Chapter 205: A friend in dreams

After finishing his meal, Leo asked Storm to wash his plate before he turned in for the night, determined not to waste the rest of the evening.

He woke the next morning feeling fully rested. After washing up, he instructed Storm to prepare a hearty breakfast, though he had business to attend to before eating. Grabbing his Herb Gatherer’s Basket, he stepped into the Spirit Garden.

The garden remained much as he had left it. The Spirit Spring flowed with a quiet trickle, filling the air with a gentle pulse of spiritual energy. Leo took the herbs gathered the day before and set to work planting them in suitable spots—placing sunlight-loving varieties in clearings and tucking others into damp soil, making sure each plant had room to grow. Once they were set, he fetched water from the spring and gave each patch a thorough soak.

Passing the Spirit Banana plant, he paused. Small buds were emerging near the crown; the plant was finally getting ready to bear fruit.

A faint smile touched his lips. "Not bad."

These bananas were a key ingredient for brewing Spirit Wine, and he had been waiting for them to mature. He gave the plant a final glance, surveyed the garden with satisfaction, put away the remaining water, and left.

Storm had breakfast waiting. As Leo ate, a thought crossed his mind.

"Storm, what about the translation of the rune textbook?"

"Master, I have completed the translation of several pages. The successfully translated sections have been printed and placed on the table."

Leo glanced over at the table, finished his meal, and picked up the papers. It was a brief three-page summary outlining the basic principles of runes, their underlying structure, and the mechanics of channeling mana through them. Three pages hardly offered much to work with, but translating the rest would clearly take time. He placed the sheets back down, accepting that he needed to be patient.

Equipping his tactical armor and draping the Robe of Shroud over his shoulders, he took up the Herb Gatherer’s Basket. Gathering Spirit Herbs and fruits remained his top priority for the day; if the Freedom Convoy decided to move on tomorrow, he wanted to make the most of their time in this area.

When he stepped out of Storm, Valentine and a few other convoy members were already gathered nearby, hashing out plans.

Valentine noticed him approaching. "You’re here." She glanced at the basket. "What’s your plan for today?"

Leo adjusted the shoulder strap. "Same as yesterday. I’m planning to gather some herbs. If I come across suitable prey, I’ll hunt as well."

Valentine nodded. "Alright."

"What about you guys?" Leo asked, looking around the group.

"Today, we’re going to look for another source of water." She paused, her expression darkening slightly. "We can’t keep sending people to yesterday’s location. It’s too dangerous, especially for the ordinary survivors."

"That’s true," Leo agreed. "Then be careful. The forest is dangerous."

Valentine offered a faint smile. "Don’t worry. We’ll be careful."

Leo turned toward the treeline. He had barely taken a step when a loud voice cut through the air.

"BIG BROTHER!"

A heavy figure came bounding toward him, stumbling over his own boots in his haste. Leo turned to find Atlas rushing up, his face light up with anticipation.

"Big Brother! Big Brother! Don’t leave me behind. Take me with you!"

Leo couldn’t help smiling at the young man’s eager expression. "Alright. Let’s go. But you have to behave yourself. If you get into trouble, I’ll send you straight back."

Atlas gave an emphatic nod. "Don’t worry, Big Brother! I’ll behave!"

Watching the exchange, Rex scratched his head with a grin. "Yo, what medicine did you give him?" He gestured at Atlas. "He’s been restless since this morning, waiting for you to come out." He leaned in, his grin widening. "Why don’t we make it a group outing? Let me join you guys."

Before Leo could answer, Valentine cut in sharply. "No way."

Rex’s expression froze as Valentine crossed her arms.

"You’re not slacking off today," she warned, giving him a hard look. "And let me warn you. If something like yesterday happens again, you’d better be prepared for the consequences."

Rex straightened up, thumping his chest. "Don’t worry. You can trust me!"

Valentine shook her head. "The one thing I can’t trust in this world is whatever comes out of your mouth."

Rex opened his mouth to protest, but no words came. He fell silent, thoroughly outmaneuvered.

Nearby, Grandpa Jiro let out a low chuckle.

