Chapter 104

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 109 Boarding the Bus

The announcement about the Exploration Vehicle was repeated three times.

In addition to the radio announcements broadcast by the V-Lin to the Sarkaz team and the Yeti, there were also broadcast announcements inside and outside the Exploration Vehicle.

These broadcasts were previously used to appease Ursus and ensure the completion of their mission when Rhodes Island members were prohibited from entering villages or settlements... After all, if people weren't allowed into the village, they would just have to put up with the noise.

Su Sulo, who recorded the audio explanation, had previously complained that if anyone couldn't stand it, they should blame their emperor, since it was this guy who got Rhodes Island involved... As for whether anyone couldn't resist and wanted to launch a strong attack on the Exploration Vehicle... well, the people of Rhodes Island can only hope that they have a stronger offensive capability than the Shieldguards '.

As for the 'Shieldguards', after confirming their status as 'friendly forces' with Rhodes Island and both sides temporarily designating each other as 'cooperative partners'... the Exploration Vehicle temporarily took them in and agreed to give them a ride to meet up with Nana.

What surprised Yato and the other combatants was that the Shieldguards Guards did not rely on vehicles for their march. It was said that all of Reunion Movement's vehicles were used to maintain logistical support for the main force... These heavily armored warriors could only use Originium Arts, or simply rely on their physical strength to overcome the weight of their armor and supplies.

As elite heavy infantrymen from the former Ursus, these diverse individuals, led by Patriot, marched and fought carrying the burden of heavy armor, measuring this Snowfield plain with their own two feet...

Although Liskarm, also a heavy-armored operator, suspected that their strategic mobility was inevitably limited, both sides remained on guard, so key information such as their specific marching capabilities and the range of supplies they carried were tacitly avoided being mentioned... The Rhodes Island team did the same.

After discussion, with Rosemary as its current public representative, Rhodes Island lent the previously unused crew quarters to the Shieldguards for rest... This is the third floor from the bottom up.

Because the main elevator and elevator connecting the upper and lower levels were blocked, the only place where the Shieldguards could breathe, apart from a few viewing windows, was the top deck connected by the external emergency escalator... Patriot himself stood there for a long time, occupying the electromagnetic cannon's aiming and fire control channel.

Later, after the Little Cat complained to Patriot, he claimed that he had no intention of putting pressure on the cockpit and the locked flight deck elevators...

This mountain-like warrior simply rarely uses transportation these days, so he feels noticeably uncomfortable in a high-speed, dynamic vehicle like Exploration Vehicle...

Of course, this is Patriot's own version of events... After hearing the Little Cat's explanation of his doubts, Su Sulo and Folinic also explained the powerful warrior's unspoken meaning to the others... This person gets carsick.

Because the entire floor of facilities was open to the Shieldguards, some of the dormitories were used as barracks by the Shieldguards, and the large kitchen, which had been sealed off because it was no longer needed, was also put into use.

To demonstrate their goodwill, and also out of humanitarian considerations... Folinic had the Little Cat open a refrigerator for them. The root vegetables and frozen meat that Yato had recently purchased from the Ursus supply ship came in handy.

Even the old Ranger had to admire Nana's foresight. The Rhodes Island personnel, who had long dealt with the Infected, certainly knew the power of hunger... And when they boarded the vehicle, the rations the Shieldguards carried were already within the warning line. Heaven knows what kind of trouble these former elite troops would cause on Rhodes Island's Exploration Vehicle if they weren't given food.

As for the dormitory's bathing and public health facilities, they also need to be put into use, which will not be discussed here... Three days after the Shieldguards boarded the vehicle, their living standards instantly returned to the state they were in when they were on duty.

Even the fiercest beasts, after eating and drinking their fill, will eventually become somewhat endearing...

Although the Shieldguards, whose attitude had become noticeably more amiable over the past three days, still hadn't encountered any other Rhodes Island members, they were now receiving proper hospitality. Faced with the Little Cat who came every day to 'monitor' Patriot, these Shieldguards, most of whom also had furry ears and were either Ursus or Feline, began to greet Rosemary proactively upon meeting her.

On the third day, even though both sides were still wary of each other, the Shieldguards had already begun to affectionately call Rosemary "Little Cat," which was obviously copied from Rhodes Island's radio abbreviation for Rosemary.

Even though a group of people were almost wiped out by the Little Cat's artificial Catastrophe Cloud three days ago... after hearing that the Little Cat was only eleven years old, everyone forgave her.

After all, Rosemary is just a child. Who would dislike a little warrior who wants to do everything in his power to protect his comrades?

Of course, it was also they who, taking advantage of the Little Cat' curiosity about their specially made shields, exchanged shields to try and find out why the Little Cat Tactical Unit could fly on their own, only to return empty-handed... However, the Shieldguards did reach a consensus on one thing: they must never let Rhodes Island become an enemy of their own again...

