Chapter 123

Um?

Upon realizing this, even FrostNova, whose mind was usually frozen and who rarely thought, sensed that something was wrong.

If the Inner Guards have some ulterior motives towards Talulah because of her background... what purpose would their direct appearance before Talulah and the Reunion Movement serve other than causing Talulah to lose control of the Reunion Movement and rendering all their efforts futile?

Attacking Talulah herself?

Did anyone profit from this?

If I had to put it into words, it would be that the cohesive officers who believed in Talulah would stand by Talulah and thwart the Inner Guards' divisive schemes... I would say that, and if the old fogey were here, he would do the same... FrostNova didn't believe that Talulah distrusted her, but why should Talulah understood this, worry?

Unless you argue that Talulah's complete centralization of Reunion Movement within Reunion was actually not a good thing for them... why?

Because she was discouraged?

FrostNova's eyes were full of doubt. She realized that what the two people in front of her were hiding was the final piece of the puzzle.

"... I think I should have already made things clear..."

"Ah, yes, I will tell you everything... However, I don't know how to keep it brief. I'm afraid I have to start from that rainy night when I was a child and was kidnapped... Is the time okay?"

Seeing Talulah's worried look, FrostNova smiled and struck a strong pose:

"No problem, as long as you don't deliberately raise the temperature, I'll just treat it like a hot bath... Don't make it too hot, or I'll get... heatstroke? Medic reminds me every day not to overdo the hot water~"

As she spoke, FrostNova chuckled.

Whenever Medic or Rhodes Island is mentioned, she always smiles.

"There's still a long night ahead, isn't there?"

Meanwhile, at the Rhodes Island clinic on the other side—

Alex woke up groggily, opening his eyes...

Just as Luisa had assured him, the splitting headache disappeared, and the sensation of the bandages on his face replaced the swelling. But just when he thought he would see Luisa, who was using the alias 'Folinic,' when he opened his eyes, what he actually saw was... a thinner, unremarkable figure with short black hair.

With a rustling sound behind him, Medic, dressed in Rhodes Island uniform, turned around with a smile:

"You're awake? The surgery was a success! We've successfully removed the invasive Originium Crystals from your face. Would you like to see the stones that were removed?"

"... Don't you find it disgusting?"

Upon hearing the first words spoken by the bandaged boy, Medic tilted his head in surprise. It seemed that the people of Ursus truly loathed Originium Crystals, unlike the patients in the city who were somewhat curious and wanted to see the results of the surgical removal.

Ursus was one of the first countries to respond to the Originium Industry reforms.

"We are doctors, so we don't find patients or the lesions removed from their bodies disgusting... Or rather, we must be more familiar with these things than ordinary people, otherwise, how could we treat those suffering from them?"

As he spoke, he poured the inactivated Originium from the distant tray into the Pollution storage bag, and finally wrote the name Alex - Skullshatterer on the label of the storage bag. Its final destination was the infected incinerator of the Exploration Vehicle.

Although some people believe that incinerators with Originium purification functions are a desecration of 'humanity', that they erase the element of 'humanity' and are simply a pressing act of extracting minerals.

But if the bodies aren't recovered or the Originium extracted, and they're simply burned... what will happen to the survivors?

The Originium absorbed by the deceased throughout their lives is entirely returned to the environment and then distributed equally among the living. Thus, without considering the participation of newborns in the Originium cycle on an annual or even ten-year cycle, as the number of deaths increases, the rate of Oripathy infection and acute Oripathy attacks among the living may increase exponentially.

The local Oripathy will only get worse.

The initiative for safe use of Originium is proposed every year in Colombian Political Sphere, and everyone agrees that it is an excellent bill, but there are also many obstacles... However, this is a digression that is not relevant to this Snowfield, and Medic has not paid attention to the political situation back home for a long time.

Now, Yi Lin Yi Qi Si V Jiu Si Ba is here, and her focus is on this Snowfield.

"So, you'll need anti-inflammatory treatment afterward. Your Oripathy is an acute, severe case, and your sensitivity to Originium is hereditary. Talulah has put you in charge of the handover between the clinic and Integration, which should take about a week. With the help of the preventative medication, you'll be able to return to a more normal life soon..."

"Normal... life?"

Hearing this, Alex gave a wry smile:

"Doctor... you were with Sister Luisa... you are good people... but how can the Infected have a normal life...?"

"Can't the Infected have a normal life? That's probably a prejudice from Ursus... Even ignoring Rhodes Island, Columbia also has the Infected living normal lives, right?"

"... Could you elaborate?"

Seeing the boy's curious expression, Medic nodded, pondering the Infected he had encountered, and said:

"Of course, first of all, I must say that happy people are all alike in their happiness, but unhappy people are unhappy in their own way, so my views may be rather subjective. Also, because of my profession, my views on some things may differ from those of the average person... So you can just take what I say as a reference."

