Chapter 50- Froze
The sun dipped low on the horizon as the group, victorious and exhausted, loaded up the captured vehicles from Darrion’s fallen forces. Julian inspected one of the heavily jeeps, its reinforced armor and mounted supply crates still intact.
"This one still runs," Julian muttered, starting the engine with a growl. "We’ll use this to transport your squad back to your temporary base."
Celestia nodded. "Thank you."
Soon after, the convoy rolled out. Julian drove the lead jeep with Veronica beside him. Celestia sat in the second row, next to Clarissa, while Emma and Aya sat behind.
As the vehicle moved across the cracked asphalt and ruins of the city, the atmosphere finally lightened.
"So," Julian began, glancing through the rearview mirror, "that tiny glowing light we followed, was that someone’s skill from your unit?"
Celestia turned to him slightly, nodding. "Yes. It’s Mira’s ability. She called it Light Bloom. She used to hide it... because she thought it was useless." Her tone softened. "But that skill is what led you to us."
Julian’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "There’s no such thing as a useless skill. Only undiscovered potential."
Clarissa smiled at his words, then turned her gaze toward Celestia. "Do you have any hobbies, Lieutenant?"
Caught off guard, Celestia blinked. "Hobbies...?"
"Yes," Clarissa pressed gently. "Something you enjoy when you’re not on the battlefield."