Chapter 124

[Because the surrounding area is currently in chaos, with some members of the Reunion Movement fleeing and others engaging in combat, they occupy most of the suitable navigational areas. If we act rashly, it could cause even greater casualties than an attack... Also, I have temporarily ordered the use of shipborne artillery to deter any unknown threats, but what should we do with those Reunion Movement members who are sneaking close to us? Should we contain them?]

"We already have many non-combatants and critically Oripathy being treated on board. There's fighting outside, and the environment Pollution by Originium Arts is unsuitable for patients... Have PRTS lock all doors and windows and activate the pressurized isolation system... Also, hand over the artillery and security to Yato others. Jessica, put on your gear and go to the top floor to prepare to support us."

[Understood, I'll start moving immediately... But what about those people outside...]

Seeing that Jessica still looked worried, Medic looked at W, who was leading the Punishment Department:

"Those people are yours, W... Remember, follow Rhodes Island's rules and regulations, and don't kill anyone indiscriminately."

"Sure, but my employer... what about you, Talulah? Our contract hasn't expired yet."

Seeing everyone's attention on her, Talulah had been on edge ever since she heard the Reunion Movement running around like a rabble. She wasn't surprised that someone was sneaking up on the Exploration Vehicle.

She said that the integration of the Reunion Movement is achieved through the integration of the identity of 'fellow Oripathy the Infected '... She was very aware that there were some people among them whose moral character was not so good.

They usually don't do anything too wrong, and they can manage to live with other people... Now they're just showing their true colors.

"My orders are the same as Miss Medic's, W... go and subdue them, then I have questions for them."

Talulah somewhat dejected as she said those last words. Clearly, those people didn't consider the Reunion Movement as their own family; they hadn't considered the passive situation their furtive actions would create for others.

Fortunately, Rhodes Island handed over the initiative in handling the matter to Reunion Movement; otherwise, this situation would have been very difficult to resolve.

After temporarily stabilizing the chaotic situation that had arisen from the turmoil, everyone's attention inevitably turned to the conflict in the distance.

The faint sounds of explosions indicated that the battle was ongoing, and the creature that could remain so lively and energetic despite the low-temperature bombardment from the Shieldguards and Yeti magic troops was clearly no ordinary person.

As a series of footprints subtly led from the front lines to the rear, the Skullshatterer gestured in that direction, and then, out of nowhere, a person carrying a powerful crossbow appeared on the snow:

"Talulah, the Phantom Crossbowman are back..."

"I saw it... fellow countrymen, tell me, what happened over there?"

The solemn atmosphere of Talulah truly embodied the majesty befitting a red dragon. As the setting sun gradually sank into the forest, the red dragon's flames rose from nowhere.

Feeling the warmth from the 'cadre,' and with the heat wiping away the icy sweat inside his clothes, the crossbowman panted and said:

"It's the army! Although they don't have official ranks, their uniforms and equipment clearly belong to the Ursus regular army! They've found us!"

The crossbowman's words caused an uneasy commotion among the Infected watching from the sidelines, while Medic twitched her ears slightly as she overheard some rather strange pronouncements.

[They must have found them by following the Rhodes Island Landship.]

[I heard they came on the emperor's orders?]

[Could this be intentional...?]

Clearly, even Talulah herself was speechless at these comments. While the integration cadres were looking at each other, unsure of what to do, Medic's watch Terminal received a call from Jessica. The agent function lit up, and the drone image was successfully transmitted.

To ensure others could also be aware of the situation, Medic immediately turned on the large projector.

As the aerial photographs appeared in real time, everyone saw the black 'waves' crashing against the black 'reefs'.

There was no doubt that the attacking force was the Ursus regular army... After all, those soldiers, wielding forked spears, were far too conspicuous.

These muscular men, averaging over two meters tall, moved with incredible speed, attempting to evade the Shieldguards or searching for openings in their ranks, ready to thrust their spears down at any moment.

