Abing stopped in her tracks, her gaze fixed on the tip of the sword, which was firmly planted not far from her face, motionless. She couldn’t help but recall how this weapon had just felled so many eerie creatures directly. 

Of course, this feeling didn’t last long. Although she hadn’t spoken yesterday or torn faces with Su Ge, being directly confronted by Su Ge now still made her feel inexplicably embarrassed. 

No one here was stupid. Under the current circumstances, everyone knew that without someone familiar with the direction leading the way, it might not be so easy to navigate out of this forest smoothly. 

The Earth woman in front of them, who could lead a group of people to find their way and leave calmly, showed that she should either know the way out of the forest or be quite familiar with that direction. Regardless of the situation, it wasn’t wise to offend this Earth woman now. 

Moreover, Abing had never intended to offend this Earth woman from start to finish, so her apology was much smoother and more sincere than Flyn’s. 

However, when Abing sincerely apologized to Su Ge, Flynn suddenly felt a surge of anger and betrayal. He violently shook off Abing’s hand, glaring at her fiercely, lips pursed. He said, “You really have no bottom line.” 

Abing was taken aback, hastily saying, “No, I…” 

Flynn didn’t want to hear anything more from Abing. He turned and began limping towards the depths of the forest. Abing hastily called out to him, “Flynn, don’t be like this. We need to get out of here now; it’s too dangerous outside!” 

Flynn continued walking as if he hadn’t heard, prompting Su Ge to roll her eyes at his retreating figure. She despised such people the most—those who thought their race was superior just because they were born on a higher-level planet, thinking they were cosmic elites. What did that even mean? Everyone had two eyes and a mouth; being so special, could they fly or something? 

But for aliens, it was hard to say. 

“Are you coming or not? If not, we’re leaving,” Su Ge called out, considering Abing’s recent apology. 

Abing stood there, feeling torn. Of course, she wanted to leave, but she couldn’t leave Flynn alone in the forest. 

As she hesitated, suddenly everyone heard the familiar yet unfamiliar mechanical voice of the organizers once again. 

“Participant Ursa from the planet Kryos has sent out a distress call and received assistance from the organizers. According to the rules, he will be eliminated and removed from the program.” 

“Participant XXX from the planet XXX has sent out a distress call and received prolonged assistance from the organizers. According to the rules, she will be eliminated and removed from the program.” 

As usual, this announcement was repeated many times, firmly ingraining it in everyone’s memory. You couldn’t pretend not to hear it. Then, as usual, the organizers announced their punishment. 

“Due to the delayed rescue of two teammates, the remaining participants will be penalized with a deduction of two nutrient bottles.” 

The organizers’ punishment wasn’t severe; they simply deducted a nutrient bottle for failing to rescue a participant promptly. However, for all the aliens, nutrient bottles were valuable items, especially in the early stages of the program when resources were scarce.

As this punishment was announced, Su Ge immediately saw a beam of light enveloping everyone again. She quickly adjusted her focus and looked into the distance, wanting to see where the other lights were coming from. 

However, unfortunately, because she was in the middle of the forest, surrounded by tall, dense trees, she couldn’t see far ahead and had no idea where the remaining participants were. 

“Damn it, we’ve really lost two more bottles,” Glaki lamented as he looked at the few remaining nutrient bottles in his backpack. 

Meanwhile, Flynn, who had initially intended to leave upon hearing the announcement, seemed to freeze in place. Abing hurried over and said something to him. His whole body tensed up, and his head, which was originally held high, suddenly drooped. He let out a long sigh, and with somewhat faltering steps, turned towards Su Ge and approached her. 

Su Ge raised an eyebrow, watching as Flynn walked up to her. 

Flynn’s face was now pale, his lips tightly sealed, hands stuffed in his pockets. He looked completely resistant, while Abing, standing beside him, looked extremely anxious, tugging at his sleeve repeatedly. After a while, he let out another sigh, as if making a difficult but necessary decision. 

“I’m sorry about yesterday. If my words hurt you yesterday, I apologize to you here,” Flynn said, despite his previously negative demeanor, showing sincerity in his apology. 

