After the abbot left, Elena and Ethan quickly disappeared from the unit and entered the space.
Without wasting time, Elena teleported straight to the front of Paradise Hospital, wanting to check on the others and see how things were going.
But just before they could enter, they spotted Oslo and Lydia standing nearby, deep in conversation.
"What are they doing here?" Elena whispered, narrowing her eyes.
Lydia’s blushing cheeks and shy smile were more than enough to hint that something was going on between them.
Unable to resist her curiosity, Elena grabbed Ethan’s arm and pulled him toward a discreet corner where they wouldn’t be seen.
She peeked out, ears perked, listening closely to their conversation with growing interest.
"Let me help you carry this stuff to the pharmaceutical lab," Oslo offered, stepping closer with a warm smile.
"I can just store it in my [Inventory]," Lydia replied, a bit confused by his insistence.
Watching from their hiding spot, Elena had to stifle a laugh at Lydia’s innocent response.
"I know you can," Oslo said, chuckling softly, "but I just want to help. There’s no need to turn me down. Come on, let me give you a hand."
His tone was gentle, but his eyes held a clear interest.
He had been trying to get closer to her for a while now—dropping hints, offering help—but Lydia, ever focused on her tasks, kept brushing it off as playful teasing.
Still, Oslo didn’t mind. He was patient. He just wanted a chance to be near her.
Ethan saw everything and couldn’t help but smirk at Oslo’s situation.
Back when he was chasing Elena, Oslo proudly gave him all sorts of advice, acting like a seasoned expert in love.
And yet now, he can’t even win the heart of the woman he likes.
"Wife, let’s head inside," Ethan said, tugging her hand gently.
"Wait a sec, I want to watch a little longer," Elena replied, eyes still fixed in their direction.
"They’re already gone," he pointed out with a sigh.
"Heh, do you think something is going on between those two?" she asked, clearly amused.
"Hmmm... I think so," Ethan answered, nodding thoughtfully.
Elena smiled brightly, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I hope it works out. It’d be fun to see those two end up together."
She was genuinely happy for them—curious to see how it would unfold, and secretly rooting for them.
After that, Elena and Ethan quietly entered the hospital and made their way to Xander’s room.
He had been injured during the gunfight, and they wanted to check on his condition.
As they neared the door, they heard a soft, cheerful voice coming from inside—Little Koby was talking to his brother in his sweetest tone.
"Brother, are you okay now?" he asked gently.
"Yeah, I’m fine," Xander replied, patting his head. "Look at this—it’s already starting to heal. So Little Koby doesn’t have to worry anymore."
"Yay! I brought you food!" he said excitedly.
"I asked Butler Aki to get it from the Southern Inventory storage. You have to try it!"
"Maybe later," Xander chuckled. "Brother still can’t eat solid food."
"But... you said you’re okay. You’re just saying that to make me feel better," he said, trembling.
Angela sighed and finally stepped in, scolding her little brother.
"What are you being dramatic for?" she asked.
"Do you want... elder brother to eat something that Dr. Paige said he shouldn’t have?"
"But I just wanted him to get better faster..." Koby mumbled.
Seeing how down he was, Angela quickly changed the subject to distract him.
"Have you finished your studies yet? Did you read the book Sis Elena gave you?" Angela asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I..." Koby hesitated, clearly caught.
"See? I knew it—you haven’t," she said, hands on her hips.
"How could I study when I’m worried about Brother?" Koby shot back, pouting.
Xander chuckled softly as he watched the two bicker.
Angela was starting to sound more and more like their mom—stern but caring.
He quickly stepped in before their little spat turned into a real fight.
"Alright, that’s enough, you two," Xander said gently.
"You should be helping around Paradise. Are your tasks done for today?"
"I finished mine," Angela replied.
"I was supposed to help at Building A shop, but Sis Elena said it’s closed for now."
"Good. Then take a break. And make sure to stick together, okay? Since I can’t always be around, you need to look out for each other," Xander reminded them.
"Yes, Brother," they said in unison, their voices soft but full of promise.
Elena stood outside the room for a moment, quietly listening.
She didn’t want to interrupt the siblings’ bonding—it was good for them to talk and comfort each other.
Once the room was settled, Ethan gently knocked on the door.
Angela opened it and greeted them with a smile, stepping aside to let them in.
Inside, Xander was lying in bed, still bandaged, but his cheerful expression relieved Ethan.
"How are you? What exactly happened?" Ethan asked with concern.
"I’m doing fine, Chief. The medicine’s working well. Some ice shards just hit me during the gunfight," Xander replied calmly.
"I’m glad you’re doing fine," Ethan said, reminding him to be careful next time.
"What happened after I was sent here?" Xander asked.
"We managed to wipe out the gang. For now, things have quieted down," Ethan said.
He gave Xander a brief summary of what had happened after the battle, including the fight with the mutated beast.
Meanwhile, Elena chatted with the kids, asking about their learning progress and encouraging them to keep it up.
"Since you’re recovering well, we won’t stay long. Get some rest," Ethan said.
"Yes, Chief. Thank you," Xander replied, his voice full of gratitude.
After leaving Xander’s room, Elena and Ethan headed to visit Erick’s mother, who had finally regained consciousness.
Though still unable to stand and feeling weak, her condition was stable.
Sera, Dr. Paige’s younger sister, was currently looking after her.
As they entered the room, they saw little Erick sitting by the bedside, happily chatting with his mom.
His face glowed with joy, his carefree, childlike spirit finally returning.
When Little Erick noticed Elena and Ethan, he jumped off and ran over excitedly.
"Mom, mom! This is Sis Elena—the one I told you about who helped us! And this is Brother Ethan, the one training me so I can become strong! When I’m strong enough, I’ll protect you!" Little Erick declared with pride.
"Hmph. Then you must always listen to them," his mother replied warmly.
Elena stepped forward and greeted her.
"Hello, Erick’s mom. How are you feeling? And... what should I call you?"
"You can call me Aunt Joana," she said with a grateful nod. "The doctor said I’m healing well. Thank you so much for saving us."
Elena returned her smile.
"Little Erick is such a bright and caring child. I feel a special connection with him. May I ask—where are you from, Aunt Joana?"
As Aunt Joana met Elena’s gaze, something inside her stirred.
There was a strange familiarity in those vivid green eyes.
Then she looked at her son. Erick had the same striking green eyes.
The resemblance was too strong to ignore, and she felt nervous.