Ball of Nothing

Bob and Zero decided to branch out in different directions while Jermine zoomed around and made winding tunnels. They decided on a strategy to dig downwards branching in several different directions for a few kilometres so that Zero and Bob can split up and scan the area to see if there are any underground caves or creatures nearby. Zero had to admit, Jermine moved underground faster than they could crawl through them. He was having a hard time keeping up with his original vessel form so he transformed into a small bat. Similarly, Bob transformed into his miniature dragon body to fly around easier. After Jermine dug the tunnels, Bob and Zero would use magic to reinforce them. This went on for a few hours.

Using the party function, Zero was able to map out more parts of the underground tunnels and areas with Bob working separately from him. They covered a huge area underground and Jermine was nice enough to dig some air vents.

"How is the situation up there?" Zero asked Truen. They had been on this for some time now and Zero was feeling hungry. Jermine was getting tired and the doctor called it for the trip. According to Mii, they covered a good fifty meters underground depth and a two-kilometre radius wide.

"It's getting noisier but I reinforced the walls a little more and made a small fire. The sand walkers are comfortable but I made them dig another base a little deeper so that they are closer to the small air pockets. Did you find anything?"

"No," Zero reported and told Bob to bring Jermine back to the base camp. "Jermine is tired but she can dig really fast even in sand! I'm surprised that the tunnels are holding up well. Mii sensed several hostile mobs further down but I cannot confirm what they are."

Feeling happy that Zero was not charging in headfirst without first informing him and making a plan, Truen had to admit. His friend had grown up.

Bob and Jermine returned looking very tired and dirty so Zero used some cleaning magic to get them freshened up before lunch. The trio worked up quite an appetite and Zero learnt that Jermine could enjoy normal food as well. It was slightly difficult to find earthworms in the desert so he told her to make do with some chicken which she did.

"Let's take a nap first," Zero suggested. "We can check out those underground creatures later if the sandstorm hasn't passed."

Truen frowned. "By we, who are you referring to? I won't allow you to go alone and Jermine isn't combat trained."

Zero contemplated throwing a lettuce leaf at his friend. Did Truen really think that he would drag Jermine along with them? While he was going to enlist the girl's help to dig towards the mob nest, he wasn't going to involve her. In fact, Bob was going to get her out of danger. The only one who should be moving would be Truen who doesn't have the dark vision ability.

Sensing that his master's mood was taking a turn for the worse, Bob quickly intervened and proposed a peaceful solution. Jermine didn't quite understand the mechanics at play. Why would the mass murderer who was more powerful than the mage be afraid of the mage? Also, why is the dragon, a legendary creature feared by all, playing the role of a mediator?

Not wanting to attract attention to herself, she let the three-way argument happen while she quickly finished her meal in peace. She found it incredibly strange that they didn't have to do any cooking to make fresh food. How much did these people buy and pack for the trip? Even with an interdimensional bag, they couldn't continue to feast like this without rations. Who knew how long it would be until they found another place to restock supplies in the desert?

The argument ended with Zero's win. Truen sulked in a corner when the monster den raid party was decided. Zero was going to bring Jermine and Bob along while Truen remained with the sand walkers. The archer couldn't argue with logic because he was the only one without dark vision and would prove to be a bigger hindrance in those tunnels than Jermine would.

"Don't worry," Bob told him. "I will watch the master's back. Jermine is very safe and we will bring back some good monster meat and parts if they can be salvaged."

The elf couldn't say anything and Zero decided to quickly pack for the second part of their day underground while Truen stared at the sand walkers. The sandstorm showed no signs of dying outside so Truen waited. Zero was gone and had his own entertainment so Truen decided to find his own entertainment. There was no better time to check on the villagers and the Onion Union while Zero was busy. Also, he might as well send an early report to the Great Gods and Zero's teachers about what the magician had been up to. If he was lucky, he might get more clues about where the gnomes can be found and the desert poppy.

Bob followed after his master quickly as Jermine led the way. The mole girl was proving to be very helpful in the desert and Bob reinforced the weakened structures of their tunnel maze. Even with the mini-map sharing function, Bob was still unable to keep up with the directions. Zero wanted to find a monster den for hunting and Bob could use some fighting experience to grow stronger.

"Master, could you let me have a go at the monster den? I believe this will help me grow stronger. The monsters that live beneath the desert might be stronger than the ones in Sleepy Cave."

It was a no-brainer. Zero wasn't itching for a fight, and if Bob wanted in on the action, Zero would kick back and relax. Jermine looked rather frightened as they approached the monster den and Zero could empathise. The screeching wails and shaking ground wasn't a good sign. These monsters might just prove to be worthy training opponents for Bob.

"Go ahead," he smiled after they stopped at a safe distance from the ruckus. "Don't destroy the place too much or we will all suffocate to death when the sand comes down. Also, go easy and try not to destroy too many parts. I want to bring them back to the village for dismantling. Desert monsters are rare so they should fetch a high price."

Jermine didn't know who she should be more afraid of but as Bob started tearing the monsters apart, Zero hid her behind him where it was safe. The beast girl felt like for the first time since she was abducted, her luck was turning for the better. Zero felt like the sort of person who would keep his promise and treated those who were loyal to him well. Hence, she would do her best to help them survive this desert.