Chapter 110

All she could offer, besides medicine that could barely stop the rampage of Originium Arts, was a cabin to prevent him from getting sick, and enough food to keep him full without worrying about freezing to death.

Fortunately, the Yeti and the Shieldguards replied earnestly that they would strictly follow the doctor's orders. Medic hoped that they could cooperate with him and thoroughly implement the healing for FrostNova... No matter what happens next, FrostNova should not be allowed to participate or take action. As long as the lives of the Infected are not directly endangered, all actions should be carried out under the leadership of Rhodes Island.

Medic was glad that it had clearly written down the terms of cooperation in the agreement.

"... Everyone says they've received it... So FrostNova, you'll be with me from now on, and I'll treat you regularly."

"Treatment? Didn't they say it's incurable... do I have to go to your headquarters?"

"That's a phased process, including the removal of the formed Originium and complete hemodialysis treatment... Although those procedures can't be carried out here, since I'm simultaneously working in both the Human Resources Department and Medical Department, I naturally have ample reasons for it."

As she spoke, Nana apologized, and under FrostNova's intrigued gaze, Nana slipped her hand inside FrostNova's clothes, her touch overlapping with the skin around Frostnova's kidney area...

"You might feel something noticeable next. Also, have you drunk any water today?"

"You've had your drink, what are you planning to do now?"

"Treat."

Having said that, she lowered her head slightly in front of FrostNova, but clearly couldn't see anything. However, a flame-like Originium Arts symbol suddenly appeared in the corner of Nana's left eye, which was closed. Then, FrostNova's face turned bright red. Unlike the heat she usually felt due to her low body temperature, this was a sensation like having her abdomen gently placed in warm water...

Although it wasn't stimulating, the 'rhythm' that seemed to reach right to the insides still made the White Rabbit uncomfortable. She grabbed Medic's hand on her waist and began to gasp for breath.

"I'm suppressing the Originium activity within you... Don't worry, I used this technique on Rosemary's father before... He passed away without any pain..."

"Hiss... isn't what you said a bit ambiguous? Are you planning to kill me too?"

"... Andy died because of other things, I mean... my spell can alleviate the pain, reduce the frequency of Originium Disease, and the stimulation to the kidneys will make you produce more urine in the short term... and the increased metabolism can also effectively reduce the Oripathy infection... although, that's a number after the decimal point... but it really works."

"You... I... what use are you... can we talk about this later... first, let's go somewhere else!"

Clearly, FrostNova underestimated Medic's treatment. That sudden urge to urinate... or rather, the feeling of simply needing to urinate without pain, was something FrostNova hadn't experienced in a long time.

How did she know this 'treatment' would cause someone to need to urinate?!

FrostNova felt she had discovered a rather malicious side of Medic. This guy actually made her lose control of her bladder in front of children and other colleagues... Was this some kind of retaliation for her constant sarcastic remarks?!

FrostNova didn't know that if she didn't push away the little guy, Feline, she would lose face big time!

"Pause! Stop! We need to..."

Accompanied by mumbled, indistinct words, a sharp Halo swept past FrostNova. Aili looked at her backpack, half of which was frozen, and then at the two who had been making a ruckus earlier, her face full of confusion.

In the child's view, the tall and slender 'FrostNova,' who had always held her head high and chest out as if to give other the Infected confidence, was now panting heavily and lying on the black-haired Feline, drenched in sweat.

Although the White Rabbit's blushing cheeks were hidden behind Medic's not-so-broad shoulders, revealing only a curious blush, FrostNova slowly returned to her previous state as Medic withdrew his hand.

"... The Originium activity is still very high, FrostNova. This treatment will probably need to be done every four hours... In addition to monitoring your Originium Arts status, I will stay by your side the whole time... Well, you should deal with the current situation first."

"You! Couldn't you have told me about this situation beforehand?!"

"... In the past, this situation never occurred... Rosemary's father was in a coma when he finished it..."

"I'm increasingly suspecting you've done something unspeakable to your husband... You wait here, I'll go deal with this!" (Neighbor)

Before Medic could even reply with a bewildered "I'm not married," FrostNova, legs clamped together, rushed into the bathroom in an odd posture.

As she hurriedly undressed her lower body, a series of clattering sounds filled the air, FrostNova's face flushed even more with embarrassment...

