Ava continued to converse with Kas in a terse manner. The Post Human learnt that sometimes city citizens would group with desert wanderers in the Association. Then they would venture out together, to seek stuff and materiel uncommon to visiting caravans.

Most of city dwellers would opt to do so rather than wait for fortune to fall upon their laps. Ava revised her expectations on this diverse city; there was more than meets the eye. As for Husan joining them? Perhaps he was stocking something unusual for his beverages.

Ava brief encounters with Husan impressed her that this old man wouldn’t have any issue to traverse the vicious badlands. Come bandit, slay bandit! Come monster, slay monster! His metallic knuckles were especially eye catching, gleaming black as the night sky.

Ava eventually stopped talking to Kas as the rat chittered nonsense. It started to puff its chest, telling tall tales such as fending off a group of Red Scorpions or brawling with Thunder Vipers that would give most wanderers some pause. The Post Human instead focused on herself.

Due to some outside interference, her off-world supply of quanta was severely reduced. Now she cannot use [Disintegration] as freely as before, limited to once per day. She calculated with her fingers, coming up with several plans in parallel in attempt to circumvent the issue.

There were three immediate paths available to her; rely on so-called dao weapons or try to emulate dao cultivation or start building quanta generation as soon as possible. For the first option, she had non-trivial amounts of them, looted from bandits in her previous adventure.

However, they were hot potatoes and Ava might draw ire from their original owners, if any. There was also the matter to maintain them and Ava had no clue about it. She could instead ask Akeila or Janak to make custom dao weapons for her but it was too late to ask for it now.

On the second path, she failed to grasp it despite gaining memories from the people she killed. Her avatar was modeled similar to a young child and it was no different than mortals. How does one encounter dao in the first place? And if dao weapons are better, why even cultivate?

The third option, despite being critical was intentionally postponed. She did not have the space nor materiel for it. Ever since she entered Kazar City, she felt she was being observed by someone or something at times. Pursuing the third path may expose her secrets too early.

As she was mulling over the options, her golden eyes caught upon variety of weapons and armours used by creatures visiting the hall. Most of them were bladed dao weapons and only a fraction was ranged ones such as cross bows. The Post Human thought things over again.

Since dao weapons in her possession have questionable origins and she cannot rely on [Disintegration], it might optimal if she pursued plain ranged weapons. Throwing knives, needles etcetera. Dao weapons were conspicuous and counter-able as per her experience.

Since sand was literally everywhere in these badlands, she could fashion endless number of ordinary weapons such as needles with [Molecular Assembly]. Combined with her grasp over [Gravity Control], they may be launched faster than most eyes or minds could perceive.

She thought to invest more quanta into [Gravity Control], but it didn’t seem optimal at the moment. The ability was limited to quarter zhang distance to her body and further extension needed extra quanta. Keeping it activated for prolonged periods also costed as much.

Her reverie was broken by Muzaid, “So uh…Young Miss Ava, is it okay if I just call Young Miss as Ava?”

“Ava confirms. There are no problems.” Her eyes flickered for a moment as Kas had claimed her left shoulder as its perch.

The muscular warrior sighed a breath of relief. He wouldn’t be charged for lese noblesse now. “Well…I had a long talk with the Branch Manager. I won’t pry your reasons to be here but I believe formalities will only hinder our work. Husan’s arrived so let’s go buy some stuff before leaving.”

“What will Brother Muzaid purchase?” Ava got off her seat and started to follow him.

He took a strip of papyrus from his pocket, squinting his eyes. “Hmm…we already got enough food...if not I can always ask Husan to cook. So, we need to buy more medicine and extra pouches of water. Oh, and lease another Komodo.”

“Ava is sorry for the trouble.” Ava nodded downwards. She wasn’t that troubled in terms of supplies apart from quanta yet Muzaid had accounted for her share. This man was thoughtful all right.

Muzaid broke into a thin smile, “Oh it’s nothing! We can plan for everything but not everything will go the way we wanted. It’s part of the routine, nothing strange about that!”

Ava nodded in reply and wore a blank expression. Muzaid got the hint and wordlessly moved through the hall. Others stared at them, some in disgust, some nonchalant and some curious. The contrast was open for all eyes to see, one short and another tall.

At this point Ava had removed her head turban and let loose her short golden hair. Her skin was pale beige, unblemished by the harsh desert sun. She was aloof like an immortal that had descended upon these badlands. Muzaid however was one of many definitions of masculinity.

