"Huh? In such a short time, has the boss brought back a few more kids?"
"Idiot! This guy is definitely a local from Babel Tower."
"Me, stupid? Who can't even count them all?"
"Want to fight?!"
"... Um, hello everyone."
A weak greeting rang out, and the two mercenaries, who had originally planned to roll up their sleeves and fight, were forced to comply under Vera's gaze.
"Ha... haha..., hello you too."
A distorted smile can stop a baby from crying at night, but fortunately, the children are used to this kind of smile and didn't cause any trouble.
The children, who were initially hostile, quickly softened under Vera's candy offensive and soon became a united group under the leadership of the socialite Ifrit.
After getting to know them better, Vera also learned about the children's backgrounds.
Without families, without blood relatives, without healthy bodies, they were all survivors that Babel Tower found on the battlefield.
Vera's feelings were quite complicated due to the highly consistent lack of any of the three attributes.
The children didn't think too much about it; they were simply delighted by the sweet taste in their mouths.
"Hmm, it tastes even better than Closure's candy."
"The candy wrappers are so pretty, could they be folded into decorations...?"
"Isn't the quantity too small? It would be better if there were more."
The children murmured amongst themselves, glancing furtively at Vera, who wasn't stingy at all; Gregor had bought more snacks than they could ever finish.
"Just say you want some. Where did you learn this cunning, roundabout way of a businessman?"
The children collecting the candy blushed, and the oldest child stammered:
"No, we won't take it for free. We can pay with our jobs!"
"Hmm... an equivalent exchange? Sure, but what kind of work are you planning to offer in exchange?"
Vera raised an eyebrow, teasing the stubborn cubs.
"Look at those mercenaries, they are all my comrades. What can you do better than them?"
The mercenaries who were tagged were taken aback. Faced with the children's gazes, they all became serious and showed off their bodies.
The children looked at the tall, strong body, then at their own arms wrapped in bandages, and began to think quite seriously.
Seeing that they were really taking it seriously, Vera sighed, just about to explain that it was just a joke—
"We can provide emotional value!"
The words she was about to say stuck in her throat; Vera looked at the other person with a subtle expression.
"Did that Closure teach you this too?"
"That's right! Sister Closure said this is our advantage!"
"... Alright, then let's show it to you."
Vera crossed her arms, ready to see what the emotional value was. The children whispered amongst themselves, then asked her name.
"Vera doesn't have a surname."
Having gotten the answer they wanted, the children pulled Amiya, who was hesitating nearby, into the conversation.
"Me too, do I want some?"
"Yes! Sister Closure said Amiya's voice is the sweetest!"
"But... um, I understand."
Despite the pleading looks in her companions' eyes, Amiya still couldn't bring herself to refuse.
Several children stood in a row, looking at Vera earnestly.
The surrounding mercenaries and Babel Tower agents were also drawn to this scene, and those on the other side seemed to realize something and secretly covered their mouths.
Vera keenly sensed the subtle malice and was about to stop them when the children shouted in unison:
"Vera, the cutest, gentlest, and most generous sister, we love you the most!!!"
With this shout, the children strained their voices, and even the shy Amiya blushed and shouted loudly.
After a brief silence, bursts of joyful laughter rose from the cafeteria.
The Babel Tower operators were all smiles, clearly already knowing the reason.
Vera remained silent for a long time, and the mercenaries, who were suppressing their laughter, gradually quieted down as well.
"Um, shouldn't we shout it out too?"
One of the mercenaries instinctively felt something was amiss; even children knew how to shout slogans, but they had never done so.
"Idiot! Do you want to embarrass the boss?"
Another mercenary immediately stopped him, earning Vera's approving look.
"That's just talk; shouldn't we remember this kind of thing?"
"Oh! You're right!"
The two mercenaries, who had been arguing, suddenly put their arms around each other and walked away, unaware of Vera's gaze, which seemed to look at them as if they were dead.
On the other side, the children, who had not received a response, were quite anxious.
Normally, when facing Closure, she would be smiling and patting her head by now.
But now it seems Vera isn't quite satisfied?
"W-What should I do? Was I shouting too softly?"
"Hmm, I remember Sister Closure has quite a few books of praise, don't you all remember?"
"Who can remember something that's so long!"
"Damn it, no wonder it's the nemesis that can tempt Captain Scout! Let's shout it again!"
"Enough!"
Vera quickly interrupted, her shoe soles unable to withstand the further damage.
"As long as it doesn't affect your health, there's plenty of candy, and... please don't say things like that again!"
The children nodded, and Vera breathed a sigh of relief.
"Did that sister Closure teach you all these things?"
"Yes, I get some snacks every time I finish speaking, Closure is in a good mood, I even get chocolate."
That guy is really quite narcissistic...
However, he seems to be a good person.
Having reached a conclusion, Vera looked at Amiya was covering her face and too ashamed to show herself.
Amiya, can I ask you a question?
"Oh? Of course!"
Upon receiving the request for help, the kind-hearted little rabbit quickly overcame its shyness.
What would you like to know?
