The summer was long and hot. The afternoon sun got stronger, burning every inch of the yard.
The truck bed was full of fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat. In this heat, these things could spoil quickly.
Especially the meat, it could go bad very fast.
So, Celine didn't even eat lunch. She was ready to move all these things into her space.
Working in the yard during the day had the risk of being seen.
Luckily, the old Liberation truck Eleanor borrowed had a thick canvas cover. It hid the truck bed well, making it private.
Second brother, watch outside, Celine quietly told Nimuel.
Nimuel nodded and stood quietly by the yard gate.
Celine took a deep breath and quickly climbed into the back of the truck.
Under Nimuel's eyes—
A strange thing happened again.
Celine and the full truckload suddenly disappeared as if erased by an invisible eraser.
No change in light or sound, just suddenly gone.
Ah, Nimuel gasped and his pupils got very small.
This was the second time today he saw something impossible.
The first time was the crystal core's magical healing power; the second time was a real person and a huge pile of goods disappearing in an instant.
Even though he was ready, Nimuel's heart raced fast, almost breaking out of his chest.
Sister, sister, little Minoo shouted anxiously.
He had been quietly standing under the eaves but now shouted loudly.
Sister, where did you go? Sister!
He shouted and started running toward the truck.
Minoo, Shenan reacted fast, frowned, stepped forward, and pulled the little brother back.
There were neighbors outside sometimes, and Minoo's shouting could bring unwanted attention.
Shenan held Minoo gently and whispered, Shh, Minoo, be quiet.
Then he took the biggest, reddest slice from the watermelon on the table and gave it to him. Here, Minoo, eat watermelon. It was just chilled, it's sweet.
But Minoo didn't look. He kept saying, No, I want sister. Sister is gone.
Seeing the little brother so stubborn, Shenan felt helpless and scared inside.
Minoo, listen to big brother.
Sister did not disappear. She went to a secret, powerful place to put the things away.
But, Shenan paused, looked sharply at the door, and lowered his voice, This place is sister's secret. No one outside can know about it.
If bad people find out, sister will be in danger and will not be able to come back. Understand?
Minoo looked up at Shenan.
Don't judge him for being a little withdrawn and quiet; he's actually very smart.
Right now, he is studying at County No. 1 High School with his second brother, Eleanor. As a senior at this top high school, his grades have always ranked first in the whole city.
His eldest brother's words were simple, even a bit threatening, but Yu Sheng instantly understood the seriousness behind the phrase "won't come back."
The panic and fear in his eyes slowly faded like a miracle. Instead, a calmness and seriousness far beyond his age appeared.
He stopped crying and fussing. He reached out silently to take the piece of watermelon his eldest brother handed him, then lowered his head and quietly ate it little by little.
Seeing his little brother calm down so suddenly, Shenan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Inside the space, Celine was moving fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats inside.
The fruits and vegetables that had wilted slightly from the heat inside the truck quickly regained their fullness and brightness, visible to the naked eye.
The meats, which had started to lose their fresh color, miraculously recovered a rosy hue and elasticity. Their grain was clear, giving off the faint smell unique to fresh ingredients.
Celine's tense heart loosened suddenly as she let out a long breath.
She realized the space also had a preservation function!
No matter the time or place, this was an extraordinary guarantee.
Thinking this, Celine didn't waste any time.
She quickly went to the east gate of the space and called through the wooden door:
"Red."
At the same time, at the temporary safe base in the post-apocalyptic world, Red was discussing defense plans with his teammates.
"…The southern area's defense still needs strengthening, especially around the food warehouse. Recently…"
Before he finished speaking, Red's movement and voice both paused almost imperceptibly.
Celine's voice echoed deeply in his mind.
His eyes suddenly brightened.
Celine reaching out to him meant... the supplies were ready!
This thought made his heart leap and filled him with joy and urgency.
The base had just received a group of survivors this morning, and supplies were already tight.
This batch of supplies he had high hopes for was like a timely blessing.
He quickly hid his emotions and returned to his usual calm demeanor. He cast a quick, subtle glance at Zhennan and passed him a knowing look.
Then Red stood up and said calmly, "I'm going to freshen up. You keep discussing."
He turned and walked toward his room, his steps calm but carrying a slight urgency.
Zhennan felt it immediately and understood!
— Supplies!
The captain had told him this morning about ordering fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats through that mysterious "consciousness space."
Now, the captain's reaction...
Zhennan immediately knew he was going to "pick up the goods!"
He nodded slightly, signaling that he got the message and would guard the place well. At the same time, he felt excited about the coming "timely rain."