Chapter 130

Furthermore, Medic, with his emotional black hole, isn't exactly friendly to those who have 'Foresight' ideas that stir people's hearts... Ever since Cole taught Nana what 'living in the moment' means, this cat seems to be invincible.

Also... the ring was indeed a combination of the cat and the fat fox... assuming the future... but just how ineffective would Rosemary have to be for the fat fox to succeed?

I don't understand... so this is just a possibility.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

Woof woof cat. jpg

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 136 Preparing for Departure

"... Hmm... So, you've made yourself like this to deal with the Inner Guards... no, to deal with the Demons?"

Frostnova watched as Medic, who had come to her for further treatment accompanied by Talulah and Alina, was carefully led by the nun. However, she noticed that her attending physician seemed to be in even FrostNova condition than herself. She waved her hand cautiously.

The black-haired Feline's eyes were now covered with white bandages, and upon closer inspection, it was clear that his left hand was also wrapped in bandages up to his fingertips.

Even though his vision and left hand, marked with the 'Eye of Foresight,' were completely sealed with bandages imbued with Sarkaz Sorcery, Medic still easily grabbed the White Rabbit's wrist:

"Although I Ah Fu and the others to help me put up a seal to prevent 'Foresight' from going further out of control... but you think I 'can't see' such a big move... FrostNova, you underestimate me too much."

"Well, after all, your appearance... is quite deceptive..."

Touching her chin, FrostNova rarely looked at the Feline in an appreciative way.

The contrast between her night-sky-blue short hair and snow-white bandages, her fair and delicate skin, and the allure of a city dweller's uniform— Rhodes Island's Medic exudes the fragile, delicate charm that Ursus Nobility would find appealing.

FrostNova thought this was probably why she subconsciously ignored the fact that the doctor was able to hold her down during treatment, making it impossible for her to escape no matter how much she struggled.

Although FrostNova has gotten used to that feeling recently, she still politely declines having someone around when she needs to heal herself.

Thinking this, the White Rabbit turned her gaze to the two people beside her:

"Speaking of which, Talulah, didn't you and Alina want to see my attending physician? My treatment will take time, so you two go ahead and talk."

Watching FrostNova sway and sit down to the side, Talulah wondered why the White Rabbit seemed to be fleeing in panic. Rhodes Island's Oripathy treatment... could it be... some kind of terrifying 'ancient' treatment?

After letting her thoughts wander for a moment, Talulah felt Alina tugging at her. Turning around, she saw Medic still waiting for her. She coughed twice and took out a document.

"The Reunion Movement's opinion gathering is complete. Over 65% have explicitly agreed to go to Columbia, and another 30% are neutral, following the orders of their superiors. The remaining few are a very small minority who demand revenge against Ursus... Even so, Rhodes Island seems to be steadily advancing westward."

"I also have something I want to show you about this..."

Seeing the black-haired Feline turn and walk towards the elevator, the nun beside her quickly grabbed Medic's hand to prevent her from bumping into the corridor wall. Talulah gave FrostNova a look to follow, then asked with some confusion:

"You mean... the seal you completed yesterday??"

"No, I wanted to show you why we're not going in other directions..."

"Oh, so the drone aerial photography results are in? You could have just told me directly."

Nodding with his back to Talulah, Medic, whose eyes were covered, seemed unaccustomed to having someone behind him. However, because Mary was anxiously holding his hand in front of him, Medic could only turn around occasionally to talk to Talulah.

"Communicating intelligence is crucial because language barriers are high; even slight misunderstandings can lead to completely different outcomes between expectations and reality..."

"Ah... I understand... those people yesterday were the same..."

Seeing the atmosphere of the conversation completely turn somber, Alina awkwardly took two steps forward to change the subject: n

"Those compatriots are just still in a state of extreme thinking. I've already asked the cadres to pay attention to everyone's mental state... And as for the next plan, Miss Medic, are you going to take us to the fourth floor?"

"Yes, it's clearer to explain things in the command center..."

"That's great. We can talk about things here at the Little Tal over there. I'm more curious about FrostNova's treatment... I've collected some information about the treatment processes of the Infected who are currently undergoing treatment, but FrostNova has refused to answer my questions several times... Could I find out about her treatment progress?"