Although the large shields, painted with the Reunion Movement logo, are slightly less defensive due to their old appearance, the Shieldguards' occasional punches, thanks to their heavy armor and greater combat experience, are enough to send those young people who dare to challenge the 'elite' flying.

Even though it was almost completely dark around them, Medic was still able to clearly see the situation through thermal imaging thanks to the system on the drone.

The attacking force was less elite than the Shieldguards, less experienced in combat, and only slightly more Shieldguards overall. Most of them were Ursus light infantry in ordinary equipment, which was no match for the Shieldguards.

What truly kept the Shieldguards on the defensive were the gunners operating Originium Mortar in the distance behind the Vanguard and ordinary Ursus soldiers, and the casters scattered in twos and threes, surrounded by dangerous objects such as rocks or Originium Crystals.

As Medic pointed the camera at them, these men, clad in black robes but surrounded by barriers constructed using Originium Arts, all looked up one after another.

They had clearly spotted the drones in the sky... The efficiently operating Orundum chip components were as conspicuous to the warlocks as candlelight in the dark. Fortunately, Medic's drones were the same model used by the Columbia army, and their ceiling could even reach the Starpod layer. The warlocks only glanced at them, but then put the pressure on the Shieldguards.

Another Originium Cannon followed, and even from nearly eight kilometers away, the concentrated magical fire sent chills down Medic's spine... It was the worst-case scenario etched into the assassin's very bones. Even a magic master like Number Seventy-Seven had no good solution when faced with a magical barrage of army-level formations.

You either dodge or run... Only proper heavy infantry like Shieldguards are capable of taking a direct hit.

However, judging from the footage, this concentrated fire has already caused several Shieldguards in the front row to fall, their fates unknown... Upon seeing this, FrostNova hurriedly urged Talulah to set off to provide reinforcements.

"Reinforcements... yes... but it's getting dark soon, and the Shieldguards won't be able to completely stop those infantry. What will happen to everyone in the settlement? And even if we manage to stabilize the Shieldguards, what will happen to those portable Originium Cannon and caster units?"

"... Those sorcerers came from the Yeti..."

"Let Rhodes... no, let 'we' handle it."

Interrupting FrostNova's anxious narration, the White Rabbit instinctively glared at her... while Medic stated matter-of-factly:

"FrostNova, you're now fighting as a warlock, which not only means all the previous data was wasted... but your weakened body will also cause your Oripathy to worsen rapidly due to the repeated Originium cycles... Are you trying to use a human bomb to kill the enemy?"

Even so...

Before FrostNova could express her determination, Medic grabbed FrostNova hand, and the White Rabbit was speechless, unable to break free at all.

"If even I can't handle it, then don't even think about 'let it go'..."

"But the other side is Ursus! You're a legitimate company, aren't you sure it's okay to go head-to-head with Ursus's forces like this?"

Listening to Talulah's questions, and simultaneously suppressing FrostNova, Talulah not only firmly held her hands but also used Witchcraft to 'lock down' the Originium activity within FrostNova's body... This FrostNova was not only physically weak, but she couldn't even cast a single spell; she was now a true 'princess,' primarily characterized by her fragility.

Talulah's concerns didn't seem to have any effect on Medic, who had carefully examined the Ursus soldiers' attire.

"... Anyway, we'll talk about the details later... Jessica, let's get started. See that Ursus warlock at the head, dressed super cool and circling around the spell units...?"

[I see it, 1400 meters away, wind correction...] Nine

"Crosswind, three micrometers, descent correction, 2.5..."

[Finish.]

"Permission to fire."

What kind of feeling was that?

The warlock leader in the scene suddenly staggered and then fell silently, followed by chaos in the entire ranged position... Medic gestured 'shh' to Talulah, who wanted to ask a question, and then sat down on the podium that had been there during the day, using it as a stool. Medic even took the time to adjust her skirt and the tights that were too high and digging into her thighs.

"Target switch, look to the second group of gunners on the left, they've noticed your direction, take them out... There's no wind now, descent correction, two or three rounds."

