside a large iron pot. The rich aroma quickly spread throughout the camp. Someone else grilled strips of beast meat over glowing coals.

Elsewhere, contractors simply heated military ration packs. There was no competition ot unnecessary pride. Everyone ate whatever they had.

One middle-aged contractor carrying a bowl of stew approached Silver.

”You two want some?”

Silver blinked.

”You sure?”

The man laughed.

”We made enough for twenty, I think we can spare two bowls.”

Silver accepted gratefully.

”Thanks.”

Ravenna smiled warmly.

”We appreciate it.”

A few minutes later Silver returned the favor by sharing several pieces of smoked beast meat they had brought. Small exchanges like that gradually spread throughout the camp.

Someone traded dried fruit, another shared tea leaves and a third offered seasoning that transformed otherwise bland rations into something surprisingly enjoyable.

The quiet cooperation reminded Silver why experienced convoys survived longer than lone contractors. They had trust, though not complete trust but it was enough to watch one another’s backs and to share a meal after nearly dying together.

As darkness slowly settled across the plains, the fires became the only real source of light. Beyond the camp, the Yellow Zone disappeared into blackness. Only the distant calls of unknown beasts reminded everyone that they weren’t alone.

Captain Harry eventually stood beside the largest fire. His voice carried easily throughout the camp.

”Everyone.”

Conversations gradually stopped.

”We’ll stay here until first light.”

He looked around at the gathered contractors.

”Tonight’s watch schedule has already been assigned. The rest of you, get some sleep, you’ll need it.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

”Don’t wander outside the perimeter, not even to relieve yourselves.”

Several newcomers looked confused. Gareth pointed toward the tall grass beyond the rocks.

”The Yellow Zone isn’t dangerous only because of beasts.”

He picked up something from the ground. It was the dried shell of an insect nearly the size of his hand.

”This.”

Several younger contractors leaned forward.

”Rock Burrow Beetle. It isn’t strong or even Tier One.” He crushed the shell beneath his boot. ”But its bite carries paralytic venom. It hunts at night and if you’re unlucky...” He looked around calmly. ”You’ll wake up inside another creature’s nest.”

A ripple of uncomfortable laughter spread through the camp. One escort raised another example.

”And watch for Needle Scorpions, they like warm boots.”

Several contractors instinctively glanced down at their footwear. The older escort smiled.

”They’re tiny, you probably won’t even notice being stung, that is, until your leg stops working.”

Even Silver felt a slight chill. Compared to massive beasts, tiny creatures often frightened him more.

Ravenna quietly whispered, ”I’m checking my boots every morning.”

”So am I.”

Harry continued.

”If you hear movement outside, wake the nearest guard. Do not investigate alone. If insects get into your tent, shake everything before touching it.”

He looked toward the dark plains one final time.

”We’re in the Yellow Zone now. It isn’t only the big things that kill people.”

Everyone nodded solemnly. The briefing ended. One by one, contractors returned to their tents. The campfires gradually burned lower as only those assigned to the first watch remained awake.

Silver and Ravenna also returned to their own tent. After securing the entrance, Ravenna stretched before lying down on the sleeping bag.

”...Today felt like three days.”

Silver laughed quietly as he removed his boots and carefully checked inside each one before setting them beside the entrance.

”I think Harry scared you.”

”He scared you too.”

”...A little.”

She smiled triumphantly.

”I knew it. Can you imagine waking up with hundreds of insects around you.”

”Be quite.”

She chuckled at that.

Outside, footsteps could be heard as the night watch began their patrols around the perimeter.

Beyond the rocks, insects chirped endlessly. Occasionally, an unfamiliar roar echoed somewhere across the plains, followed by silence once more.

Silver extinguished their lantern and darkness settled inside the tent.

”Good night.”

Ravenna’s sleepy voice answered almost immediately.

”Good night.”

Within minutes, exhaustion claimed them both.