Peruvili (Continued)

Heh... if that's the case, then our bishop might just be after technology.

Rita didn't care. After all, they were just allies now, and there was no need to say anything now, even if it was advice.

It's not too late to make such a suggestion after Liu Bai has been promoted.

"However, if Miss Firefly needs anything, we can also provide some Valkyrie Armor, which may be of some use."

While the Valkyrie Armor may be weak, its advantage lies in the fact that it won't limit you when its output is insufficient; in fact, it mostly serves as a support and enhancement.

Just like attributes in a game, even if they are diluted, it's still "not profitable," but there's still some bonus.

Mechs like Sam are primarily power-generating; while they are powerful enough, mech performance is their main focus.

If a mecha is ruined, it becomes a very heavy and inconvenient piece of iron, or it is too weak for the pilot—for example, it is unnecessary to let Acheron drive it, as it reduces the pilot's strength.

As for the Valkyrie Armor... even if it only provides an alarm clock function, wouldn't you say it's an upgrade?

No, if you put it that way, giving the Valkyrie Armor a built-in automatic pathfinding system would be an epic upgrade for Acheron.

Furthermore, the Valkyrie Armor is just one set of clothes. Although it's not really necessary, if you like, you can wear another layer of clothing on the outside or inside without anyone bothering you...

This "armor," which has the characteristics of everyday clothing, unexpectedly possesses a very high degree of versatility, making it a versatile accessory.

Okay, Valkyrie Armor is basically a "combat suit," but with a lot of variations.

"Hmm... I might try it sometime." Firefly was clearly interested.

She should also get used to the new fighting style.

She's very good at melee combat while wearing armor, and can even smash Blade with her fist—well, although she often gets stabbed several times when she's out there looking for trouble, so it's hard to say whether that's something to brag about.

In short, she has relatively little experience in real hand-to-hand combat.

After all, with 'Sam' —that is, the "Firefly IV Strategic Assault Armor"—as the cradle of her life and the "medical pod," she had no reason to abandon the armor for melee combat most of the time.

It is neither efficient nor does it pose any hidden dangers.

But speaking of medical care... ah, it seems we should eat more vegetables at home after all.

... Although it's a bit unscientific.

"Ah, speaking of which, Rita, over there... the definition of Rosalind is..."

"Valkyries".

Ah, I knew it.

Both the Valkyrie Armor and the "New Vision" of this world are excellent accessory equipment.

Although the production locations conflict, the equipment requirements do not.

It seems that the only class that truly requires a full-time commitment is the Pathwalker – and they can't change jobs here.

So, that Kuzkavina... a minor character I don't really remember, maybe she's also Vision + Valkyries?

"Rita, who are you planning to win over this time? Yelan said there are internal conflicts within the Northernmost Branch, right?"

"I recommend La Signora. Rosalind, and another La Signora. Kuzkavina ... I don't have a very strong impression of her."

Rita for a moment. She had a good memory, and the reason she didn't have much of an impression of this person was simply because he didn't appear frequently at headquarters.

"However, La Signora. Rosalind's weakness is that she has stayed in Schicksal for too long and may have developed some special feelings for him. Her advantage is that I know La Signora well enough to be more confident in persuading her."

"As for Kuzkavina, nobody knows what she's up to, right?"

"Right."

Rita nodded.

"The specifics of how to proceed are up to you, Liu Bai."

The goal is simply to control the branch; in terms of political infighting, it's about choosing whoever is most useful.

Firefly secretly touched Liu Bai's finger, prompting Liu Bai to turn around and glance at Kafka.

Kafka is clearly very good at this kind of messy stuff.

However, Liu Bai did not respond.

Kafka is very skilled at it, but Words of Power cannot last forever.

He's not without his own tricks for non-perpetual control.

Tsk, if we're really going to talk about it, we should let the Herrscher of Dominion do this kind of thing.

"Lady Rita, we are about to arrive at the Northernmost Branch."

An announcement came over the ship's loudspeaker.

"~Several spirits, V, go change your clothes. It might be even colder outside than you imagine."

Rita said that, but in Liu Bai's opinion, it seemed that she was just wearing thicker black stockings and had no intention of changing into a maid outfit.

It seems that the Dark Rose also has heat-retaining properties.

The others readily agreed and went to change their clothes.

To be honest, temperatures of minus forty or fifty degrees Celsius are considered mild weather on extreme planets, but would be considered extreme climate for any habitable planet.

Not everyone is like Acheron, capable of traversing the universe.

Not everyone is as adapted to the cold climate as Cocoilia —in the first few years of the Jarilo Eternal Freeze, the Voidranger all froze to death. If it weren't for the Preservation of Belobog, everyone would have turned into popsicles.