"Alex, you know about Columbia, right? Are you aware of Columbia's quarantine policy for the Infected?"

"... Is it like the Ursus exile mines?"

"If we're talking about malicious speculation, there are cases similar to... no, even more serious than the Ursus... like the Little Cat... the one who used to stick to me all the time, Rosemary, she's that kind of kid."

"She was also rescued from a mine... oh, no, from the quarantine area for the Infected?"

Shaking his head, Medic began treating Alex with the spell unit, continuing:

"Rosemary is my neighbor, and although our residence is in the old town, it's not a quarantine zone... In Columbia, only the Infected can't afford insurance are sent to quarantine zones... and that insurance premium is generally difficult for an individual to maintain."

"Hmph, so it's just a matter of using a legal pretext instead of violence? Governments all over the world are pretty much the same..."

"This is what I mean by everyone having their own misfortunes... But I think, just as there's an antidote next to a poison, and resistance where there's oppression... this world has 'elasticity'... Simply being worse off won't do you any good in life; you should... learn to reconcile with life."

"How do we settle? Do we go to Columbia to pay for insurance?"

"The insurance system has all sorts of problems, which is something all Columbia are well aware of... but it might be another way out."

Looking at Medic's methodical way of speaking, Skullshatterer Bones impatiently pursed his lips. Perhaps because of his age, he clearly disliked Medic's slow and deliberate manner.

"Doctor, could you get to the point? I'm not interested in the history and policies of other countries..."

"Simply put, registering as a 'pioneer' in Columbia allows you to claim land in the wilderness... The land you reclaim belongs to you while you are alive... Although your descendants will still need to find their own way, as a choice for a 'normal life,' I think this is very close to reality."

"But pioneering... in the wilderness? Catastrophes and wild beasts are still very dangerous..."

"You can also work in the factories of the Infected community. Although I haven't been back to the city for three years, during my last city mission, I saw urban plots belonging to the Infected community... The Infected can live normal lives in the city; it's just Ursus who's not living a normal life."

Hearing Medic's last words, Alex nodded frantically in agreement, but soon grimaced in pain as the pain aggravated his surgical wound.

Even so, he still had to shout his agreement:

"That's right! The only one that's abnormal is Ursus!"

"... We all know this, but it's really impressive that you're still here, Alex... Sorry, Senior Medic, I'm late."

Seeing Folinic walk in through the door, Medic smiled and tilted his head:

"It's nothing. I really enjoy spending time with children, you know... Also, has your matter with the Skullshatterer been resolved?"

"... Well, although she always seems unconvinced, she'll realize how wrong she is when she comes back with us... Also Alex, didn't you explain your identity to the Skullshatterer... that idiot Lyudmila?"

Seeing Folinic standing angrily with her hands on her hips, questioning him, the boy, despite having the imposing title of "Skullshatterer Crusher," shrank back and whispered in response, "Lacquer..."

"I thought Sister Lyudmila just didn't want to talk about what happened back then..."

"She just didn't recognize you!"

Sighing and shaking her head, Folinic continued to ask: Three

"So, where's your sister? Where's Misha?"

"Sister... her and I... she's probably still in Ursus's hands, a bargaining chip the nobles are using to threaten that man."

"... Alex, your father did it to save you..." Si

"... But many people did die because of him, didn't they, including your mother, Sister Luisa..." Guilt

After a moment of silence, Alex continued: Fins

"He was a cowardly man, I don't want to talk about him... If you Lyudmila Luisa revenge, I'll be the first to support you... But my sister is innocent; she protected me until the very end... I'm going to find her."

"What are you planning to do?"

"I have completed the Assault Squad training... I will apply for officer assessment afterward."

As he spoke, he touched his face. Although the loss of Originium no longer hurt, Skullshatterer could feel that his Originium Arts were also fading. Looking at the solemn expression on his childhood companion's face, Folinic, who had participated in the treatment of many the Infected, could guess what he was thinking with her tail.

"Until then, you should find a suitable spell unit first... You're sensitive to Originium and you still dare to think about being a cadre? Are you really not afraid of death?"

"Alex died ten years ago in that lab cover-up incident..."

"Don't give me that. If you don't want to live a good life, I can make you wish you were dead. I've heard that appropriate violence can maximize a person's will to survive. That's what my intern colleague told me... Maybe you could give it a try?"

Seeing Alex shrink back, Folinic nodded in satisfaction.

"In short, I'm not against revenge, or rather, we can't be too much of a vengeance for being treated like this... But if you don't consider the people around you, then you've lived in vain, and your death will only bring more sorrow to others... Don't be that kind of selfish person."

"Senior, what you said to Alex before... was it a plan for them to live in Columbia?"

