Chapter 115

Feeling Xiya's worried grip on her hand, Rosemary took Aili's hand and pressed the elevator button, her expression remaining calm and composed.

"Sister Su Sulo is a very skilled doctor, so she's fine... Also, 'Pollution' and 'poison' are different; it seems to be contagious through line of sight... N... Sister Medic is also a very strong toxicology expert; if that thing were a poison, it shouldn't have made everyone so exhausted."

Looking at the Rosemary, she surprisingly sighed. Wearing her red-trimmed Rhodes Island uniform, Aili patted her flat chest, mimicking a cat's expression.

"Well, let's ask the teacher later, he knows everything!"

"Yes, the teacher is the oldest and most knowledgeable person; he must know what that 'Pollution' is."

The two little ones' optimistic attitude infected the Little Cat somewhat, but as a Rhodes Island operator, she also understood that sometimes knowing how to deal with a situation and actually dealing with it are two different things... Just like how she had clearly obtained the power entrusted to her by her father, yet she was still helpless in many situations.

But Rosemary felt it was unnecessary to let the two little ones know these things; they... weren't ready yet.

As the elevator reached the third floor, Rosemary habitually led the two little ones to the cafeteria, which had become a common activity room for everyone. She then took off her shoes and stepped with the two little ones into the area specially designated for children... It was a five-meter square corner, where the Welfare Department had thoughtfully used soft carpets to blend it with the rest of the area.

This is also one of the few areas on the third floor where adults consciously lower their voices and smoking is prohibited.

"It will take some time to eat. Have you finished your homework?"

"It's done!~"

"The homework FrostNova assigned was quite simple... it just required us to learn how to use those things."

As she spoke, Xiya brought over her and her sister's backpacks...

After becoming a member of Rhodes Island, Xiya felt that her older sister was becoming increasingly mentally challenged, whether it was making faces at Rosemary while playing or discussing topics with others... This made Xiya start to feel that she might have a responsibility to take care of this idiot.

After all, this was her silly older sister who pulled her forward through sandstorms and blizzards, and who would always greet her with a smile and say "no problem" no matter what.

"Xiya?"

Feeling the slight pulsation of the connection between their thoughts, Rosemary gently roused Xiya's spirits, while the green fake cat looked up and saw its silly older sister's expression as if she were looking at a fool.

No way? You're the kind of person who shows your true colors the moment the environment gets a little nicer, daring to wink at me, the one who does all the homework, backpack work, and schoolwork?!

The atmosphere among children can change in an instant. Rosemary felt that the two little ones' thoughts were shifting quite dramatically. Then, she lost focus for a moment, and the green fake cat pounced on the red fake cat. The two of them began to frantically attack each other's weaknesses.

Hmm... After thinking about it, Rosemary decided not to interrupt the sisters' tickling battle.

When she was little, she also liked to pounce on Kate when she turned her back... Well, compared to Kate, who would swing her arms and throw herself to the ground, Aili was much gentler... She was even pinned down on the stall by Xiya and laughed so hard she couldn't get up.

What a gentle older sister.

As Rosemary nodded, her ears twitching as she pondered whether to join in, wondering if rushing over would be seen as immature, a slightly unfamiliar voice came from the side:

"Hey, what are you playing?"

"FrostNova sister! QAQ" V

Aili looked at FrostNova with tearful eyes, while Xiya also turned her head and said: I

"My older sister looked at me like I was an idiot, but it turns out she's the idiot. I'm stronger now."

Seeing the fake cat Angel with green accessories sitting on her sister in a 'strong' pose, FrostNova chuckled and reached out to remove Xiya from Aili's body. Part Two

Now the twins are indeed distinguished by their clothing, which is great news for FrostNova, who isn't very good at telling them apart... She's finally freed from the daily awkward game of 'Guess Who I Am' after her inability to recognize faces was exposed.

As for the real cat that resembled a cloud, FrostNova greeted it with a smile: Age

"Rosemary, right? You rarely come to the third floor."

