While everyone was taking action, Teresa Taylor, being new to the base and without any assigned tasks, could only await further news.

Erics Peterson contemplated the situation, concluding that the intruder's goal was likely only to abduct Olivia Brooks.

Otherwise, it would have been easier to kill her in the lounge rather than go through the trouble of taking her away.

Thus, Olivia Brooks was likely not in immediate danger.

Feeling more at ease, Erics Peterson, unable to sleep anyway, decided to speak with Teresa Taylor ahead of schedule: "My apologies, Miss Taylor, for the commotion."

Teresa Taylor quickly responded, "Hello, Director Peterson."

After a few pleasantries, Teresa Taylor expressed her desire to stay at the base and contribute to the organization and serve the people.

Internally, Erics Peterson scoffed but outwardly maintained a respectful demeanor: "Rest assured, the safety of the people is always my priority. Unfortunately, we lack the strength to act. Thinking of the suffering citizens outside weighs heavily on my heart."

Erics Peterson wore an expression of grave concern.

Teresa Taylor, moved, said, "Director Peterson, I don't require many resources. Just give me a unit and some supplies, and I can rescue more survivors. I've traversed miles of forest and know New York's landscape well—I'm confident in my ability to complete the task!"

Internally cursing Teresa Taylor for being so naïve, Erics Peterson thought, "Why save so many useless survivors? The base already has enough manpower. What I need are obedient soldiers and researchers!"

If it weren't for the power of ability users and the new world order, he would have dismissed Teresa Taylor long ago. How dare a mere subordinate question leadership decisions? Who do you think you are!

But these days, he couldn't afford to do that.

If Teresa Taylor decided to leave, Erics Peterson would have no means of stopping her.

Using force was out of the question as it would only instill fear among other ability users.

Yet, allowing her to leave uncontested wasn't an option either—Teresa Taylor was an Alpha-class ability user with significant power, having defeated the formidable Elen Hawkins on her first day at the base.

If she wanted to rally others to leave, many would be tempted.

Ah, the old days were better. Back then, when a leader reprimanded a subordinate, who would dare question them? It was suicide! Damn this new era!

With a forced awkward smile, Erics Peterson replied, "Regarding missions, we must think carefully. Miss Taylor, as one of the only five Alpha-class ability users in the base, your assignments must be taken seriously! You also need to safeguard your own health and safety, for surviving is your greatest contribution to the nation and its people."

Teresa Taylor frowned, sensing the base's reluctance to rescue more survivors but not understanding why.

"Director Peterson, is the base under significant resource strain?"

Erics Peterson immediately denied, "No! The base is well-stocked. Miss Taylor, being new here, you're not fully aware of the situation. Take a few days to rest before any arrangements are made. Whatever questions you have, I'll answer them to the best of my ability, haha."

Teresa Taylor had no choice but to accept.

Such situations were commonplace in organizations after all, where personal ideas were not often supported.

Her years working at the police department had accustomed her to this, so she didn't dwell on it. Perhaps the leadership had pressures unknown to her.

She asked a few questions she was curious about: "I recall there's a military unit not far from New York. Why haven't they come to aid?"

Secretly cursing her for meddling, Erics Peterson thought, "Such important matters are beyond the concern of a lowly officer like you!"

On the surface, he merely sighed, "This unit was unfortunate. The top three military leaders perished, leading to chaos and infighting. I've heard that a young officer named Isaac Murphy then took command. Beyond that, I'm not sure. We were once a military research institute, with little connection to their unit."

Silently, Teresa Taylor nodded.

She observed Erics Peterson, whose words communicated openness, yet she could see a yellow aura around him, indicating his distrust and guardedness toward her—perhaps even withholding information.

This irked Teresa Taylor a bit, although she understood it was natural.

After all, she was an outsider.

Erics Peterson, holding a leadership position, naturally had to be prudent.

Even so, Teresa Taylor felt slightly annoyed.

With a sly undertone, Erics Peterson added, "Perhaps due to difficult transportation and the violet mist obstructing vision, the military cannot embark on long treks. If marching on foot, the casualties might be too substantial for Isaac Murphy to endure. Now, in this apocalyptic world, with transportation nearly at a halt and autonomous entities springing up everywhere, some individuals may harbor ambitions they shouldn't, haha."

Disappointed with the military, Teresa Taylor couldn't help but ponder why New York State had come to this.

It wasn't always like this!

With frustration, Teresa Taylor asked, "Director Peterson, one more question: since the base still has two ability fruits, why not select ability users to consume them to enhance their power?"

Relieved to finally address a straightforward query, Erics Peterson explained, "The primary reason is naturally the scarcity of ability fruits. But that's not all. Initially, we distributed ability fruits as rewards. However, we discovered that the number of abilities one can handle isn't limitless."

"Abilities place a huge burden on the body. Beyond a limit, the body becomes prone to illness and would eventually collapse and die."

"Those with excellent physiques or exceptional talent can handle five to six abilities, like you Alpha-class ability users."

"For most, the limit is far lower—three abilities at most."

"The limit on abilities is heavily tied to one's physical condition. Most young adults can handle three, and older individuals only one or two."

"So, based on your vastly superior physical fitness and post-Elen Hawkins test results, you were allocated a fruit. But because Mike Brown is older, we didn't give him one."

"Due to these limitations, most ability users consciously manage their number of abilities to avoid hitting the cap. Since the nature of abilities in the fruits is uncertain, they prefer to reserve their slots for abilities that synergize with their existing ones, rather than random, unrelated abilities."

Erics Peterson thought to himself: If one could endlessly consume ability fruits, I'd have dozens of abilities, and wouldn't need to curry favor with you so-called ability users! Hmph!

Teresa Taylor understood.

Her first obvious combat ability was explosive, suited for close-range combat.

The second was perception, which only somewhat complemented it but was still useful, helping detect threats lurking beneath leaves or shrubs.

Her ability to traverse miles of dense forest owed much to her perception.

Her third ability, however, was entirely unrelated to combat—extracting substances from metal.

If given an endurance-boosting ability, her combat capabilities would undoubtedly double.

Curious, she asked: "So, can the base discern what abilities are in the fruits?"

"Not presently," Erics Peterson admitted. Then, with a grand gesture, he declared, "But humanity's technology is advancing! While we can't determine it now, we might in the future.

"By leaving an ability slot open, there's a chance for adjustment later. In comparison, improving one's physical fitness is much harder."

"Additionally, I have good news: Professor Hector William, a top expert in our country's biological field, happened to be lecturing in New York City when the violet mist appeared. We've made contact with him and sent someone to fetch him. I'm confident he'll soon be back with us."

"If anyone can unlock the secrets of the ability fruits in New York State, Professor William is our best hope! By staying at the base, you might one day choose abilities suited to your needs!"

Teresa Taylor was intrigued.

In this dangerous Violet Mist Era, she, too, was eager to continually enhance her skills.

Seeing her interest, Erics Peterson seized the opportunity to over-promise: "Take our base's two remaining ability fruits, for instance. If Professor William identifies their abilities and they suit you, I have the authority to grant you one!"

Quickly, Teresa Taylor said, "Thank you, Director Peterson! However, the distribution of ability fruits is a priority task. I'll fully comply with the established base distribution system and won't seek special treatment. Whatever regulations were previously used for allocation can remain in place. I have no objections personally."

Erics Peterson laughed heartily: "Ahahaha! Miss Taylor is truly a fine comrade!"

For a moment, the conversation left both parties in high spirits.