Death delivered the message silently. In the darkness, Feline, wielding the deadliest weapon, became the hunter, and the hunter who came to hunt became the prey... Well, this has nothing to do with Medic, who is remotely controlling the situation. She is now just an observer, using the falling snow and the swaying of tree branches to judge the wind direction and distance.

[Confirmed to be similar to Lu Baqi, who was killed in the attack.]

"Next group, look to the right, that warlock gesturing wildly..."

[He was the backup commander, right? He looked furious... He's been killed.]

"Hmm, maybe? But you're wrong about one thing~ Only soldiers can say 'commander'... If you're just rushing into a village with weapons, you're just a bunch of bandits... Don't look at those gunners who are starting to run away. Fire a highly active Etch Rounds round at the Originium Cannon's ammunition box and destroy those dangerous weapons."

[Target confirmed... Destroyed... But... Aren't they soldiers?]

"They have no identifying features, so even if they are, they aren't. Rhodes Island has never fired on Ursus troops who have completed identity verification... Just remember that."

In a few words, the explosion on the screen and the flash in the distance lit up simultaneously. Medic frowned slightly as he watched the billowing smoke and dust, then opened his companions' communication:

"Next, everyone prepare for operations in an environment Pollution Originium. The type of Pollution is Originium Dust. Everyone must wear respirators when outdoors, and a Level 2 decontamination procedure is required when entering the Exploration Vehicle... Talulah, you should also pass this message on, even if it's just a cotton mask. Do as instructed if you don't want your Oripathy to worsen."

As Talulah nodded, the Skullshatterer thought for a moment, then dismissed his subordinates and disappeared as well... Normally, this kind of work wouldn't warrant the personal involvement of a high-ranking official like the Skullshatterer. Perhaps it was to curry favor with Medic in preparation for meeting Kal'tsit later?

Medic could only think about this speculation; she had more important things to do right now.

"Next is the matter of what to do with the survivors... whether to use them as evidence of Ursus's persecution of you, or to silence them forever in the Snowfield, it's up to you... We're pretty much in a similar situation..."

[Captain, something's wrong...]

Jessica's call made Medic look at the Terminal projection again. Under the shadow of the flickering flames and thick smoke, whether it was Medic's imagination or not, did the corpses—either instantly killed or torn to pieces—move slightly?

[Team leader?!]

Jessica's call made Medic squint slightly, and as the corpse on the screen rose again, Medic's first thought was that he had been possessed by Demons once more...

"Jessica, evacuate... Don't look at those things, don't go near the black smoke... It might be the 'The Dominion' that has been released and is now collapsing, tsk... Is this also part of the Inner Guards's plan?!"

"No, that's not Demons... it's a Sarkaz trick."

Talulah's words brought Medic back to his senses. After calming down a bit, Medic continued to observe through the drone. In the flames, the deceased's flesh was twisted and contorted, as if it were not being assembled from living things, but from some kind of 'material'.

"The Carrion Eaters' magic ensures their army will never run out of resources as long as there is flesh and blood... Why would Ursus align itself with the evil the Court of Kazdel?"

Just as Talulah was starting to question her existence, Medic blinked and looked at W, who smiled and shrugged... What does this have to do with her?

Turning back, Medic gave Talulah a slightly apologetic smile:

"I roughly know the origins of the Carrion Eaters's army... but, considering their attack on the Shieldguards and their consideration for us... I'd like to know, for this kind of spell, do the casters usually get very close?"

"... No, the truth might be the opposite... Although I'm not entirely sure myself, the Carrion Eaters' modification of corpses can even begin while the corpses are still alive..."

"So, that guy probably doesn't know what's going on here?"

Just as Medic was considering whether to use Rosemary to destroy the bodies of the Ursus who had started attacking the Shieldguards, Talulah, who had been observing for a long time, drew her longsword from her waist:

"In short, we need to talk..."

"Yes, it's clear we were holding back before."

As she spoke, the air around the white-haired Dragon Lady intensified, and Medic instinctively shielded FrostNova behind him. Seeing this, Talulah nodded, then took a few steps away... took a deep breath... Dragon Lady blew out a small spark.

