Chapter 452
A cowardly infected person fled back to his home in the Norbert District. He didn't have time to find his keys to open the door, and sat down trembling in front of it.
He didn't want to die, and he couldn't bring himself to charge forward without hesitation like the others.
"Sir, are you alright?"
The sudden greeting made the infected man instinctively tense up. He quickly backed away until his back was against the wall, grabbed the dirty carpet, and lay down in front of it.
"No, don't come any closer!"
A Pink-haired Feline Woman stopped at the top of the stairs upon hearing this. She leaned forward slightly, trying to soothe the other person's unstable emotions.
"Sir, please don't be afraid, I mean no harm."
"Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
After saying this, the infected person began searching his entire body for his keys. Only when he returned home could he feel safe.
"My name is Percival, and I'm an Infected. Have you ever heard of the Rhodes Island?"
Upon hearing the name, the infected man froze in his search for the key, looking over with a puzzled expression. His fear gradually subsided, replaced by a frenzied rage:
"The Rhodes Island? You're the Rhodes Island! Ha, I've heard about you. You claim to fight for the Infected, but you're just a bunch of thugs."
A few years ago in Ursus, you captured a Mobile Cities. Later you attacked Chernobyl, but seemed to suffer heavy losses. So, what disaster are you planning to bring to Victoria this time in Londinium?"
In response to the unfounded accusations, Percival explained:
"No, sir, you may be mistaken. We are not the old Rhodes Island, but a newly recreated New Rhodes Island. We have not abandoned the name Rhodes Island because we feel that the mistakes must be remembered."
Those who have done wrong in the past have received their due punishment. Now we will take action to unite those infected in Victoria and fight side by side with those who are willing to support us."
"Tsk, if you're only fighting for the infected, then we have nothing to say. You don't care about the innocent civilians, do you?"
Percival didn't know why he said that and wanted to know the specifics:
"Sir, the Rhodes Island can provide assistance to non-infected individuals. However, our capabilities are limited, and we may not be able to help everyone. You just mentioned innocent civilians; what happened? Could you tell me?"
Perhaps it was because of her honesty that the infected person didn't make empty promises, or perhaps it was because of her good looks that the infected person told them about the tragedy that had just occurred.
Halfway through the conversation, Talulah upstairs. It turned out she had been downstairs the whole time, just without making a sound.
"You just said that the army attacked civilians, do you know which Duke's men they are?"
Upon seeing someone suddenly appear, the infected were terrified and tried to run away. However, when they realized that the newcomer was Draco, they were immediately surprised.
Shortly after he contracted Originium-related illness, he specifically sought out this infected organization, because it might be their only way out in the future.
The internet is flooded with negative comments about the Rhodes Island, especially about its leader.
"You, you are... Talulah?!"
"Um."
Talulah removed the hood that was sewn onto her uniform, revealing long silver hair, and asked again:
"Can you tell me now?"
"The Duke Wellington"
Talulah knew this person; he was currently supporting Ablana, a descendant of King Gael's Dolak.
"Okay, I'll settle this score for you."
Seeing that she had actually agreed, the infected person looked at Talulah with a complicated expression, and added dejectedly:
"I'm sorry, I was just saying that in anger. I'm already very grateful that you're helping those infected, and I shouldn't ask for anything more from you."
"No, that's none of your business, sir. I happen to have some business to discuss with that Dolak."
[Urge Update Sign-in]
PS1: 289 pulls on the 4.5th anniversary gacha, 3 Arturos, 3 Vivianna, 1 White Iron, 10,000 gold coins. Currently, 61 pulls without a gold coin. Feel free to leave a comment here and share your results.
PS2: Hypergryph secretly put Venti into the store; remember to exchange it if you need it.
Chapter 528 Distant water cannot quench a nearby fire (4K)
June 25, 11:40 am
Clovicia gathered everyone in the Large Tent of the Self-Rescue Army before mealtime.
Although no one explicitly stated what happened, everyone understood. The biggest event last night was the airship explosion and the subsequent trail of Green Flame.
