124 The Second Foundation Seemed to Have Forgotten Something-Infinite Immortal(His given name was Qi, and his courtesy name was Fangyuan.)

Upon hearing Najenda’s words, Qi fell into deep thought. "Lubbock, is it true that your Teigu is crafted from the whiskers of a dragon-type super-danger beast that dwells in the clouds of the East?"

Though uncertain of Qi's intent, Lubbock nodded. "Yes, that is true. Legend has it that the beast is azure-green, with the head and claws of a dragon and the body of a serpent. It possesses no wings yet can soar through the clouds, stretching ten thousand feet in length and living above the sea of clouds."

Qi wore a strange expression, a smile playing on his lips. "While your strength is formidable, it is negligible compared to such super-danger beasts. Yet, the fact that someone once managed to obtain their blood and whiskers proves that it is not impossible. You might try your hand at it. Even if you fail, you won't die."

Najenda smiled, as if concealing something.

Qi narrowed his eyes, alert. "I'll give it a try when I have the time." He was not arrogant enough to believe he could take down creatures that measured thousands or tens of thousands of feet in length. It was questionable whether he could even break their defenses.

"Don't you want Sheele to recover sooner? Come back with me this time. Once we reach the south, we can provide you with more detailed intelligence."

"While what you say makes sense, I simply don't want to go right now."

"You must go."

"I won't go."

"..."

"Even if you look at me with those threatening eyes, it's useless. My stance is firm."

"..."

"Can you tell me the reason?" Qi retreated.

"You can fly, and you are very fast. I can stand on you, and we will reach headquarters much faster," Najenda said, giving a thumbs-up.

"I refuse," Qi replied emotionlessly and swiftly.

"Your presence will boost the morale of our Revolutionary Army. Akame was our only trump card, but now there is you—someone even more capable and versatile, a match for Budo and Esdeath. Headquarters has sent word that they wish to meet you." Najenda used a legitimate reason to force Qi’s compliance.

"No, Sheele still needs my care for the time being," Qi replied, using his own valid reason to refuse. "I also need to handle some matters over the next two days. Let’s travel together in a couple of days."

"My back is already spoken for. If I am to carry you, I can only drag you along by locking you inside a diamond," Qi sighed. It was clear the woman was determined to hitch a ride on him.

"Spoken for? Is it your woman?" Najenda looked at him with surprise.

"Yes, my girlfriend," Qi corrected.

"Oh, I see. You haven't slept with her yet, have you?" Najenda took a drag of her cigarette and laughed.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

It wasn't just Qi; even Mine choked. Akame’s cheeks flushed crimson, her gaze shifting, not knowing where to look.

"Hahahaha!" Seeing the reactions of the three, Leone burst into laughter. "Little Qi, could it be you’re still a pure, innocent virgin? As for Mine, it’s understandable—no one likes her because she’s flat-chested."

"Le-o-ne, I’m going to kill you!" Mine roared and lunged at Leone. But how could she keep up with Leone’s agility? Even without using her Teigu, Leone led the injured Mine in circles around the house.

"Alright, it’s time for us to find a new base. On my way back to headquarters, I discovered a wonderful place. It’s secluded, has a great environment, and even features a natural hot spring," Najenda said with a smile.

"A hot spring? That sounds great! Let’s go immediately," Lubbock’s eyes lit up, and he jumped to his feet.

"Huh, I didn’t expect you to like hot springs, Lubbock," Qi remarked with surprise.

"Hahaha, we had a hot spring at home. I didn't appreciate it then, but I really miss it now," Lubbock said with a nostalgic sigh.

"Is it because you can peek at girls bathing in the hot spring?" Leone ruthlessly exposed Lubbock’s true hidden agenda.

"Ahem, Big Sis, that’s not fair of you. Isn't trust in our comrades a fundamental principle of Night Raid? Where has our trust gone?" Lubbock slumped, feeling helpless.

"A hot spring? That should be good for healing. I must recover soon to avenge Sheele. That sadistic girl from the Jaegers is my target—don’t any of you try to steal that from me," Mine said, stopping her pursuit of Leone and returning to her seat with a resolute expression.

"Then let’s go. Once the revolution succeeds, we will move Bulat to a hero’s tomb built for them, so they may be honored by future generations." Najenda bowed solemnly toward the site where Bulat was buried. The other members of Night Raid followed suit to bid farewell to their fallen comrade.

"Why..."

"Why must I fly while carrying the five of you, with a combined weight of over six hundred pounds?" Qi looked down at the group, who were relaxing comfortably inside the diamond, watching the scenery drift by below.

"Because you’re the only one who can fly, and you can carry us, too. Naturally, you’re the best choice for a mount. Just be a good flying mount, haha!" Lubbock laughed wildly.

"I should have never given those threads back to you. No, next time, I won't do such a thankless job for anyone," Qi glared at Lubbock, rebuking his ingratitude.

"In the sky, our tracks are completely concealed. The enemy won't be able to track us, unless they are flying-type danger beasts. But those have even more obvious targets, and they don't know how to suppress their presence—they can't track us. If we arrive earlier, we can rest sooner, and you’ll be able to move Sheele over faster. Stop complaining," Najenda said, admiring the rare view.

"Boss, are you sure this is the correct direction?" Qi had to accept the reality of the situation. However, upon seeing the landscape below, his heart stirred, and he spoke up.

"Yes, why? Did you spot something?" Najenda frowned, alert.

"No, it’s just that Sheele is in a cave on a hill in the forest slightly to the right. Since it’s nearby, I’ll bring her along to save the trouble of going back and forth." Qi had already adjusted their flight path.

"Then hurry! I want to see her as soon as possible," Mine said excitedly.

"We’re almost there. Prepare to land."

"This is the place." Qi arrived before the massive boulder he had moved earlier, shifted it aside, and then absorbed the diamond back. He didn't forget the diamond orb, of course.

"Alright, everyone, go in. Don't be too noisy. Although Sheele has stabilized, a quiet environment is better for her."

Before Qi could finish his sentence, Mine, Leone, and Akame had already rushed inside. Qi shrugged and followed them in. Suddenly, he felt as if he had forgotten something.