Alex let out a sigh, "A world filled with tragedy. Honestly, I could say it's the same with my world. It's even worse now with the dungeon breaks. When dungeon breaks happen, the survivors become refugees as the government's resources are limited.
They only live in the slums. Logically speaking, these people should get help and a way to return to their lives, but no, they instead become victims of other humans.
Life keeps going on despite the tragedy. They need money to pay for food, clothes, and medicine.
Some get lucky and easily get a new job, but most of them are not like that. They are forced to take loans from loan sharks; some even get scammed into one.
The interest is so crazy that most of them are unable to pay, resulting in them getting sold as slaves or entering the organ market."
MingYue's eyes squinted, "I agree that it is worse than mine. At the very least, mine is straightforward with the rules, while yours act like there is equal law, but in reality, no one upholds them."
Alex and MingYue then continued their small talk, exchanging their experiences. Meanwhile, close by, Olivia was sitting there sulking.
Quartz, with a teasing smile on her face, sat at her side. "Every time you are depressed, you always sit alone under a tree. It seems your habit will never change."
"I don't know why. It just feels peaceful. It makes me forget all my problems. The tree always gives me a sense of warmth.
In the past, I thought this was just my imagination, but now I realize it's because of plant lifeforce."
"Your ability is related to healing. Have you ever wondered if it is related to plants?" Quartz asked.
She doesn't talk about what is bothering her since she knows Olivia will only talk when she feels comfortable sharing.
Quartz could already guess what the matter was; she just decided to be a spectator since the problem was sensitive.
Olivia raised her eyebrow as she turned her gaze toward the tree, "I doubt it. I have never heard of someone's abilities evolving after they get one. Some do become stronger, but it's because they learn more about how to use the ability effectively. In my case, the ability is healing.
Even if I cast it on a plant, it will just regenerate old scars, making it healthier or bloom. I couldn't order it to move as I wanted."
Olivia's hand glowed with golden light as she then used her ability on the tree. The leaves became greener, and the complexion of the bark also became healthier.
Flowers started blooming, followed by some fruit.
"This is only after I enhanced it with lifeforce. In the past, I couldn't make it bloom. Otherwise, we would have no problem with food."
Quartz nodded. If she could do it, their life on the front line would be far easier, and she was sure the association wouldn't let Olivia go.
In a way, it could be said this is a solution to their lack of food.
"We cannot, though. This is all thanks to using lifeforce energy from Alex. Without him, this ability would only have limited use. I am sure you know what will happen if his abilities come to light."
"He will become public enemy number one. Everyone will want his ability."
"Immortality, enhanced strength, runes. There are too many things to ignore. Actually, even I thought of it once. If he used runes on every hunter, wouldn't our situation quickly change? Wouldn't we be able to take back the territory we lost?"
Olivia's eyes turned cold, "Who is 'we' in this matter? All humanity? We both know that is not the case, Quartz. They will label it for humanity or the greater good, while in reality, it's just their own personal greed. Even if it's you, I will not agree to it."
"I'm just saying what I thought. There is no way I will ever betray him; you know it."
Olivia let out a sigh, "Sorry, I know. I'm just a little sensitive these few days."
"Oh, that time of the month?" Quartz asked with a chuckle.
"Cut it out; you know the reason why."
"Fine, fine. If you really feel like it, just tell him about it. What use is bottling your feelings ? At the very least, you will know the answer."
"Haven't you seen how they interact with each other? Even if I don't mind him having another, do you think he will agree? I know Alex, Quartz."
"At the very least, maybe the rejection will make you accept the situation."
"If only it were that easy. You just don't understand how painful it is for me. Now, if he rejects me, I don't think I could even see him."
"That bad, huh…. I've never fallen in love, so I don't know what to say. But it's not like it's avoidable."
"Let's just wait until this operation finishes. After this, I could just go on my way, trying to forget about this feeling. Maybe this is my punishment for doing the same to him."
Quartz let out a sigh, then tried to change the topic again, talking about their old comrades and their possible fate.
Meanwhile, back in the city, the peacefulness in Alex's camp was nowhere to be seen.
Fire rose high in the sky, with many Dragari running in the streets. The human slaves they had as prisoners somehow got free and began running amok.
Seeing all the chaos, Felix could already guess this was Heimdall's work. 'He is really cruel when he decides.'
Felix may come from the underground world, but for him, what Heimdall does is still bad. He understands his reasoning, but it still doesn't mean it justifies the cruelty.
Heimdall unlocked all the slave cages and injected them with mixed drugs. In his mind, it's better to die fighting back rather than live a life worse than a dog. But in Felix's mindset, it's their choice to make. There is no justification for forcing it on them.