Chapter 1000 - 19: Uninvited Guest at the Camp

"Cough, cough!"

Chen Wen cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

After a somewhat awkward smile, Chen Wen said, "My point is simple, we’ve participated in more Desert Extreme Challenges, so when facing the Forest Extreme Challenge, we’ll instinctively consider its difficulty alongside the Desert Extreme Challenge. But actually, the Forest Extreme Challenge isn’t as tough as solitary survival in the wilderness."

"So, that’s my second issue, the mindset problem. Our mindset needs adjustment!"

"We need to realize that the dangers we’re facing this time are seventy percent due to nature and the remaining thirty percent are related to our own mistakes. The animals here can’t bring crises to our team!"

Upon hearing this, Roland nodded repeatedly, agreeing, "Yes, I think the same. We’re six people, for most animals encountering us means death, and for predators like brown bears, as long as we’re not alone and are mentally prepared in advance, they can’t harm us!"

At this moment, Hua Yun spoke up, "I thought about it too, and it’s true. We don’t need to worry too much about the danger animals might bring."

Fred thought for a moment and said, "Although that’s true, there’s no harm in being cautious."

Gaston didn’t express an opinion, feeling somewhat down at the moment.

Adam then said, "I have no objections; indeed, our mindset needs to shift. Previously, we were too focused on stability. Often, being a bit more adventurous, like Chen Wen, doesn’t lead to much danger; instead, it brings more rewards."

This was an issue Adam had realized last time.

He reflected, "The brave always receive extra rewards, so we should also attempt adventure."

Chen Wen’s words successfully caused a shift in the team members’ mindset.

He said, "In any case, tomorrow’s plan to hunt the brown bear is set. Additionally, regarding the third task, I plan to let my animal friends hunt independently after the brown bear hunt."

Upon hearing this, everyone was surprised, initially not understanding Chen Wen’s meaning.

Of course, Hua Yun understood.

She said, "Once the brown bear is dead, the animals’ safety is assured, allowing them to hunt independently is good."

Chen Wen nodded, "That’s the idea, which is why I’m eager to eliminate this brown bear."

When the Eagles returned, the Wolf Mink gnawing on a rabbit exposed a strong smell of blood, attracting the brown bear.

At the time, the brown bear rushed from afar, as it was getting dark and the smell of blood was intense.

The ground-moving Wolf Mink didn’t immediately detect the brown bear.

When the brown bear approached, the Wolf Mink suddenly realized it was within the bear’s attack range.

Frantically, the Wolf Mink grabbed the rabbit and climbed a tree, but the sudden events caused the rabbit it was carrying to drop to the ground.

Fortunately, the two rabbits drew the brown bear’s attention, along with the Wolf Mink’s strongly scented urine masking its smell.

Thus, it managed to escape from the brown bear’s sight.

After escaping, the Wolf Mink and Eagle returned to the camp without pause.

Reflecting on this, Chen Wen said, "Tonight, everyone should stay alert and not sleep too deeply. I’m worried that the brown bear might follow the trail left by the Wolf Mink here."

The mention of this caused everyone’s expressions to turn serious.

Indeed, this required precautions!

"Finally, there’s the shelter construction."

Chen Wen thought for a while and said, "Regarding the shelter, I feel we don’t have to worry too much. I calculated before, if we six manage to hunt the brown bear successfully and if the Golden Eagles can bring back small prey daily, our food needs for six people should be met."

"So, then, the six of us can focus solely on shelter construction,"

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded.

Just as Chen Wen mentioned, food isn’t a concern for everyone; as long as the brown bear is hunted, the food problem naturally resolves.

At this moment, everyone suddenly realized that all of Chen Wen’s actions hinge on one thing—hunting the brown bear!

Whether it’s the food issue, the safety issue, or the shelter issue...

The starting and ending point of all issues is hunting the brown bear.

Fred also realized this, and he smiled somewhat helplessly.

Even though he had persistently opposed it, by now, he will probably be persuaded.

After all, in Chen Wen’s plan, hunting the brown bear is undoubtedly the central element.

Chen Wen set the few tasks that must be done next.

No one had any objections anymore.

After setting these tasks, Chen Wen assigned the night watch duties.

In pairs, totaling three groups.

Everyone equally divided the night’s watch duty.

Chen Wen, together with Hua Yun, took the most challenging second shift voluntarily, and naturally, no one complained.

As night descended, the first day of survival officially came to an end.

Compared to other teams participating in the Forest Extreme Challenge, this time, the most shining team and contestant was undoubtedly the team led by Chen Wen.

...

Nighttime.

Accompanied by the occasional roar of wild beasts nearby, and the sounds coming from bugs not yet frozen to death, plus the sounds of cracking wood during the burning of the campfire.

The entire camp was in a rather quiet and safe atmosphere.

The first watch was Fred and Roland; although their relationship wasn’t good, under the night sky, in front of the campfire, they began communicating.

They spoke very softly, and others couldn’t hear what they were discussing.

But based on the occasional low laughter, it was clear that their relationship had significantly eased compared to the tense morning.

Actually, the two didn’t have much conflict.

After a day, the two had completely put aside the issues of the morning.

Chen Wen lay on the ground, surrounded by a sleeping bag, feeling warm.

Listening to Roland resolving their conflict, he felt happy inside.

Good, these two are one a laborer and the other a nuclear-powered workhorse.

If those two get along, it’s beneficial for the entire team.

Thinking about this, Chen Wen drifted off to sleep.

His consciousness gradually submerged into the void, like a deep sea.

...

Who knows how much time passed.

Chen Wen felt something poking his side, he immediately opened his eyes and became alert.

Exiting his sleeping bag, Chen Wen discovered it was the Wolf Mink snuggled beside him, using its paws to scratch his sleeping bag.

Chen Wen shook his head helplessly.

This little guy, its sleeping posture is quite unrefined.

At this moment, Roland noticed Chen Wen had woken up, he waved at Chen Wen to come over.

After Chen Wen walked over.

Roland whispered, "Fred and I heard some movements earlier, but they weren’t significant, like something small was watching nearby."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen frowned slightly.

Something small?

He asked, "Can you determine which direction it’s in?"

Fred pointed in the direction of Lake Baikal, somewhere over there.

Chen Wen employed his excellent perception ability, but he couldn’t detect anything.

Just when Chen Wen thought that whatever it was might have disappeared.

Along with a faint sound, in the darkness, a bush moved as if the wind stirred it.

Watching this, Chen Wen couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

There’s definitely something there!