But Su Ge narrowed her eyes, silently observing him for a moment before saying, “Actually, I don’t need your apology. The one you need to apologize to is the people from Earth.” 

Flynn furrowed his brows, looking at Su Ge, but found the Earth woman unmoved. He clicked his tongue before saying, “Fine, I apologize to the people from Earth for my inappropriate remarks. I shouldn’t have said those things about Earth yesterday. I’m sorry.” 

This apology is certainly not sincere, and Su Ge knows it. Asking someone from a high-level planet that already harbors biases against Earth to sincerely apologize to Earth is simply absurd. But she doesn’t care. At least she has taken the first step. 

She has made it clear that Earthlings should not be underestimated. Earthlings are not to be mocked or belittled by these higher-level aliens. They have confidence, they have pride. 

In the live stream, the insults against Earth continue as usual, no different from yesterday. However, it can also be seen that many aliens are starting to objectively reevaluate Earth. 

Of course, most of these viewers did not participate in this competition. They see things more clearly and are more receptive, so they can also see Su Ge’s strengths and merits. 

【The forest is really dangerous. We owe it all to the Earthlings this time.】 

【Yes, what was that long creature at the beginning? It looked terrifying!】 

【To answer the previous question, that thing is called a python. It is indeed a very terrifying creature. Its main method of attack is to tightly coil around its prey, crushing their bones and suffocating them. And if the prey still doesn’t die, it will swallow them whole.】 

【Wait, hold on a second, what do you mean by “swallow whole?”】 

【It means opening its mouth wide and eating the prey whole.】 

【Are you saying Earthlings are educating us? Are you sure you’re not joking? How can this creature called a python, with such a small head, swallow its prey?】 

【Because the four bones on its skull can separate, allowing it to swallow prey of any size.】 

【Oh my, that’s terrifying! How can such a creature exist?】 

【Su Ge is absolutely fierce! Isn’t she afraid of this creature called a python?】 

【She just casually jabbed at that python! How did she do it? Doesn’t she feel any fear?】 

【That spot is called the “seven-inch” spot, it’s a vulnerable point for snakes! It’s not just random poking!】 

…. 

【Oh my, what is that flying creature? It’s so densely packed. Where on earth are the organizers cameras? They can capture all these scenes, it’s just too scary!】 

【That’s called a bat.】 

【How are we supposed to deal with so many of them!】 

【I can’t handle this anymore, I just can’t. I feel like I can’t take it, seeing all these densely packed things in front of me. I feel unwell all over!】 

【You guys even have a phobia】 

【Phobia, is that what it’s called? Is that term coined by Earthlings? After giving it some thought, it’s surprisingly appropriate!】 

【Appropriate +1】 

【Appropriate +2】 

【Is there any Earthling here? What do these things called bats attack with? I feel like at this rate, they’ll all be eliminated! Oh no, please no!】 

【They fear fire.】 

【They fear fire.】 

【They fear fire.】 

… 

【I see something! An Earthling is flying!】 

【Looks like you missed the live broadcast earlier! This Earthling can fly! And flies quite elegantly!】 

【Look at my girl Su Ge today, both A-tier and stylish! Su Ge is the best!】 

【Wow! They’re really using fire! When Zigmadar waves that fire, all the bats are dodging!】 

【Crisis averted, thank goodness. I was sweating bullets, afraid something might happen to them.】 

【You Earthlings all knew that they fear fire?】 

【Suddenly, I feel like Earthlings are pretty awesome.】 

【I feel the same way. 】 

….. 

With Su Ge leading the way, leaving the forest wasn’t particularly difficult. However, by the time they made the round trip, night had completely fallen. The group found themselves sitting together in a clearing within the forest. Nearby flowed a small stream, its gurgling sound bringing Su Ge a sense of joy. 

Especially around the gentle bends of the stream, where many fish could be seen, Su Ge’s mood became even more delightful. 

Originally, according to Su Ge’s plan, they were supposed to rest near where they killed the giant python tonight, after all, her wild boar was also in that area. If everything went as expected tonight, she could feast on pork. 

But an unexpected event occurred—the night fell too quickly, preventing her from reaching the spot where she hid her pig. In the end, they had to stay here. At first, she thought she might go hungry tonight, but to her surprise, there were fish here! 