Soon, Liu Bai and his group all transformed themselves into furry creatures.

However, only Firefly, Kafka, and Guinaifen remained in Liu Bai's group.

Others were either uninterested or discouraged by the heavy snowfall.

Oh, and there are also characters like Mobius and Kiana who aren't suitable to appear.

With a slight sway, the transport ship landed smoothly.

It's just early morning now.

Yes, Liu Bai and Rita set off that night and arrived at their destination the next day.

This speed is quite good.

Several people are already standing outside to greet them.

As the hatch opened, Liu Bai and the others followed behind Rita, the S-rank Valkyrie.

A tall, slender woman with an enviable figure, wearing a slightly heavy evening gown, took the initiative to greet him.

"Welcome, Rita. Wasn't it four years ago when we last met at headquarters for a work report?" Although she greeted him, her tone still carried a hint of arrogance.

"Yes, it's been a long time. Senior Rosalind, you are still as radiant as ever."

Blonde hair, big and white.

Hmm... she fits the traditional definition of a "foreign woman" very well.

Liu Bai then took a closer look at Rosalind.

And perhaps because he said "big and white" so often, Liu Bai would occasionally remember Rosalind as having white hair.

Ah... I really want to call out Shadow.

But...

Liu Bai's gaze shifted to behind Rosalind.

A gentle-looking red-haired woman was accompanied by a girl with a somewhat youthful face and black and white hair.

Moreover, the girl's eyes were black pupils with red crosses, conveying a sense of absurdity, grotesqueness, and terror.

Um?

Etc?

Is this Arlecchino?

The girl seemed to sense Liu Bai's gaze and glanced at Liu Bai with an emotionless but warning look.

"Pellervy, you can't be so rude."

The gentle, mature woman noticed the girl's gaze and gently patted her.

Hmm... the intensity is roughly the same as that of affectionate education.

But... Liu Bai inexplicably felt that something was off.

And is her current name Pellervy?

The small noise also caught Rosalind's attention.

"Huh? Rita, didn't you bring members of the Undying Blade team this time?"

"It was just a small inspection; these were research consultants sent from headquarters," Rita explained with a smile.

In that instant, Liu Bai noticed that Rosalind and the red-haired woman both had strange expressions for a moment.

Is it because of the phrase "sent from headquarters"?

Hmm...? Suddenly this is starting to seem interesting.

Both of them seem to have something on their minds, but I wonder if they're thinking about the same thing.

Having learned from his previous experience, Liu Bai did not stare at the scene for too long.

However, what happened to Pellervy just now has already attracted some attention.

"Although you may have already done your homework, I will still introduce myself out of courtesy. I am Rosalind Cruzshika Loefat, the head of the Northernmost Branch."

Although her tone was haughty, Rosalind still gave a slight bow.

"This is my second-in-command, Kuzkavina, and my second-in-command's second-in-command..."

Rosalind paused for a moment, then continued in a slightly sarcastic tone.

"Her adopted daughter, Pellervy."

After Rosalind finished her introduction, Kuzkavina smiled and gave a slight bow to Liu Bai and the others, her expression remaining completely unchanged.

"Team leader and advisor, Liu Bai, and these people are Kafka, Firefly, Guinaifen, all of whom are experts in their respective fields."

Liu Bai introduced himself according to his previously assigned role.

Although it's a fake identity, it's all linked to the Undying Blade, so it can be traced.

As the vice-captain, Rita wields considerable authority.

"Hmm..." Rosalind's scrutinizing gaze and Kuzkavina's gentle gaze were both taking stock of them.

"That was a bit rude of me, Rosalind- senpai," Rita reminded her.

"I'm just curious about what the project is for this research."

"The main purpose of this visit is to conduct a general survey of the industrial projects of the Jiujiu North Branch/Nibu, which will serve as a reference for future headquarters funding approvals."

This was something he and Rita had agreed upon.

The term "industrial project" covers an exceptionally wide range.

Unless Rosalind and Kuzkavina have no conflict, or their conflict is simply that they don't like each other, the reason is likely related to the industrial project.

"Okay, I see. I'll cooperate with you."

Neither Rosalind nor Kuzkavina showed any unusual expression.

Should we start the check-up today?

"It's fine to rest for a day today," Bai suggested, offering to postpone the meeting.

Generally speaking, such a surprise attack is best launched as quickly as possible.

But... they're not here to arrest anyone for corruption.

You need time? I'll give it to you. Let's see what kind of trouble you can cause.

"Indeed, to use Shenzhou expression, you've had a long and tiring journey."

Rosalind remained indifferent, glancing at the mother and daughter behind her.

"Pellervy, please take the distinguished guests from headquarters to their arranged rooms."

"Yes, Minister Rosalind."