Clearly, due to the female physiological pattern and the consequence of choosing the Originium as the primary target for suppression of Originium,... for FrostNova, it's more of a play than a treatment.

"... Medic... you bastard..."

Muttering complaints, the White Rabbit, with tears in her eyes, tossed a strangely colored ice cube into the toilet... and as she pressed the flush button, FrostNova looked strangely at her fingers.

She seemed to be able to feel the 'cold' sensation.

"... So you weren't just fooling me? But this still..."

Just as FrostNova was touching the various cold-temperature items in the bathroom, trying to confirm whether she was hallucinating, there was a knock on the door, followed by Medic's distinctive, seemingly always-on-the-spot conversation:

"FrostNova, are you feeling better? Aside from that physical ailment, are there any other problems?"

"No! You wouldn't even rush me when I go to the bathroom, would you?!"

"... That's good, but it's not that I'm rushing you... it's just that a message came from the cockpit... As the highest-ranking member among our current collaborators, and also a patient I need to treat regularly, I hope you can come with me to the command center on the fourth floor... Of course, I didn't expect the physiological symptoms to be so obvious the first time, so I'll arrange your treatments in the restroom or bathroom from now on..."

Just as Medic was pondering how he, as a 'doctor,' still needed to persuade the other party, the door suddenly opened, and FrostNova seemed to have transformed back into the dashing FrostNova.

The White Rabbit, who had just looked rather disheveled, now stood with her hands on her hips, head bowed, staring at Medic. Then, as if to express her forgiveness, she let out a soft hum.

Let's go.

"... Are you... fully recovered? You're not just pushing yourself, are you? I don't know the detailed physiological response curve of the treatment... you'd better..."

"You're so long-winded, you can talk even more than my dad... Going to the command center was your request, wasn't it?"

Tilting her head slightly, FrostNova took the first step:

"As for treatment, it's nothing... Of course I want to be healthier too... Don't worry, just go ahead and get treatment as you see fit..."

After saying that, FrostNova left first, and Medic immediately followed.

In the presence of others, Medic earnestly took FrostNova's hand, then said something and touched FrostNova forehead... Throughout the entire process White Rabbit did not resist at all.

Although the person involved knew that this trust was the effective treatment, the scene of FrostNova being so obedient, whether for the Yeti or the Shieldguards, dates back to when the 'Princess' had just debuted and was still clinging to Patriot's side.

"My God, that person... that person getting their head patted by the obedient one, is that the eldest sister?"

"Shh... you don't want to live anymore?"

Watching the Yeti's playful interaction, the Shieldguards adjutant, who had been standing at the doorway unnoticed since removing his armor, shook his head.

He didn't know how to comment, and he couldn't bear to watch the treatment that had just been administered...

Out of consideration for FrostNova's pride, and as one of the few who knew what had just happened, the lieutenant decided to return to the Shieldguards's 'camp' and get some sleep.

Yeah, just like that Durin.

PS:... My intention wasn't to engage in any sexual activity with FrostNova... I was just seriously considering healing, so why does it seem like FrostNova has been trained by Medic?

I don't know... (shakes head frantically)

Now let's see what Nana did in this 'transition'... well, she established two subordinate departments... and temporarily housed the refugees and Mercenaries...

The Punishment Department will be very useful later on. I don't know if this counts as stepping into the cyberpunk era. The corporate dogs oppressing the inhabitants of the wilderness is so déjà vu that I have to make a comment.

PS2: I wrote a lot today, it was really hard work. Although some people in the book review section started to mess with my mindset... the overall performance is improving~ That's great, this book might have a bright future and be able to be completed.

PS3: The usual meowing cat

Damn, who gave me this picture...? A cat eating a rabbit, that's hilarious!

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 115 'Pollution' Strikes

PRTS's call kept flashing on Medic's personal Terminal. FrostNova, being half a head taller, leaned over behind the black-haired Feline to peek at the touchscreen, which was quite novel to her.

However, looking at the rapidly flashing chat window above, she could understand some of the Victoria text, except for the conclusion, "There may be enemies approaching." She had never even heard of FrostNova like radar or waveforms before.

