Everyone got into the vehicles and headed toward the secret base Captain Guan had mentioned. No further incidents occurred, and about three hours later, they arrived in a remote mountainous area where they stopped.

  By this time, night had retreated and day had arrived. In the hazy morning light, Rulu surveyed the mountainous area. The mountains were high and steep, mostly bare rock. The place looked uninhabited, with no signs of human activity, and even trees and wildlife were scarce.

  Seeing this situation, Rulu couldn't help but ask with confusion: "This place is too desolate. Is this really the secret base you mentioned, Captain Guan?"

  Captain Guan explained: "It's precisely because of the harsh environment that those Sanctuary guys won't come looking for us here. Though it seems like there's nothing here, there are actually many man-made caves in these mountains. These caves store water and food, enough for us to live here for quite a long time."

  Rulu nodded: "I see. Let's head up the mountain then."

  Captain Guan agreed and led Rulu and the others up the steep mountain path. Along the way, Captain Guan explained to Rulu that normally, the rebel forces didn't live here but operated in nearby villages and towns. However, in times of crisis, such as when pursued by Sanctuary troops, they would hide in this secret base and stay for extended periods.

  After quite some effort, they climbed a steep peak. Captain Guan led Rulu and Nana to a hidden stone wall on the mountainside. He grabbed a stone protrusion on the wall and pushed hard.

  With a "creak" sound, a crack suddenly appeared in the stone wall. The crack widened, forming a dark entrance. Captain Guan had the others wait outside while he took Nana and Rulu into the cave.

  "Wow, there's even a mechanism on this mountain. This place is truly secret," Rulu said as he walked around inside the cave, looking around.

  The cave was very spacious, and despite being inside a mountain, the cave was well-lit and quite bright.

  This cave connected to several smaller caverns. Some caverns stored water and food, while others contained simple beds, tables, chairs, and other furniture, resembling a rock house.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  Captain Guan said: "This is the best cave dwelling here. Rulu, you and Nana can stay here. If you're hungry, take food from the storage room. If you're tired, just rest on the bed. I'll go out first. If you need anything, you can contact me using the communication device here."

  Rulu said: "Alright, thank you, Captain Guan."

  After that, Captain Guan left the cave dwelling, leaving Nana and Rulu alone inside.

  "Nana, are you satisfied with the environment here?" Rulu asked gently as he sat down with Nana on the bed in the rock cave.

  Nana looked somewhat dejected and said softly: "What is there to be dissatisfied about? My father and mother are both gone. I'm already fortunate to be alive. What more could I ask for?"

  Seeing Nana's low spirits, Rulu comforted her: "Nana, don't think about those sad things anymore. How about this: after this is all over, I'll take you away from here to live in a big city with a better environment. How does that sound?"

  Nana responded with a soft "Mm" and said: "Although I know it's selfish, I can only rely on you now, Rulu."

  Rulu quickly said: "It's fine. I'm more than happy to have you rely on me, Nana."

  Nana raised her face, looking hesitantly at Rulu: "But won't you find me useless and troublesome?"

  "Of course not. Why would you think that?"

  "You might not now, but what about later? To you, I'm just a useless burden. If I continue to stay by your side, sooner or later, you'll resent and dislike me." Nana became agitated for some reason, her voice growing louder.

  "Never. I will absolutely never abandon you, Nana," Rulu said firmly.

  "But..." Nana wanted to say more, but Rulu opened his arms and embraced her tightly.

  "I swear, I will bring happiness to you, Nana," Rulu said in a deep voice, holding Nana tightly.

  Nana stopped speaking. She hugged Rulu back, her eyes showing joy and happiness.

  After that, Rulu and Nana settled in the mountain cave dwelling. They usually stayed in the cave, rarely going out. Although the living conditions were somewhat harsh, life was peaceful, and there were no Sanctuary troops appearing nearby to pursue them.

  In the blink of an eye, five days passed. On this day, Nana developed a high fever for unknown reasons. She lay on the worn straw bed in the cave dwelling, looking dazed, sometimes muttering in her sleep. Rulu sat on a stool beside the bed, listening to the radio broadcast while looking worriedly at Nana on the bed.

  Suddenly, the stone door of the cave opened, and Captain Guan, A-Bing, and Kallen entered. Seeing these three appear, Rulu immediately stood up and anxiously asked: "Captain Guan, did you get the medicine for Nana's illness?"

  Captain Guan scratched his face, looking somewhat uncomfortable, and said: "Well... Rulu, try giving this to Nana. It might help."

  As he spoke, Captain Guan handed a medicine bottle to Rulu.

  Rulu took the bottle and examined it, then suddenly frowned and said angrily: "This... this is medicine for animals! How can Nana take this? Captain Guan, how could you treat us like this?!"