As the sun began to set, Alara called out. "We should set up camp soon. Weston, look for a suitable spot up ahead."
Weston nodded, urging the horses onward as the light faded. Soon, he pulled them to a stop in a small clearing inside the forest.
They got out of the carriage, stretching their limbs after the long journey. Kyle watched as Mira's large breasts strained against her dress as she arched her back.
`Fuck, I can't wait to get my hands on those tits.` Kyle thought to himself, palming his hardening cock through his pants.
Alara divided the tasks among the group, then they quickly split up. Weston took care of the horses, Leo gathered firewood, and both Alara and Mira set up the tents.
As for Kyle, after lighting the fire, he started showing off his cooking skills. Soon, a pleasant aroma began rising from the pot.
Mira hovered close, inhaling deeply. "Gods, what is that? Smells like a royal feast."
"I didn't know you could cook." Alara was surprised by Kyle's cooking skills.
Kyle ladled steaming broth into wooden bowls. "I told you, I have a lot of skills."
`Of course I can cook,` he mused. `Three years in the dormitory make even a fool know how to cook.`
Weston accepted the first serving, blowing gently before sipping. His eyes widened. "Blessed light, this is divine!"
Mira moaned obscenely after her first spoonful. "Oh, fuck... Kyle, marry me."
Leo ate greedily, cleaning his plate in moments. He hesitated for half a second, then asked, "Can I have another one?"
Even Alara's stern facade softened as she tasted hers. "This is... good. Thank you."
As the night grew colder and the camp settled down, Kyle volunteered to take the first watch, leaving the others to retire to their respective tents.
Alara and Mira disappeared into the women's tent, their hushed whispers and soft giggles fading into the night.
Meanwhile, both Weston and Leo headed to the men's tent. Before Weston left, he reminded Kyle to wake him up for his shift in two hours.
Kyle sat alone by the fire, adding more firewood. Meanwhile, his shop screen was hovering in front of him.
He started browsing the shop to find a dagger enchanted with good powers instead of his current ordinary dagger. But his 130 Shop Points seemed laughable compared to the prices on display.
`Damn system! Why is everything so fucking expensive?`
He continued browsing the store. Then, suddenly, he heard a rustling sound behind him.
His hand drifted to his dagger—but relaxed as Alara emerged from the tent, approaching him slowly.
She had already taken off her armor, wearing just a shirt with a brown back brace and tight black pants that clung to her wide hips and full ass.
As she drew closer, Kyle closed his system screen and met her gaze. Then, he asked. "Can't sleep?"
Alara shook her head. "Too much on my mind. The mission, the team..."
"I think there's something else on your mind." Kyle smiled faintly.
Alara's eyes flashed. Then she sighed. "You're blunt. I like that." She glanced around, then back to him. "Can I join you?"
Kyle gestured to the space beside him. "Please."
Alara settled beside him on the log, keeping a reasonable distance. She stared into the fire, watching the flames flick.
"I knew the old leader," she began softly, "Mira's husband. He was a good man. A fine warrior and a dear friend."
She fell silent for a moment, lost in memory. Then she continued. "His death... it was my fault. I should have been more careful."
Kyle listened quietly as she spoke, feeling the weight of her words. He sensed the pain, the guilt, the anger she carried.
"I have heard the story from Leo before... I don't think it's your fault." He tried to ease her. "I think you are a good leader now."
At the same time, his eyes flared crimson, concealed by the reflected firelight on his face. He sent commands to her mind.
`Don't carry the guilt in your heart, just forget all your pain through my words.`
She was silent for a long moment, then turned to Kyle with a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, Kyle. I feel... better."
Kyle returned her smile. "I'm glad I could help."
A cool breeze drifted through the camp, causing the leaves to rustle. Kyle and Alara sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the fire burn low.
Alara wrapped her hands around her knees, her legs pressing against her soft breasts. "You know, I feel that you are different from others... I don't know how."
Kyle chuckled softly. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
She glanced at Kyle, her eyes searching his. "I don't know yet. But I want to find out."
With that, she moved even closer to Kyle, her thigh now pressed flush against his. Then slowly, her lips were getting closer to his lips.