After all, it's a brand-new system that Raythean Industries has just modified and specially made to fit Rhodes Island's PTRS. Many of the devices are new concepts that have only emerged in recent years. For FrostNova, who has spent half her life traversing the Snowfield, it's enough for her to understand the conclusion that a suspected enemy is approaching.

"So, something is approaching?"

"... Rosemary captured aerial footage of what appeared to be members of the Reunion Movement setting up roadblocks."

"Is that them on the screen? Maybe if I go talk to them when we get there, they'll approve it."

"... If only it were just like this."

Returning to the radar waveform page, and then opening the aerial imagery captured by the Rosemary Tactical Unit... As Medic operated the system, the image continuously switched between various modes such as normal, infrared, and Shadow Overlay. Medic then displayed the temperature indicator to FrostNova:

"First of all, these people's body temperature is almost indistinguishable from the environment. Our system's initial assessment is that it's some kind of stealth skill. Does the Reunion Movement have something similar?"

"... Talulah does seem to have a group of crossbowmen specializing in stealth... but you mentioned body temperature blending with the environment, that sounds like our Yeti's trademark."

"If that's all, then it's alright... Now switch to Originium Dust Layered Imaging Observation and pay attention to the appearance of these people."

Touching the screen, the display mode changed again with a 'snap,' as if the whole world had turned black and white, but the dark trees, mountains, streams, Snowfield... everything on earth remained clearly visible, except...

"Wait, these people?"

"It turned into a 'black hole'... Then when we look at the footage of these people, can you see their faces?"

Even her steps faltered FrostNova carefully followed Medic's instructions, repeatedly observing the guys in Reunion Movement... Although they seemed fine at first glance, after witnessing the scene in 'Shadow Overlay' mode where all exposed skin appeared like black holes, looking back at them...

FrostNova only saw a group of strange creatures whose movements were stiff, whose limbs moved in unison, and whose necks could be twisted so contorted they were inhuman, even though they were still wearing Eve's clothes. Their faces never met the camera's view.

"What the hell is this?!"

"Don't you already know?"

Continuing towards the command center, Medic's gentleness during FrostNova's treatment had now turned to frost.

"Those 'The Unnameable'."

[The captain has arrived on the bridge, supreme control confirmed. Rhodes Island Senior Operator – Medic.]

"Medic, you're here! And... wait, isn't that the Yeti girl? Why did you bring her along?"

Medic nodded to Huang, who was clearly guarding the passageway to the fourth-floor command room. Medic's gaze swept over the fourth-floor lounge. Perhaps because they were worried about being ostracized by the group on the third floor, and also because they didn't have any familiar companions, Sister Mary and Frostleaf were temporarily placed on the fourth floor with the Rhodes Island group.

After a light knock on the door frame and a gesture for assembly, the A4 Action Group, including the Yato Durin, gradually arrived at the cockpit. Mary and Frostleaf, who had come along for some reason, joined in, along with Rosemary who was listening from the sky. With the exception of Rosemary, the entire crew of the fourth floor was now in place.

"Everyone's here. First, let me introduce you. This is our current collaborator, the commander of the Infected Guerrilla Force 'Yeti'."

"Upon examination, her Oripathy is in the middle to late stage, requiring treatment. I will be working with her to ensure her condition doesn't worsen... She also serves as a link between us and the Reunion Movement, or rather, the Ursus the Infected group... There's a high probability we'll need her in future operations, so let's all get along well."

Seemingly unaccustomed to Medic's change in style, the doctor who had previously been gentle but somewhat eccentric had suddenly transformed into a decisive and efficient commander, much like her adoptive father. This surprised and delighted FrostNova.

While everyone was nodding to FrostNova in acknowledgment, Medic quickly turned on the projector, displaying all the eerie images that she and FrostNova had previously identified.

"As you can see... at our speed, we will soon encounter a group of strange the Infected... Based on our assessment, FrostNova and I have determined that they have undoubtedly been 'Pollution'... Compared to the 'Black Snow' mentioned in 'Nana's' investigation, these the Infected carrying Pollution can already affect Originium detection equipment and optical devices... If Miss FrostNova hadn't experienced 'Black Snow' before, then those who haven't been exposed to the Pollution probably wouldn't be able to tell anything from this video alone."

Listening to Medic's words, FrostNova, who had been nodding in affirmation, suddenly tilted her head in confusion. Was it the 'Pollution' she had confirmed?

