Chapter 186

Want to take them on as underlings? No problem. But they must be an independent regiment with autonomous decision-making power.

Talulah shook her head, not Broca's proposal, and argued:

"I don't understand why this has to be the case. Only when everyone works together can we achieve our goals. If everyone only thinks of themselves, how can we build a better home for those infected?"

"Miss Talulah, not everyone is as great and selfless as you. I need to be responsible to you, and I also need to be responsible to the people under my command."

If the general direction is correct, we will certainly follow the instructions. However, if disagreements arise on certain matters, and our advice is not heeded, we will refuse to comply in order to preserve our hope of a comeback.

If you can't accept that, then let's maintain the alliance. We can call it the Rhodes Island in name only, but everyone will go their own way and not interfere with each other.

Seeing that they could not reach an agreement, Talulah felt there was no need to continue the discussion and took the initiative to terminate the negotiations:

"I'll have a meeting with them tonight to discuss it, and I'll give you a definite answer within three days, okay?"

How could a leader not be able to make a decision?

Broca the scheme but saying nothing, took out a hand-drawn map from his pocket, revealing the guerrillas' sincerity:

"This camp is surrounded by mountains on two sides, which is not conducive to defense. You can pack your things as soon as possible and head north to meet up with us. We will move to another place together then. If more Rhodes Island members want to live separately, there are a few suitable places marked on this map for you to choose from."

"Thanks."

With the negotiations failing, there was no need for him to stay any longer, and he prepared to return to the valley outpost.

The remaining three disagreed on whether to stay or go back. Chen wanted to stay and take care of the infected, Mudrock and the other wanted to go back first to reunite.

Without a shield, Exusiai insecure.

I will not stay here no matter what, I am determined to leave.

After a brief discussion, they decided to return to the valley with Patriot first.

It will take Ursus about a week to assemble its army. It's only the second day; they won't be that fast. They shouldn't face any attacks today or tomorrow.

I'll meet up with Shi Lei tonight, and we'll come to the Rhodes Island camp together tomorrow morning.

By the time the four arrived at the base, the sun had completely set. Night had fallen over the icy plains of Ursus, and a cold wind lashed their faces.

Patriot entered the valley through the tunnel and saw his subordinates beaming with joy, as if it were New Year's Day. He immediately understood the outcome of the treatment and joined in the happiness.

At night, the guerrillas treated Divine Doctor. Zhong and the three women who accompanied him to the highest standard of hospitality.

Because a signal flare was fired today, the location of the valley base has been exposed and is no longer suitable for long-term residence; we need to move there as soon as possible.

Considering that Ursus has been amassing a large force in recent days, they wouldn't launch a surprise attack so soon. They lit a bonfire in the center of the field and sang and danced.

Exusiai loves this lively atmosphere the most, singing and dancing along, almost as if she's about to show off a rap by the Great Emperor.

The Sarkaz infected people present didn't actually like this boisterous Sarkaz. But since she was Divine Doctor. Zhong's friend, no one dared to say anything.

After they had almost finished their outdoor dinner, Patriot called FrostNova over and they came to Shi Lei.

He leaned forward, his attitude extremely respectful.

"Divine Doctor, I have a small request I'd like to ask of you. But I was coughing up blood at the time, so I was delayed. Is it too late to ask now?"

Shi Lei neither agreed nor refused:

"Tell me your thoughts first, and let me think about it."

"Divine Doctor, didn't you say that FrostNova's illness requires recuperation in a place with a suitable climate? You should be from Lungmen in Yan, could you take her back?"

FrostNova was unaware of this beforehand and was somewhat bewildered upon hearing it:

"Dad, what's wrong with you...?"

The Patriot sighed like an old father and explained earnestly:

"Listen to me, even if the guerrillas join the Rhodes Island later, they will still stay in Ursus for a long time. I know you will be reluctant, but you should recuperate with the Divine Doctor for a few months and come back when you are fully recovered."

Shi Lei took a sip of wine and politely inquired:

"Is this considered a commission? Helping to take care of patients will cost extra."

Exusiai seemed to have thought of something, and a barely perceptible wicked smile appeared on her face.

