"Kazdel has gone missing?"
"Contact has been lost, and the dispatched agents have also lost communication. It looks like they've run into trouble."
Putting down the follow-up data, the Doctor picked up the report in front of him.
"Last communication... three days ago? Why so long ago?"
"At the time, Kazdel was about to be taken over, but the people, having been abandoned by the Military Commission, trusted no one, and the liaison officer said that some time was needed to communicate."
What do you think?
ACE crossed his arms, his thick eyebrows furrowed behind his sunglasses.
"Could this be a trap set by the Military Commission?"
Even though substantial evidence suggests that the Military Commission has left, the long-standing impact of the struggle against it remains difficult to erase.
The regent might not leave a deadly trap in a neutral, Mobile City, but his hordes of lunatics might.
"Or perhaps they are remnants of those extremists; those madmen act without any regard for consequences."
"..."
The Doctor tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, recalling the details of his encounter with that man.
Theresis, the ruthless warlord who bears the other half of the Sarkaz's fate, will he tamper with the legacy left to Kazdel?
"... Are there any other Elite Operator accompanying them?"
"No, it was just a reconnaissance mission before receiving the data. We should have returned after confirming the situation."
"But at the time, the liaison officer claimed that the people needed assistance and requested that the ship remain on board, and His Highness agreed."
Quietly examining the communication data in his hand, the Doctor posed a strange question.
"Is the contact operator definitely the person in question?"
"I am..."
ACE remained expressionless; was he worried about espionage or betrayal?
"The code has been verified with the team members, and Raidian has also confirmed the signal; it is undoubtedly him."
The Doctor checked the information and examined the documents in his hand, but found nothing unusual.
It has been confirmed that the Military Commission has left, accompanied by several Royal Court.
Unless they are madmen wandering the wilderness, no one in Kazdel dares to challenge the Babel Tower now.
Not to mention tampering with Kazdel's most important, and only, Mobile City.
"Continue trying to make contact, and ask Scout's team to investigate the situation."
"No need, I think it's just a misunderstanding."
The person who was talking leaned against the door and knocked on it with the documents in their hand.
"Excuse me, Doctor."
Scout's rudeness was not pursued, or rather, the Doctor himself did not care.
What did you mean by that?
"Communication has been restored. Kazdel said there was a minor Catastrophe that disrupted communications."
"I see, that makes sense."
ACE looked enlightened, scratched his head, and said embarrassedly:
"I'm sorry, Doctor, I should have waited a little longer before I could report."
The Doctor shook his head to indicate that he didn't care, then looked at Scout.
"Kazdel didn't avert the Catastrophe?"
Even though the city was dilapidated, it never lacked essential mobility services, so why was it disrupted by Catastrophe?
"That's what I'm going to talk about next." Scout handed over the documents.
"They say the public's emotions are very unstable, and the Dead Soul Furnace, which supplies power, has malfunctioned and is now out of service. They are currently trying to communicate with the Dead Souls."
"Is it because the ruler of the Royal Court left?"
ACE stroked his beard and guessed that, if the intelligence was correct, the Lord of the Royal Court of the Dead Souls possessed the airship and left with the Military Commission.
"Who knows? Dead Souls have always been shrouded in mystery."
Scout shrugged, Doctor looked at the documents; one application caught his attention.
"Do we need Your Highness's assistance?"
"You mean this? After all, the state of the Dead Souls is related to Kazdel's motivation, but they are all elders, and only Your Highness can communicate with them and make them obey."
What is Your Highness's opinion?
"We were already getting ready to leave, that's why I came to let you know," Scout sighed.
"I just got back, and I didn't expect to have to go on another mission so soon."
"Are you the accompanying operator this time?"
"Of course, who told me I'm the best scout?"
At this point, Scout became smug again, clearly indicating that his earlier sigh was just for show.
Looking down at the documents in his hand, the Doctor suddenly said:
"Let's include ACE too."
Scout crossed his arms, and before he could complain, the Doctor explained:
"We all believe in your abilities, but you also understand His Highness's status. If Logos hadn't been busy repairing his clothes, he should have been the one accompanying him this time."
Scout nodded in understanding, and ACE put his arm around Scout's head.
"What? Does your best scout have some grievance against me, your best ace?"
"You bastard... I haven't even settled the score with you for stealing my treasured drink yet!"
"Ahem! Don't mind it, I'll treat you to a drink later."
After saying goodbye to the Doctor, ACE left with Scout.
After comparing the two people's information again, no errors were found, and the Doctor resumed his previous work.
Deciphering the text in the magic book—this familiar yet unfamiliar task rekindled the Doctor's interest after a long time.
As for other tasks... after a wealthy patron sent money, many problems were easily solved, which is truly remarkable.
"Ms. Vera is a very nice person."
"Yes, yes, team leader, are we really leaving?"
"I have no idea."
In a corner of the canteen, the mercenaries of the Mudrock's Squad sat in a huddle.
Along the way with Vera and the others, the Mudrock's Squad had already grown fond of this mercenary group that seemed so out of place in Kazdel.