Ah... it seems Medic noticed first the strange phenomenon of the 'black hole' observed in different modes and the inability to capture its face, and only then was he able to see their distorted movements in the video...

But can we really say that they confirmed it themselves? Wasn't it Medic who made the judgment, saying those things were 'Pollution'?

While FrostNova was still full of doubt, Liskarm, who had previously sent the surveillance images, frowned and stared at the images for a while:

"Sorry... I didn't notice any of that... I initially thought it was just a regular robbery by the Infected."

In response to Liskarm's apology, Franka patted her partner on the shoulder:

"Medic already said that you can't immediately tell something's wrong if you haven't seen the Pollution firsthand... I should say it's good that you're a bit stubborn and have to report everything."

Ignoring Liskarm's rapidly rising anger, Medic thought for a moment, then immediately looked at Mary face had turned pale after glancing at the projection.

"Miss Mary, it seems that when Operator Nana led you to meet up with our forces, we also encountered a slight Pollution phenomenon... In other words, apart from FrostNova and me, you and Frostleaf are essentially the only people here who have some 'awareness' of the Pollution... Judging from your expression, you seem to be able to discern the discrepancies in the picture."

Seemingly surprised that the topic immediately turned to her, and still feeling as if her fur had stood on end from the strange 'person' on the screen, Mary quickly and discreetly smoothed her tail and the ears hidden in her headscarf before speaking in a slightly trembling voice:

"Yes, I... saw it before, the Black Snow... and these surveillance cameras too..."

"Just to be on the safe side, where in your viewer's order did you realize something was off about these pictures?"

"... The first regular surveillance video is really weird... No normal person would walk like that, like a zombie."

Hearing Mary's trembling voice, Franka and Liskarm exchanged a glance, and even Su Sulo and Folinic, as well as Yato Durin in her arms, couldn't help but frown.

"To put it simply, just now... until Medic repeatedly played those videos and confirmed the footage using Originium Dust Overlay Mode... when we looked at those images, those people's behavior was actually quite normal."

Following Liskarm's statement, Folinic picked up the conversation:

"Although we know absolutely nothing about 'Pollution,' the fact that we can only perceive its characteristics through contact with Pollution... and that it can exhibit drastically different properties through an unalterable medium like video recording... suggests that this 'Pollution' is likely targeting human consciousness itself."

As the only professional physician in the group, Su Sulo, silently nodded, Mary had just been feeling uneasy, rubbed her arms nervously and said in a panic:

"This... so you mean... no! Isn't that child outside in danger?! That child named... Rosemary, right? She's looking over there with her own eyes?! Should we call her back first? As for the Pollution... we..."

"We can use the mobility of this small Landship to run directly over the Pollution... After all, the Pollution only affected a few people."

It was Frostleaf who finished speaking for Mary, which was not at all like a 'sister' suggestion. Before FrostNova could frown and say anything, Medic grabbed the White Rabbit with one hand and extended his other hand to everyone:

"... Don't worry about the child, everyone. Can you see the thread on my hand?"

Extending his little finger as if it were truly wrapped with something, Medic's smile soothed Mary's uneasy heart. Miss Orange Cat even waved her hand curiously, but clearly she couldn't find anything.

"Although the 'Pollution' is bizarre, I don't think things have reached a point where they can threaten us... And that child and I are inherently connected by a 'thread'... Our consciousness, bloodline, and Originium Arts are all intertwined... So there's no need to worry; mental Pollution is actually something that counters us..."

"Just as Miss FrostNova needed to perceive the 'incongruity' to identify the problem itself, the child and I, because of the connection, can immediately tell whether they are normal people as long as we don't witness the Pollution at the same time... The 'disguise' of Pollution is ineffective for Rosemary and me. The only problem is how we deal with it."

"While Sister Mary and Little Frostleaf's suggestion was prudent, it merely left the risk to the Snowfield itself... Now that we have reached a cooperation agreement with the Reunion Movement, it is simply inappropriate to allow a threat that could attack everyone to go unchecked."

As she spoke, Medic nodded to FrostNova, whose expression had calmed down. The White Rabbit then realized she was still being held by the Rhodes Island black cat's hand, and that she had taken the initiative to pull him along... FrostNova then let go of his hand sheepishly, cleared her throat, and said: