My level is not high enough to use Convoy yet, so I will have to make do with just Caravan for now.
Caravan is not a bad ability per se, as least during peaceful time, as it provides me with transportation for a price. In time of crisis, however, it is far better to just summon armored escorts instead, as those can fight back automatically if fully upgraded.
Caravan and Convoy are supposed to be used together, as one provides transportation while the other provides protection. But honestly, armed escorts can also transport people, so it is unnecessary to use Caravan.
And if there is a trick to Caravan, I have not found it yet, as I haven't bother leveling up the ability that much, considering the more useful Convoy is unlocked fairly early on.
Honestly, I rather just use the Trade Network to move about, but with the exception of me, only those I employed and merchandize can be transported with the Trade Network.
In any case, the appearance of the Caravan being an actual caravan itself is due to the current modern era. If this was the medieval era for example, the transport would be a wooden wagon pulled by horses unless I pay for premium. Quite expensive premium.
The men are surprised by the summoning, and one of them eventually points out that all vehicles have stopped working completely. It is due to the law of magic interfering the law of physic.
"This is summoned through magic, and it operates on the principle of magic, not science," I explain to the men, and I wonder why I had bother to do so when I can just demonstrate it. "Get inside."
I head into the vehicle first with my mother, finding the inside quite spacious. It could have been more spacious if the ability is of higher rank.
It is currently F-rank right now, so there is no spatial distortion field within the vehicle. That just means the inside of the vehicle is not bigger than the outside. No Harry Potter bullshit yet. Wow, I still recall that story vividly.
Of course, I can use money to buy such luxury, but it is not necessary.
Most of the men enters the vehicle while the rest climbs onto the rooftop to act as scouts and sentries, and it is without me ordering them to do so. They are that useful, I suppose.
"That place is no longer secure, so if you know of another, feel free to drive us all there. Hurry though, as these civilians will need medical attention," I state, and the men stare grimly at me.
I sigh afterwards. "I honestly don't have time for this."
In an instant, all the men disappear, sent back to where they were before. I was going to do that when they finish their job as packed mule, but I can do with a bit of help. Still, a little bit of solidarity will do them all good. Make them more inclined to obey my orders.
While the men are gone, I use a healing spell to heal my mother and the other women too. I really do not want to save them but since I do, they fall under my responsibility.
It is really annoying, and I rather drop them off somewhere. Make them someone else's problem.
The question is where. The only safe place publicly is now under the control of the Hive Mind, and the rest of the military are scattered to the wind. And in the coming days, nowhere will be safe.