Regarding the Matter of Me Being Picked Up and Adopted by Talula

Orson looked at the Abyssal Hunters next to him with a question mark on his face.

"The mission was a success, but someone completely clueless was a failure."

"?"

Seeing the guy in front of them who had no idea what was going on, the Abyssal Hunters shook their heads.

"Big Sister really must have been blind..." "Save us, these brothers can't even find a chance to assist." "Orson is a good person, but his brain is really not up to par..."

The Abyssal Hunters left with sighs, leaving Orson, who felt like he had been scolded for no reason.

Orson, still confused, found Patriot, who was resting.

The settlement where everyone was now was completely different from the initial environment. Although much smaller in scale, its facilities were much more complete, and it could no longer be compared to a village.

Many of the Infected soldiers had gone to various villages, either voluntarily or by being misled, to improve the reputation of the Infected and build a network. These people were called "Fire Keepers (named by Orson)," so there were fewer people in the settlement itself. It was now more like a command base.

"Senior Patriot, Chuanbei Pipa Gao!"

"……?"

Orson handed Patriot a small bottle, and Patriot, for the first time, tilted his head slightly.

"A special product from Yan Country, a good medicine for the throat. Messi even said it's good."

After hearing Orson's ambiguous explanation, Patriot became even more confused, but he knew that Orson meant no harm, and it would be good to try it when he had time.

— And this was the origin of Patriot regularly posting electronic junk on his social media about Yan Country's traditional Chinese medicine health and wellness, such as "10 Taboos," "50 Little Tips," and "30 Rules."

After delivering gifts all around, everyone began the reunion leadership meeting for this operation.

"The operation to liberate the mine was very smooth. Because some people in the nearby villages had family members in that mine, we received shelter and support from the villages."

FrostNova's operation to liberate the Infected in the mine this time went very smoothly, but Orson was even more puzzled as to why she was so angry.

"The Guerrilla Force is currently the only hidden unit in 'Reunion' that directly confronts the Enforcement Team. Fortunately, there are more people participating in the Guerrilla Force than expected. Many people have joined the Guerrilla Force because they lost their families due to the Enforcement Team, or because they pursue certain ideals and justice. Patriot, Orson, and I occasionally organize tactical combat training for them. The fresh blood is more abundant than at the beginning."

Patriot was very satisfied with the current growth of the Guerrilla Force. After all, as a general, he also enjoyed discovering excellent soldiers and recruiting them into his troops.

"Most of the villagers have a high acceptance of underage Infected. Many of the elders are willing to adopt children, even if they are Infected. This is important for changing the prejudice of the next generation towards the Infected, but the premise is... that those children can live to have their own next generation."

Alina stated her recent goal. Although it seemed full of hope, the most basic problem was extremely realistic.

After listening to everyone's reports, Talula frowned and stared at the map, which was already covered with nodes.

"We have solved more than half of the problems in the North. The next goal is mainly to give Reunion a more legitimate identity. After all, it's not a long-term solution to always have the Guerrilla Force fighting and passively avoiding the Enforcement Team. And only by obtaining a legitimate identity can we connect with medical institutions that research Oripathy."

Talula said, staring at the map.

Legitimate identity, treatment technology for the Infected...

"Ah."

Orson suddenly thought of something, and everyone's attention turned to him.

Everyone was curious about what thoughts they had about this young man who, in just one year, had made rapid progress in the research of Originium Arts and had become one of the grotesque legends of the North, [The Silence].

"We will eventually have to contact the towns of Ursus. Since that's the case, I have a good target choice—"

Orson pointed to a small block on the map.

Mobile City-State Chernobog

23. After the rainy season, it's time for White Album again.

Chernobog, a mobile city-state on the edge of Ursus's territory, is close to the mobile city-state "Lungmen," which belongs to Yan Country.

Chernobog can be considered a top-tier livable city-state among many cities in Ursus. It has not been affected by the previous internal strife and rebellion and has maintained stability until now.