This discovery delighted her beyond measure. 

Regarding the matter of making fire, Zigmadar and Sela were already quite proficient. The two of them directed Amphit and Guagaka, along with several others, to gather plenty of dry branches and leaves in the forest. They piled them up high and, with Su Ge’s flintstone, quickly ignited a fire. 

Su Ge, sitting by the fire, rummaged through the many branches they had gathered. Soon, she found a straight branch, about a meter long. She sharpened one end with a knife to make it exceptionally sharp, and made two small openings at the other end, tying a rope through them and securing it inside. 

“What are you doing?” Abing, sitting opposite Su Ge, had been observing her every move carefully. She was curious about this Earthling, especially at this moment. 

“Fishing,” Su Ge replied without looking at Abing. She continued earnestly with her task at hand. After finishing crafting a simple fishing spear, she stood up, weighed it in her hand a few times, then tested its feel as if throwing a javelin before heading towards the stream. 

Taking off her shoes and rolling up her pants, Su Ge stood in the water. She felt the cold and refreshing stream wash away all the fatigue and annoyance of the day. She couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief and made a resolution: she must come back to bathe here at midnight! 

God knows how much she missed the word “bath.” 

“How are you going to catch them?” Just as Su Ge was still preparing, Abing’s voice suddenly came from behind, startling Su Ge who was fully focused on her preparations. She turned around abruptly, patting her chest while glaring at Abing. 

“Do you walk without making any sound?” 

Abing looked somewhat bewildered, nodding honestly, “We tend to walk quietly.” 

Su Ge: =.= 

Alright, your racial talents, they’re truly incomparable. 

Although Su Ge wasn’t exactly outgoing, she was definitely cheerful. Despite some tension between her, Abing, and Flynn, when Abing showed absolute goodwill, Su Ge wasn’t the type to hold onto someone’s shortcomings forever. 

Soon, the atmosphere became harmonious. 

Abing widened her eyes as she watched Su Ge standing in the stream. Finding a bend where the water flowed more gently, she fiercely thrust her spear into the school of fish there. 

Although she didn’t hit the target every time, her success rate was still over fifty percent. 

After Su Ge’s spear hit a fish, she pulled the rope in her hand, dragging the struggling fish back. In just over twenty minutes, Su Ge caught five or six fat and large fish. 

After putting away the spear, Su Ge took out a knife and, using the clear stream, gutted and scaled the fish swiftly and skillfully. Though the scene was bloody, strangely, watching it felt oddly therapeutic. 

The forest was indeed a treasure trove. While catching fish, Su Ge found plants like Sichuan peppercorn, chili peppers, and lemongrass under the big trees by the riverbank, which made her even happier. With this discovery, her work became exceptionally swift. 

Su Ge stuffed the minced chili peppers, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and lemongrass into the fish bellies. Then she skewered the fish onto branches and placed them over the blazing campfire. 

The roaring flames continuously charred the cleaned fish. The tongues of fire licked the tender fish skin, making a sizzling sound. Su Ge handled five or six branches alone, constantly turning them over the fire to evenly roast each fish. Soon, a peculiar aroma permeated the air around the campfire. 

It had been a very tiring day, and all the extraterrestrials were exhausted. As the campfire rose, they all gathered around it, ready to rest. 

In fact, when Su Ge brought back the fish for barbecue, many of them were already nodding off. Even Abing, who had been fishing with Su Ge, was now yawning, leaning against a stone near the campfire, and falling asleep. 

However, when the aroma of the fish spread, all the extraterrestrials seemed to enter a dazed and confused state. Su Ge even saw Zigmadar abruptly sit up, rubbing his eyes and asking, “Su Ge, what are you eating today?” 

“Fish,” Su Ge replied, shaking a fat and thick fish in her hand. Looking at its golden-brown skin, juices oozing out from its body, she couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. 

Since leaving Earth, it seemed difficult to find something to eat. Even back on Earth, the everlasting question plaguing the modern youth was probably “What to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?” 