Seeing that Folinic suddenly looked at him, Medic didn't hide anything and nodded generously in confirmation:

"Although we have intervened, we don't know how long it will take for Ursus's policies to return to 'normal.' Until then, it's a safe approach to let the Reunion Movement, which has already been targeted, go west for refuge... After all, we do have resettlement channels in Columbia. Aside from the obstacles along the way, this is undoubtedly a win-win situation for Columbia, for the Reunion Movement, and for us."

Just as Folinic nodded in agreement, preparing to ask Alex how he planned to discuss this matter with the other executives, a sudden, rapid metallic clanging sound rang out. Alex, who was sitting on the bed, sprang up as if springs had been depressing his back.

"Attack alert!! Sister Luisa, you all need to hide!!"

PS: Yostar's summer event is giving out bonus content, and the Blacksteel Landship Headquarters even has a name now!

Luckily, I was prepared. (Referring to not explicitly stating its name)

I slept normally for four hours, so I can write something temporarily and hopefully catch up later.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

Feed FrostNova a spicy burger↑

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 129 Silent Death, Like a Raging Fire

Grabbing the Skullshatterer that instinctively lurched outwards, Medic then silently pressed the alarm button Terminal his smartwatch.

As the Little Cat appeared before him, carrying Su Sulo with wings of wind and steel, Huang and Liskarm were probably helping to replenish surgical supplies, also rushed into the room.

The patients treated at the clinic today... except for those with Skullshatterer who woke up early because the affected area was on their face and minimal anesthesia was used, the others are currently still in a state of sleep like babies.

Although Medic had a contingency plan in place, requiring them to immediately approach the Exploration Vehicle for onboard fire support in case of an emergency, the patients were currently still unable to move. Medic exchanged a glance with Su Sulo and Folinic, and the three instantly reached a consensus. Medic made a swift judgment:

"Folinic, raise the neutral flags for Rhodes Island and Contingency Contract. Blaze and Liskarm, seal the front and back doors. Rosemary, carry the flag and prepare a flare to call a halt to the conflict and provide support... Alex, you and Folinic together."

Seeing the black-haired Feline preparing to leave, Skullshatterer reached out to say something unwillingly, but was slapped away by Folinic... Facing Medic's puzzled turn, Folinic shook her head, holding the Ursus boy's hand:

"I'll keep an eye on him, Captain. You go do your job... Don't even think about going with him. You're Talulah's handpicked liaison for Rhodes Island. If you leave, no one else will recognize us. What will you tell Talulah if a conflict breaks out? You can't even do this job well, and you still want to be a Reunion officer?"

"I... xxxx!"

Despite swearing in Ursus, Skullshatterer stood quietly beside Folinic after being reminded.

Medic had already walked out of the isolation and disinfection channel. The Shieldguards and Yeti that had been surrounding them were now reduced to Little Cat ones, seemingly waiting for Medic there.

"Please wait a moment, the boss is on her way here, she's with Talulah."

Nodding, Medic called for the Exploration Vehicle and asked:

"Do you know what happened? I heard from Skullshatterer that this is an attack alarm..."

Nodding, the heavily armored Shieldguards stood between the Medic and the direction of the alarm, his battered shield raised high.

"Yes, the deputy company commander has led his team to the target area, but we still need a follow-up report from the messenger to find out the specifics."

Nodding, and glancing at the connection icon on his watch, Medic made a gesture of apology to the Shieldguards.

"This is Medic call Exploration Vehicle... Jessica, are you there? Report the situation..."

[Captain!? Ah... yes, the entire vehicle is now on standby. Captain Yato has recalled all personnel around the vehicle. Currently, due to the obstruction of the hills and forests, the main optical sights can only vaguely see people fighting at the Reunion Movement settlement... their identities... seem to be Ursus Military... but I haven't seen any insignia... However, I've already woken up Durin to operate the drone for reconnaissance. Although she's not a professional cyborg, her basic operational skills are fine. We'll soon get details of the Reunion attack...]

At this point, Jessica's tone wavered slightly, clearly hesitating about something. Medic scratched his ear uncomfortably, then urged her on:

"There seems to be something you haven't said?"

[Yes... yes... because I'm not sure about their intentions, I don't know whether I should report this to you... half of a Reunion Movement squad is currently moving towards us... is this something I can talk about right now? Do you have any other Reunion Movement members with you?]

Jessica's trembling question clearly had a reason, and as for the Integration members around Medic now... well, the Shieldguards communications officer, the Yeti's communications officer, the Yeti's princess who arrived not long ago, and Talulah herself, who arrived with FrostNova...

Oh, and perhaps we should also add W, who returned to the Mercenaries group, and the Skullshatterer appeared at some unknown time but has remained silent.

As the sun set near dusk, almost all the high-ranking officials Medic knew were around him.

"No problem, please continue."

The cat wasn't going to indulge them... and due to Medic's demands, Jessica's tone gradually calmed, and the chilling atmosphere in her words sent shivers down everyone's spines: