After Yan Ning left with his small team
The soldiers who had already formed their ranks started up some small talk. The veterans wore serious expressions, while the rookies chattered excitedly about how they'd cut down enemies left and right.
The new recruits were fired up. They'd trained against straw dummies and targets for so long—finally, they'd face living enemies. If they performed well and earned some recognition, maybe their names would spread.
Seeing their confidence, the veterans felt helpless. They'd warned them before, but these youngsters wouldn't learn until they hit a stone wall.
Bonanus watched them, unsure what to say. Young people—let them have their confidence. If they actually manage to accomplish something this time, that'd be a good thing.
These men look fairly professional. As long as I deal with those Abyss Mages, they might just succeed.
Plus, their equipment seems decent. Despite some doubts, I hope things turn out well.
With this thought, Bonanus glanced at Yanfei. She was still standing with one arm crossed, the other hand rubbing her chin, lost in thought again.
Little Yanfei's been in this pose the whole way here. It's both curious and puzzling. What exactly were those two communicating through eye contact earlier?
Such riddlers!
"Little Yanfei, what were you and that big guy talking about? Why did he look so deflated all of a sudden?"
Bonanus asked directly. In her previous life, miHoYo's trailers and cutscenes were always full of riddles—fans loved and hated them.
After all, when you want answers and someone gives you riddles instead, it's frustrating, isn't it?
Called out, Yanfei slowly lowered her hand from her chin and spread her hands. Looks like Sister really wants to know. Nothing I can do.
"It's nothing serious. I was just thinking about the squad leader's actions."
"His operation is rather rash—most of these soldiers are rookies. But since he seems sincere, I was considering some things."
Hearing this, Bonanus got the gist. So that's what it was. I thought something else was going on. I'd considered this myself earlier.
"I thought it was something big, seeing how flustered he looked." Bonanus nodded knowingly.
"I can tell he's a decent man—seems honest, genuinely worried about these rookies getting killed."
"But he took on a mission that's dangerous for new recruits because of his impulsiveness and ambitions. That part is irresponsible."
Yanfei revealed part of her analysis. She held back the rest—even if she explained, Sister Bonanus probably wouldn't understand.
So better not to say it.
"True. But these soldiers seem to know what they're doing. Probably nothing major will go wrong!" Bonanus nodded.
"Hopefully. Formations are one thing, but real combat experience is another." Yanfei shook her head. Whether this ends in failure or growth depends on how they face the enemy.
"Don't worry. With me here, casualties won't be too high." Bonanus patted Yanfei's shoulder reassuringly.
Though the squad leader had said she only needed to handle the Abyss Mages, leaving the rest to them—
If something went wrong, she could still intervene.
As long as no one died—a few injuries didn't matter. She just needed to keep these Millelith soldiers alive.
"Sister, you're so kind. True adepti usually don't involve themselves in missions like this. You did this for me—for these people's lives."
Yanfei gazed at her with admiration. Sister is such a good person. Going this far for mortals she doesn't even know.
"Huh? I am?" Bonanus scratched the back of her head, confused. Is doing this much considered a good person? Their standards are low!
In Yanfei's view, protecting Liyue's people was an adeptus's duty—part of their contract with Rex Lapis. But they didn't need to go this far for armed forces.
Armed soldiers were different from civilians. If you were a soldier of Liyue, you bore the responsibility alongside your comrades to withstand all dangers.
And with Bonanus participating in this operation, certain Qixing members would certainly be annoyed afterward. This completely contradicted their plans.
Some among the Qixing wanted to demonstrate "humanity's" strength to the people—to show that Liyue could resist danger even without Rex Lapis, without the adepti.
If word of Yan Ning's decision got out, tongues would wag. Forget promotion—he might even face criticism.
As a soldier, Yan Ning probably understood some of the political implications. Why did he agree to let Bonanus join this mission?
Most likely, this big, simple man feared failure, then suddenly had a savior appear, got excited, and agreed on impulse.
"But Sister Bonanus, I think you should participate less in these operations in the future. You're an adeptus, but these are mortal matters. I only came because I was commissioned."
"If they don't request help, let them handle things themselves."
Yanfei said worriedly. Relations between the Qixing and the adepti were already tense. Doing this too often might invite unnecessary suspicion from the Qixing.
Though the adepti didn't care about such things, they could still cause unnecessary trouble.
"Don't worry! I usually don't help people I don't know—unless they're cute or fluffy."
Bonanus grinned mischievously at Yanfei. She certainly qualified as cute. Bonanus loved the way Yanfei struggled helplessly—wanting to escape but unable to, like a kitten trying to scratch your face but failing, forced to stay in your arms. The feeling was incredibly satisfying.
"That's reassuring to hear." Yanfei nodded with relief, though Bonanus's gaze sent chills down her spine.
Like a hunter eyeing its prey. Quite unnerving.
"Relax, relax. I only came on this mission to accompany my cute junior. Without you, I wouldn't be here."
"In the future, most of my time will be spent subduing demons and evil. When I'm free, I'll go shopping and eat out. I won't be able to accompany you next time." As she spoke, Bonanus couldn't resist ruffling Yanfei's hair again.
"Ahhh, Sister!" Yanfei jumped away. With so many people watching, this is embarrassing!
"People are staring!" Yanfei said shyly.
Bonanus glanced back curiously. She wished she hadn't.
The assembled soldiers and support personnel were all staring at them with great interest. Among them, she could hear murmurs about their interaction.
Rare chance to see adepti gossip—they want their fill.
With so many of them here, even if the adepti got angry, they probably wouldn't take it out on everyone. Might as well enjoy the show.
"You're all quite enthusiastic..." Bonanus said, a vein throbbing on her forehead.