The review was late, but it finally arrived. jpg

249 The Hunt Begins (3K)

Upon hearing this description, Broca momentarily stunned, his red eyes flashing beneath the mask:

"A commission?"

"That's right. Didn't you want to have FrostNova stay with me for a while until she recovers and then return to the team? This is what you call a commission, right?"

Patriot nodded as if he understood, but it was unclear whether he truly understood or not.

Before the meal, he had consulted with FrostNova about the outcome of the collective loyalty pledge. He learned that everyone had sent a representative to sign a three-year contract with the Divine Doctor, after which they would be even.

Since Divine Doctor. Zhong wants to use this method, as the leader of the guerrillas, he should cooperate:

"Yes, it's a commission. So, how much is the fee for this commission?"

Shi Lei is not short of money, and he usually takes on private jobs for free. For example, he didn't ask for money when taking care of Lisa; he only accepted the money after her father, Chief Priest, forced him to transfer it to him.

"If I remember correctly, didn't you say you didn't have any money? You said you'd have FrostNova do some cleaning chores to offset the cost of boarding."

There are many empty rooms in Warehouse No. 2, so we don't need to collect rent. We also eat together, so the cost per person isn't much.

"Well... alright, Divine Doctor, then I'll entrust FrostNova to your care."

Shi Lei nodded, acknowledging a verbal agreement with Patriot. As for when they would return to Lungmen, that would require consulting their employer on this business trip.

"Officer Chen, you've changed the details of the commission; you're no longer taking Talulah. So what's the plan now? Are you going back tomorrow? Or are you staying a few more days?"

Chen was not far away, having just finished drinking a refreshing glass of fruit wine. Hearing this, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, thought for a moment, and then replied:

"The Ursus regular army is still assembling and is estimated to arrive at Lake Vega in another four or five days. This gives the Rhodes Island enough time to retreat to a more concealed location. Let's ensure their safety first, and then leave in a week."

Talulah made it clear to her today that they might conquer a city in Ursus in the future, to use as a base and a sanctuary for the infected.

Assisting in the siege went beyond the scope of the original commission. Furthermore, Chen didn't want to involve Shi Lei. Therefore, the mission was changed to a protective one, and they would return home once the Rhodes Island had stabilized.

Because of what happened twenty years ago, Talulah and her uncle are irreconcilable enemies. Even knowing that Wei Yenwu was forced by circumstances at the time, she has no intention of forgiving him.

Since Talulah isn't returning to Lungmen, we can only hope that under her leadership, the Rhodes Island can get back on track and pave a new path for the Infected.

Shi Lei nodded, turning his head to look at Patriot:

"How are your negotiations with the Rhodes Island going? Are you planning to merge?"

Upon Broca respectfully replied:

"Talulah and I couldn't agree on some things, and she said..."

I'll think about it for two days.

Generally speaking, saying that usually means it's unlikely to succeed. Shi Lei, who had no intention of getting involved with the two organizations, offered this reminder:

"We'll be going to the Rhodes Island tomorrow, and we'll have to take FrostNova with us then."

"Yes, I know. Consider tonight's dinner a farewell feast for her."

Unlike Chen and the others who sat properly in their seats, Exusiai ran straight to the campfire and started dancing. She swayed her body and head, joining the others in the dance.

The guerrillas who were playing with Bone Whistle saw Patriot and the Divine Doctor talking, so they stopped playing.

Without musical accompaniment, Exusiai felt listless when jumping. She turned back and, after Shi Lei and the others finished their business, immediately reminded the person playing the Bone Whistle:

"Let's play the music and keep dancing!"

Considering that the guerrillas were fewer in number but had more supplies than the Rhodes Island, Shi Lei gave them one-third of the food he had brought.

The Snow Beast Squad members who were at the campfire party learned that their leader was leaving Ursus to recuperate. They were genuinely happy for FrostNova.

We all go on missions together frequently and know that our team leader's health is very poor. If she can recover from this illness, it will be a tremendous blessing.

FrostNova's departure would last for several months, much to the guerrillas' dismay. But despite their reluctance, they wouldn't try to stop her. At most, they would hold another farewell banquet for her tomorrow noon.