"Because I have to work..."

The cat tilted its head and said half of what it was going to say: j

"The Exploration Vehicle will be parked this afternoon to help dispose of the bodies, and the manufacturing station also needs to be started, so the propulsion system will not continue for the time being... Since no flight warning is needed, I can take a break..."

Seeing that FrostNova seemed to be trying to start a conversation, Little Cat continued: u

"If you need anything, just ask Medic. Everyone's tired and sleeping right now... Maybe PRTS will wake everyone up at dinner time." (Wife)

"Ah... I see. Everyone on Rhodes Island has really worked hard this time... Hmm, it's time for them to rest."

"FrostNova, is there something you need? I'm also Elite Operator from Rhodes Island. You can tell me if you need anything."

Rosemary's words genuinely surprised FrostNova. Having spent some time on Rhodes Island's Exploration Vehicle, she had gained a fairly good understanding of Rhodes Island's internal hierarchy from PRTS...

The term "Elite Operator" refers to an operator whose authority is limited to PTRS level 5 or higher. This authority allows them to shut down critical components of the Exploration Vehicle, such as the Originium Reactor and the Originium Steam turbine power system, with a single Executor.

Rosemary possessed such privileges at just over twelve years old, which greatly shocked FrostNova, who had previously thought Rosemary was merely a family member, or at most a gifted child laborer.

After the White Rabbit scratched its ears on its head shyly, FrostNova said with a slightly flushed face:

"Um... it's nothing important... just about my treatment... and... a little gratitude."

"Grateful?"

Seeing the cats looking at her curiously, FrostNova pulled out a handful of dog tags from the cloth bag she was carrying with a complicated expression.

Ursus mostly uses paper identification for these kinds of identification items... while Rhodes Island tends to have small metal tags hung around the neck of the person being identified.

However, seemingly taking into account the low temperature and cold of the Snowfield, Durin used plastic and synthetic fiber woven ropes when making these things... The identities of all identifiable deceased were engraved on them, and even for those whose identities could not be identified, Durin made corresponding identification tags for them.

'May your soul rest in peace in heaven, you Pollution dead? May no more be subjected to such desecration.'

Aside from Sister Mary's Blessing, all Rhodes Island could offer them were cold, impersonal code names.

But FrostNova was already quite satisfied:

"Although, logically speaking, most of the Reunion Movement members who moved eastward along this route felt unable to integrate into the organization or could not tolerate the barren life on the Snowfield plains, which is why they wanted to move to the warmer and more developed Far East... seeing them end up in such a miserable state still makes one feel... things shouldn't have turned out this way."

Seemingly feeling a slight discomfort in her chest, FrostNova gently pressed her chest, gave a wry smile, and then murmured:

"And it just so happens that the old stubborn man left right when the true identity of the mastermind was discovered..."

"... FrostNova, are you worried about 'The Emperor's Blades'?"

As Rosemary's pure, girlish voice entered the room, the Yeti and the Shieldguards, who had been talking, playing chess, maintaining their weapons, or doing handicrafts, suddenly fell silent.

Rosemary sensed fear and helpless anger from the thoughts around her... anger directed at her own weakness.

Although Aili and Xiya didn't understand what that 'blade' was, seeing everyone's terrified expression... Aili, who had been joking around and making the Exploration Vehicle full of laughter, also took her sister's hand.

That might be something terrifying, perhaps even more terrifying than an army of Carrion Eaters.

Otherwise, why would the warriors who have been fighting on the Snowfield be so silent?

Just as Aili was wondering how to react, she suddenly felt warmth above her head... It was Rosemary's hand. The cloud-like real cat was trying hard to learn from her older sister, believing that she should become a barrier between the younger generation and fear.

Therefore, the young operator spoke so fearlessly:

"It's alright. If he really shows up, I'll take him down... The Tactical Unit has already recorded that guy's movements. Medic didn't attack then, probably because she was worried about something... But, if he actively interferes with us..."