And now, for Su Ge, it was to eat whatever was available. Moreover, the lack of seasoning and ingredients made her crave even more. She regretted why she hadn’t indulged in hotpot, fried chicken, spicy hot pot, milk tea, cola, or popsicles before coming here. She even regretted not eating more bowls of rice. It was truly too late for regrets. 

Zigmadar stared fixedly at Su Ge. She held the roasted fish in her hand, watching her effortlessly flip the sticks, making each fish look the same—plump and fragrant. The clear liquid started to ooze from his mouth again, and every pore of his body seemed to exclaim, roar, and declare its love for the aroma. 

“So fragrant.” After watching Su Ge roast fish for a while with eager anticipation, Zigmadar finally blurted out these dry words. As he spoke, Su Ge even noticed sparkling liquid trickling down from the corners of his mouth. He quickly wiped it away with his sleeve. 

“On our planet, this kind of thing is rare, it’s all noble pets, and yet it can still be eaten.” Sela woke up without knowing anything and immediately sat next to Su Ge. His eyes fell on the grilled fish. “I never imagined that this thing could be eaten. It’s too luxurious…” 

“How fresh it is, eating it is nothing special.” Su Ge snorted, mocking the ignorance of the two. “On my planet, in my country, this thing can be prepared in over a hundred different ways, each with a unique flavor.” 

“Is it… even more delicious than this?” If Zigmadar had heard this before, he would have thought Su Ge was joking and exaggerating. But now, after witnessing all those strange things turning into fragrant food in Su Ge’s hands, he unquestionably believed Su Ge’s words. 

Su Ge looked at the grilled fish in her hand with disdain. “What is this? It’s not seasoned with any spices, it’s no different from feeding a dog.” 

“Gulp.” Sela and Zigmadar both swallowed hard, not daring to speak. This was the most delicious smell they had ever encountered, yet Su Ge was criticizing it. What could Su Ge possibly consider delicious?

The other four, who had been equally silent, were awakened by the aroma. They too stared at Su Ge with wide eyes.

Was she really going to eat that thing? It couldn’t be true! 

It was utterly unimaginable. They had never seen anyone eat anything besides nutrient fluid since birth, and now someone was actually going to eat… 

Oh no! She started eating! 

The expressions of all the aliens present were indescribable: incredulous, terrified, disbelieving. But they all shared the same fascination with the aroma of the grilled fish. 

Su Ge was accustomed to the strange stares of these aliens. She nibbled on a freshly baked fish and placed the remaining five on large leaves she had prepared, letting them cool naturally. The ones they couldn’t finish would be saved as provisions for the journey tomorrow. 

Speaking of it, this fish didn’t have much of a fishy smell, and what little there was had been covered by lemongrass and chili. Only the indescribable freshness lingered in the mouth. Still, she was somewhat dissatisfied. Having grown accustomed to the various spicy and flavorful fish dishes, this one seemed lacking in taste. 

Just as Su Ge was internally criticizing her own grilled fish, feeling dissatisfied, she suddenly heard a strange voice, faintly ringing in her ears: “Is this thing delicious?” 

Su Ge looked toward the speaker, who was none other than Glaki. He was sitting just over a meter away from Su Ge, his body leaning forward involuntarily. His eyes sparkled with desire, not hiding his craving, and the saliva dripping from his lips directly expressed his emotions.

The saliva under the firelight seemed to have a shiny quality, continuously dripping from the corners of his mouth onto the ground in front of him, yet Glaki seemed oblivious to it. 

Su Ge was somewhat shocked by Glaki’s appearance. He was the first alien she had encountered who didn’t hide his appetite so openly, and it was a bit novel. 

“It’s not bad.” Under such eager and intense scrutiny, Su Ge felt a bit nervous. She swallowed the fish in her mouth and objectively evaluated her barely adequate culinary skills in these circumstances. 

Glaki’s eyes became even more expectant and eager. At this point, he even stood up, tiptoed over to Su Ge, and squatted directly in front of her, gazing at her with starry eyes, his mouth open, grinning in a fawning manner. 

“So, could you give me a little to eat?” 

Huh? 

Huh?!! 

Su Ge was stunned for a moment, then her eyes widened in disbelief!! 

Goodness gracious! An alien is trying to snatch food from me!!