Those nobles who talk about wanting to make themselves look bad won't send out a fleet to protect their city for one or two mines, but Rhodes Island will really Little Cat angry if they rob or damage Exploration Vehicle...

This little one will actually spread Originium Arts condense into Catastrophe Cloud to cause them trouble. The worst part is that she will actually unleash those 'Catastrophes' that can destroy Mobile City... This is why Rhodes Island, despite its small population and not particularly strong overall combat power, is reported to the 'leader' by the Patriot as a threat of equal or even equal status to the Ursus Empire.

Because Rosemary poses the same threat to the Reunion Movement as the Ursus regular army.

If possible, Patriot would certainly like to establish a good cooperative relationship, since both the oversaturated supplies of this 'Landship' and the important Oripathy drugs and doctors who know how to treat it are crucial to the Reunion Movement.

However, the long marches and battles had made Patriot habitually suspicious of everything around him. So, even though most Shieldguards would take off their helmets to play with Little Cat, Patriot remained fully armed and cautiously inquired about the reasons for Rhodes Island's actions.

"... You need to stop... Why...?"

"Because we need to fulfill the terms of the cooperation... if we don't stop, we'll head straight to Reunion Movement's stronghold... with all sorts of people gathered there, it'll be difficult to discern your backgrounds. For now, we'll cooperate with 'Mercenaries,' 'Yeti,' and 'Shieldguards.' The Mercenaries have connections with Rhodes Island operators, while the latter two are what the Mercenaries called the purest the Guerrillas... Based on our trust in our operators' intelligence-gathering capabilities, we'll also try to trust you."

Listening to the tactical instructions her father had summarized for her in the Tactical Unit, the Little Cat floated in the air, staring directly into the tall Wendigo's bright red, seemingly translucent eyes, showing no sign of backing down... Patriot, however, considered his wording and added:

"Why did we stop there... not in the secluded woods, or by the stream where we could have camped later..."

"... because the car stopped right there after slowing down... a spacious area is convenient for vehicle radar surveillance, and a narrow area is not suitable for four teams combined..."

Seeing the Little Cat's slightly flickering eyes, as if it were looking at some kind of idiot, Patriot unconsciously tightened his grip on the halberd. He seemed to see again his adopted daughter, who was becoming less obedient as she grew older... After all, the Little Cat and the White Rabbit even had similar color schemes. Thinking about this, Patriot suddenly felt his blood pressure rise a little.

"No Landship... would make rules for such a reason... Since we're going to cooperate, why don't we... explain your parking plans in more detail..."

Patriot, who hadn't spoken such a long sentence in a long time, cleared his throat uncomfortably... Seeing Little Cat, the kitten's ears, which were plugged into earphones, twitched slightly. Soon, Su Sulo, who had been assisting the Little Cat, gave a reason in the communication. Then, the Little Cat put her hands on her hips and followed Folinic's polished, disjointed reply:

"First, based on Rhodes Island's invitation from the current Emperor of Ursus, we will be conducting Oripathy awareness campaigns among the Infected in rural Ursus, while also providing humanitarian aid to existing the Infected... As everyone has discussed, the Infected in the Guerrillas are also Ursus the Infected, and you are also within Rhodes Island's scope of assistance..."

"However, because certain Noble Faction in Ursus publicly claim that the Guerrillas are an illegal organization, Rhodes Island, out of consideration for international public opinion and non-interference in Ursus' internal political issues, will not register your rescue process... Because theoretically, our assistance to the Reunion Movement is based on the fact that Patriot's Shieldguards forces hijacked our vehicle."

"Then, based on the feedback from Rhodes Island's operators outside, she took in some Sarkaz refugees. At the same time, there were critically ill patients among the Mercenaries and refugees who urgently needed medical intervention... While accepting them into the internal hospital for treatment, we decided to also treat the Yeti and the Infected of the Shieldguards... The reasons have been explained above, so I will not repeat them here."

"Finally... our dispatched operator needs to speak with you. Since we don't know the main composition of the Reunion Movement, we need to discuss that important matter while we only have 'Mercenaries,' 'Shieldguards,' and 'Yeti'... Hmm, it's about 'the Unspeakable Horror,' the clue is 'Black Snow.'"

"... Black Snow?"

Hearing the Little Cat's final words, Patriot had previously been filled with doubt and scrutiny, suddenly straightened up, then realized that he was no longer on that northern front, that wall of flesh... Seven

"Black Snow... Thousand-Handed, Hundred-Eyed Monster... has the latter appeared?"

Seeing the Little Cat tilt its head in confusion, Patriot realized that the other side might not be completely transparent about all information internally, likely due to the need to shield themselves from Demons Pollution.