Calling them a mercenary group isn't entirely accurate; at least they've never seen Vera or her companions accept any commissions.
Plenty of food, a comfortable atmosphere, and smiles on their faces.
The novel experiences made this team, accustomed to intrigue, easily lower their guard.
It's irresistible when that powerful and wealthy leader sits curiously by the fire, listening to you recount interesting stories from the past.
"Tell me another one, I'm very curious."
Even though everyone was exhausted from the march, no one showed it, and no one wanted to refuse.
The mercenaries would have betrayed Mudrock on the spot if it weren't for the guarantee of their livelihood and the solace they needed.
Fortunately, Mudrock himself shared the same mindset as the mercenaries.
But all good times must come to an end. As the group arrived at the Babel Tower, the so-called act of repaying kindness and protecting them came to a close.
They should have left; if they hadn't met Vera, they would have left long ago.
But... no one mentioned it.
Everyone tacitly understood that this choice might be a life-changing opportunity.
Do I really have to leave?
The Columbia Expansion Force has a preferential policy for Infected, and Victoria's factory has also opened up recruitment to Infected.
Even the Sarkaz, with their formidable physical abilities, can survive in the outside world.
But the Mudrock's Squad didn't believe in those things. The pity of those in power was the least trustworthy thing, and the so-called protection of rights was nothing but empty words and waste paper.
If Kazdel weren't truly uninhabitable, who would willingly leave their homeland?
Now, a new option is presented to the Mudrock's Squad.
First, leave and seek a new way of life, but face unknown dangers.
Second, stay and shamelessly Vera's Squad, but this may get you involved in the Kazdel war.
Mudrock hates fighting, and even more so, war, so the outcome is obvious...
"If I had to say... I'd like to stay."
A muffled sound came from inside the protective suit, and Mudrock's answer brought smiles to the faces of the other team members.
But just as Vera was to the mercenaries, Mudrock held a similarly important position in the team.
"Team leader, you don't need to worry about us. This time... we want to hear your true thoughts."
The team members looked intently at Mudrock. This team leader possessed a kindness that was out of place in Kazdel. If it were for their sake, she might really say things against her conscience.
"No, that's exactly what I think." Mudrock shook his head.
"Do you know why?"
Why...
Hearing the team members' questions, Mudrock remained silent.
Everyone waited quietly for Mudrock's answer, but the arrival of an unexpected person interrupted the small meeting.
"Mudrock? Perfect, may I ask you a question?"
Vera greeted them as she walked over, and the group hurriedly stood up.
"It's alright, it's alright. We're all here anyway, I just have a simple question."
The Mudrock's Squad was tense. After eating for free for so long, were they finally going to be kicked out?
Many people looked disappointed and waited quietly for Vera's verdict.
What are your plans for the future?
Seeing the strange looks from everyone, Vera her words:
"Or rather, what kind of life do you want to live?"
Everyone was taken aback by the abrupt question and subconsciously looked at Hedley, who was following behind Vera. The latter expressionlessly waved the paper and pen in his hand.
"It's just a survey, don't be nervous."
Seeing what everyone was thinking, Vera gently comforted them.
With Gregor bringing things to light, the group resolved to intervene in Terra, but soon faced their first challenge.
How should we intervene?
Unable to know what others thought, Vera decided to start by considering the opinions of the locals.
Only by knowing what kind of life they want can we use that as a direction to change their lives.
Hesitantly, everyone gave their answers, Hedley recorded one by one.
Similar to the random survey conducted earlier at the Babel Tower, the Mudrock's Squad's answers were highly consistent.
There are compatriots, food and drink, and most importantly, a place to settle down.
It was too easy, so easy that Vera felt a bit of a headache.
"Um... are you looking to recruit an army?"
Mudrock voiced the question that had been on his mind, and Vera was deep in thought, looked up in confusion.
"The military? Why would you have such an idea?"
"But... is there anything else we can do?"
The group of mercenaries nodded in agreement. They were all mercenaries who had grown up in Kazdel, and their only skill was combat.
"... No wonder something felt off."
Vera rubbed her temples, finally understanding why the work couldn't proceed.
Life changes may be important, but spiritual transformation is equally urgent...
"Listen carefully, no one has ever stipulated that Sarkaz must fight. Becoming a mercenary is merely a choice made out of necessity."
"Let's change the question this time. If you're not going to fight, what do you want to do?"
Vera pointed behind her, setting an example for everyone.
"For example, Hedley initially wanted to become a teacher."
Everyone stared at Hedley in amazement, and even Mudrock couldn't help but praise him.
"... That's amazing."
Although I know some words, I'm far from being qualified to be a teacher. There are very few people like that in all of Kazdel, aren't there?
Mudrock's thoughts wandered, and he unconsciously rubbed a small clay figure in his arms. Vera watched this scene thoughtfully.
"If it were peacetime, Mudrock might have become a civil engineer."
"Engineer?"
Thinking of the "big shots" who had issued commissions to him, Mudrock hurriedly waved his hand.
"How could someone like me possibly...?"
"Nothing is impossible, or are you unwilling to create a home of your own?"