Hearing the little deer's request, Medic pursed his lips slightly, clearly looking somewhat troubled:

"This involves patient privacy; you can consult the patient directly for details... However, in terms of progress, FrostNova is actually quite slow compared to other healers... Since you've been collecting information on her treatment, you can see that while others are relieving the pain and reducing the stimulation of the crystals on their bodies, FrostNova is focused on restoring her to a normal life... Currently, her body temperature is still below normal, and her physical condition has actually weakened due to the decreased activity of Originium within her body... Fortunately, she has been quite cooperative with the treatment... and hasn't engaged in any unauthorized use of Originium Arts."

"I see... Wait, so many people use Originium Arts in private?"

"There's probably no other way, considering the sudden relocation yesterday, I sensed many people using Originium Arts. Therefore, we're considering adding content on how to safely use casting units while also providing information on Oripathy education..." (Quan)

Medic's words made Little Deer clap her hands happily:

"That's good. I remember there were quite a few spellcasting units from the Ursus army among Little Tal's spoils... but everyone thought they were cumbersome and made of Originium, so they weren't very willing to use them!"

As Medic and Alina chatted, Mary led everyone up the elevator to the fourth floor of the Exploration Vehicle, which was off-limits to ordinary Reunion Movement.

Alina, with calluses on her hands typical of a country girl, displayed an expression of admiration for the city's high technology. Amidst exclamations of "Is this the PRTS interface on the fourth floor?", "The interior design here is different from downstairs, it feels more... softer?", and "This is beautiful~", Medic was handed over to Durin was on duty at the fourth-floor central hub that day.

Since Mary wasn't an employee of Rhodes Island, after smiling and nodding in response to Durin's thanks, the nun's first reaction was to leave.

But this time, the arrangements for everyone were to be announced, and since Mary and Frostleaf were a couple on the bus, Medic promptly stopped her:

"Ah, Mary, you can stay and listen in too. You'll need to inform your roommate Frostleaf about the specific arrangements... I might need your help later."

Upon hearing Medic's statement, Mary glanced at Durin with suspicion, and the latter yawned in return. Mary then remembered that a large portion of Rhodes Island's employees were also the Infected... and Durin's symptom was indeed excessive sleepiness.

However, is it really okay to so blatantly assert that Durin is unreliable? And Durin, your superior is openly disliking you, is it really appropriate for you to keep nodding in agreement? Is the employee relationship at Rhodes Island really good or bad...?

Just as Mary was lost in thought, a maid appeared out of nowhere and served everyone hot tea. Medic also asked Durin to place the compiled aerial photography data in front of Talulah.

The documents analyzed by PRTS didn't need any further explanation; Talulah only needed to look at the words 'Demons Pollution' and 'Ursus Outpost' marked in bright red to understand everything.

"... So... everyone who tried to leave the Snowfield turned into those things... Koschei... No, the Black Snake's methods have always been like this. It was I who thought that destroying its physical form would solve everything... That was my mistake."

"Since you understand, Talulah, that makes things easier. I've asked Folinic to prepare the detailed written documents, which you can use to explain things to the others... And in this way, you can be considered to be officially traveling with us."

Hearing what the black-haired Feline said, Talulah smiled slightly:

"So, you were planning to leave all along?"

Medic nodded, adopting a matter-of-fact attitude.

"If it's just Pollution, then Rhodes Island, with its sense of social responsibility as an international corporation, would find cleaning up the Pollution a trivial matter."

"But if it involves Demons, then considering the considerable political privileges the Emperor has given Rhodes Island, fighting Demons is simply a work requirement."

"There are clearly rebellious Inner Guards involved here, and the incident may even have been caused by some guy who seems to be a god... Out of concern for the safety of our employees, taking a conservative approach or even abandoning the mission is something I can explain to my superiors."

Just as Talulah and Alina were slightly agape, seemingly marveling at Rhodes Island's clear strategy, Blaze, who was probably a security guard but more likely just watching the show, let out a cold laugh:

"That's what she said back in Ticarondo, then she left half the equipment to the others and ventured into the Catastrophes alone... So? This time, N... Medic, is your price your beautiful blue eyes?"