Weiwei made a fist gesture in the air, and a flash of blue-green lightning streaked across the girl's palm.

"I'll handle it then."

Although the cafeteria remained silent, FrostNova watched as the Little Cat, who was only a head taller than Aili and Xiya, made a solemn declaration of hostility towards Ursus, and she chuckled with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

Although her first reaction was to dismiss his remarks as the ignorance and fearlessness of a child... after thinking about the old man's evaluation of the other party, and realizing that this little one might actually be able to avenge his compatriots, FrostNova... she was immediately left speechless with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

The White Rabbit felt that even the curve of her lips was full of bitterness at this moment.

Just as the special incinerator finished collecting the last of the Originium Dust, PRTS issued a notice to continue the passage, and the vehicles began to slowly accelerate.

Thus, FrostNova barely managed to snap out of her sudden wave of self-loathing. After checking the PRTS offline map, White Rabbit calculated the vehicle's speed and distance to the settlement, then gave Rosemary a bright smile:

"... Such an important matter, you still need to discuss it with Medic... And before that, please allow us to entertain you all... We should be able to reach the Reunion Movement camp around dawn, Talulah will probably be very welcoming."

The White Rabbit's words probably pleased Rosemary. The two fake cats behind the Little Cat looked at the cloud-like Feline and unusually twitched their ears, even raising their tails high with the tips swaying slightly from side to side.

After confirming that this was Rosemary's happy gesture, Aili slapped away her silly sister's hand, who was trying to mimic Rosemary's actions by shaking her fake cat ears on her head, afraid that FrostNova would see the Sarkaz horn below the cat ears. Then, under her sister's glare, she once again revealed that carefree smile and shouted:

"Great!"

P. S.: I'm going to the Snowfield to experience the power of the Demons's blade... Here's a picture of the little guys being cute in their daily lives to tide me over.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

It's normal for people to feel like they've seen Aili and Xiya before based on their appearance descriptions... after all... my first impression of them is shown in the picture below.

Waiting for the Halo to upgrade and change color, the two little ones picked up Firearms Arts and went on a killing spree. (This is obviously impossible.)

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 120 The So-Called Most Tragic Fate

FrostNova stayed in the third-floor dining hall for a long time afterward, until Eileen, the maid from the Welfare Department, came to urge the children to go to sleep, and FrostNova was finally relieved of the various questions from Aili and Xiya.

After all, it's fine to have this White Rabbit explain to the children how to use a hunting knife and the precautions for making fire in the Snowfield, but to ask her to give a theoretical lecture like Rosemary, 'based on survival as the main point of view, discussing the five elements of a backpack in cold regions,' is simply FrostNova in a difficult position.

So, as it was getting late into the night, when Rosemary and the children were reviewing what she had learned from Kal'tsit, FrostNova was also among those being educated.

Incidentally, the so-called five Cs of survival ability refer to:

1. 'Cutting tools' -- Cutting tools used to manufacture desired items and process food.

2. 'Cover elements' -- Coverings used to create a protected area's climate/temperature.

3. 'Combustion devices' -- Combustion devices used for starting fires, which are not only needed to preserve and cook food, but also to manufacture items and provide the necessary warmth.

4. 'Containers' -- Containers for retrieving water from long distances or protecting collected food.

5. 'Cordages' -- ropes used for binding.

For details, please refer to Rosemary's textbook, the fourth book in the second row of your desktop bookshelf, <Jungle Crafts 101, The Art of Wilderness Survival>.

While FrostNova was interacting with the children, she forgot that she actually wanted to talk to Medic. She took a nap and woke up in the middle of the night. Remembering that her work was not yet finished, she first went to check on Rosemary, who was sleeping peacefully in her dormitory, before heading to the first floor by following the indicator lights on the baseboard of the vehicle corridor.

