The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Chapter 78 Going to the Mountain
“Now, now… Don’t look at me like that, Ms. Ainsley. I assure you, there is a reward awaiting all of you,” the Director reassured, sensing Hera’s puzzled expression.

As Hera was called out, she became aware of her confused gaze fixed upon the Director, who had yet to divulge the nature of the reward.

The Director nodded to the villagers, and ten of them promptly positioned themselves in front of Hera and Xavier. Their ages spanned from around 11 to their 50s. The younger ones appeared visibly nervous, fidgeting, and displaying an understandable hesitancy in front of the camera.

“I assume that the other participants will at least take another 45 minutes on the road due to their progress, I will first introduce to you the reward you’ll get for getting here first…”

At this moment, the crew brought out a roulette, its surface blank, providing no clue as to the potential rewards it held.

“We’ll begin with a game of Russian Roulette,” the Director announced. “And since you’re the first two to arrive, you’ll have a better chance at spinning the wheel. Let’s see what rewards await you.”

Naturally, this development piqued the interest of viewers tuning into Hera and Xavier’s livestream. Given the name “Russian Roulette,” implied the presence of a potential bullet hidden in the rewards. However, being the first to spin offered Hera and Xavier the opportunity to avoid any negative outcomes—provided luck was on their side.

The director did all the possible way to make it as mysterious and as suspenseful as possible without giving them a definite answer which frustrates Hera in a way.

Xavier stepped forward as he was the first to arrived and he rolled the roulette without much suspense, as if telling everyone that he wanted to get it done and over with as soon as possible.

As the roulette came to a halt, a crew member stepped forward to retrieve an envelope hidden behind it, presenting it to the Director.

“Hmmm. Let’s uncover the reward you’ve earned,” the Director remarked, intrigued by the outcome.

Upon opening the envelope, the Director briefly scanned its contents before turning it to display its contents to the camera and others. “You’ve received vegetables,” he announced.

Xavier remained silent, his expression unreadable, though it was evident he awaited further explanation regarding the nature of the supposed reward he had received.

“So… Allow me to provide a brief explanation. You will all be residing and working in this village for the entire week. However, nothing comes without a cost. You’ll need to procure your daily necessities and food through your labor. Alternatively, you may venture into the mountains at the rear to scavenge for ingredients if you run out of points…” The Director paused, shifting his gaze between Hera and Xavier. “Now, consider this reward as your initial support since you’ve just arrived. Think of it as assistance from us until tomorrow, when you can begin earning points through your work to purchase what you need.”

He signaled to the crew to temporarily confiscate Hera and Xavier’s belongings, instructing them to search for any food or snacks and remove them. They were allowed to keep only their clothes, essential hygiene items, and other non-food items.

Anticipating this scenario, Hera had deliberately refrained from packing any food or snacks. Consequently, the crew found nothing to confiscate from her luggage, only discovering items typical of someone preparing for a camping trip.

[AuntieNextDoor: What a savvy girl scout! Haha!]

[PasserbyGod: Did you see the staff’s faces while rummaging through her belongings? Priceless! They looked utterly disappointed! 😂 They were probably hoping to find a treasure trove of snacks, but it seems they wasted their time! Haha…]

[UwU: I’m a loyal viewer of ‘The Quest,’ and I must say, I find it hilarious when the celebrities nearly break down over their confiscated snacks. Throughout the show, they hold a grudge against the confiscation because they’re starving all day! 😂]

[BlackismyColor: I was waiting to see her cry… But I guess, not today?]

After ensuring his crew had completed their inspection, the Director pressed on. “As you’ve been awarded vegetables, we’ll supply you with a basket containing an assortment of them. How you choose to utilize them until noon tomorrow is entirely up to you.”

Accompanied by his bag, they also handed him a basket filled with assorted vegetables. As Hera stepped forward to roll the roulette, she couldn’t help but wonder, ‘No matter how unlucky I am, it surely can’t be that bad, can it?’ Suppressing further thoughts, she stood tall and exerted a bit more strength to spin the roulette, watching intently as it gradually slowed and finally came to a stop.

She stepped back, patiently waiting for the Director to take hold of the envelope retrieved by the crew. As before, he gave it only a cursory glance before flipping it around for the audience to see.

“Your reward is an egg,” he declared. Then, shifting his gaze to the ten villagers who had stepped forward earlier, he added, “Now that we’ve sorted out your reward, it’s time to select your guide. Choose someone from among these villagers who will show you the ropes around the village and lead you to your accommodations.”

Immediately after finishing his statement, he made his way back to the OB Van to oversee the other participants, granting Hera and Xavier the freedom to explore the village.

The crew handed Hera the basket of eggs, and as she took hold of it, a sense of relief washed over her knowing she hadn’t received something entirely useless.

Xavier selected the eldest among the group, a man in his 50s exuding both amiability and strength. With a smile exchanged between them, the man didn’t say much but guided Xavier directly to a big building.

Meanwhile, Hera observed the villagers before her, each wearing a gentle smile. However, her attention was captured by a young boy who appeared nervous and out of place. She pondered why he had stepped forward to help despite his evident shyness in front of the camera.

Without hesitation, Hera selected the boy to accompany her. As she stood before him, the boy’s head remained lowered, only catching a glimpse of the black boots in front of him. When he finally looked up, he was taken aback to find Hera standing so close, smiling warmly at him.

“Y-you’re… picking… me?” he stuttered, surprised.

“Yep,” Hera replied with a smile.

Upon hearing her acceptance, the boy’s eyes brightened with excitement, and he eagerly beckoned Hera to follow him in the same direction Xavier had gone.

Hera was led to a spacious, two-story cabin nestled near the base of the mountain. While it was a considerable distance from both the ranch and the vegetable farm, it proved to be a charming abode. Its picturesque surroundings resembled Switzerland, albeit surrounded by towering trees.

“Sister, would you like to take a stroll around the village or visit the animals first?” the boy eagerly inquired of Hera.

“Bry, why don’t you give our guests some time to relax and prepare their lunch? How about that?” the man accompanying Xavier interjected, suggesting a moment of respite before any further activities.

Hera turned around and spotted Xavier descending from the second floor, having just settled his belongings.

Bry scratched his head thoughtfully, prompting a chuckle from Hera. “How about joining me for lunch?” she proposed.

“Really?” Bry asked, sounding hopeful.

“Of course,” Hera replied warmly.

“But you only have eggs for food. I’m worried it won’t be enough to last until tomorrow,” Bry expressed concern.

“Do you know where I can find mushrooms or a good fishing spot?” Hera inquired.

“Oh oh! I know just the place!” Bry exclaimed eagerly.

“In that case, we’ll have fish for lunch. I can save my eggs for tomorrow,” Hera assured Bry confidently, puffing out her chest with determination.

Upon hearing Hera’s words, Bry’s eyes lit up with excitement as he eagerly awaited her to settle her luggage in her room. Hera made sure to bring the basket of eggs along and also retrieved a bulky tactical belt bag that could be strapped to her waist, securing it around one of her legs.

After ensuring everything was in order, Hera emerged from her room only to notice a sticker affixed to her door reading ‘Room Taken’. It was likely the crew’s doing, ensuring that other participants wouldn’t select a room that had already been claimed by someone else.

It was another perk of being the first to arrive.

As Hera and Bry ventured out of the cabin, a cameraman trailed behind them into the depths of the forest, navigating a steep uphill path. Struggling to keep pace with Hera and Bry, the cameraman’s difficulties forced Hera to slow their pace to accommodate him, a detail not lost on the viewers.

It was only then that Hera noticed Xavier was also tagging along.