"What kind of person is the Doctor that Amiya mentioned?"
"Doctor? Do Doctor know Vera?"
Silence fell once more. The Babel Tower operators heard a familiar address, while the mercenaries were even more curious about their leader's purpose.
"... It's a one-sided acquaintance; I came to Babel Tower to ask for his help."
"I see."
Amiya nodded and began to think seriously.
In the little rabbit's eyes, the Doctor, who seemed like a savior, was naturally a very good person, and would most likely lend a helping hand to others in need.
However, wouldn't it be best for both parties to discuss these matters face-to-face?
"The Doctor is a good person! If Vera needs help, it would be best to talk to the Doctor in person."
"Yes, that's what I'm planning to do too."
Vera naturally had the same plan. The Dungeon's refresh time had already ended, and the reason the four of them hadn't gone into the Dungeon yet was to wait for this meeting.
After Vane's constant warnings, the Doctor appeared to Vera as a highly intelligent computer with a mind of its own.
Don't try to negotiate with him; we can't outsmart him. Just state your demands and your price, and he'll give you his answer.
Thinking of Vane's words, Vera became even more curious about the protagonist in the game.
"Does Amiya know where the Doctor's office is?"
"Does Sister Vera want to go see the Doctor?"
Upon hearing this, the mercenaries who were eating instantly sharpened their eyes.
They also wanted to see what kind of person could make their boss keep thinking about them.
But someone has already taken the first step.
W, who had appointed himself as a bodyguard, quickly took the position behind Vera and defiantly waved his camera amidst the mercenaries' angry glares.
With the gang leader's photo as leverage, these guys had no choice but to grit their teeth and sit back down.
Too lazy to pay attention to their little tricks, Vera nodded.
"Um, is it convenient?"
"It's okay in a little while, the Doctor should rest now."
"... That's true, it's lunchtime after all."
Vera was a little disappointed, but waiting a little longer wouldn't hurt. Amiya, however, suddenly remembered something.
"Lunch..."
The little rabbit's expression tightened, and it quickly scanned its surroundings.
"Have you guys seen the Doctor come for lunch?"
The Babel Tower operators all shook their heads, while Amiya puffed out her cheeks.
"Honestly, the Doctor hasn't eaten properly again!"
The little rabbit turned around and bowed to Vera.
"Sorry, I have to go deliver lunch to the Doctor first."
"Haha, is it still the carrot set meal?"
The clerk at the food window smiled kindly and gave Vera a thumbs up.
"Thanks to this person, there's plenty of carrot and pork stew this time. How about we have more?"
"My portion is fine as it is, but for the Doctor's... please give him more!"
"Haha, don't worry, we'll have them all this time."
The little rabbit, clutching its lunchbox, wobbled away, and the remaining children were led away by Ifrit.
Yes, they were led away.
After Gregor restored the voice function, Ten Percent Off finally retired honorably.
Thanks to the fresh and interesting animations on the screen, Ifrit once again became the leader of the children in the new area.
Since she had nothing else to do, Vera decided to visit the Babel Tower.
Are there any restricted areas here?
"Oh, those places are usually guarded. Just go around them if you see them."
Having received a reply, Vera felt relieved and went inside, but...
"Registration? Do I need to disarm?"
The operator at the entrance glanced at W and shook his head.
"Just record the code name and appearance to enter the database, and be careful not to take pictures indiscriminately."
"Tsk."
W reluctantly put away the camera and registered with Vera.
"Um, are you from the Great Yan?"
The personnel officer was quite knowledgeable; Vera nodded, then shook her head.
Although she can now understand most of the Sarkaz language, written language remains her weakness.
The HR officer didn't say much, but instead looked at W, who was still hesitant to write.
"W?"
Vera followed suit, and W's pen hovered over the code name field, unable to make a stroke.
"Can't you write your name?"
The personnel officers weren't surprised by this; literate Sarkaz were the odd ones out.
"I'll write it. What's your name?"
W didn't reply, but suddenly looked at Vera, his once arrogant golden eyes now filled with hope.
Vera knew what W was expecting.
They agreed on one name.
Vera had no intention of continuing to blackmail her with the name; after all, the name originally belonged to her.
But that name, though on the tip of my tongue, was difficult to utter.
If she remembered correctly, that name was given to W by Theresa.
[Wis'adel]
Vera had heard Vane's interpretation, and the meaning was quite beautiful.
But should he be the one to utter this name, which holds such deep meaning for both of them?
After thinking it over, Vera decided to wait.
"... Excuse me, W, could you wait a little longer?"
The tentacles on W's head immediately lowered, and Vera hurriedly explained.
"You will have a name, a pretty good name."
"However, I need to take you to see someone."
Hearing Vera's assurance, W perked up again, his spirits lifted, replaced by boundless anticipation.
A pretty good name?
Is it better than Rice?
According to Hedley, Rice's name means "to have a full stomach," a blessing that is naturally wonderful for the Sarkaz.
What kind of blessings will I receive?
W couldn't help but feel hopeful.
