Near the Tanit Tribe in the Desert
After deciding to head to the desert to generate frustration points, Luo Qing wasted no time. The next morning, he and his subordinates set out toward the Tanit Tribe.
Because Theresa’s emotions were still unstable after her heartfelt confession the previous night, Luo Qing entrusted her to Makoto. He wasn’t sure if “care for her” or “train her” was the better term, but he also lent Makoto Rosalyne’s simulated mask for the time being.
Aside from the two of them, everyone else accompanied Luo Qing to the desert.
The desert tribes often collaborated with the Fatui, so it wasn’t difficult for Luo Qing to gather information about their camps. A simple inquiry with Catherine had provided details on most of the tribes and even the precise locations of their settlements.
Several days later, they arrived at their destination: the Tanit Camp.
As a major branch of the Eremites, the Tanit Camp housed a significant number of mercenaries. Its remote and harsh location made it an ideal target for Luo Qing’s plans.
Even if things got messy, it wouldn’t matter much.
—
Standing at the edge of a deep canyon, Luo Qing compared the scene to the map in his hands. Confirming the location, he turned to his subordinates and spoke in a calm voice.
“We’re here. You all remember your assignments, right?”
“Yes, Lord Luo Qing,” Natalia and the others replied respectfully.
“Yes, Master,” Rosalyne added with a slight nod.
All of them wore identical grinning masks, matching Luo Qing’s signature look. The effect was both imposing and eerie.
Luo Qing had briefed them on the mission beforehand, explaining their purpose:
They were here to “bring knowledge and education” to the desert people.
And if the tribes didn’t cooperate…
Well, a little violence would get the message across.
“Good. These people are tough and ruthless, so don’t let your guard down. If you’re in danger, use a healing capsule immediately. Got it?”
“Yes, Lord Luo Qing!”
Luo Qing wasn’t worried about Rosalyne—her Vision and cursed flames made her formidable. However, Natalia and the others, aside from the firearms he’d provided, were essentially ordinary people and vulnerable to desert trickery.
He had no intention of losing his subordinates in the desert.
After giving his instructions, Luo Qing stowed the map in his system inventory and led the group toward the Tanit Camp.
—
As they approached the edge of the canyon ruins, a group of Eremite mercenaries intercepted them.
“Who are you? This is Tanit territory. Outsiders are forbidden!”
The leader drew his curved blade, pointing it at Luo Qing’s group.
“Relax,” Luo Qing said, spreading his hands with a disarming smile.
“We’re here on behalf of the Akademiya. Our mission is to improve your educational system and bring you the gift of knowledge.”
“Knowledge… what?”
The leader gave Luo Qing a skeptical once-over, noting the group’s mismatched appearance. While Luo Qing and his subordinates wore Akademiya robes, the strange masks on some of them raised questions.
“Hah! Do you take us for fools? We don’t need your pity or charity. Get lost, or we’ll bury you in the sand!”
The leader’s voice was cold and disdainful.
The Tanit Tribe had their own ways of acquiring knowledge, including smuggling books. Some of their members were more well-read than the Akademiya scholars tethered to their Void Terminals.
This so-called “knowledge mission” was nothing but an insult to their intelligence.
“Don’t be so quick to refuse. Come here—I’ll show you something you’ll definitely like.”
Luo Qing gestured with one hand, as if holding something in his fist, and beckoned the leader with the other.
Curious but cautious, the leader exchanged glances with his companions. Assuming Luo Qing was about to offer a bribe, he hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
“What do you—”
Ding!
[Frustration Points +1 from Neuz Taisia.]
Before he could finish his sentence, Luo Qing delivered a solid punch to his stomach. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Of course, Luo Qing had held back. These people were walking frustration point generators—far more valuable alive than dead.
Seeing their leader collapse, the remaining two guards leveled their spears at Luo Qing and prepared to attack.
However, before they could take more than a few steps, ice suddenly formed beneath their feet, freezing them in place. Within seconds, the frost crept up their bodies, immobilizing them entirely, save for their heads.
“Now then,” Luo Qing said, walking up to the frozen men with a friendly smile.
“You have two choices: take us to your matriarch, or remain here as perfect ice sculptures.”
“…”
“Who are you people?” one of the guards stammered.
“Didn’t I already say?” Luo Qing chuckled.
“We’re from the Akademiya, here to offer our warmth and goodwill.”
“…”
—
Inside the Tanit Camp
In the end, the proud desert warriors had no choice but to compromise, leading Luo Qing’s group into their camp.
Though they were wary of Luo Qing’s party, especially Rosalyne’s Vision-wielding powers, they refrained from ambushing them outright. Instead, they escorted them to the matriarch for her judgment.
At that moment, the Tanit Tribe’s matriarch, Babel, was deep in discussion with her subordinate, Azarig. She glanced up as Luo Qing and his group were brought before her.
“Azarig, who are these people?”
As the matriarch, Babel prided herself on knowing all her tribe members.
“They claim to be Akademiya envoys, here to help us establish a better educational system,” Luo Qing interjected with a calm smile.
Behind him, Natalia and the others subtly spread out, two watching the interior and two guarding the exterior.
“Matriarch…”
Azarig leaned in to whisper something to Babel. With her eyes obscured by a blindfold, Luo Qing couldn’t read her expression, but he caught the faint curve of her lips.
“The Akademiya…”
“Apologies, but the Tanit Tribe doesn’t need the Rainforest’s hollow gestures of goodwill,” Babel said sharply.
“What’s more, you attacked our people and still dared to show your faces before me. Am I to understand that you’re not very bright?”
She shot a glance to the side, and Azarig immediately drew his weapon, pointing it at Luo Qing’s group.
“Perhaps I’ll trade you to the Akademiya for some valuable books.”
With that, Azarig lunged at Luo Qing, blade aimed straight for him.
Before he could land a blow, Rosalyne flicked her hand, summoning a wall of ice to block the weapon.
Undeterred, Azarig shifted his target and charged at Rosalyne.
“Hmph. Foolish,” Rosalyne muttered, waving her other hand. A burst of flames erupted around Azarig, blasting him into the sandstone walls of the ruins.
Though the Cryo Vision Luo Qing had given her wasn’t as powerful as the Tsaritsa’s authority, it was far more versatile, allowing her to wield both ice and fire with ease.
“Two elements…”
Babel frowned as she watched her trusted warrior fall so easily.
“You’re not from the Akademiya, are you?”
“What difference does it make?” Luo Qing replied with a smirk.
“You don’t really have a choice in the matter.”
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