Chapter 54: Victory

Charlotte furrowed her eyebrows at the announcement, not fully comprehending what they meant by relocating.

As everyone started to pack necessities mechanically onto the vehicle, she copied them.

From what she could understand, once they successfully captured a base, the informants for that specific team would move toward the captured ground. This shortens the distance of communication while providing a site for the soldiers to come back to. They couldn't leave the captured base unoccupied after all, so they had to move.

Apparently, although not prioritized, the Federation would soon send reinforcements, in other words, people who would fill their vacant spots. It's like a system, everyone moved upwards a space.

The journey was not long, they arrived sooner than planned.

Little robot helpers were moving across the once-enemy camp, searching for left-over resources left behind, recycling the material. Sometimes, she heard, enemies would abandon all of their items, providing clues about the weaponry used.

The vehicle made a full stop, pushing them back against the seat. There was a moment of silence after the stop before sounds of rustling could be heard as they all undid their seatbelts. Charlotte has to admit, she felt a sense of laziness that crept on, her body refused to move from her current position. She was mentally exhausted, which affected her physical status. However, it would be wrong to stay there, earning judgemental looks from her hard-working comrades. Charlotte, therefore, got up and was the last to step down from the vehicle.

She slowly made her way to the chattering crowd, some patting the back of another, some trying to support the other, while a few discreetly shared an intimate moment. Charlotte purposely made her walk painfully slow, taking smaller steps, as she take in the information around her.

She made out the concerned chatting, the state of the fighters, the overall relieved atmosphere that floated between them. A tortoise, despite being slow, can still make it to the finish line. She waved at them, their figures enlarged as she approached. Charlotte halted her footsteps and gave a warm smile.

"Good work, you all did well."

Finnian, with two hands supporting Bert, "I think this calls for a nice rest."

"Don't be so optimistic. It is the best chance for them to strike soon," Luna sighed.

"At least we can rest for tonight. The lead commander seemed to have sent us reinforcement to help us defend," Eric grinned.

"Don't force yourself. You all need proper rest," Lucian lowered his eyes, his attention focused on the scar along Armand's arm.

"We will all get the medical attention needed. Besides, having people sent over is reassuring," Armand patted his head.

"We are joining our forces together now, an all-out attack might be coming soon," Lucianna gave a wry grin.

"I think we all should rest first," Bert quietly commented, his voice hoarse.

With that said, they assisted each other to the medical station, making plans of celebration later that night.