Although he'd managed a short rest when the lights went out, to be honest, Su'er was still a little tired. This exhaustion didn't just come from constantly changing the hot cloth on Credo's forehead and wiping his armpits to cool him down, but also from something unspoken. It was as if something hid in the darkness.
However, this slight fatigue vanished quickly when he heard the news Couronne brought—it would be more accurate to say he couldn't be more energetic now.
Leaving Credo to Couronne's care for the time being, Su'er quickly changed into another robe, then removed his mask and soaked it in a basin of water. Couronne would then wash it with boiled water. Though simple, it was currently the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.
Holding the lantern, he walked a long way before reaching the settlement's center. Many people already stood in the open space, all wearing robes identical to Su'er's. But compared to these familiar companions, what caught Su'er's attention more was something he had seen countless times before: a stone pillar illuminated by the lantern.
In addition to the cave-unique leaves, which wound around the stone pillars and emitted blue fluorescence, what was more eye-catching were the colorful small stones. Children had collected these, strung them together with ropes, and polished them into regular shapes, jingling in the air as the ropes swung.
This stone pillar had stood here since the human settlement's establishment. Su'er had seen it countless times, could even describe its appearance with his eyes closed. But at this moment, it was as if he were seeing it for the first time, and he couldn't tear his eyes away.
There was a deliberate sound of footsteps behind him.
"...Don't worry, Credo will definitely not go there."
Feeling someone pat his shoulder, Su'er turned to see that familiar face and slightly old-fashioned voice belonging to a young man in his twenties. Dark brown hair framed a foolishly smiling face, and the hand patting Su'er's shoulder grew increasingly powerful.
"...Yeah," he nodded in agreement. Su'er directly slapped away the guy's hand, which seemed to be comforting him but was actually secretly retaliating, and turned to the crowd. "I'm just a little worried, don't overthink it, Lenny."
"Well~, everyone's very worried, whether it's about Credo or you," seeing his little prank discovered, Lenny—who was clearly one of the oldest people present—mischievously stuck out his tongue. "After all, you've been by Credo's side since he fell ill, and you don't even need a replacement. It would be bad if you fell down too..."
Following Su'er and talking behind him, Lenny's concern, though long-winded, was clearly genuine.
"...There's no choice, after all, not many of us came out of that place together..." Su'er suddenly stopped, his voice growing more depressed.
Lenny, who had been talking non-stop, abruptly fell silent.
The two looked at each other as if they wanted to say something more, but no sound escaped until the end.
"Let's go."
"Yes."
Just as Couronne had told them in the cave, the rest of the people had been waiting a long time. This great expedition could only begin when Su'er arrived.
"How's the situation?" This was a question that could be described as rational and cold. The first person to ask Su'er such a question after they met was the settlement's current leader, Riku.
White hair, white eyebrows, a young man only one year older than Su'er, yet he had become a leader who could convince everyone... For five whole years, this was a man with sharp, empty eyes, a man who lived only for his goal.
This was Su'er's entire evaluation of him.
He admired him, but he never wanted to be him, yet he had to stay close, regardless of words or deeds.
"It has improved, but to prevent the situation from suddenly worsening and to secure a reserve of medicine, new herbs must be found on this expedition." After giving Riku a brief report on Credo's situation and the new difficulties, Su'er said no more.
Although the two had a good relationship in private, he had to maintain a rational and absolutely authoritative image for Riku when others were present.
Keeping silent was a good strategy.
"Very good, then let's proceed according to the previous plan. We will set off after a short rest." After leaving such a sentence, Riku signaled Su'er to sort out his equipment and communicate with the team members.
Checking weapons and sharpening blades—but their role was definitely not to charge at inhuman and terrifying races. In addition to cutting through thorns on the path, taking certain herbs, or cutting food, the greatest purpose of this small dagger was to preserve one's last dignity when on the verge of suffering great pain.
Carrying dry food and water, the map confirmed countless times before, repeatedly contemplating the safety of the expedition route and the possible dangers and countermeasures...
"Hey! Su'er *gē*!" (Brother Su'er)
When Su'er, who was buried in the small bag, raised his head blankly, he saw a ball of blue-purple fur blocking his sight—he immediately recognized her.
"It's Nonna." Even the coldest person couldn't maintain a stoic face when confronting such a cute little girl, let alone the sheer psychological healing of seeing such a smile in such a world. Su'er couldn't help but curve his lips and gently touch the little girl's head. "Did you learn to read well today?"
"Of course! Nonna is already learning how to write her own name!" Nonna's little face was full of pride. Though she was bragging, it was impossible to feel annoyed.
"Hahaha, that's truly amazing." Laughing, Su'er ruffled the little girl's hair even more. "Then, Nonna, will you write it for me when I come back?"
"Yeah! It's a deal!" Nonna shook her head in Su'er's arms but couldn't escape the big hand messing up her hair. When she heard Su'er's words, she raised her head and showed an even brighter smile.
Children... are hope...
Su'er was inexplicably a little dazed—until he heard Lenny shout.
"Assemble!"
After a final hard rub of Nonna's hair, Su'er turned around and shouted.