There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 591

Chapter 591: Chapter 585. A Big Cauldron

"Ash!"

Rina approached the warrior with a brilliant smile and spreading arms. While Ashur still received it as usual and hugged her back, he was rather awkward about it and ended the intimate interaction quickly.

"What’s wrong with you?" the defender frowned. "Are you being cold now that you spend more time in the Deathzone?"

"What are you talking about? We hung out the last time I went up," Ashur rolled his eyes dismissively to cover his awkwardness. He cursed Han Shin inwardly for telling him something unnecessary before. "But read the room a little--we’re in the battlefield, for God’s sake."

"Oh, I guess you’re right," Rina giggled cheerfully and made a little ’oops’ before setting her face straight. "Well...I’m just happy we can work together again. It’s lonely being up there by myself, you know."

This time, Ashur cursed himself because Rina actually looked quite hurt and saddened. Indeed, except for her, the other five-star espers were sent to the Deathzone, and the only guild member close enough with her was Nadine--who also got called earlier than her.

"Oh, well--I better get going to my position then," like a lie, the forlorn expression disappeared from her face. "See you around!"

"Wait--"

Ashur moved to grab Rina’s arm before he could realize it. When she looked at him in confusion, it took him a few seconds to clear his throat and speak something sensible. "Be careful out there."

Rina blinked and chuckled. "I should be the one telling you that--I’m the one who can protect myself."

"Hey, I’m serious here," Ashur frowned. "It’s your first time fighting here, you don’t know how dangerous that Fallen Star’s attack is."

"No, but I’m not here to fend it off, ain’t I?" Rina tilted her head and flicked the concerned warrior’s forehead. "It’s Sir Tian Yu’s job to receive the Fallen Star’s attack. I’m just here to defend against the beasts--as usual."

That was true, of course, but Ashur knew very well that things could deviate from the plan at all times on the battlefield.

Rina laughed at Ashur’s creased forehead, which somehow energized her even more. "Well, thank you for worrying, though."

She gave the warrior a wink and left for where she was supposed to be; the frontline of the main siege troop. Ashur, as the field commander, wouldn’t move in front this time. He would instead move with one of the wings to occupy the higher ground and gain a clear view of the battlefield. It was unlikely for them to meet on the battlefield until they reached the island where the Fallen Star was.

He sighed at the sight of her disappearing back, but there was no leeway to be sentimental since a beeping sound came from the communication device in Kei’s hands.

Like a ghost, Radia arrived immediately to take the call personally.

"Bas?"

[Oh, good--you’re there already] the young saint class’s voice could be heard clearly. [We are in front of the dungeon gate; entering the star corridor in ten minutes; entering the Fallen Star dungeon in twenty-two]

It took longer last time since they had to go through the star corridor, but with only one single door as a target and bringing the Spirit Queen as a guide, they only needed twelve minutes at most to reach the Fallen Star’s dungeon.

"Heard," Radia replied briefly. "Good luck, ambush team."

[See you on the battlefield. Entering]

"Entering," Kei typed to record in the operation log. "Setting the timer for eighty minutes."

Based on their calculation regarding the time dilation, the ambush team would reach the dungeon after eighty-two seconds. It was their job, the siege troop, to wreak havoc before then so the Fallen Star would be distracted. Hopefully, it would also send the fragments out so Bassena and the others only needed to face the Fallen Star.

Radia closed his eyes briefly to pray for things to work within calculation before taking a deep breath and turning toward Ashur and the other squad captains. "Get everyone ready."

Ashur relayed the last order to check their equipment and provisions like potions and serums. Once again, he reminded them to send their will to the guild’s inventory, although he very much wished everything would get deleted later.

"Fifty," Kei read the clock in the corner.

"Listen up," Radia spoke through the channel connected to everyone’s commlinks. "Let’s finish this before spring comes and have a spring party here under the sun."

[You’re paying, right?] Rina’s joyful demand broke a few laughter among the serious rank.

"Of course, not," Radia scoffed. "You all will be rich enough to fund a few parties."

A loud cheer filled the darkness with invisible brightness, prompting Radia to chuckle. "Start moving," he ordered.

"Shield, up front!" Ashur spoke to the main communication channel, receiving Rina’s response immediately. "Kei, eyes in the sky; please take charge of the mobile support."

"Roger."

"Wing squads--move out now!"