However, in Orson's memory, Chernobog was one of the core stages of Arknights Chapters 1-7 (PS. Orson's transmigration occurred before Chapter 8), and this town suffered a devastating blow.

Then... it was gone.

Orson had long forgotten the specific details of Chernobog due to nearly two years of living in the ice field, but he was sure that if Reunion wanted to infiltrate the south and seek medical supplies, Chernobog would still be the best choice.

After all, there was a fierce person buried in Chernobog who could boil instant noodles with his mouth. Perhaps through this clue, he could connect with Rhodes Island.

And if he remembered correctly, Chernobog also had a veterinary hospital, and the old man in leather pants there was particularly good at fighting.

There was also Chanyuanzi... no, Oni Seija... no, and General Winter and her harem.

Of course, all of this was Orson's speculation based on his fragmented memories. The actual situation was unknown.

After the meeting ended, everyone temporarily shelved the plan to advance to Chernobog and began to rest, while also considering if there were any better plans.

With free time, Orson found Alina, who was recording the day's meeting content with her left hand.

"Commissar, do you have time?"

"If you use that title, I'll encourage Ino to launch a 24-hour high-intensity offensive against you next time?"

"My deepest apologies, Miss Alina, please forgive this insignificant me."

After a brief exchange, Orson was utterly defeated by Alina.

"So, what's up, Orson?"

After joking, Alina temporarily put down her pen, stood up, and looked at Orson.

"I just wanted to confirm that your 'Soul Score' is okay, and that maybe there are good prosthetic limbs to buy in Chernobog. I was wondering if I should get a replacement in advance—"

"You don't need to go out of your way to do these things for me, Orson."

Alina smiled and interrupted him, extending her hands forward. Her fair and slender arms were fully visible, but the right wrist was abruptly missing.

"I'm not unhappy with my current situation. Don't dwell on what you've lost; just cherish what you've gained."

"Alina…"

Orson fell silent for a moment. On one hand, this little deer was simply too gentle, like a lily blooming in the wasteland.

On the other hand, the last guy who said lines like that was now almost possessed by the arm he'd just reattached… but he didn't care!

"Um—Alina, aren't you angry?"

Orson asked Alina awkwardly. She tilted her head in confusion.

"Angry?"

"Yeah, Sister Talulah changed her long-held methods because of me. And what we're doing now, don't you think it's a bit too… opportunistic?"

Orson was genuinely worried that he might actually be the prime culprit behind Talulah eventually crashing Chernobog into Lungmen. After all, Sister Tazi was getting more and more adept at impersonating the Black Snake from the original story.

Hearing Orson's worries, Alina sighed and smiled.

"Idealists, martyrs, realists—I don't actually care which path Talulah chooses as her most important one. I know our enemy is this land, but changing the world has never been my goal. Because—I just want to stay by the side of that girl who is strong to the point of being heartbreaking."

Alina spoke slowly, then suddenly thought of something.

"Ah—sorry, does what I said sound a bit too selfish?"

"No, I'm actually the same. I can't really tell the difference in what Sister Talulah says. I'm just worried about Sister Talulah herself, which is why I've been staying by her side."

Orson honestly admitted that his following Talulah was purely because he was worried about this young Sankta.

There were many things they hadn't had a chance to chat about before for various reasons. When Orson spoke to Alina alone like today, they both suddenly realized—

So you're a Talulah fan too!

With a snap, Orson and Alina clasped hands tightly. You're close with Talulah, I'm close with Talulah, so by extension, we're siblings from different parents! (Orson realized he seemed younger than these girls who looked quite young, especially since FrostNova and Talulah would both be able to say they were "approaching 30" in a couple more years.)

"I'll be going now, Alina."

After talking with the Commissar, Orson, whose revolutionary will had strengthened considerably, waved goodbye contentedly and left the room.

"Mhm, please do your best within the scope of your health."

Alina also smiled and waved back at Orson.

After Orson left the room, Alina looked at the palm of her left hand, where Orson's residual warmth still lingered.

