Chapter 598: Name

’So, this is what happens when storage items break,’ Liam thought, watching the belongings.

That was Liam’s first time witnessing a similar event, but his reaction stopped at that thought. His mind moved to the items next.

A mid-stage branching expert was a higher existence that had thrived for a long time. The accumulation such powerhouses possessed had to be unfathomable, but the items on display did a poor job representing it.

Liam saw two more amphoras, a couple of guardless swords likely meant for flying, a brown slab, sets of spare clothes, and miscellaneous items like tablets and communication devices.

That wasn’t little, but it wasn’t much, either, especially compared to what Liam had in his rings. Of course, Andrew had a home, so he didn’t need to carry his entire wealth around all the time.

Now, Liam theoretically had to let all that loot go. With the Great Quiet Desert so big on tracking devices, plundering corpses was akin to placing a target on his back.

Yet, some greed nagged at Liam’s brain, and he wasn’t completely powerless. His noble art was limitless, and ideas were already forming now that he could explore the issue calmly.

’I had to solve the tracking issue anyway,’ Liam considered. ’But what about the items? They require a different method.’

Looting Jessica hadn’t yielded much, at least by Liam’s standards, but Andrew’s belongings involved three rank 3 items: the two amphoras and the brown slab.

’The slab probably was Andrew’s nutrient since it’s the same color as his armor,’ Liam pondered. ’I can leave it, but I want that healing substance.’

Liam currently had no healing pills suitable for his level, and the Great Quiet Desert’s barrenness basically promised that the problem would continue. Meanwhile, the amphoras were even better than those alchemical products. He just couldn’t miss that opportunity.

’There is something that might work,’ Liam thought, suddenly having an idea. ’But I have to be quick.’

"Rachel," Liam called at that point, his eyes still on the items. "Will the Invincible Oasis Tribe learn about Andrew’s death?"

"Most certainly," Rachel immediately confirmed. "All relevant players in the Great Quiet Desert bind Soul Lamps that turn dark when their lives are extinguished. Little Sister also has one."

’Is Daniel coming as we speak?’ Liam wondered.

"Though," Rachel continued. "The Soul Lamps aren’t perfect. Interferences and distance can disrupt their functioning, turning them dark by mistake. The Invincible Oasis Tribe will likely study Senior Andrew’s for a few days before launching an investigation."

Rachel was so focused on Liam that the fan tried to dive deeper into her chest, only for her to flick it before it could, even glaring at it.

"It seems you only think of yourself in the end," Rachel coldly scolded. "I see no point in keeping you then."

Rachel crossed her arms, hiding her chest, or at least trying to. It wasn’t physically possible to cover so much, but the fan panicked nonetheless, whining to no end.

"I can give you another chance," Rachel scoffed. "But only because of Big Brother. Will you take it?"

The fan didn’t hesitate to nod, or whatever passed for nodding for that weapon.

"You can watch," Rachel said, lowering her arms. "But never, ever touch me."

Liam had no words or brain cells to process that scene, so he ignored it, focusing on the serious stuff. "I must remain here, but you should return to the Tribe."

"Is Big Brother going to throw little Sister away?" Rachel asked in a heartbroken tone.

Liam didn’t fall for the facade, but he couldn’t reject the veiled request. It wasn’t even about being accepted despite his lineage. Rachel had helped in the battle, so ignoring her wishes didn’t sound right.

"If you want to stick with me," Liam sighed. "Never put yourself in danger."

Rachel smiled slyly, wrapping her arms behind her back and bending a bit, glancing coldly at the fan to reaffirm her previous order, before focusing solely on Liam.

"It was thrilling aiding you in battle," Rachel admitted, dropping the jokes. "I would have never thought of fighting branching experts yesterday, but I moved by instinct now. I threw away reason because it was you."

Liam knew what Rachel was getting at. They had just gone through that topic, after all, about learning to love him better and shed her immaturity.

"But I’ll try to obey with this," Rachel backtracked, straightening herself. "If Big Brother finds little Sister too naughty, he can always punish her. Some rough discipline might do her good in general."

Rachel then whispered in Liam’s ear, not touching him at all. "You could even spank her like a misbehaving child. Little Sister had many men interested in her bottom. Big Brother might see the appeal, too, once he touches it."

"Contact your parents," Liam ordered, ignoring those teases as he stored both amphoras and the brown slab.

"Little Sister already did that," Rachel revealed. "She also told them about Big Brother’s victory. Of course, she kept how special Big Brother truly is for herself."

Liam stopped in his tracks, looking back at Rachel. She was wearing a confident smile, but nothing came of it, as if waiting for Liam’s move.

"Why ..." Liam muttered, diverting his gaze. "Why aren’t you blackmailing me into marrying you? You must have realized I won’t hurt you no matter what."

"How could little Sister dare to think of cornering the one who conquered her?" Rachel responded. "Besides, she wants that to happen out of Big Brother’s desire to experience the mark you’ll leave on her when you truly look at her."

Rachel stepped forward to return to Liam’s side, her green eyes shining.

"And you will," Rachel continued. "It’s in your nature to dominate, like the Dragon King and the Wolf Mother before you, just like your poison takes over the world. Eventually, you’ll want me, too."

Being compared to the Dragon King intensified the hisses in Liam’s mind, but he could hardly contradict Rachel. He didn’t know about the other sons and daughters, but his poison was indeed meant to swallow the world.

"But," Rachel exclaimed. "Little Sister will be a naughty girl now and ask your name."

Liam heaved a sigh, suddenly lifting Rachel from her belt, earning himself a surprised but pleased moan. She had lost her spear, so he had to carry her.

Yet, an issue appeared. The fan didn’t listen to Liam, instead continuing to hover before Rachel’s chest.

’Are you serious?’ Liam cursed internally. Luckily, Rachel was smart enough to understand the issue.

"Never disobey Big Brother," Rachel scolded, flicking the fan again while hanging from Liam’s hand. "If you even do it again, I’ll forever forbid you from watching, too."

Needless to say, the fan teleported under Liam’s feet. He set off, but not before adding one last thing. "Call me Liam."