"... No, the eyes are just sealed... My eyesight is perfectly fine..."

Seeing a rare hint of anger within Rhodes Island, especially coming from Medic's core combat team, and while most people were curiously waiting for what would happen next with their teacups in hand, Huang angrily stepped forward and pinched Medic's cheek:

"So--that--I--say--! 'This time, we won't leave everyone behind'... Who said that?! Was it that little mouth?! Hmm--?!"

Seeing that Huang seemed unsatisfied with her harmless verbal attacks, she started to physically rub Medic's cheeks. Although those with combat experience could tell that the force was more like flirting than a beating, there were also people without combat experience present... such as Sister Mary, who was starting to panic.

As Medic remained indifferent even when being sat on, Huang's annoyance escalated. Seeing her cat suddenly covered in several layers of white bandages, Huang angrily began tearing at Medic's bandages:

"So! Didn't you say you wouldn't hurt yourself like last time...? You clearly promised that you wouldn't get hurt during the preparations!? What's with this bandage?!"

"... Wait... really... I'm really okay..."

"I don't believe it! You always act like you're going to quietly die in some corner! This time, in front of everyone, unless you give me a proper explanation for all these bandages, I'm going to use my Elite Operator privileges to impeach your command!"

Medic, who had stopped struggling, allowed Huang to sit on him with overwhelming force, and then let out a sound of grievance that he would only make in front of his own people:

"... I'm Senior Elite Operator, your impeachment is invalid."

Despite saying that, Medic still didn't stop Huang from carefully removing his bandages. Obviously, the assassin understood that Huang's sudden appearance as if he was seriously injured after just one night was probably making her very worried.

However... based on his experience of hastily observing Franka last time, Medic kept his eyes closed even after the bandages were removed.

The brand on the back of my hand began to emit a slight warmth as the seal was broken... This was how I, as Chimera, used the Originium Arts, operating uncontrollably.

Based on my past experience training at the ICA, this period shouldn't last long. Once my body adapts, I'll be able to use it normally.

Medic really doesn't want to have his mind filled with decades or even centuries of Foresight observations for just a few seconds anymore. Those deaths, always intertwined with the observer's own and the observed's, are devoid of beauty and always presented in unexpected ways.

If we're talking about Medic's assessment... it's more natural for her to follow the script she created for her own goals.

"... It looks like... there are no external injuries... why aren't your eyes open?"

"Because the spell hasn't fully settled in yet... Speaking of which, Miss Talulah, would you like me to explain the principles behind materializing and dealing with the Black Snake through Demons?"

Although sitting face-to-face with a large cat on your lap, and looking at someone with your eyes closed and your head turned, creates a slightly awkward perspective for both of you, Talulah has seen it all before. Listening to their previous conversation, Talulah understood why Blaze was so annoyed...

Adding to this, Medic was a preparation for dealing with Demons, and regarding the spell descriptions for 'Foresight'... although the key parts of the document were blacked out, Talulah already understood the process that Black-haired Feline was preparing to carry out.

"Thank you, it's all explained clearly in the documents... Rhodes Island's preparations seem quite complete to me... The only problem is probably..."

"Food supplies."

After Medic pushed away the unwilling Huang, re-bandaged the bandage, and confirmed that the temperature of the mark on the back of his hand had dropped, Medic tugged at Huang's sleeve and asked him to help retrieve the list of supplies that the Welfare Department had worked overtime to prepare the day before and put it in front of everyone.

"Overloading, poor cohesion at the start... these aren't really problems... In my experience, it's not surprising that people who aren't well-fed can do anything... So how much food do the Reunion Movement have left?"

Before Talulah could finish recalling, Alina, sitting next to her, nodded and said:

"Three weeks... even considering some individuals might have the habit of storing food, it would not exceed a month at most."

"I see..."

Stranding strands of hair from both sides inside the bandage, Medic tilted his head slightly, his slightly disheveled black hair making his vulnerability even more apparent.

"So, if I can use my connections to get these supplies... what conditions would you accept in exchange?"

P. S.: A friend in the group is having a serious illness... Just hearing the description sends chills down my spine. She's even developed stress-related stomach aches and rashes that usually only occur at the end of the month... I hope the little one gets better. You haven't even had a proper look at this world yet... Even if it's such a terrible world, at least take a good look at it before you think about leaving your parents...