"…"

A familiar touch, a comforting touch.

After chatting with Alina, Orson went to find FrostNova again. He was quite concerned about whether this rabbit had encountered any difficult situations after being inexplicably beaten up earlier.

"…"

Upon finding FrostNova, the Carcass who was repairing her Originium crystal equipment looked at Orson with a "how old are you" expression.

"Um, Snow Rabbit, about what happened before—did you really not encounter any problems during your mission?"

"Nothing at all. Like I said before, the mission went smoothly, smoother than any previous one."

"Then… did you get fat?"

Orson asked tentatively, only to taste a snowball that had turned into ice.

"If you're looking for a fight, I'll see it through to the end…!"

Orson almost triggered Winter Scar Mode because of FrostNova.

"Forget it, forget it… I'll just pretend I didn't ask."

Orson, who couldn't understand women's hearts, waved his hand and indicated he wouldn't ask anymore.

"Anyway, next time you go on a mission, bring me along. Those mines will have received news from the Abyssal Hunters, and their defenses will only get stronger from now on. My abilities can help."

Orson was a bit worried about FrostNova, as she had returned to the settlement injured many times. This rabbit, whom the Abyssal Hunters called "Big Sister," actually didn't cherish herself as much as she appeared.

"No need, Orson. You have more important tasks, like being Talulah's bodyguard—"

When Talulah was mentioned, FrostNova became a little annoyed again, but there was nothing that could be done. As the de facto leader of Reunion, it was a reasonable arrangement for her to be protected.

"Saving the Infected is also a very important matter. Sister Tazi's and your actions are indispensable to this continent. She uses a different method to solidify the hope of those Ursus residents, while you personally bring hope to the Infected who have fallen into the mire. At least to me, Snow Rabbit, your actions are equally important."

"…Ha, you can even say such pretty words now. Is it because you've spent a lot of time with Alina?"

FrostNova sighed at Orson's completely unvarnished words.

"Forget it, I understand. If you're free for my next mission, I'll ask for your help. After all, being able to obtain the power of [Silence] would indeed make the mission much easier."

Speaking of Silence, FrostNova frowned hesitantly. She looked at Orson again and added, "Speaking of Silence… do you remember how it got its name?"

"Is it because I snore when I sleep?"

"That's not it! How could the terrifying legend that echoed through the Northern Plains have such an origin, and you sleeping—cough cough cough! Anyway, that's how it is for now. I didn't encounter any problems, and I'm not angry!"

FrostNova coughed and left immediately, ending their conversation.

"?"

Orson rubbed his hair, left while musing about how difficult girls were to understand.

Meanwhile, FrostNova, who had almost blurted out the truth, was squatting in a corner with a flushed face.

[The Silence of the North]—the origin of this title was spread by a few Ursus soldiers who had luckily survived.

And those who spread the title were ultimately pursued and killed by the Silence. No one was spared.

These people were originally the security forces responsible for managing a mining site, and that mining site was FrostNova's first serious failure after becoming a resistance fighter.

The Infected could not be saved, five members of the Abyssal Hunters were killed, and FrostNova herself almost died in that dark mine pit.

The one who saved her from there was Orson.

Two internal guards, over 50 regular soldiers of the Fourth Group, heavy troops, crossbowmen in formation, and a team of Arts users—

He earned the title [Silence] in the deathmatch later known as the [Silence Campaign], but in return, Orson's vocal cords were completely damaged, and from then on, he could only use Originium Arts vibrations to speak.

After that mission, although Orson showed no outward change, and people around him rarely noticed anything unusual, FrostNova had clearly discovered that he was only mouthing the words when he spoke, and he had silently started wearing high-necked clothing that covered his throat afterward.

But what FrostNova found most unacceptable was...

"~~~Su Yun Jin, what will you use to repay what you owe me here~~~"

Orson's peculiar electric sound drifted over from a distance. This guy's annoyance level had quadrupled after discovering he could control sound with Originium Arts and even create electronic effects.