Claims like "the Green Flame is a chemical weapon developed by the Sarkaz" spread like wildfire throughout Norbert District overnight. The locals lacked the relevant knowledge and the technology and means to detect and identify it. Based solely on their stereotypes about the Sarkaz, they believed the Green Flame contained a highly deadly, Mysterious Virus.
Those who moved quickly moved out last night, heading to other plots in the Mid-level District or Outer District.
Some only found out today, and hurriedly packed their things, also not planning to linger here.
Seeing that Vigna, Shi Lei, Amiya, and others had all arrived, Clovicia looked around and got straight to the point:
"I believe you all know about the airship explosion and the Green Flame, so I won't go into details here."
The main reason I called everyone here today is to ask about your plans for the future. If you're heading in roughly the same direction, it'll be good to have someone to look out for you on the way.
We plan to move today to Haibury District, about ten blocks away. There are many underground pipes there, so we can hide there temporarily and avoid trouble."
At this point, Clovicia looked at everyone:
And you?
Vigna entered the Londinium area aboard Rhodes Island's This Ship for two reasons.
First, it is to find the Breath of the Kings.
Secondly, they took Belde and Cadore from the Glass Gang away to prevent them from being persecuted by the Sarkaz.
The Breath of the Kings is currently being held by Doctor Zhongli. If we part ways, we'll have to get it back from him. There's no point in staying in Norbert District; it's better to leave sooner rather than later.
Like most Victorians, Vigna deeply resented the Sarkaz's invasion of her homeland. However, she was well aware of her own limitations; her newly assembled force was no match for the City Defense Army. Therefore, her current strategy was to cut her losses and proceed cautiously, taking things one step at a time.
"We also need to withdraw from here. We'll probably leave Londinium and head to another Mobile Cities."
As she spoke, she glanced at Shi Lei, intentionally or unintentionally.
The latter immediately understood and nodded to Vigna.
This means that after this meeting ends, the genuine Breath of the Kings will be returned to her.
Frankly, there's a certain risk in doing this. If the Duke Kester learns that there are other Breath of the Kings, he'll definitely doubt the one he obtained.
Shi Lei was merely holding it in trust and had no intention of seizing the Breath of the Kings. He lost interest as soon as he realized there was no sword spirit like Reine des Neiges within the sword.
In short, since it was Vigna's decision, Shi Lei would respect it and return the genuine product to her.
Clovicia nodded upon hearing this. Her gaze shifted to Shi Lei, and she took the initiative to ask:
"Doctor Zhongli, what about you?"
She now knows that Shi Lei is not Operator of Rhodes Island, but was only hired by the Doctor to help.
Moreover, his subordinates were all quite formidable.
There's Broca, supposedly the last Pureblood Wendigo, and Mudrock, whose strength rivals that of Ablana, the Deep Pool Leader. Even Texas and Xi, who haven't shown much strength, shouldn't be underestimated; one of them could easily take on dozens of their Self-Rescue Army members.
If they were willing to go to Haibury District, the Self-Rescue Army would have a solid security guarantee.
"Don't ask me, ask him."
Shi Lei didn't answer directly, but instead posed the question to the Doctor. He would go wherever they went, and leave with his girlfriend and subordinates after the commission was completed.
In an instant, everyone's attention was focused on the Doctor. This made him feel immense pressure, and he turned to Amiya for help.
The latter immediately understood and stood up to explain.
These were originally meant to be told to Zhongli, but she didn't reveal the specific reasons because there were outsiders present.
There's been dead for years; whether Theresia is still alive requires her personal confirmation. There's no need to discuss these matters with the Self-Rescue Army; a brief mention will suffice.
"We have some personal matters to attend to back in the Central City District, so we can't travel with you all from here."
"Private matter? What private matter?"
Clovicia, quick to speak, immediately retorted. It was Alda, more composed, who stepped in to defuse the situation:
"Miss Amiya has already said it's a private matter and that it's inconvenient for her to tell us the reason. Why are you still asking?"