I'm going to die, and I also have migraines.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

Woof woof cat. jpg

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 137 FrostNova is healing.

"The conditions... I knew this was bound to happen sooner or later, but it still sounds really unsettling..."

Uneasy, Talulah wrung her hands, then was led by a fawn. Her friend's smile quickly calmed Talulah down.

Although he couldn't see it, Medic, who could assess the situation through other methods, tilted his head and continued:

"Are you referring to the anxiety of being in a weaker position in a transaction? This requires everyone to adjust their mindset... All I can guarantee is that our transactions will be fair and just, and that everyone will get what they need."

"... Yes, it's a reciprocal exchange... So, what does Rhodes Island need from Reunion Movement? And what will we get in return?"

Clearly, compared to their initial encounter, Talulah's attitude was now amiable and her tone gentle, which filled FrostNova and W, who knew how tense their first meeting had been, with mixed feelings.

If Medic's decision was a prerequisite for both sides to sit down and talk, then yesterday's joint battle was the ultimate indicator of amicable relations... For Reunion Movement, a semi-military organization, only 'comrades-in-arms' who share a common enemy and have fought together are the most trustworthy relationships.

Medic's success was somewhat accidental, but only her initial intentions were rewarded... This is good; it's a result that satisfies everyone.

"Hmm... Let's talk about what we need to do first, then what we can get in return. This is a good start. Rhodes Island needs your cooperation... Initially, it was just to complete the mission given by the Emperor of Ursus, but now that you're willing to cooperate, there's a lot more we can do... But to sum it up, it's basically for propaganda purposes."

"Publicity?"

"Well... First, there's Rhodes Island's publicity campaign for the Infected relief operation, followed by the Columbia Frontiers' publicity campaign for unlimited the Infected containment, and finally, the publicity campaign regarding the typical the Infected that the Ursus Emperor might need... However, for the last one, Your Excellency, you can discuss it with the Emperor yourself. With His Excellency Patriot acting as a buffer between you and the army, the extent to which this should be done is something that Ursus needs to discuss internally."

At this point, Medic, having tightened his bandages again, continued:

"And what you get... well, let's sum it up as everything you enjoyed this night... a chance to return to a normal life?"

Although Medic himself used a rather ambiguous sentence structure, everyone understood what Feline from Rhodes Island was talking about. FrostNova started counting on her fingers:

"... Meal-inclusive train tickets to Columbia, agents for becoming legal settlers, a buffer communication platform between Ursus's leadership and the Infected... what else?"

"And most importantly, there's the treatment of Oripathy, and raising awareness about the nature of Oripathy among more people."

Seeing Medic and FrostNova conversing like this, but Talulah not responding immediately, Alina smiled and tugged at the hand of the Dragon Lady she was holding:

"Looking at it this way, it seems we've gotten a huge advantage? I've heard that tickets to other countries in Ursus alone are incredibly expensive..."

"Yes, indeed... but... I'm sorry, these conditions are very good, but..."

"However, not everyone wants to go to Columbia ... Talulah, you're still thinking about the minority."

Dragon Lady silently nodded at Medic's statement.

"Most importantly, since I have decided to support Patriot's actions as the Duke's heir, I will certainly not leave Ursus ... and those who are unwilling to leave must also be accommodated."

"So, Talulah, you're not planning to leave?"

Seeing the surprised looks on the others' faces, the Dragon Lady realized that her words had been misunderstood by her companions, and quickly waved her hands:

"No, of course I will leave with everyone. After all, going to Columbia to own a piece of land of my own... Even if only I am the one who is alive, that's enough for most the Infected to live out their lives, isn't it... I know there are many people looking forward to a new life."

"I was just saying that after settling everyone in Columbia, I might return to Ursus ... Patriot is still operating under the name of the Shield of the Infected, so how can I stand still... I will continue the cause of the Infected."

The atmosphere surrounding the Reunion Movement seemed inspiring, and Medic initially instinctively wanted to remind her that even pioneering Columbia was no easy task... but Medic quickly realized that they might not be unaware of these things.