The caravan's journey remained unbearably monotonous. They didn't even stop for a proper lunch. Everyone simply took out some dry rations and chewed as they walked.
Even the horses only paused briefly to drink water and eat a few soybeans before continuing onward.
This stretch of travel finally came to an end when they reached an abandoned, partially collapsed watchtower near a body of water. The caravan members split up efficiently—some rested, some stood guard, and others began preparing food.
Leo took out his tent and started setting it up together with Rosh.
That was when he noticed that most of the adventurers hadn't brought tents at all. Even Luo Hua hadn't set one up. She only carried a blanket and a ground mat.
As Leo and Rosh worked, the other adventurers kept glancing at them with strange looks, leaving Leo thoroughly confused.
Just as he was about to ask why, Luo Hua walked over with her arms crossed.
"Adventurers have to stand watch at night," she explained calmly. "Tents are inconvenient. If monsters attack, it's harder to notice their approach, and it's difficult to assess the situation or react quickly. That's why most adventurers only bring a blanket and a mat, not tents."
After speaking, she looked directly at Leo.
"The caravan master also wants adventurers who can fight at any moment, not people enjoying comfort in tents and wagons like merchants. Also, the three of us are on night watch today—two hours during the first half of the night. It won't be too exhausting."
Leo felt a bit helpless, but he couldn't deny she was right.
"Got it," he said, giving a thumbs-up.
With a resigned sigh, he and Rosh dismantled the half-pitched tent and began digging a small pit to cook instead.
Rosh didn't dwell on the tent issue. She quickly opened the supply pack she had bought using Leo's money, revealing its contents.
Dried tofu, flour, dried meat, all kinds of sun-dried vegetables, and spices. There was even preserved meat sealed in jars.
Luo Hua stared at the spread and pressed a hand to her forehead in pain.
"Normally, adventurers just bring some dry bread and meat," she said with a weary tone. "When possible, they cook wild vegetables. Supplies like yours are far too expensive. You won't recover the cost at all. And strong smells in unknown wilderness areas are extremely likely to attract monsters."
She truly felt at a loss. These dried meats and vegetables were costly because magic was used to preserve them. She even spotted dried squid among Rosh's supplies—common enough on the west coast, but definitely not cheap.
For goblins and Minotaurs, spices and salt were valuable goods. There had even been cases where adventurers were attacked solely so their salt and seasoning could be stolen.
"Huh?" Rosh looked at the preserved meat already placed in the pot, then at the spot where they'd pitched the tent earlier. She instinctively looked at Luo Hua. "Do we have to throw this away too?"
Seeing Rosh's pitiful expression, Luo Hua sighed.
"That doesn't need to be thrown away."
"Yes!" Rosh cheered.
Leo: "..."
So many rules. So many inconveniences. Such a harsh working environment.
Being an adventurer really wasn't easy.
Apparently, even living a little better could bring endless trouble.
So who actually chose to become an adventurer like this?
"With expenses like yours, you'll probably spend everything you earn from a single job," Luo Hua said honestly. "Are you really planning to be adventurers?"
She was genuinely puzzled. Leo and Rosh looked more like they were out on a picnic than risking their lives.
"Well… it's complicated," Leo replied while stirring the pot. "I just want to experience real combat."
And maybe fight some monsters along the way.
"I see," Luo Hua said, suddenly understanding. "So you're not short on money. Then why not hire a teacher? A sword instructor would only cost around ten gold a month."
She finally grasped his situation.
Still, one thing didn't add up. Leo didn't look like someone from a wealthy background. His attitude, his demeanor—he clearly hadn't undergone any formal training.
"There are many reasons," Leo said, smoothly changing the subject. "But everyone has their own reason for adventuring. I'm curious—why did you choose this path?"
Luo Hua stood out among the others. Not just because of her seriousness, but also because of her bearing.
She cared about cleanliness and presentation, remained polite and considerate, while the other adventurers were rough, even sloppy.
She even sat in a proper kneeling posture.
"Well…" Luo Hua paused, momentarily caught off guard. Her expression barely changed, but her voice grew subdued.
"I want to eliminate all the monsters in this world," she said quietly. "And avenge those who lost their families because of them."
After speaking, she turned to look at Rosh and Leo.
"And you?"
Rosh proudly raised her hand.
"To never go hungry! And to go back to the Demon World and help everyone else never go hungry either!"
A rare smile appeared on Luo Hua's face. She even reached out and gently pinched Rosh's nose.
"That's an amazing goal," she said warmly.
Rosh laughed smugly, and then both of them looked at Leo.
Immortality. Eternal youth. Endless wealth. Perfect health. Eating without gaining weight. A harem of lovers…
All of these thoughts flashed through Leo's mind in an instant.
But seeing the curious smiles on the faces before him—one tall, one small—he found himself at a loss.
"Are your goals all this noble?" he screamed internally.
After thinking carefully and weighing their words, Leo put down the ladle and answered seriously.
"Career, love, and health."