Later that evening, Max went out for a short walk.
He felt someone following him but it was just Aashiya, the little girl.
He ignored her and returned inside.
He had tried talking to her earlier, but she always ran away. Not out of fear—just shy.
Back in his room, he lay down to sleep.
He realized something his mental fatigue was minimal, even if his body felt tired. Probably because this was the copy body. And in this world, 100 days passed for every 1 day on Earth. That made sense.
The next morning, Max woke, cleaned up, and stepped outside.
He noticed Krish and Aashi sitting with some men serious expressions on their faces.
Max, staying at a distance, activated his Focus skill.
> "I don't think he's a bandit," Krish said.
"What if he has a hidden agenda?" one man asked.
"Exactly," another added. "Maybe he's spying on us for an attack."
"Let's leave this to the chief," Aashi said firmly.
"Did you complete the task I gave you?" she asked the men.
> "We searched everywhere. No one suspicious. The area's safe."
Max listened silently.
Krish stepped outside shortly after, saw Max, and smiled.
---
They sat together, and Max began asking about the planet. In the conversation, Max learned that Aashi—Krish's wife—was the chief of the village.
The bandits Max had seen near the cave were well-known, dangerous criminals. They had terrorized nearby villages in the past, but had gone quiet lately due to warriors hunting them this world's version of the police.
Max gave Krish detailed information about their hideout.
Krish's expression turned serious. "Are you sure?"
"I can show you the path. But there were a lot of them," Max replied.
Krish immediately dispatched a messenger to alert the warriors.
---
The very next day, the messenger returned with seven warriors.
Five men. Two women.
One of the women ran forward and hugged Aashi tightly.
> "Sister! It's been so long."
Aashi smiled. "This time, stay a little longer."
The woman laughed, then looked toward Max. "Is he the one who knows the location?"
Krish nodded.