His cloak can barely hide his muscles, thin but explosive in power. His sparse hair was dark brown and his eyebrows were sharp as swords. Each of his step was confident, except when a little goddess suddenly latched on his hands. Muzaid didn’t know to whether cry or laugh.

He felt a number of unfriendly stares had increased, prompting him to cough and quickly depart from the scene. This is just an escort mission…escort mission! He led Ava into a long corridor, to a different part of the Association. An alcohol smell soon wafted through the air.

There were less people here but nonetheless some. The duo passed through a small courtyard and number of verdant vegetation. A small plaque can be seen on an arch, titled as the Dispensary. Not much noise can be heard except for occasional whispers and chirps of birds.

The duo made their way to one of long benches in the area, to wait for the master of this place to finish his business. The owner was even thinner than Muzaid and can be mistaken for a beauty from afar. He wore simple robes, a square shaped hat and had jade-like skin.

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His actions however were stark contrast to his image; he wrestled a limb of his client, to reset the offset bones. The client let out a muffled scream in agony, the pain was too much. The owner quickly stuffed a bluish pill to the client’s mouth, silencing the client into stupor.

The companion of the client bowed down repeatedly before bringing themselves away. Said owner gave a wave of his hand as they left the area. He then turned around and spotted Muzaid on the bench, with Ava in tow. Muzaid got up in order to break the awkwardness.

“Hakeem! So, uh…I can explain this…yes, I’m just escorting this young miss!” Muzaid gave an unnatural smile, unsure if this master would buy his excuse.

The man named as Hakeem reached down and gave Ava a curtsy bow, “Welcome to the Dispensary, Young Miss. I heard of your arrival from the Branch Manager. Not to worry, Muzaid. So, what brings you here?”

“Well…we’re going to hunt some Red Scorpions and Sand Komodos in Eastern Barchans. Young Miss Ava wanted to see the world.” Muzaid was internally relieved, the Branch Manager sure worked fast. Nevertheless, he felt Hakeem was still staring daggers at him and he wasn’t sure why.

Hakeem’s eyebrows twitched for a moment. What was Muzaid thinking, bringing this young girl to the harsh desert? “So, the usual then? Antidotes, salves and dressing?”

“Yes, if you please. Just in case if Young Miss Ava got hurt, you know.” Muzaid nodded while ignoring Hakeem’s intense stare.

As both of them moved deeper in the compound to talk, Ava decided to stay put to observe her vicinity. The benches were neatly arranged and the plants were visually pleasing. There was a single fountain in the center, cleansing the air from gritty sands of the desert.

She tried to look for cauldrons but didn’t find any. She instead spotted a long shelving not far from the counter, filled with various drawers. Hakeem pulled some of them, putting herbs and pills into prepared ceramic bottles. Every time he did, a distinct smell arose respectively.

Muzaid eventually head to the bench again while holding a piece of papyrus, “Okay, I will get the stuff you wanted, Hakeem. I will be back after a week.”

“Thanks. Keep her safe, Muzaid.” Hakeem put away a pouch of coins he got from Muzaid. He gave them a strange look; a warrior, a young girl and an employed rat going into a desert. If not seeing it with his own eyes, he would had dismissed this as nonsense.

Muzaid nodded while avoiding eye contact. He wanted to leave this place as fast as possible to avoid Hakeem’s unapproved gaze but Ava gripped his hand like an unmoving mountain. The warrior felt perplexed on how a small girl can overpower his strength, his pride.

The stoic warrior can only walk slowly, like a father bringing his child for a stroll. Kas, the rat remained silent all these while as they head west of the Dispensary. They went through a number of corridors before arriving to a simple store, adorned with many jars and bottles.

A friendly coarse voice greeted them, “Brother Muzaid! Great to see you here!”

“Yaveh! How’s things going!” Muzaid broke into high spirits as if they were kindreds now united.

The man named as Yaveh moved among the jars, to vigorously shake Muzaid’s hand, “Good, good, good! So, who’s this brave little girl? And…. a rat? What?”

“Oh, this is Young Miss Ava. We’re going into Eastern Barchans. Haven’t you heard from the Branch Manager? The rat’s Kas, his handler gave permission.” Muzaid was immune to this now. Ava herself attracted inquiring gazes and Kas sitting docilely on her shoulders was another combo.