Mudrock stood frozen in place, and the clay figure that was about to take shape in his hand scattered into clumps of earth.
Mudrock had already been considering leaving even before the Military Commission issued the order.
How did you finally decide to leave this place?
It was a rainy day, and Mudrock used magic to create a cave for his companions to take shelter from the rain.
While the fighting raged outside, the cave remained eerily quiet.
At that time, they dreamed about the future in the darkness.
Just like now, most people are well-fed and clothed, but one person has a different idea.
Actually... I want a home.
"It doesn't need to be big, I just hope it's sturdy and clean enough, like the place the captain built."
Boom--!!!
Artillery fire bombarded the area above the position, and the resulting dust made the ground unclean.
The cheerful conversation faded away, and they spent that rainy night in silence.
Mudrock understood that Kazdel was incapable of providing the home his companions desired, which is why he chose to leave.
So why do you want to stay now?
"Although the Mudrock story was also well told, I still prefer to hear the eldest sister's story."
One night, while traveling with Vera and the others, there was no heavy rain and no pursuers.
After finishing his story, Mudrock overheard a mercenary muttering something and curiously asked him about it.
"What kind of story? Um... well, it's not really a story." Rice rubbed his head in frustration.
"W said it was the boss's old house."
"There are no Catastrophe, no wars breaking out everywhere, and almost everyone can have enough to eat and wear..."
Rice kept talking, and Mudrock listened attentively.
Honestly, it sounds like a beautiful fairy tale.
For Niyan, who was always thinking about how to eat Mudrock next meal when she was a child, one of her worries was that places with too much homework were truly like fairy tales.
But when she asked Vera a question with a glimmer of hope...
"It exists."
Vera readily admitted it, and Mudrock easily believed her.
That night, Mudrock had a dream.
She dreamed that the Sarkaz could also build shops, clinics, and schools, that her companions all found jobs, and that she even owned a small berry orchard.
In their dreams, they called Kazdel their home...
After calling out to Mudrock several times without getting a response, Vera simply continued to ask others.
By the time Mudrock snapped out of his reverie, Vera had already finished her investigation.
Watching that receding figure, Mudrock held the clay sculpture in his hands.
Daichi, tell your children what to do...
Mudrock spread out his palm, and in the center, the broken soil formed a somewhat comical smiling face.
Seeing that smiling face, Mudrock also smiled.
She understood what she had to do.
"Boss."
"Huh? Don't follow their example."
Vera turned her head in distress. Mudrock always called her "team leader," so why the sudden change?
Instead of the heavy, canned protective suit, Mudrock had removed it at some point.
Amidst the exclamations of the Babel Tower operators around her, "So it's a girl!", Mudrock slowly bent down.
"Mudrock, applying to join the team."
After a brief silence, the Mudrock's Squad, having recovered, rushed forward and bent down in unison.
"Please, boss! Please stay with our team for life!" xN
A suffocating silence fell over the Mudrock's Squad; they dared not raise their heads.
"What are you guys doing...?"
Upon hearing Vera's words, everyone's hearts sank.
Yeah... are guys like them really unwanted?
"Why bring this up now? I thought we were already a team."
Sure enough, how could we, with our shamelessness, possibly...
Everyone looked up and met Vera's strange gaze.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault."
Hedley stepped forward and broke the deadlock.
"It was my oversight; I'll distribute the equipment to them immediately."
"That explains it. Didn't I say we didn't need to skimp on those equipment? Isn't this just giving people a misunderstanding?"
"Sorry, I've been busy teaching Wis'adel to read lately, and I forgot for a moment."
"Oh... oh, thank you for your hard work."
Thinking of Hedley's busy daily routine, Vera awkwardly slipped away.
"I'll go prepare their equipment; we'll come get it together later."
Watching Vera's departing figure, the Mudrock's Squad, as if waking from a dream, subconsciously looked at Hedley.
The Sarkaz giant stepped forward and patted Mudrock on the shoulder.
"Anyway... welcome to the team."
[Vera: Gorth, are there any Armor and Butcher items left?]
[Gorth: Yes, a new member joined the team again?]
[Vera:... No, I forgot to give it to you before.]
[Gorth: It's in the lobby. Go get it when you have time.]
[Vera: Hmm, where's the fourth one?]
[Vane (Lucky): I'm here, what's up?]
[Vera: Why did you take Little Black away for so long? Give him back right now, we need to reshape the armor.]
[Vane (Lucky): Wait a minute, I have something very important to do right now.]
[Vera: Let it go.]
[Vane (Lucky): I'm taking Little Black on a study tour.]
[Vera: Speak like a human.]
[Vane (Lucky): Image JPG]
[Vera: Blueprint? You want it to learn how to make weapons?]
[Vane (Lucky): Isn't your vision too narrow? You need to broaden your horizons!]
[Vera: My patience is limited.]
[Vane (Lucky): Ahem, this is the blueprint for UFO 51. ]
[Vera: That alien UFO mount? What are you trying to do?]
[Vane: Of course... it's about making the city fly high into the sky!]