Ten minutes later.

Barbara appeared at the entrance of Humboldt's laboratory.

According to the division of labor between her and Andrew—

Andrew went to solve the water issue caused by Shire's injury.

She was responsible for restarting the laboratory's "heating" and "fortress" functions, the former to ensure the daily needs of the residents of Wildfire Town, the latter to prepare for the Desert Speaker Rose.

However, at this moment, the girl's steps stopped at the laboratory door.

Involuntarily, the image of accompanying Crimson Knights being frantically bitten by the Fire Serpent resurfaced in her mind.

It was this door in front of her.

It was crossing this door that led her into Purgatory.

Barbara's body uncontrollably trembled slightly.

Humboldt was already dead, but the Magic Laboratory he left behind remained the biggest shadow and nightmare in Barbara's heart.

"Miss Barbara?" a voice came from the side.

Barbara turned her head to see it was an old man holding a shovel.

"I am, may I ask what's the matter?"

Barbara tried hard to make her smile less forced.

But saw the man handing over a box: "Andrew asked me to give this to you."

Andrew?

Barbara was stunned: "What is this?"

"Ashes."

The man said, "Last night when you were still unconscious, Andrew asked us to sort out those... bodies in the laboratory hall. These are the ashes after cremation. Also, the relics of the knights have been collected as much as possible, let me know if you need them."

Alpha finished speaking, bowed, and turned to leave.

He still had the task assigned by Andrew to oversee the captured Magic Apprentices like Cook and Sally.

Barbara stood dazed with the box of knights' ashes in her hands at the laboratory door, silent for a long time.

"...Thank you." she said softly.

Then without hesitation, took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and entered.

At the same time.

Andrew had already found Ivan and dragged the unwilling Desert Hunter out of the town with him.

Once again came to the Water Tower Tree "Shire."

Before setting off, Andrew not only asked Alpha to give the knights' ashes to Barbara.

But also made a trip to the Living People Cemetery.

An Ya, having taken a nap, was already awake, much restored in spirit, yet her expression was serious: "I heard about Shire being attacked, the town's water situation might become a problem next." She couldn't help but confirm: "Was Shire really hurt? It's supposed to be a super hard Water Tower Tree."

Andrew comforted: "Shire is fine, might even gain a blessing in disguise, possibly advancing after recovery in the future."

Then his expression turned stern: "I'm going out of town in a while. Could I ask Sister An Ya to do me two favors?"

"Hmm, tell me."

"First, prepare a portion of Deep Sea Giant Cactus flesh, I'll use it to make the Magic Potion promised to Aunt Zi when I return." Andrew didn't forget this matter.

Even without the pressure brought by Desert Speaker Rose, Andrew hoped to quickly deliver the potion he made to the critical patients of Living People Cemeteries scattered across the desert. That way they might improve a bit, come to Wildfire Town for him to completely heal them. Having or not having Fire Extinguishing Value gains is irrelevant.

An Ya's eyes lit up immediately, nodding: "A Magic Potion for the Living People Cemeteries across the desert? No problem, I'll prepare the materials for you." The meat of the Deep Sea Giant Cactus is not found outside the desert, but it isn't considered rare within the Inner Sea Desert.

Andrew said, "Thank you! The other thing is, during my time away from the town, Sister An Ya, please take care of the town."

Wildfire Town currently lacked a manager.

Neither Andrew, Ivan, nor Barbara were suitable for this work. Barbara's job was to build the town's defense system. Andrew and Ivan were the attackers and final offense terminators in the counterstrike. None were suitable for being the actual manager of the town.

Because many coordination, management, and detailed work tasks require someone who is not only a local resident of Wildfire Town but also has enough patience and experience to handle properly.

Thinking it over, An Ya, with her experience in managing the Living People Cemetery, seemed to be the most suitable candidate.

An Ya was stunned for a moment, sharp light emanating from her eyes: "You... Andrew, you..."

Andrew, though speaking lightly, was asking her to be the actual manager of the town!

An Ya felt both incredible and very eager, even somewhat excited.

She also wished to do as much as she could.

Andrew nodded: "Yes, that's what I mean."

Saying this, handed a small, inconspicuous Protective Talisman to An Ya, solemnly said: "Soon, Wildfire Town will face a trial, I may not have the strength to look after everyone. If you encounter danger, crush this Magic Artifact."

An Ya's heart tightened, hearing an unusual heaviness from Andrew's tone.

Though a bit puzzled about what Andrew meant by "facing a trial," An Ya did not ask more.

Reached out to take the protective talisman-like Magic Artifact.

Simultaneously, taking on the responsibility of managing Wildfire Town for Andrew.

An Ya nodded solemnly: "I understand, leave it to me."

At this time, Andrew stood under the Water Tower Tree.

Seeing Shire's recovery progressing well, and, stimulated by this calamity, somewhat reversing the situation, its growth rate actually speeding up while recovering.

Andrew thought for a while and then scattered a large area of "Deep Blue Starlight" beneath the tree.

Watering with Healing Magic, if not done when crossing the Otherworld, when else could it be done?

Not far away, little Ha, upon seeing Ivan, immediately went up and affectionately greeted him. Though possessing the massive body of a Desolate Beast Level, its character was truly just that of a dog.

"Alright, alright, good boy, good boy," Ivan placated the overly enthusiastic pup.

While gazing toward Andrew: "What are we doing here? If it's to continue treating Shire, you're enough, why call me along, I can't help."

The scene of the Wildfire town leader's head exploding was also a substantial shock for Ivan.

While Andrew and Barbara were talking, Ivan was actually in training.

He knew that they might encounter strong enemies next, so he wanted to recover as much strength as possible before the enemies arrived.

As a former Tier Seven Desert Hunter, Ivan was among the best of his generation at middle age. The lung burn issue no longer existed, with enough time, he firmly believed he could return to the peak, maybe even further!

"Oh, it's like this."

Andrew briefly introduced the current situation.

Focusing on the information about "Desert Speaker Rose" learned from Barbara.

Then said: "To deal with this Desert Speaker Rose, I want to try visiting a special place, sensing there might be the power I need there to counter Rose."

However, exploring is somewhat daunting for me, so I ask for you to come along. Two people together can at least look out for each other."

Upon hearing about Desert Speaker Rose, Ivan's expression turned very serious.

Hearing Andrew intending to explore somewhere, Ivan couldn't help but frown: "Leaving town randomly at this time is not a good choice, is it? What's worth exploring in this desert, what power can possibly be found? If it's really about exploring... what are we doing at Shire's place?"

Andrew didn't elaborate, just said: "Could you please come over and hold my shoulder?"

Ivan: "?"

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