Hearing Aaron's words, Kiana was speechless.
Come to think of it, that's true.
Although I don't know how else we could have avoided those fights, listening to Aaron, it sounds like he had other ways.
But every time he encounters an enemy, Aaron's first choice is to fight... Whoa, so Aaron is secretly a violence-maniac?
"I don't know what rude things you're thinking, but I feel I need to clarify."
"I'm not 'cautious,' and I don't have any desire to get some kind of spiritual high from fighting."
"The reason I make these choices is purely because—I don't like the feeling of being 'passive'."
Remembering his past experiences, Aaron clenched his fists slightly.
"In the past, when I was alone, I would always miss opportunities or run into idiots because I was being overly cautious."
"After a certain incident, I realized something. When I was waiting, no hero came to save me."
"Maybe in the future, someone will help me when I need it. But rather than wait for someone else's salvation, I should work hard to save myself."
"Striking first might cause some problems, but it's always better than passively waiting and missing an opportunity."
"Hmm... so that's how it is. I get it."
*But now, you could also rely on me a little, you know. You're not fighting alone.*
Kiana didn't say this out loud in the end.
After all, although Aaron was awake, he was still exhausted.
If possible, Kiana still hoped...
"Wait, what is this????"
"Ah, I didn't take this out in the forest earlier because I judged we needed to retreat quickly. But now..."
Forcing himself to stand, Aaron took out sleeping bags, a tent, and an outdoor dining set, and immediately started setting up.
"I don't know where we are, but it's not suitable for us to enter a city right now."
"We'll rest here for the night, and tomorrow we'll think about wandering into another city."
Watching Aaron skillfully set up the tent and start boiling water with the outdoor cookware, Kiana's eyes glazed over.
Although Aaron had just said all that, the problem was...
"Aaron, just how much stuff did you prepare? And I remember we only had half a day after getting the news. You bought all this in half a day?"
"Wake up. Money makes the world go round. The reverse is true too."
Taking some frozen pre-made food from a refrigerator plugged into an outdoor battery, Aaron said without turning his head.
"The System gave me money. I just used some of it for a delivery fee. As long as they get the order done, you can pay for anything online with a credit card these days."
"...I lose."
Compared to Aaron, I, who prepared nothing, am really dragging him down in this respect.
But then again... I don't think I have that much money to buy all this...
No, wait!
We're both in the same boat, so why does Aaron have it and I don't!
System! Are you there!
[Dear Miss Kiana, the items used by Tester No. 233 were from his novice gift package.]
Then what about my novice gift package?
[Of course you don't have one. If you did, this System would have sent it long ago. This System can't just give everyone such convenient items. Please don't overthink it.]
Y-y-y-you-you, you're bullying me!
[This System is merely acting impartially. Of course, if there's a lottery opportunity next time, Miss Kiana, you can consider drawing for equipment and items.]
[According to this System's tests, your luck is quite good, Miss Kiana. If you draw for items, it's possible you could get the same ones Tester No. 233 received.]
My... luck is good?
Kiana thought about her experiences: getting seriously injured and losing her memory, almost getting killed by a Honkai Beast, suddenly passing out, her damn old man disappearing, being forced to travel all the way to the Far East, and then getting dragged into this strange journey. Kiana fell into deep thought.
You call this *good* luck?
[Yes. After all, although you are quite unreliable in some ways, Miss Kiana, you met Tester No. 233.]
Oh, so he's my external cheat, is that it?
Kiana, who was about to sarcastically retort to the System, looked at Aaron's busy figure and suddenly let out a small sigh.
Fine, I'll admit it. Meeting a reliable teammate like Aaron... my luck really is pretty good.
At the same time, as Aaron was heating up the food, he also heard the voice he had been waiting for.
[Hello, Tester No. 233. You're finally awake.]
Yeah. I was waiting for you.
Since you've appeared now, I can assume...
——There shouldn't be anyone coming to hunt me down anytime soon, right?
.........................