Yaveh rubbed his eyes and dusted his beige robes, “No I haven’t. Well anyway, you’re here for some more water, right? How much do you need? Sixty jins?”

“Yup, the usual please. This trip is going to last for a week.” Muzaid handed Yaveh another pouch of money while keeping a watch on Ava. The Post Human kept mum and only stared at the clay jars and water pouches.

Yaveh withdrew a papyrus book from a nearby table and jot it down after moving some of the jars into one place, “Okay. Do you want me to deliver it to the usual place?”

“Ava can carry it no problem.” Before Muzaid could answer, Ava had extended her hand and stored the jars away. She purposely shown the ring on her pinky finger.

Yaveh gave out a fake smile and then whispered to Muzaid, “Wow, where did you get this noble as your backing? Connect me to her, Brother! Oh wait, I meant, in relation sense. Business sense.”

“It’s a long story. Ask the Branch Manager, Brother. Anyway, thanks. I can’t let Husan and Makya wait.” Muzaid eluded his grasp, unease with Yaveh’s sudden familiarity. Ava followed suit.

Yaveh was crestfallen, his chance was gone just like that! He however remained positive, he would meet them again soon enough, “Thanks for the purchase! Don’t forget to visit again!”

Ava glanced at Muzaid, this warrior did have lot of connections and able to negotiate with just about anyone. It was like heaven and earth, Muzaid was nicer than desert bandits that only sought to kill, rape and pillage. She continued her observation, noting his every action.

Taking this young girl form was indeed the best idea. People tend to either underestimate Ava or went out of their way to acquiesce her. Upon their way to the next place, Ava felt someone was intently stared at her. She turned her head but there was nothing to be found.

Who could it be? The presence seemed different than what she felt inside the City. She ignored the thought as rows of stables came into view. Each stone stable had wooden doors and number of large bipedal lizards. They were quite different than the ones in the desert.

These lizards were tamer and had tough sand-coloured scales. Their eyes were yellowish rather than reddish. Ava recalled it now, they were separate breed from usual Desert Komodos. People here used them as speedy mounts, to quickly travel through the desert.

“Muzaid! You got all the stuff you needed?” Husan cheerfully greeted them, giving Muzaid a hug.

Muzaid replied in kind, “Yeah Husan. Where’s Makya?”

“She will be joining us shortly. So, it’s true this young missy is going to an adventure with us?”

The stoic warrior nodded to his question, “Yeah, here’s the stamp too. Branch Manager had told me about it. The usual sermon.”

“Hmm…right. So where will we go first, Muzaid?” The four-armed elder flipped the papyrus slip a few times before giving it back to Muzaid.

Muzaid handed a small pouch of money to the stable keeper, relaying his intent to rent another of these big lizards, “Since Ava is joining us, we’ll be going to three more places than usual. She wants to look for dao core I shown to Akeila, the blackish one I told you about.”

“Yes, Ava requests the black rock again. Ava is interested in it.” Ava spoke her mind, upturning her eyes like a child asking for candy. Her overall expression however remained deadpan.

Old man Husan arched his eyebrows, “So young missy wants a dao core? And what’s with this rat?”

“It’s as you heard, Husan. And about the rat, I got the papers from its handler. It apparently liked Ava very much.” Muzaid can only give an awkward smile. It was rather unusual to see a young girl travel with a rat. Most children would either bat the rat away or scream in horror.

As if it understood what Husan was implying, Kas got up and jutted its tongue at Husan. Ava glanced at the elder, “Old man Husan, Kas says he doesn’t like you.”

“Now now, let’s not get into fights. We ought to work in a team.” Muzaid immediately stepped in to mediate. His eyes met with both Husan and Kas, as if pleading them to get along.

Husan shrugged and pointed at their luggage instead, “So, do we need a bigger cart?”

“It wouldn’t be necessary, Husan. Ava would help with that.” Muzaid tried to say it with a straight face. He felt he was only taking advantage of Ava for convenience.

Ava waved her tiny hands over the luggage and they vanished into thin air, “Ava confirms. There are no problems.”

“Oh. You better watch your steps, Muzaid. This old man is too young to die.” Husan shot a whisper to Muzaid. His eyes weren’t smiling.

Muzaid can only nod in return. He was stuck between a tiger’s den and a lion’s lair, “Don’t worry…now let us depart…”