Tonight, Alice joins the hunt.

Xiao Honglu turned his gaze to O'Connor.

The handsome white man sighed deeply and put his arm around Evelyn.

“I’m an American,” he replied. “Americans are never afraid of danger.”

"Hey! Me too." Jonathan suddenly appeared from somewhere. "Evelyn is my sister, and as her brother, I can't just abandon her. Besides..."

His image as a reliable older brother crumbled abruptly before Evelyn could even show a hint of emotion. "You guys are so powerful, you probably don't need much of the gold in Hamunaptra."

"No problem, take as much gold as you want." Zheng Zha gave him a definite answer without hesitation.

Several hours later, the group disembarked at the dock downstream. The sailors, seemingly genuinely afraid of Alice, immediately steered the ship away after seeing them disembark. However, a group of Americans followed, trailing the Central State team at a distance.

“It’s those Americans who broke the seal in the story. It seems the plot’s momentum is still very strong.” Xiao Honglu pinched a strand of hair on his forehead. “After witnessing Alice’s magic, he still dared to follow… Is it because the appearance of supernatural power in front of him triggered his greed for the treasure? Tsk… That’s too reasonable. There’s no way to prove whether the main god deliberately interfered.”

"Uh...you just said something incredible?" Zheng Zha asked Xiao Honglu dryly. "Were you testing...the Supreme God?" He deliberately lowered his voice when he said the word "Supreme God," afraid that Evelyn and the others walking at the front would hear him.

"Don't worry, it's within the safety zone," Xiao Honglu replied. "We'll have to show our extraordinary power to the characters in the story sooner or later; it's just a matter of time. I'm just bringing that process forward a little."

“Okay.” Zheng Zha shrugged. “You’d better not do anything stupid.”

"Don't worry, I'm not stupid. I just want to test the limits of what I can achieve." Xiao Honglu rubbed his hair. "The situation is better than I initially expected. Because of Alice, we have at least a 50% chance of winning in this world. If there's no team battle, and we only have Imhotep the Undead, our chance of a complete victory could even reach 80%."

"Fifty percent? That's so low?" Zheng Zha's face stiffened. "I thought it would be higher..."

“Not low.” Xiao Honglu glanced at him. “Without Alice, the chance of surviving this world without anyone dying is less than ten percent. Imhotep alone could wipe us out, and we also have to face another team at the same time… To be honest, before I found out there was a witch in the team, I was prepared for at least half of the team, including myself, to die. Because I had no idea how to deal with the undead, and I had no way to do anything but follow the plot. But now, there’s a lot more room for maneuver, and I can prepare some plans to disrupt the plot.”

"Because Margot is very strong?" Zheng Zha scratched his head. "Although her magic is indeed very powerful, I also have my trump card. In a one-on-one situation, even in a skirmish, I have an 80% chance of defeating her..."

Xiao Honglu sighed deeply.

“Use your brain, Captain Zheng Zha.” He pointed to his head. “Alice’s greatest asset isn’t how good she is at fighting—though that’s important too—but the knowledge in her head. The world of Gods and Demons is a world of magic, but magic is only in the hands of a very few. In that situation, do you know how much of a role a true witch can play?”

"There's no reason she couldn't use the scriptures that even an ordinary person could use in the original work. Even with traps and restrictions, a proper witch would have a high probability of breaking them. So, as long as we get two scriptures, burying Imhotep won't be difficult anymore. What's more, she can use the scriptures to manipulate the guards and traps inside Hamunaptrae like Jonathan did. In that case, Hamunaptrae will become our home ground, and we can completely lure the Indiana team into the ruins and kill them."

"The reason we only have a 50% chance of winning is because Alice can't fully control the two books and Hamunaptra. If she can control the books, the chances increase by 10%. Controlling the Hamunaptra increases the chances by 20%. At that point, the only things we need to guard against are Imhotep and the Indian team joining forces, and the Indian team using large-scale high-tech weapons to directly bombard us from a distance. And that's when my arrangements with the tomb keepers will come into play."