But the fact that someone knows this confirms that Rhodes Island is not just a pharmaceutical company...

Maintaining peace with them is no longer solely based on considerations of military strength; Demons are the enemy of all life on earth, and both sides now have a real need for cooperation...

The Patriot finally had a reason to completely convince himself to accept the other party's goodwill and cooperate with them.

"... I understand. Then let's proceed according to your plan..."

Seeing that Patriot didn't raise any further objections, Rosemary, who thought the big guy was being nosy, nodded and then led the four Tactical Unit to prepare to leave... Three

Patriot watched the Little Cat occasionally converse with the Dead Soul on its tactical equipment, and still found it... very strange...

However, out of politeness, Patriot didn't ask the Little Cat about the origin of the Dead Soul within her... Even Patriot knew this was no lighthearted topic.

If possible, he also wanted to, once the cooperation was finalized, keep an eye on this family—clearly a family modified with Sarkaz Sorcery —in a private, Sarkaz capacity.

The Little Cat, however, was different. The little one's Witchcraft was completely rudimentary, and she didn't care about the strange feeling Patriot had. Rosemary didn't even find it strange that Patriot had seen his father before.

The little guy's mind is now filled with the news that Nana is coming back... especially since Cole told the Little Cat that she might have a new little sister, which makes Rosemary incredibly excited, her whole body filled with an impatient aura of 'I need to finish work and get off work quickly'.

Soon, as the Exploration Vehicle entered the deceleration program and then came to a steady stop at the parking spot set in the driver's cab, the vehicles of the 'Mercenaries' and 'Yeti', who had been driving in the Exploration Vehicle's tracks and experiencing the thrill of having someone clear the way, also slowly came to a stop... Then, amidst everyone's surprised reactions, Su Sulo, who had previously spoken on the radio as the 'medical representative,' turned on the radio again.

Let's refine the official wording that Kal'tsit summarized and asked everyone to use in public broadcasts: In short, for the sake of cooperation, Rhodes Island will open the garage and elevator Number One for everyone's use.

This decision greatly surprised everyone in the Reunion Movement, especially the Shieldguards, who saw it as a sign of Rhodes Island's sincerity in cooperating... But the Yeti Princess and W knew that it was just the leader, Sankta, being overconfident in his own strength.

"So, you really aren't afraid we'll surprise you...?"

"... W, don't just talk the talk, if you really want to do something..."

Ignoring Nana's "please" gesture, and as the Rhodes Island A4 Action Group members began guiding the convoy into the garage one by one, W turned to look at FrostNova beside him:

"So, as agreed, are we going to see the old man now?"

"... Yes, my subordinates and those Sarkaz..."

"Rhodes Island will arrange for them to stay temporarily in the residential area on the third floor. The subsequent Oripathy tests and treatments will be completed in batches... If you are in a hurry to meet your leader, we can also drive there... Of course, you will need to discuss the rest with 'Medic'. I will leave once I have reached an agreement with Patriot... W, would you like to receive treatment with Severe Illness first, or come with me to see Patriot?"

After hesitating for a moment, W decided to treat her hand injury first... Clearly, she wasn't as indifferent to her comminuted fracture as she appeared. Later, as Nana led FrostNova onto the elevator, FrostNova asked in confusion:

"So, do you really have to leave in such a hurry?"

"... As for why I did this, you can ask W... My work is different from the members of the Exploration Vehicle team... Because we also need to investigate the Ursus elite forces' unusual focus on the northwestern Snowfield, my missions are separate from 'theirs'... You could even say that my Rhodes Island identity is fake..."

"Of course, I've decided to help you, so I convinced Medic not to be hostile to the Shield Guardian. She's the operations leader for the entire Rhodes Island team... As for me... you'd better pretend you never met me... 'Sarkotanenai' never existed in the first place; it's better for us all..."

The elevator stopped, the railing lowered, and amidst Cole's silent sigh and a smile as he shook his head, Nana stopped looking at Cautus, who had clearly been fooled by her.

After taking two more elevators, Nana led FrostNova through the hangar to the roof of the Exploration Vehicle, which is the flight deck... Patriot remained standing there after the vehicle stopped, watching the sunset.

Just as Nana was pondering how to greet him in a way that would fit her Sankta disguise, FrostNova beside her frowned and spoke first:

"... Why are you standing here all alone again? Didn't Rhodes Island assign us to the third floor?"

"You might not know this, but just because you enter Landship doesn't mean you can relax completely. If you let your guard down, you could be fatally damaged anywhere... By utilizing the ventilation ducts, wiping out an entire elite combat squad is as simple as using a bottle of poison..."