In an instant, sparks grew and spread in the air, the flames instantly transforming into a fire dragon, a fire so intense it seemed to ignite the very air. This fire then clung to the longsword, as the Shieldguards in the distance awkwardly dodged the position between Talulah and the enemy... Only after Medic confirmed Jessica had left did Talulah swat down the fiery sword that had illuminated the entire night sky.

If it were a normal enemy, they would definitely choose to avoid this spell that resembles Catastrophes... In Medic's opinion, this is nothing more than a showpiece used to hit stationary targets.

But now, the Carrion Eaters are holding back the nameless Ursus army, and the curses captured by the drone show the truly dramatic expressions of despair on the faces of the Ursus soldiers cut off from their retreat.

Even from a considerable distance, Medic could feel the scorching heat emanating from him. And with just one strike, the Snowfield of Ursus seemed to have transformed into a steaming hot spring.

What Medic had initially thought was a narrow pass was now covered in bright red... flowing lava.

Seeing this, the cat seemed to understand why the Reunion Movement settlement had such a narrow gap in the mountain pass, just big enough for the Exploration Vehicle to pass through. Clearly, this wasn't the first time someone had tried to challenge the Reunion Movement's existence.

As both sides displayed their unique skills and looked at each other warily, and as Medic, who was still being led by FrostNova's hand, was suddenly pulled by the Yeti princess to hug Talulah and cheer, the Infected had witnessed the whole thing in the settlement reacted and everyone began to shout Talulah's name.

"Alright! You're not enemies, why are you looking at each other with such suspicion?"

Upon hearing FrostNova's question, Cat and Dragon Lady exchanged a glance and then smiled in unison.

Indeed, they are not enemies, so why should they be wary of each other?

"Come to my and Alina's tent. FrostNova and I haven't finished talking yet... Perfect timing, Miss Medic, you can listen to the rest too."

P. S.: Did I... forget to substitute again?

Hmm... I was just out of it... Well, this is a proper update, I'm going to take a nap now (starts explaining)...

PS2: Okay, I was wrong, but battle chapters are really hard to break into shorter parts, it's better to finish them all at once...

PS3: Meow Meow Cat

Priestess ↑

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 130 On the 'Undying Black Snake'

For the children of the Reunion Movement, the night is a symbol of 'terror'.

Before the term 'Integration' existed, before Talulah existed, and even before the Patriot existed, the persecuted the Infected, after struggling to survive during the day, would have an unusual fear of 'night'.

Temperature differences of over thirty degrees Celsius, wild beasts that are always hungry and cold, permits to kill them granted by nobles... and Infected Expulsion Decree the Infected items as spoils of war...

Once people close their eyes and fall asleep, they don't even know if they will have a tomorrow.

The darkness is that terrifying for the Infected in Ursus.

Fortunately, a fire broke out on the Snowfield of Ursus, a fire so powerful it could turn the earth into magma.

She dispels the darkness and brings warmth.

People chased after light and warmth across the cold Snowfield, and finally stopped beside her...

Talulah, she is just like her Originium Arts.

She is the flame of the Snowfield.

Medic admires people like her. Even though Talulah that she used many underhanded tactics in the process of establishing the Reunion Movement, and even once set a trap to lure the opposition into the ambush of the Infected Enforcement Squad team, it did not affect Medic's respect for Talulah for raising a team of thousands of people on her own.

But what kind of person is Medic?

Even after spending an entire night listening to what the other person had to say, Talulah still couldn't grasp the reality of it all.

After all, before the Rhodes Island Medics operators proclaimed themselves the Light of Ticarondo, Talulah had already stabbed her adoptive father to death with her sword, and the man who had abducted her to Ursus — Duke Koschei —had taken her to the Snowfield to begin a secluded rural life.

If you were to tell Talulah that someone could melt the coldness of the world with their own nobility... Talulah would absolutely not believe it.

Because similarly, self-sacrificing individuals are not uncommon in Ursus.