"Even if Alice can't control the book and Hamunaptra, the treasures and relics in Hamunaptra, as well as the preparation time before the plot begins, are enough for Alice to use items to boost our combat power to a higher level. In the end, it will just be a fair fight, and maybe the other side will even take the initiative to make peace after weighing the strength of both sides."

He looked at Zheng Zha, who was completely stunned by the whole thing, and asked.

"Now, do you understand?"

Chapter Thirteen: No one can stop me! .jpg

Regardless of their odds of victory, the group now had to obediently head to the oasis to replenish their water, purchase food and camels, and then, led by O'Connor, follow the water sources and various landmarks deeper into the desert towards Hamunaptra. The Americans following the Central Continent team also regrouped in the oasis. Seeing that the Central Continent team had no intention of driving them away, they kept a distance of about two kilometers behind Zheng Zha and his group. After a day or two, a tacit understanding had developed between the two sides.

The Americans are responsible for excavating and mining the ruins, but the Middle-earth team has the right to take the best of the treasures from the ruins first. The two ancient scriptures and other similar precious artifacts will also belong to the Middle-earth team. The price is that the Middle-earth team will not attack them, and the noble witch will provide protection to the Americans should anything 'unusual' occur in Hamunaptra.

It's a very reasonable trade, given that one side is weaker and the other stronger. The Americans don't want to cause trouble, and the Central State team doesn't want to dig up the ruins themselves and suffer Imhotep's resurrection curse. So, this trade is a win-win situation.

Thus, the merged expedition team, after reaching an agreement, grew to over a hundred people. With experienced local guides and O'Connor and a friend who also knew the location of Hamunaptra, the journey proceeded smoothly. Day after day, night after night, three days and three nights passed in the blink of an eye.

........................

"Here, the task we agreed on beforehand—I've basically enchanted all your bullets." Alice tossed a bulging bag to Zheng Zha. This was the ninth bag she'd given him during their three-day desert journey, and the last one. Since there were no other people in the Hamunaptra community besides the expedition team and the tomb keepers, there was no need to rush. Alice was thus able to set up the tent she'd bought in the oasis at night and spend some time enchanting the bullets as agreed upon in the dungeon.

Of course, the expedition's average speed did not decrease as a result. Alice concocted some witch's potions in the desert using some common local herbs, which greatly increased the camels' speed and stamina in a short period of time. Therefore, by the third day, the expedition had still reached the landmark that would have been possible to reach even if they had traveled at full speed.

"Thanks, Margot Lloyd." Zheng Zha smiled, took the bag full of bullets, and casually put it into his storage ring. The two of them were currently in the middle to back of the group; those in front couldn't see them, and those behind were far away, so they didn't need to worry about anyone noticing what they were doing.

“Would it be convenient for us to talk, Margot Lloyd? We’ll be entering Hamunaptra soon. But as the captain, I feel I know far too little about you, which will be a disadvantage in the upcoming battle.” He looked at Alice earnestly.

Alice tilted her head slightly and glanced at him.

"You should know that some questions are very impolite to ladies."

"Ah, I know." Zheng Zha had been a white-collar worker before, so striking up conversations and dating was second nature to him. Naturally, he knew which questions to ask and which to avoid. Like, things like age…

"Very well, then ask away. But I can't guarantee I'll be able to answer."

"Don't worry, I'm not someone who can't read the room," Zheng Zha said, shrugging. "I mainly want to know, why did you enter the Main God Space?"

“You are different from us. I, Zhan Lan, and everyone else were tricked into this godforsaken place by the main god because we were pessimistic and desperate about reality. We only gained our power after a bloody battle. But Margot, you are different. You have magic from the beginning. Would someone like you also be pessimistic and desperate about reality?”

Zheng Zha asked half-jokingly, "Are you the type who's lonely and depressed because you can't find an enemy to fight against? Oh... Dugu Qiubai is a famous fictional character."

“I know Dugu Qiubai, and I know what you mean.” Alice smiled, her beautiful face turning slightly pale. “Besides, your guess is wrong.”

She took a deep breath.