But before that--
"Hey, can the code name field be changed?"
W looked at the personnel officer, who nodded.
"Then leave the back a little longer, I want to register with my real name!"
"Okay, here are your ID cards. If you encounter any problems, you can ask Closure for help."
The two nodded and prepared to leave, but the HR officer added another point.
"By the way, just a friendly reminder, you might want to consider the things Closure recommends buying; they might be useful to you."
"But if she gets too enthusiastic... don't buy it!"
Seeing the personnel officer's regretful expression, the two nodded silently.
You seem to have quite a story to tell...
Upon entering the building, Vera observed the traces around her.
The combination of old and new, the simple and clean steel lines, and the style are completely different from Kazdel's architecture.
According to Vane, this landship, which will be named Rhodes Island in the future, was dug out from underground.
However, it seems incomplete at the moment. Is it because the remaining parts have not yet been delivered?
I visited with some questions in mind and greeted many of the new and interesting operators.
The two stopped in their tracks, captivated by the novel scene.
The corridor in front of me was littered with corpses.
Some people were foaming at the mouth, some were shedding tears of blood, and among them was even the Elite Operator Mechanist we had seen before.
Because the operator was wearing a helmet, Vera didn't know his condition, but judging from his constantly twitching limbs, he couldn't be in good shape.
"What's going on!? Is it an enemy attack!?"
Vera and her companion immediately drew their weapons, but before Vera could stop, a furious shout came from afar.
"Logos! Look at what you've done!?"
"... Sorry, there's a small problem with the spell on the clothing."
"Is this a small problem? You've taken down Elite Operator!"
Vera and her companion exchanged puzzled glances and followed the sound into the passageway.
"Logos?"
In the center of the passage, the Banshee, looking helpless, was bowing her head as she was being scolded by a black-haired girl.
Upon seeing Vera, Logos' eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over.
"Excuse me, Closure, we have guests who need our attention."
"Come on! The Banshee Queen of the Banshees is trying to shirk her responsibilities!?"
Closure? That narcissistic girl?
Upon hearing the familiar name, Vera scrutinized its owner.
Black hair, bloodshot eyes, elfin pointed ears, a white short-sleeved shirt over a large black jacket that almost covered her entire thighs.
Vampire?
Vera Closure, Closure observed Vera in return.
After confirming that the person in front of her was not an operator she knew, Closure reluctantly let go of Logos's clothes.
"Okay... they are indeed guests."
"But don't think it's over so easily! The damage to the facilities, the consumed medical supplies, and the Emotional Distress Compensation! You won't escape any of these!"
Closure stared intently at Logos, as if she would pounce on him the moment he uttered a single word of dissent.
"... You know, you emptied my assets a long time ago."
Logos looked helpless and quickly added after seeing that Closure was showing signs of biting.
"I can write to the valley seeking some appropriate assistance, but it will take some time."
"Oh, you should have said so earlier!"
Closure her tongue, stood on tiptoe, and patted Logos on the shoulder.
"I believe the Banshee Queen wouldn't go back on her word, but just to be on the safe side... shall we draw up a written agreement?"
Logos sighed, and a slip of paper flew out of his pocket on its own. Bone Pen danced, and a binding incantation was attached to it.
"Hehe, thanks a lot~"
So... what exactly happened?
Seeing that the interaction between the two seemed to have ended, Vera pointed to the "corpse" behind her.
"Did you do this? Should I leave?"
No, it's just a misunderstanding.
Logos touched his chest in apology.
"The protective spell I used on my clothing seems to have malfunctioned. It was inexplicably activated about ten minutes ago, and thus... it's caused a little trouble."
"What a small problem?" Closure rolled her eyes.
"I just fixed the gate! Do you know how troublesome it is to repair this kind of linkage mechanism?"
"So many operators were also taken down by your curses. It's only because Kal'tsit wasn't there that she's not here, otherwise she'd be getting a lecture!"
Logos sighed again, his handsome face filled with disappointment.
"It was indeed my oversight. I've been away from the valley for too long, and even the use of the incantation has gone awry. It's truly... sigh."
"Well... it's not that serious anymore."
Seeing the once confident Banshee sighing repeatedly, Closure began to reflect on whether her words had been too harsh.
"Anyway, you've already healed them, haven't you? Those scary-looking curses only caused them minor suffering. With your popularity, no one will care."
"No, these are two different things. I must deeply reflect on the fact that my negligence caused injury to someone else."
Seeing that Logos's mood was getting worse the more he talked, Closure scratched her head in frustration.
"Alright, alright! Maybe it's not your spell that's wrong, but the ship itself?"
Seeing Logos's questioning gaze, the girl casually made up an excuse.
"I have a feeling this ship is alive; perhaps some activity of its triggered your magical defense?"
Logos fell into deep thought, Closure a sigh of relief, and W was puzzled.
And Vera...
She was sweating profusely.
A dozen minutes ago, the spell defense reaction was triggered...
Vera clenched her teeth, trying to forcefully keep her expression in check.
Could it be triggered by time stop?
The murderer... was myself?