A green energy shield formed an impregnable barrier behind Aisha. The Purification Corps' energy rounds dissolved into harmless motes of light the instant they struck it. Kalgara and the Revolutionary Army squad followed close behind Aisha, rushing out through the hospital's back entrance.
"Head east!" Kalgara ordered, scanning the surroundings vigilantly.
Though exhaustion showed on Aisha's face, she remained alert. The Key of Life emitted a steady green glow in her hand. "I'm afraid they've already surrounded the entire hospital. We need to end this quickly."
A Purification Corps soldier suddenly emerged from a corner. Kalgara reacted swiftly and sent him flying with a kick. "Looks like there are quite a few of them."
After passing through the small grove behind the hospital, they reached the edge of town. To their surprise, the residents, who had once moved sluggishly with vacant eyes, had begun to regain their senses and were evacuating in an orderly fashion according to some prearranged plan. The elderly headed toward the island's western side with the support of younger people, while the children were gathered and protected in the center of the group.
"The Key of Life's power truly is extraordinary," one Revolutionary Army member exclaimed. "It looks like the residents have all recovered."
Aisha nodded, a trace of pride and relief flashing across her face. "This is the responsibility of us Guardians. The Key of Life can not only heal wounds of the body, but also repair minds afflicted by Void Erosion."
They continued eastward, doing their best to avoid the town center. However, the Purification Corps had clearly deployed an extensive search net across the island. A squad of around ten men was approaching from the side.
"Cover me!" Aisha suddenly stopped, gripping the Key of Life with both hands as she began chanting