Medic knocked on the door of the Welfare Department:

"Ah Fu, are you there?"

Medic figured that since the PRTS call function wasn't being used, the elderly man should know why he would definitely come.

And sure enough, just a few seconds later, a sound came from behind the door:

"... It's 2:40 AM now. Visiting at this time... if you weren't too exhausted from the previous battle and overslept, then it can only mean you're still too preoccupied with things from the daytime."

Seeing the door open with a 'beep', Medic tilted his head at Ah Fu, who had obviously scrambled to his feet and was now only wearing a shirt and trousers. After turning around to make sure no one was in the hallway on either side, Medic listened intently to the sound of the elevator ascending back to the upper floor, tilted his head again, and went inside.

"Yes, I care. Let's continue our conversation from earlier..."

"... The Cyclops' Calamity Prophecy?"

"What I want to know is everything about the 'Pollution' and its sources... Shouldn't the history of the Sarkaz be documented?"

Hearing Medic's question, Ah Fu sighed and turned on the lights in the Welfare Department hall. As the sound of the PRTS coffee machine automatically starting up and making coffee rang out, the old Sarkaz rinsed his white porcelain coffee cup with hot water. His gaze seemed to pass through his work and return to the distant past before Teekaz was shaped into its current form by Originium.

"Although, from Feline's perspective, the lifespan of an elderly Sarkaz could be measured in millennia... but if we're talking about going back to when the word 'Kazdel' still referred to this land... I can't do that myself. I'm just repeating what I've heard, is that alright?"

After Medic nodded and took out his recorder, Ah Fu used a preheated cup to catch the coffee and, while making latte art, said:

"First, the 'source of Pollution '... is said to be beyond the Far-Northern Icefields, that is, the ice sheet further north of the legendary Northern Tianshan, where Ursus and Sami meet..."

"Because it's not an ice field, I know that name."

"Yes, at the end of that icy plain, in the height of Kazdel's power, it was a forbidden area; the 'Demons' resided there..."

"Is it alright to say its name?"

Seeing Medic prick up his ears anxiously, Ah Fu smiled and shook his head. The leaf-like latte art on the coffee cup was his German and Italian creation, which he had studied for three days.

"The Demons haven't reached the point where they can be spread through 'knowledge.' Although they have many counterintuitive characteristics, they still have a 'source'... They 'Collapse' from the source, and this is the rule that even the Demons must abide by."

"Collapse... that Black Snow..."

"That's a kind of substantial collapse, the most superficial kind of Pollution Collapse... and it was probably affected by the 'Beasts,' judging from the geographical conditions, probably the Sami Beasts... Oh, do you know about Beasts? They're a race as ancient as the Teekaz, still existing today, although people nowadays prefer to call them 'gods.'"

"Beasts, I know. Great Yan and Kjerag are the two furthest and closest places where Beasts have appeared... So 'Snow' being able to detect the Pollution through contact might be the work of the Sami gods... What did those Beasts do, right? I've noted it down. Please continue with the Pollution... What is substantial collapse?"

"That was a metaphor for Demons corrupting reality, but Ursus has given it a very nice name..."

"... The Dominion?"

Ignoring Ah Fu's exaggerated "You knew that?~", Medic's tone became unusually insecure:

"I only read about it in the information... Each Inner Guards has a unique 'The Dominion,' I originally thought it referred to some kind of special spell with similar effects..."

"That interpretation is also acceptable. In fact, the Dominion is a transitional product of the fusion of 'alternate dimension' and 'reality'... It blurs the lines between thought and reality, even altering the laws of physics and human social cognition. What's most terrifying is that those involved may be completely unaware of it... You already witnessed this during the day."

"So Franka was hurt by the 'The Dominion'?"

Seeing Ah Fu shaking his head with a smile, Medic pursed his lips:

"Isn't that right?"

"Of course not... The Dominion is clearly a spatial anomaly; the scene where the black mist seems to condense into another world is obvious just by looking at it."