Leaving a few hours later is not a big problem.

"Don't just sit there, it's too stiff. Come on over and dance with me."

Exusiai called Shi Lei, Mudrock, and Chen down to dance and sing around the campfire. As more and more people joined in, the atmosphere gradually became more and more lively.

The commotion continued until 1 a. m., finally ending as the campfire died down. As the party dispersed, many guerrilla members extended invitations to Shi Lei.

"Divine Doctor, please stay at my house tonight."

"Divine Doctor, please stay at my house. My bed is big and comfortable; several people can lie down in it."

Chen was unaware that Shi Lei could clean up Originium, and assumed he received this treatment because he had saved FrostNova. The guerrillas also kept quiet about the matter.

In the end, Shi Lei politely declined all invitations. He built Rock House next to the open space for himself and the other three to rest.

October 1st, 7:54 AM

Ursus, Schuratzburg City.

Dozens of land vehicles drove across the snow like a gleaming Black Serpent. They marched in a long procession along the central avenue, arriving at the city's military camp.

The soldiers inside the land vehicle were dressed in neat, uniform black attire. Their faces were expressionless, and they exuded a chilling aura. Unlike the Enforcement Team who enjoyed exploiting and oppressing the people, these were true soldiers.

After verifying the identification information, the military camp guards quickly raised the gate and allowed passage. They then informed their superior, Lieutenant Maxim, via internal phone.

Captain Alexander, belonging to the Ursus Second Army, received orders from his superiors to lead a large contingent of elite troops to Schuratzburg City for assembly.

Upon receiving the message, Maxim immediately retrieved his treasured wines from the cupboard. He tidied his appearance in front of the mirror, awaiting the arrival of his superior officer of higher rank.

A short while later, Alexander arrived at the operations Command Room.

He glanced at the officers' shoulder insignia inside the room, a fleeting hint of disdain in his eyes, and asked:

"I have received intelligence that one of His Majesty the Emperor's Inner Guards is involved in this operation to eradicate the infected organization."

"Pop".

Maxim stood at the table and uncorked the bottle. He poured the brick-red liquid into a stemmed glass. After a gentle swirl, the wine released a fruity, woody aroma.

"Yes, that's true. His Majesty the Emperor's Imperial Inner Guards arrived in Schuratzburg City yesterday."

Alexander did not reach for the offered wine, but asked very directly:

Where are His Majesty the Emperor Inner Guards?

Upon hearing this, Maxim's lips twitched, revealing a somewhat embarrassed expression, and he explained:

"I'm so sorry, Captain. His Majesty the Emperor's Imperial Inner Guards left last night."

"Leave?"

Alexander looked slightly surprised, finding it somewhat unbelievable. The intervention of the Inner Guards was crucial to the success of this operation to eradicate the infected organization. With his own strength, he was more than capable of fighting against everyone he had brought.

"Isn't he going to travel with us?"

Maxim's hand, still frozen in mid-air, held the wine glass, then he handed it over again, smiling:

"He is His Majesty the Emperor's Inner Guards, why would he need to wait for us before setting off? If he insists on leaving, there is nothing I can do to stop him."

Alexander was speechless, feeling slighted by the Inner Guards. He hesitated for a moment, then took the wine glass:

"When do we set off?"

"Captain, my orders are to wait until you are all present before departing. The Inner Guards left earlier, so that's not included in the calculation. You can stay in the city for a couple more days. Enjoy the local customs and culture of Shulatsburg, and the Gaul of the former nobility."

Upon hearing Maxim's last sentence, he immediately became interested. In Gaul, a country that had already fallen, some nobles and remnants still lingered on this land.

"What if the Inner Guards wipe out the infected organization before other troops arrive?"

"Don't worry about that, I'll add..."

Several Scout teams have been dispatched to track them. Once we discover the infected organization has been completely wiped out, we'll set off immediately. Come, Captain. Cheers to His Majesty the Emperor's victory!

There's no way around it; the individual combat capabilities of the Inner Guards are simply too formidable. Even if two more waves of soldiers were to assemble, they combined might not be enough to defeat a single enemy soldier.

"Cheers to His Majesty the Emperor's victory!"