"I... have indeed lost all hope. Not because of strength, but because of weakness. Before coming here, I was practically a walking corpse. Although I lived a normal life up there, I was actually just waiting to die."

Zheng Zha looked at her in disbelief.

“In the past, I went on an adventure to some ruins with my friend… another witch. It was a very dangerous place, and all the ancient texts and wise people warned us never to go near it.”

"But...you didn't listen, did you?"

“Yes, we didn’t listen.” Alice smiled bitterly. “So we both paid a very heavy price.”

[Deep-sea ruins, ancient gods and strange creatures...]

"The owner of the ruins cursed us, and although we escaped by sheer luck, we both suffered irreparable wounds. My friend lost his health and became a sick person who even stumbles when walking. My mind was corrupted and became extremely unstable; the slightest provocation would send me into a demonic frenzy, causing me to stab the person I care about most." Alice looked at her hands, which seemed to be covered in thorns.

Foolishness, sin...

"In addition, our magical path has been completely destroyed. This curse is constantly draining our magic power, destroying our souls, and making us weaker day by day while suffering endless torment."

"So we were desperate, as were my friends. In the end, all we could do was find a beautiful sanatorium and wait to die there."

Gensokyo...

“My friend is better off; at least she can live with other friends she knows. She has people to keep her company. As for me… I can do nothing but hide alone in the deepest part of the forest and wait to die.”

Remilia, Reimu, Marisa... me...

"I've given up hope. Captain Zheng Zha." Alice looked up at Zheng Zha, who was already stunned. This powerful man had given up thinking many times since meeting Alice.

"So, do you know how happy and excited I was when I found myself inside the light barrier, and at the same time, all the magic and curses on my body disappeared?"

"I'm so happy I could cry!"

Alice let out a soft breath. Her voice gradually deepened... but remained firm.

"We will definitely win this battle. I will do everything in my power to help everyone in the team and make sure we can end this world in the best possible way."

"Because there is someone waiting for me to go back and save her. I must go back too."

Author's Note:

................................................

Hmm... Since someone asked about the direction of this story, I'll just be direct.

Without a doubt, this is a yuri (lesbian) story. I ship Sora and Nakamaro. Patchouli will appear after the Mummy's World arc ends. Marisa, Reimu, Remilia, and Yuuka Kazami will not enter the space. Because in this scenario, Gensokyo is truly just Gensokyo; there's no dark or tragic elements, and no unlimited power-ups. It's simply a place where a group of girls spend their leisurely days.

As for whether yuri will lead to a harem... emmmm, I'm not so sure. For now, I'll just post what Patchouli will say later.

Patchouli: "Alice, my feelings for you will not change because of external factors. But you must remember that our positions are equal. If you go out and have affairs, then I won't mind taking in a few obedient female apprentices. In the end, who becomes whose harem will depend on their own abilities. If you think you can bear the weight of so many hearts, then I will naturally play along to the end."

Section Fourteen: This is advantageous terrain!

“I understand.” Zheng Zha reached out and patted Alice on the shoulder firmly. “Although my brain might not be the best, I can tell you’re absolutely serious.”

“I also have people I must bear burdens and protect. My love, Lori, and everyone in the Zhongzhou team. So I understand your thoughts and am familiar with the feelings you have. Based on that alone, our positions are aligned.”

"So, let's fight side by side, comrades!"

Alice glanced at her aching right shoulder, her pretty face twitching slightly. But she still nodded, giving Zheng Zha a very formal answer.

"Yes, let's fight side by side."

Zheng Zha burst into hearty laughter. "Until I die!"

Just then, cheers and laughter erupted from the front of the expedition. As the two looked up, they could see an invisible city gradually emerging from the shadows—the first rays of sunlight on the fourth morning had fallen, and the ancient city of Hamunaptra, long buried in the dust of time, had finally come into view of the expedition.

It was a colossal city, towering like a mountain.

“Hamunata…” Alice stared blankly at the enormous ancient city. Her witch-like senses allowed her to perceive the layers of ancient barriers hidden beneath the protective walls, and the cursed river that had been flowing for millennia and still raging beneath the city.