"Oh, I see. Sorry. That concludes today's meeting. Take care."
Seeing everyone getting up to leave, Shi Lei suddenly stood up and said:
"Oh, right, there's something I forgot to tell you. After the airship exploded last night, those scattered Green Flame were the Lost Soul of Sarkaz. They were probably providing energy for the airship, not a deadly virus."
He could have kept quiet, which would have prevented him from arousing suspicion. But if he had remained silent, countless people would have been forced to move out of fear and anxiety.
If a single sentence could change these things, it would be better to say it and reduce the burden on the local people.
"Really?"
"Yes, these Sarkaz Lost Soul dissipate quickly once they leave the container, and they do not carry the virus."
Seeing Shi Lei's confident demeanor, Clovicia had no doubt and sincerely praised him:
"Doctor Zhongli, you know so much! You even know this."
Haha, how could I not know?
I'm the one who blew up that airship.
"In that case, we'll have to change our plans. Staying in Norbert District is better than going to Hybrid and living under someone else's roof. Let's adjourn the meeting for now; I need to hurry and call the movers back."
She hurried to the camp gate, then belatedly realized what was happening and bowed to Shi Lei in gratitude.
"Thank you, Doctor Zhongli."
Shi Lei nodded in response. After leaving the Temporary Camp, everyone would go their separate ways.
June 25, 11:52 AM
Since Dephine boarded Duke Windermere's warship and left Norbert District, intelligence from all over the world has been pouring in like snowflakes from Ursus.
In Sargon, east of Victoria, a mysterious armed force is stirring. The fifth intelligence mission to Iberia has failed to make contact...
As various intelligence reports converged, Duke Windermere calmly and methodically issued a series of military orders.
He could only frown when he received a barrage of congratulatory telegrams from various Duke.
Dephine lay on the table in the Command Room, quietly watching her mother, the Duke Windermere, work. Occasionally, she would glance out the window; the high-speed warship would be returning to Victoria's old home Reinkaden, in two days.
"Dephine, what are you staring at so intently?"
"Nothing, Mom. I was just...thinking about what happened in Norbert District."
"I'm sorry, daughter. I didn't expect the situation in Londinium to deteriorate so rapidly in such a short time. Otherwise, I would have arranged for my personal guard to escort you away long ago."
"Why."
Dephine stared at the distant silhouette of Londinium and sighed with regret:
"Alas, it's a pity I collected so much information about the city. I had to burn it all to escape, and I didn't bring it all with me. What a waste of valuable intelligence."
The Duke Windermere shook his head, disagreeing:
"Don't say that, it's not your fault. There's no intelligence more valuable than your safety. Now that we've left Londinium, we'll soon be back in Reinkaden. Whether it's bad days or Victoria, I'll gradually get things back on track."
"Mom, I believe you can do it. Actually, I'm still a little scared. I originally thought I was going to die in the Norbert District."
The Duke Windermere's eyes were filled with affection, a stark contrast to her usual stern demeanor. Now, she was neither Duke nor a commander, but a mother:
"Daughter, you've done a great job. You're just like your father in terms of meticulousness and patience. You're going to take my place in the future, so you should stay in Reinkaden. Our confrontation with Sargon is a good test of character."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I felt I could do better, so I went to Londinium."
The Duke Windermere reached out and gently stroked her hair, his touch as tender as if he were teasing a kitten.
"The Duke Windermere may need to worry about something big and harden himself like steel. But daughter, you don't need to now. You don't need to until I'm too old to walk."
In two days, we'll be going home. I've already had the maid arrange everything for you—your pajamas, your pillow, your bed, and the bathtub. I also have a small gift for you, but it's a secret. You'll find out what it is when we get home."
"Thank you, Mom, I didn't either..."
Before Dephine could finish speaking, her mother opened her arms and pulled her into a hug—this was her way of expressing concern.
After a long while, the Duke Windermere released his hand: