Early morning, the first light of dawn filtered through dense oak canopy, painting pale yellow sun streaks on the damp ground. Fresh, cool air carried the smell of earth and tree sap. Chirping bird sounds awakened the forest, and early dew still clung to grass blades, sparkling like thousands of small diamonds.

  Last night's campfire now was only smoldering coals, emitting thin wisps of smoke.

  Theo still sat by the fire pile, eyes focused on his palm. In his hand were two completed earrings.

  They were crafted from Sable's wood piece, carrying a deep dark wood tone, smooth, faintly classical and discreet. One was a compact small round stud, revealing exquisite natural wood grain lines, like a subtle accent on the ear. The other was a small hoop earring, same tone, hugging the ear rim discreetly but no less sharply.

  Both radiated pragmatic and refined appearance, not ostentatious but carrying a very unique aura. The gently sweet wood fragrance mixed with mint still faintly emanated from them, heralding the presence of a new "asset" in his life.

  Theo carefully selected the small hoop earring and gently inserted it into the existing left ear piercing hole. He felt the coolness of wood as it hugged the ear rim discreetly, not causing any hindrance.

  The dark wood piece with natural grain lines created a subtle and calm accent on his ear. The gently sweet wood fragrance mixed with mint from the earring spread, seeping into his mind, bringing necessary relaxation.

  Under the gentle effect of the fragrance, Theo's mind became quieter and more alert, completely ready for the new day's calculations and challenges.

  He reached to lightly touch the earring once more, feeling its comfort, then stored the remaining round stud in his pocket. This morning he decided not to absorb Mana to keep his spirit alert, guarding against any unexpected situations that might occur. Theo was ready.

  Liam stood up. He said no words, beginning to quickly tidy their tent neatly and methodically.

  Thanks to helping Finn yesterday, Theo knew clearly where food was stored. He decided to prepare breakfast. He lightly called Al. With the hawk's nimble hunting ability combined with his precise archery skill, hunting a small animal like wild chicken in the morning would be a simple and quick task.

  Since having Al, food provision had become much more efficient.

  60 minutes remained until Night Hawks team left tents.

  Before long, ingredients were placed on a flat rock. Theo hunted three wild chickens, some fresh wild vegetables and mushrooms, and four eggs. He took flour from Finn's bag and his special seasoning powder.

  Most importantly, he had gathered some Soulbloom Berries—Theo discovered this bright yellow fruit, inedible but with essence fragrant and gentle like fresh milk. Of course, nutritional content wasn't comparable, but as a substitute it wasn't bad.

  Based on past life memories, Theo decided to cook Creamy Chicken Soup, adapted to suit this world's tastes and abundant ingredients. This would be a nutritious breakfast, rich in energy and perfectly prepared to ensure Night Hawks team could depart in the most vigorous condition.

  Before long, Night Hawks team was completely ready to depart. Everyone was amazed before the lavish breakfast—a luxury never seen in their harsh journeys.

  Finn was the most shocked. He tilted his head looking at the steaming hot Creamy Chicken Soup in the bowl with suspicious eyes, unable to understand what "abnormal" formula could transform wilderness ingredients into such refined food.

  Finn raised his spoon, venturing to taste the first spoonful with the expression of a warrior raising sword for the first time entering a dark forest.

  But as soon as the smooth liquid touched his tongue tip, his eyes widened.

  An explosion of flavor. The elegant, deep sweetness from tender wild chicken meat intertwined tightly with fragrant wild mushroom aroma. All embraced by the surprisingly rich, gentle fat flavor of Soulbloom Berry essence. This wasn't just food—it was an artwork amid the old forest.

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  Finn froze, the spoon hovering mid-air. As a food connoisseur, he felt like he'd just been pulled out of the cold, damp oak forest to sit by a fireplace in a cozy mansion.

  He said nothing, only nodded once firmly, then the speed of bringing spoon to mouth gradually increased, fast to the point of nearly becoming a blur. That was the highest praise Finn could give a chef.

  Rowan, the girl usually always mischievous and fond of teasing, suddenly fell silent. After the first spoonful of soup, she let out a small satisfied moan, shoulders always tense with vigilance now slumped down relaxed. She glanced at Sable, not with tactical eyes, but the eyes of an accomplice just finding treasure.

