Stray

"It's almost there. Locke said with a determined gaze. They have penetrated deep into the forest, and the environment around them is becoming more and more dangerous, but at the same time full of unknown opportunities.

"Are you sure? Something doesn't feel right here. Brooke asked, skeptical.

Locke smiled and patted Brooke on the shoulder: "Don't worry, my instincts are accurate." "

He stopped and looked around. This area is densely wooded and the ground is covered with thick fallen leaves. He tapped the ground with the wooden staff in his hand, and the echo echoed through the forest.

"It's close to the middle of the forest, it's sheltered by trees, and the leaves are thick, which gives us a relatively safe and secluded place to rest. Locke explained.

Ariel said happily, "And there is a water source next to it, so you can also clean it up." She couldn't wait to take off her clothes and take a shower. It's been seven or eight days since they've been in the forest, and they haven't had a proper bath, but now they can finally get their wish.

Leo quipped, "Haha, I promise not to peek at you, Ariel!".

Bigg also smiled and nodded, he looked around: "It's indeed a good choice, then everyone hurry up and act, the division of labor and cooperation will be faster." "

The rest of the team agreed. They all know that long marches require a relatively safe place to rest and recuperate.

"It's really safe here, but we need to be vigilant," Brooke said. After all, this is deep in the forest, and there are many unknown dangers. "Although Brooke is a big guy, he is not a brainless stupid big man, and compared to others, he is the most vigilant!

"And what do we do next?" asked Leo, "Are there any people who want to rest and don't want to work?"

Bigg smiled and said, "Are you talking about me? Leo." "

"Haha, how could it be!" Leo quipped with a smile, "Big Brother Bigg is the hardest worker!".

"We're going to have someone to build shelter, someone to light a fire, someone to collect food and water," Brooke added. "

"Then I'll be in charge of making a fire!" Leo volunteered, "I'm the fastest to make a fire!"

"Then I'll build the shelter!" said Billy, "I'm more careful, and I'm quick at this delicate work!".

"Then I'll go collect food and water. "I'd like to go to the river and take a shower first." "

"I'll go with you. Locke said, "I don't feel at ease if you go to the river alone." "

"Then I'll stay here and take care of things. Brooke said, "Go ahead." "

The group began to get busy. Bigg built a simple shelter out of branches and leaves to keep out the cold wind and fallen leaves at night. Leo rubbed lightning in his hand and lit a bonfire, the light of which flickered in the darkness, bringing them a hint of warmth and security.

Locke and Ariel

go to the river to collect food and water, and Locke helps Ariel collect while watching his surroundings alertly. The rest of the team organizes their belongings and prepares for the next expedition.

By the river, Locke and Ariel discover a clear stream with a murmuring sound that makes people feel peaceful and comfortable. Ariel happily says, "It's so beautiful here!".

Locke nodded: "Yes, we want to enjoy this natural scenery to the fullest." He helped Ariel collect some clear water and fresh fruit.

On the way back to the camp, they came across a small animal. Locke approached it gently, trying to catch it. But the critter ran away as fast as it could. Locke smiled, "Looks like we're going to have to rely on other prey for dinner." "

Brooke stopped at the edge of the camp, his piercing gaze wandering through the bushes. Suddenly, he noticed something, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Locke, come and see what this is!" Brooke exclaimed excitedly.

Locke and Ariel hurried over, only to see a fat barramundi lying on the ground in front of Brooke, motionless.

"Looks like we'll be able to get a full meal tonight. Locke and Ariel smiled at each other.

"That's good luck!" Locke said with a smile.

Ariel nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it seems that Brooke is our lucky star!"

"Haha......" Brooke laughed as he brought the guy back.

Brooke began to prepare to handle the prey. He skillfully strips the badger's fur and cleans it. He then took food and water out of his backpack and distributed them to everyone.

"Let's eat some dry food first, and I'll make a badger meat feast for everyone in the evening. Brooke said with a smile.

Everyone cheered, and they were full of anticipation for Brooke's foodie cooking.

Brightly lit by the campfire, Brooke began to get busy. He first boiled the collected water to ensure that it was safe. He then cut the badger meat into small pieces and roasted it on a branch, his own portion of which was a large badger leg, of course.

"This badger meat is delicious. Locke praised after taking a bite.

Ariel nodded in agreement, "Yes, Brooke is very well roasted. "

The others don't speak, but the barbecue is disappearing at a rate visible to the naked eye!

Leo asked, "Locke, have you been collecting those herbs for any special purpose?" He saw that the other party seemed to have been collecting those grasses with small purple flowers by the river!

Locke explained, "This is the Purple Star, which only grows near water sources, and this herb is very helpful for our expedition. They can treat some common diseases and wounds, and even have some effect on the plague. "

Bigg nodded: "I see, boss, this is just in case." "

Leo smiled and said, "It smells so good! I can't help but want to eat more." "

Brooke also smiled: "Don't worry, I'll give you something to eat when the rest is baked." "

After feasting on the perfect meal, they sat around the campfire and shared their experiences and feelings. Their voices echoed through the forest, intertwined with the sound of the night wind.

Bigg gently unfolded the skins he had hunted, pressed the four corners with stones, and let them dry naturally. Every movement is very careful, for fear of damaging these precious items.

Bigg observed for a moment and said, "These hides are very expensive to sell outside, which is a lot of money. "

Brooke responded, "Yes, we can make them into clothes or tents." "

When the food

was finished and everyone was full, Brooke packed the rest of the food and dry food into his backpack.

There is also Biglock, where the two work together to deal with the previous prey. They wrapped the skins, scales, horns, claws and some valuable "special parts" that had been peeled from the prey and put them in a makeshift sewing backpack made of animal skins. Backpacks made of rudimentary hides are buried in a hidden spot in the grass near the camp, covered with leaves and twigs, and taken from here when they return from their mission, so as to lighten the burden along the way.

Leo praised, "Everyone worked well together!".

Brooke responded, "Of course!

Bigg also smiled and said, "That's right! We're a team, so I'll leave the cooking to you in the future." "

Leo joked, "Brooke, your food is so delicious! I'm going to be a foodie!".

Brooke smiled and replied, "Haha! Thank you for the compliment, would you like another one?"

Locke and Ariel were whispering something while eating!