"... No wonder Rhodes Island rushed to me to warn you not to fight... I heard that the Shieldguards were almost wiped out by Rhodes Island's flight sorcerers because of your stubbornness..."

"... However... it won't be a complete loss..."

"So you're the only one left... Never mind... You're such an old fogey... Um, Nana?"

"Huh? Oh..."

After watching what could be considered a family farce between FrostNova and her adoptive father, and while FrostNova used her complaints to bridge the gap, Patriot was still coughing... Nana took out the samples she had confiscated... and, on high alert, handed them to Patriot:

"... As a member of the Court and also Chorbokashti of Ursus, you must recognize this..."

"Black Snow... is this all?"

"... Are you asking for a more specific indication of Pollution? No... In fact, I only know Black Snow... What are the deeper signs of Pollution?"

Looking at Sankta, who also bore traces of Dead Soul beside him, Patriot suppressed his curiosity and said:

"... hands that don't resemble human form, flowers without roots... and... a wandering spirit that looks like Ursus officer..."

Even though she had only heard it and knew nothing about it, the sample container in her hand suddenly felt chillingly cold, and a cold sweat climbed up the girl's back.

As the heavily armored stag warrior began his narration in a low voice, Nana's vision seemed to blur as if some black liquid was flowing before her eyes... Although this seemingly dizzying sensation quickly disappeared, the assassin still took two steps back in surprise... Nana suppressed her instinctive urge to increase the brightness of her Halo.

"... It seems this is indeed your first time experiencing subsequent Pollution..."

"Uh! Wait, what are you old fogies talking about?! What I just saw was..."

"It is the Unnameable '... If you don't know, you won't be affected by it, nor will you be troubled by it... But you need to know, only by knowing can you understand the timing of the confrontation, and the necessity of the battle..."

With that, Patriot returned the small sample to his neighbor, then put his halberd back on his back.

"Is there anything else you want to ask?"

Seeing the calm and seemingly friendly demeanor of this pure-blooded Sarkaz from the Court, Nana pondered for a moment before asking her most pressing question, "... We know that 'unspeakable' isn't limited to the North; it might also be contained within a member of the Ursus army... and these samples are ones I collected from some the Infected contaminated with the Pollution..."

"You mean... this 'Pollution' is from the Inner Guards, or something even more serious, 'unspeakable'... Hmm... the Inner Guards doesn't need to leak this kind of thing when dealing with the Infected... and in a more serious situation, I can determine that this Pollution is far too rare... So, what you're concerned about is who might harm the 'Inner Guards' in this Snowfield... is that right?"

Seeing the SilverAsh Sankta nod, Patriot coughed twice more before speaking:

"Emmmm... Obviously, I could do it... But, this wasn't me... I didn't encounter those guys in the Snowfield..."

"And this Snowfield..."

"Hmm, there's one more person who can hurt them..."

Listening to Nana and Patriot's conversation, which was practically the ultimate riddle, FrostNova was clearly in considerable pain... However, when it came to those in this Snowfield who possessed combat prowess comparable to Patriot... FrostNova felt she was at least... well... half... and there were others capable of doing something like that...

"... You old fogey, you mean... Talulah?"

P. S.: In the next chapter, I'll be back to Medic!

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

It seems I've already posted this picture... so I'll post another one.

My cutest little bird in the world~

The artist's depiction of the alluring eyes and eyebrows... ah, so captivating...

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 110 Remember, you're not allowed to say 'Nana'.

FrostNova's exclamation became the foundation of this silence. Patriot, who had spoken quite a bit earlier, confirmed FrostNova's guess with silence, while Nana remained silent as she pondered the name she had heard many times recently.

"Can you tell me about... Talulah?"

"We won't reveal our comrade's information, but we can take you to see her."

Listening to the Patriot's words, Nana frowned slightly and asked:

"Companion? W seems to have said... she's the leader of all of you..."

"... Leader? No... Although they are both the Guerrillas, the Shieldguards are not under Talulah's command. And the Yeti is closer to Reunion Movement than the Shieldguards... but not to the point of acknowledging the other as their leader..."

"I see, so W and the Reunion Movement only have an employer-employee relationship...?"

Patriot did not continue answering, probably realizing that he had unknowingly revealed more about the Guerrillas' internal affairs.

Seeing this, Nana could only glance once more at FrostNova, who was sulking from being ignored, and then said:

"Alright, let's leave the Pollution issue and the intelligence gathering on the Guerrillas here; it would be impolite to continue... Now, let's talk about what to do next."

"After that? Rhodes Island's Little Cat said you would support our fight..."

"Well, after all, we're experts on the Infected problem... Helping you solve your problem is also a step towards solving the Infected problem... And I've already made this suggestion to W and FrostNova before... We can take you out of Ursus, Patriot, what are your plans?"