  Sable was simpler. The ice mask permanently on her face cracked a small opening. Her eyes blinked slower, head slightly tilted as if listening to the melody of flavor. She ate each spoonful gently softly, but movements were decisive and quick, exactly like an aristocratic cat enjoying a premium cream bowl, trying to scrape clean to the last drop while maintaining elegance.

  Theo didn't need to look closely to understand. These two girls had similar tastes: liking lightly rich and sweet dishes. Indeed, he had adapted this Creamy Chicken Soup, focusing on naturally light richness and sweetness from chicken meat and mushrooms, while saltiness only played a gently supporting role.

  Liam sat beside Theo—his reaction was simplest and most sincere. He slurped a large gulp, then turned to lightly punch Theo's shoulder, brilliant smile spreading to his eyes' depths. No flowery words needed—that proud smirk said everything.

  However, not everyone was completely conquered.

  Ryel and Ronan—the team's taciturn members—had different reactions. They ate disciplinedly, neatly, but eyebrows slightly furrowed. For warriors raised with the bitter saltiness of sea salt and roughness of large-fire roasted meat, the combination of rich fat and clear sweetness seemed too... gentle. It was unfamiliar, like chamber music played amid battlefield. They ate for energy, but their eyes lacked the joyful spark others had.

  Theo silently noted this detail in his mental notebook. Taste was also information.

  The meal ended, and the camp atmosphere seemed much lighter. Even Vesper had a change.

  The scarred captain scraped clean his soup bowl. In a brief moment, the scar-lined facial muscles relaxed. His mouth corner twitched up slightly—an effort to smile. But ironically, that rare smile made his face look... more distorted and peculiar than normal, losing the inherently frightening dignity.

  Theo suddenly thought: Perhaps Vesper always kept a stern face to hide this "strangely ugly" smile?

  The silence was broken by Rowan. She rushed forward, kissed Theo's cheek quick as a cut then laughed merrily running away: "Soup this delicious is breaking rules, young man! Thank you!"

  Theo froze, hand unconsciously touching his cheek. On the other side, Boris and Torvin both raised thumbs high, nodding approvingly heartily.

  Even the icy trio Sable, Ronan and Ryel when catching Theo's gaze also had some awkwardness. They froze one beat, then simultaneously nodded gently like three reprogrammed machines, acknowledging his talent in their own way.

  The commotion stopped when Vesper clapped to attract the whole team's attention. He spoke, somewhat gentler than usual—just a bit:

  "Clean up. The luxury camping session ends. We return to Oakhaven in 15 minutes."

  At Vesper's order, the small chaos was quickly replaced by strict discipline. In a blink, the camping area was cleaned, all traces of the "luxury feast" erased.

  The entire group immediately departed for Oakhaven, advancing deep into oak forest. Vesper allocated formation decisively:

  "Ryel and Theo scout, maintain two hundred meters distance from main formation. Ronan and Liam follow right behind, clearing the way. I lead the center group, followed by Rowan and Finn. Boris and Torvin guard both flanks, protecting sides. Sable at the rear position, support and vigilance."

  Vesper's orders were detailed and clear, emphasizing each person's position and function. This was a purposeful arrangement: Theo was placed beside Ryel, and Liam paired with Ronan.

  This allocation not only optimized immediate combat capability, but was also the most effective training method—allowing two recruits to directly learn survival skills and forest combat from warriors with similar skills. This formation was both simple and extremely effective.

  Theo nodded, tightened bow string and quickly with Ryel dove into the tree forest, beginning his first reconnaissance mission.

  Liam needed no reminder. He quickly hoisted the Zaravand short spear on his shoulder and silently moved right behind Ronan, maintaining proper distance.

  Unlike Theo, Liam was a "blank sheet" regarding combat. All his skills were just hunting experience learned from old hunters, Remnant Wind Shadow Step movement technique, and scant experience from exhausting spear swings in small beast hunts in Oakhaven region. Being placed beside veteran warrior like Ronan was an extremely valuable opportunity to observe and learn. Liam, like a thirsty sponge, was ready to absorb all combat knowledge and experience he could learn from this taciturn veteran warrior team.