Chapter 82: Strength

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Strength

Actually, most of Merrick’s states have this kind of discrimination.

Renee Morgan used her actions to show them the hidden power beneath the reserved surface of Z Country, a power that’s always been underestimated.

The viewers in the livestream watched Taylor’s stunned expression and burst out laughing.

But on foreign forums, people didn’t share this joy; they felt more empathy.

Admittedly, they’re curious and fascinated by Z Country’s kung fu, but misunderstandings and stereotypes about Z Country have always existed.

You could say Renee Morgan completely shattered their perception.

Z Country is a strong nation—they shouldn’t generalize.

Renee Morgan picked up her backpack and quickly filled it with apples.

When she followed the bamboo pole back to the other side, Taylor looked at her with eyes sparkling.

Renee Morgan felt a little creeped out: "You get a share of the apples, no need to look at me like that."

"..." Taylor laughed out loud, reached for her backpack, took out two apples, and pulled out his own water bottle. He rinsed them off casually, held one in his hand, took a big bite with a crisp sound, and handed the other to Renee Morgan.

Seeing Renee Morgan didn’t take it, he mumbled, "It’s fine, even if it’s poisonous, there’s antidote."

If any plants or animals at the base are poisonous, there’s always an antidote—as long as you blow the whistle in time.

Renee Morgan wasn’t worried about the apple being poisonous. She took the apple from Taylor, pulled out her water bottle and washed it again, then sat under a nearby tree and slowly started munching.

Under the scorching sun, eating juicy, sweet apples feels absolutely amazing.

They were truly starving; though apples would only fill them up temporarily, it’s still way better than an empty stomach and just water.

The three of them polished off half a backpack of apples quickly. Renee Morgan went back to the other side using the same trick and picked another backpack full. A few of them chilled under the trees, planning their next move.

There’s no way to stay here forever. When night falls, in the wilderness, if they run into a pack of wolves or other beasts, there’s nowhere to escape.

But if they return to the camp with all this food, it’s likely to invite disaster.

The three thought about it for a long time and finally decided to return to camp before dark; it’s relatively safer then. Even if they run into wild animals, at least they won’t bump into food robbers, since everyone’s busy finding a place to camp.

It was getting late and they didn’t wait long before night fell. The three gathered plenty of dry wood, tied it with vines and slung it on their backs, covering up their bulging backpacks to avoid attracting attention.

They returned to camp smoothly. Seeing the tents lit by bonfires, Renee Morgan and Sean were delighted—looks like Zayed and the others made it back safely.

People who enter the base forest were dressed uniformly, all in base-issued uniforms. At first Renee Morgan and her group didn’t notice anything odd, until someone noticed footsteps behind them, turned around, and a completely unfamiliar face suddenly appeared in their sight.

Renee Morgan and Sean stopped in unison, Taylor also braked suddenly and, sensing their unease, looked at the newcomers seriously.

"It’s you guys!" Taylor recognized several of them—they were the ones who had grudges with Zayed, the Godfather’s subordinates.

Renee Morgan and Sean didn’t feel relieved; a look of seriousness flashed across their faces.

This camp was theirs, the sky was already dark, but Zayed and his crew were nowhere to be seen—very likely they’d already been eliminated.

The people in front acted like hosts. Trying to drive them out wasn’t realistic; their profession was all about not playing fair. If it came down to force, the three of them couldn’t possibly beat a whole group.

Renee Morgan quickly decided—they’d go camp on the river’s far shore, where Taylor had camped before.

As if seeing through their thoughts, one of them pointed at the other side of the river: "That tent is already occupied too."

Renee Morgan’s expression turned ugly. Hearing his tone, it seemed tents weren’t for whoever pitched them, but whoever occupied them first?

What kind of logic is that.

Taylor pointed at their tent: "We pitched this here. Did you guys end up in the wrong spot?"

The group sitting around the bonfire on the stones exchanged glances, dangerous light flashing in their eyes.

The Hall Master sitting in the center, the one with the highest rank, laughed: "You only have three people, and this place is big enough. Why not stay together?"

If the other side had simply taken over, they might have argued. But with such polite words, if Taylor insisted on driving them off, he’d almost deserve to get hit.

Taylor weighed his options and spoke: "Alright, we’ll stay together. Give us a tent."

The others were unhappy and frowned at the Hall Master.

The Hall Master waved them down, signaling to be patient, then looked at Taylor’s group: "Of course, no problem. But three of you, one tent?"

His gaze landed on Renee Morgan, smile light and careless.

Yesterday, they gave way to Zayed’s group entirely because of ’Sister Renee.’

But now, she doesn’t seem so special. If even Sean and Taylor can get involved, how is she any different from the women they usually meet?

Taylor saw their meaningful looks, frowned and spoke: "What are you thinking? Renee gets the tent to herself. Sean and I will stand guard outside for her."

Sean nodded seriously—responding to Taylor’s words.

Renee Morgan: "..."

She hadn’t expected Taylor to say that. She thought the best solution would be to take turns with the tent: she’d sleep inside for the first half of the night, in the second half they’d sleep and she’d keep watch outside.

But recalling Taylor calling her ’Renee’ last night, it made sense why he’d handle it this way. These guys wouldn’t make a move for now, but if they sensed anything was amiss and suddenly turned hostile, it’d be a different story. ℯ

The Hall Master hadn’t expected Taylor to go that far either. With Taylor’s international status, if he wasn’t alone and weak here in the base forest, he wouldn’t have to play this kind of game—as The Boxing King, every faction gives him respect.

The contempt faded from their faces, and their glances at Renee Morgan became probing and wary.

Renee Morgan picked out the tent she’d slept in, stashed all their backpacks inside.

Their packs had apples—now was not the time to bring them out. Even if they were generous enough to share, these people wouldn’t be satisfied, they’d just covet all the food. That could quickly lead to bloodshed, so better avoid it for now and eat once the crowd dissipated in the morning.

Renee Morgan entered the tent and didn’t come out again, lay on the dry grass, thinking she’d get some good sleep and swap with the other two in the second half of the night.

If they just got through tonight, by noon tomorrow, they’d finish the trial and get their base pass.