Leo shook his head, motioning toward the trees. "Come on, Atlas. Let’s go."

"Coming, Big Brother!" Atlas bounded after him as the pair vanished into the dense woods.

Behind them, Rex watched the forest swallow their figures and let out a long sigh. "Seriously... Why does everyone treat me like I’m some kind of troublemaker?"

Valentine offered a dry glance. "Because you are."

Rex went quiet once more, knowing he wouldn’t win this one either.

Leo and Atlas made their way into the forest, stepping carefully over thick exposed roots and fallen branches that crisscrossed the narrow path.

Leo glanced down at Atlas, who trotted along beside him with a wide grin. Without a word, Leo reached into his Void Pocket and pulled out the Spirit Plant Encyclopedia.

"Here. Take this."

Atlas took the book, inspecting the cover with open curiosity. "What’s this, Big Brother?"

"A book about Spirit Plants. Whenever you spot an unfamiliar plant, hold the book near it. It’ll tell you what it is and whether it’s useful."

Atlas’s eyes lit up. "Really?" He cradled the thick volume in both hands, holding it like a prized treasure. "Thank you, Big Brother!"

Leo gave a quiet nod and kept moving.

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Atlas spoke up again. "Big Brother, you know what?"

"What?"

"Yesterday, I met a friend in my dream!"

Leo didn’t slow his pace. "Oh? Is that so? Does he show up often?"

"No," Atlas said, shaking his head. "I only met him yesterday." He hesitated for a beat, his voice dropping slightly. "He was a big, scary monkey."

Leo’s steps faltered for a fraction of a second. A big monkey? He turned to look at the boy. "Oh? What did he say?"

"I don’t know how, but I could understand him," Atlas said, scratching his head. "He said I was too much of a wuss."

Leo raised an eyebrow.

Oblivious to the reaction, Atlas pressed on. "He also said I should punch anyone who disagrees with me or gives me trouble."

Leo stared at him, letting the advice sink in. That was certainly one way to handle things.

Atlas scratched his cheek, a small frown tugging at his mouth. "But he said something else I didn’t really get."

"What was it?"

"He told me to let him out and let him show me how it’s done."

Leo kept his face impassive, but his mind raced. A massive golden ape appearing in Atlas’s dreams, demanding to be freed... He had a strong suspicion about what was happening, though it was still too early to say for sure.

"I see," Leo said softly.

Atlas looked up at him, his gaze earnest. "But, Big Brother... even though I only met him yesterday, it feels like I’ve known him for a really long time."

Leo considered this for a moment before offering a small smile. "Alright. The next time you see him, treat him kindly. He might become your best friend."

Atlas gave a firm nod. "Okay!"

They resumed their walk, the rustle of leaves beneath their boots filling the quiet gap between them.

"Atlas," Leo asked, breaking the silence, "is someone troubling you in the convoy?"

Atlas blinked, looking genuinely baffled. "Troubling me?"

"Yes. Is anyone treating you badly?"

Atlas thought it over, then shook his head. "No! Everyone is super nice to me. When I run into people in the convoy, they even give me food to eat." A bright smile returned to his face at the memory.

"That’s good," Leo said. He took a few more steps before pressing further. "Is there anyone in the convoy you dislike?"

"No! I love everyone in the convoy," Atlas insisted. He paused, adding warmly, "Nina told me that everyone in the convoy is our family."

"Is that so?"

"Yes!"

Leo smiled. "What about me? Do you dislike me?"

"No! I don’t!" Atlas stopped dead in his tracks. His mouth opened to say more, but no words came out. "I... I..."

He lowered his head, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. After struggling with his thoughts for a few long seconds, he finally managed to speak, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "I really look up to you, Big Brother."

He kept his eyes glued to the dirt path. "I have a new goal. I want to become smart and strong like you one day."

Leo paused, watching the boy. The usual teasing remarks died on his tongue, replaced by a genuine smile. He stepped forward and clapped a firm hand on Atlas’s shoulder.

"Don’t worry. You’re plenty smart, and you’re already very strong."

Atlas looked up, his eyes round.

"I’m counting on you to protect me if a strong opponent ever appears," Leo added.