"Since we've exchanged enough things and gathered some information, let's not linger here," Elara said, looking around at everyone and making a decisive call. "We'll rest up, and then... we'll head straight to that temporary base."
No one objected to Elara's decision. Everyone understood that this mixed bag of a trading post, while seemingly "safe" for the moment, was ultimately not a place to stay long.
After a brief rest and preparation, everyone loaded their purchased items into the vehicles.
The convoy set off again, heading towards their final and most crucial destination—the temporary military base.
In the back of the spacious modified truck, they had temporarily set up a small "mobile treatment room."
Jorah sat cross-legged inside, eyes closed, slowly infusing his gentle, life-filled green power into Vespera's body. Ever since he discovered his ability had a miraculous effect on Vespera's speech recovery, this had become his daily, unmissable "homework."
Elara looked through the car window at Jorah, who was diligently "treating" Vespera, and asked softly, "Doing this every day, is it tiring? Your ability consumption must be considerable."
"Not tiring at all, not in the least!" Jorah opened his eyes, a barely concealed excitement on his face. He looked at his hands, feeling the life energy within him, which was more abundant and active than before, and said happily, "I feel like after every time I help Vespera, my own powers also seem to be slowly improving! That feeling of energy circulation is really comfortable!"
Then, he made a slightly… regretful smacking sound with his lips and mumbled, "It's just a shame… my other ability, the one that's like 'devouring life force,' I haven't had any chance to practice it. Feels like such a waste."
He no longer felt the initial fear and repulsion towards his "plundering" ability. After witnessing the terror of the mother tree and experiencing the thrill of instant power-up, his heart now held a subtle… anticipation and longing.
Elara listened to his somewhat "Versailles-esque" complaint, both amused and exasperated. However, she was also aware of the unique and… dangerous nature of Jorah's ability. Until they found a suitable target for him to safely practice his "plundering" ability, it was best for him to obediently continue as the team's "healer."
That evening, just as the convoy had chosen a relatively safe abandoned gas station as a temporary campsite, Aurelia, who had been unconscious all this time, finally woke up.
She slowly opened her eyes. They were golden, warm and bright, just like her long blonde hair. But at this moment, those beautiful eyes were filled with deep fatigue and… a faint hint of worry.
This woman, who appeared frail and demure, even in her weakened state after struggling back from the brink of death, still carried an innate elegance, like a classical aristocrat, in her every word and gesture.
She slowly sat up. Looking at the unfamiliar faces around her, she showed no great surprise or panic, merely frowning slightly. In a weak voice, tinged with a hint of apology, she softly said:
"It seems… we've been rescued."
She seemed to recall something, lowering her gaze and letting out a soft sigh, her voice tinged with a touch of helplessness.
"He… will probably be very angry, won't he?"
The "he" she spoke of was her partner, the leader of the Northern Light Base, the "Sun King," who was about to arrive in S-City.
"Being overdue for the mission for so long, and getting myself into such a mess… I really don't know how I'm going to explain it to him when I get back," Aurelia murmured to herself, her voice carrying a faint, almost childlike note of annoyance. "This mission, I really didn't expect it… to be so tricky."
Aurelia didn't stay awake for long. After a brief exchange with the group to understand the general situation, she gently placed her hand on her chest.
A golden light, brighter and purer than before, surged from her palm, enveloping her entire body. Under the healing of that warm golden light, her slightly pale complexion visibly brightened and became rosier.
After applying this power to herself, she seemed to have exhausted the little strength she had just recovered. Soon, she fell into a deep sleep again.
"Wow—"
Seraph, sitting nearby and watching, let out an envious gasp at Aurelia's move.
"Healing abilities are just the best!" she said, dramatically tossing her long red hair back, her voice full of envy, jealousy, and a touch of resentment. "Look how easily she treats herself; it's like she carries an infinitely refilling super health potion!"
"Yes, it is very convenient," Elara said, nodding in agreement as she looked at the golden-haired woman who had safely fallen asleep again. Then, she changed her tone, blinked, and said with a hint of deeper meaning, "But having such an ability is also very dangerous."
"Dangerous?" Seraph asked, somewhat confused.
"Think about it," Elara explained. "What does an 'in-motion spring of life' that can heal all wounds, and even, to a certain extent, bring people back from the dead, mean to survivors struggling to live day by day in the apocalypse?"
"It's only because it's still the early stages of the apocalypse, and Aurelia's reputation hasn't fully spread yet. Otherwise, I guarantee you, countless people would rush towards her like moths to a flame. Some would seek protection, and others… would seek to claim her for themselves."
Elara's words made the envy on Seraph's face gradually replaced by a hint of gravity.
She suddenly understood why Kane and the military doctor were so tense and concerned about Aurelia's safety.
She wasn't just their companion; she was… a walking "strategic resource" capable of changing the very landscape of the apocalypse.