Chapter 348: A phase comes to an end (Part 3)

“We will expand our camp here, establish more outposts. With the Three Great Guilds united, we can surely achieve glory once more,” Cresia said with a serious expression.

Hearing this, Blue Ghost, Red Ghost, and Serina’s eyes lit up, and they nodded in agreement.

If the Three Great Guilds continued their alliance, they could completely monopolize all industries for adventurers in The South.

The members of the Radiant Squad could finally rest easy as well.

All mysteries had been solved, and all enemies were defeated.

“Oh, you’re here?” Samimi looked at Serina and sneered.

“What do you mean? I’ve been here the whole time!” Serina retorted, displeased.

Now that they finally had some free time, Samimi suddenly suggested they all go take a bath together, be open and honest, to deepen their bonds.

This time, no one refused. The long journey and dozens of consecutive high-intensity battles had left them utterly exhausted.

The Radiant Squad had defeated the Magic Sword Red and slain the Insect King. The names of the five heroes and the Battle Priest Shalum had already become a beacon of hope in the hearts of adventurers.

However, it was strange that the Beastman Nun Minobao, who had clearly participated in many major battles, still hadn’t gained much fame.

Actually, this was her special ability—an extremely faint presence, easily overlooked, as if memories automatically erased her.

Samimi was quite envious of this.

If she had such an ability, couldn’t she cause trouble everywhere without being noticed? Why would she need any disguise?

Unfortunately, her presence was too strong. Even the smallest action would attract a bunch of fanatical believers.

It was better to just develop steadily and safely.

Everyone arrived at the Sorrowful Knife Guild’s bathhouse.

But unlike the large communal bath Samimi had imagined, it was a row of individual shower stalls.

There was absolutely no “interaction space.”

‘No wonder Bemore and The Hero of the Gale were so cooperative. They were prepared.’

With the two of them watching, Samimi had no chance to “take advantage.”

Helpless, she could only take a proper bath.

After finishing, however, she secretly peeked down the corridor.

She discovered that Blue Ghost and Red Ghost actually wore their masks even while bathing—which had a similar effect to her bathing blindfolded.

She then wanted to go take a look at Cresia.

“What are you doing? Keep looking and I’ll poke your eyes out.”

A cold voice rang out.

Bemore had caught her red-handed.

“I was just looking for soap,” Samimi immediately retreated.

“Don’t look around. We’re already being very merciful,” Bemore said coldly.

Samimi fell silent and obediently washed her hair.

After finishing, the two Magic Manipulators returned to their guest room and began their meditation training.

Bemore was quite satisfied with Samimi today, even feeling she had a responsibility to “reform” her.

The two meditated the entire night.

Bemore’s Fire Technique showed progress again, even faintly touching the threshold of Flight Magic.

“Samimi, time to wake up,” she called softly.

The girl before her sat quietly, as if time had stopped.

Bemore even wished this moment could last forever.

But… there was no response.

She frowned and reached out to touch her—

The next moment, Samimi’s body transformed into red magical particles and dissipated on the spot.

Bemore froze.

A few seconds later, she abruptly stood up, stumbling out of the room to search everywhere.

Everyone else was there.

Except—Samimi and Niubao were gone.

“What happened?” The Hero of the Gale rushed over.

“She… ran away…” Bemore murmured softly.

“Ran away?”

The Hero of the Gale’s heart sank.

She also realized that Niubao hadn’t come to train with her today.

That was too abnormal.

She ran all over the camp but found nothing.

Finally, she returned to Bemore’s side, and the two sat down in silence.

The reassembly of the Hero Party once again seemed a distant prospect.

And the truth was simple—

Samimi had used the Substitution Technique to run away again.

Facing Bemore, who had her Magic Detection constantly active, she couldn’t leave directly. So, she left behind two magical substitutes.

Her real body had slipped away long ago.

As for why she left?

Simple.

The Abyss Dungeon hadn’t opened yet. What was she supposed to do here? Wait three years?

She had no interest in helping others develop a camp.

This area would become a cluster of human outposts in the future, but that had nothing to do with her.

And most crucially—

She had to escape now.

Otherwise, once Qiqi Zhu had free time, she would definitely drag her back to the Church to work.

Time rewinds to last night—

“Niubao, let’s slip away.”

Samimi escaped from the guest room using a substitute, met up with Niubao, and left the camp overnight.

The monsters on the road had already been cleared, so the two traveled smoothly.

However—

“Where do you think you’re going?”

A familiar figure blocked their path in the darkness.

Samimi’s expression changed.

The person she least wanted to see had appeared.

She thought she had shaken her off, but it was just an illusion.

Elves were most skilled at tracking.

“Trying to run again?”

Qiqi Zhu stepped out from the shadows.

‘Can dodge the White-haired Witch, but can’t dodge the Fat Knight…’ Samimi smiled bitterly.

“Come back to the Church with me.”

“I’m not going back,” Samimi refused outright. “I’ve done more than enough by helping you solve your problems, and you still want me to work for you?”

Qiqi Zhu didn’t speak, just stared at her.

The two faced each other—

Though one wore a helmet and the other a blindfold.

The scene was bizarre.

After a moment, Qiqi Zhu suddenly put down her backpack, pulled out a book, and tossed it over.

Thump!

Samimi caught it.

It was the Insect King’s skill book.

Two small gold-edged, silver-covered booklets were tucked inside.

—Advanced Saint Certifications.

One: Valkyrie Knight Order, Battle Priest, Shalum Payne.

One: Holy Knight Order Second Company, Holy Knight, Minotauros Fering.

“Come back to the Church when you have time.”

Qiqi Zhu said calmly.

She knew she couldn’t stop her, so she could only let her go.

Samimi accepted the certificates but threw the skill book back.

“What do you mean?” Qiqi Zhu frowned.

“A Deputy Director without a legendary skill, that just doesn’t sound right, does it?”

Samimi smiled.

This skill book was called [Insect King’s Summoning] .

It was a top-tier reward.

But she wouldn’t take it.

Because—this belonged to Qiqi Zhu.