Hamunaptra is the city of the dead, where countless people were buried before Imhotep and countless others have been buried since. Among them were numerous pharaohs, priests, nobles… Imhotep may have been the one who died the most tragically, but he was certainly not the most powerful—neither in life nor in death.

Such a massive curse...

“Sorry, Zheng Zha, I have to go check that out. There’s something I need to confirm.” Alice nodded to Zheng Zha, then gripped the reins tightly and spurred the camel forward. In the blink of an eye, she had gone from the middle to the front of the group, a feat that ignited the adventurous spirit in the Americans. A large group of them, like cowboys on steroids, roared and charged toward Hamunaptra.

a mess.

Zheng Zha was completely bewildered after being left standing there by Alice.

"How was your conversation with Sister Alice, Captain Zheng Zha?" Xiao Honglu rode up to Zheng Zha on his camel. "Never mind those camel riders. They've been under so much pressure on the journey, let them relax a bit."

He glanced at Alice, who was far ahead of him, and raised an eyebrow slightly. "It seems that ancient ruins do indeed hold a great attraction for witches. Is there something inside that interests her? Captain, do you know anything?"

“I don’t know, and I’m not thinking about that… Never mind.” Zheng Zha shook his head with a wry smile, then perked up. “I’ve confirmed it. Margot Royd really wants to help us; she has her reasons for doing so… and she’s actually a pretty good person, a trustworthy partner. I’ll have Zhan Lan ask her later why she’s in such a hurry to enter Hamunaptra. She doesn’t seem to be in any danger.”

"Trustworthy? It's definitely the best possible outcome." Xiao Honglu raised his hand to pull his hair, but then lowered it halfway. "Since it's your judgment, Captain, I won't do any extra calculations. However, this completely fills the gap in my plan that was most likely to have a flaw. After all, I've only known Alice for a few days; it's better to have a consistent stance before a bond and trust are established..."

“You clever people just love to overthink things,” Zheng Zha chuckled, giving the camel's belly a light kick. “Let’s go, into Hamunaptra. I remember the original American will soon trigger Imhotep’s curse; if he’s planning something, we’d better be prepared.”

He rode his camel toward Hamunaptra, while Xiao Honglu shrugged helplessly and drove his camel slowly toward the ancient city.

After several days of trekking through the desert, although the journey wasn't too arduous thanks to Alice's magical assistance, there was no need to waste any more time outside now that their goal was in sight. The expedition team quickly arrived at Hamunaptra and set up camp in a square within the ancient city, setting up camp, surveying water sources, and identifying digging locations. Meanwhile, the Central Continent team members, following Zheng Zha and Xiao Honglu's prior arrangements, dispersed to scout the terrain, record routes, and clear the most suitable high ground for observation and sniping.

In short, everyone got busy. Even Qin Zhuiyu and Gao Hongliang weren't idle; they rolled up their sleeves and helped set up the camp. Although they inevitably complained a few times, at least they were doing some work.

While the people outside were busy at work, Alice went inside the ancient city and came to a huge temple.

“Hamunata…” Alice whispered.

To the average person, Alice was standing blankly before an abandoned temple. But in Alice's eyes, the temple resembled a colossal black vortex—incredibly deep, incredibly dark, and incredibly… alluring.

“This is the heart of Hamunaptra, the gathering place of curses, and the most crucial control hub.” Alice reached out her hand, as if wanting to touch the foundation stone of the temple.

But her hand stopped in mid-air.

“At least one pharaoh buried himself here and left a curse on those who offend his tomb. Entering rashly may bring misfortune,” she said, turning her head to a shadowy figure not far behind her.

Zhao Yingkong's figure appeared in the shadows.

“According to the plan, you should now go survey the surrounding terrain.” Alice raised an eyebrow, sizing up the aloof young assassin before her. Her gaze lingered briefly on Zhao Yingkong’s overly developed chest, and she simply couldn’t understand how Zhao Yingkong could perform the work of an assassin with such a burden.

"………………" The young assassin subconsciously took half a step back, but immediately took two steps forward again.