Chapter 131

However, after experiencing the worst life in Ursus, even if things are terrible in Columbia, it's still a better life, right?

However, for Talulah and the others to realize their dreams, there is one prerequisite: Medic's current job.

"Since everyone agrees on the details of the deal, I'll have PRTS prepare the agreement documentation... Now let's talk about something more pressing."

You mean, food?

Nodding in affirmation of Talulah's connection, Medic didn't present specific real-time data from the Exploration Vehicle this time, but the verbal data was enough for everyone present to understand the seriousness of the situation: Qi

"First of all, welcome to the Rhodes Island Exploration Vehicle. With all rooms on the third floor full, and those with mild symptoms having to sleep on the floor in the corridors or the dining hall, you should all understand one thing... that the Exploration Vehicle is currently severely overloaded."

"Originally, based on a standard crew of 300, our food reserves were enough for a three-month long voyage. However, due to the current capacity of 1,200 people, to ensure a diverse supply of food over the long term, we have to provide fresh meat and leafy greens as 'side dishes' and MREs (ready-to-eat meals) as the main course... and even so, our reserves... are only enough for one week."

"Adding our own food from the Reunion Movement, that's two weeks..."

Medic shook his head slightly at Alina's optimistic statement: I

"If we follow Ms. Alina's calculation method, dividing a day's worth of cold-weather rations into Angel, it might indeed create an optimistic feeling that the situation is still under control... But the PTRS calculation method is based on the standard calorie intake for cold-weather conditions. Falling below this standard requires considering potential battles with the Inner Guards, or even the armies of the Old Nobility Faction, which is far too cruel..."

"So that's why you said... you used connections to get the supplies... from the Ursus Emperor's side?"

Shaking their heads again, Talulah and Alina were quite surprised by Medic's two denials. This meant that Rhodes Island would only obtain supplies through the last known channel.

"Are you going to ask Columbia for help?"

"... While the conclusion is correct, I must emphasize that Rhodes Island is an international company and does not bear the national affiliation of Columbia... Although my target for seeking help was indeed Columbia... It's like how, if we were heading east, I would seek help from the Great Yan."

"With the Old Nobility interfering in Ursus's internal administration to the point that even the Inner Guards is divided into factions based on 'loyalty' or 'disloyalty,' we can't expect Ursus's help... Its own situation is like a Giants fighting between two opposing forces; we're just lucky if we don't get caught up in it." (Sobbing)

"So... that's why there was propaganda about the Columbia frontier policy?"

Nodding, Medic said: Three

"This is also for the safety of your compatriots... You must know that sometimes a bill may have good intentions, but there may be bad people with bad intentions... Just like some companies in Ursus will side with the Old Nobility Faction for cheap labor, Columbia's original insurance policy... is also starting to show signs of getting out of control due to the reclamation quotas..."

As he spoke, Medic suddenly remembered something and looked in Mary's direction: Silk

"Furthermore, there's the issue of child soldiers like Frostleaf being discharged... We'll deal with that together when I return to Columbia. Mary, your problem is the same." (Jun)

When the topic shifted back to herself, Mary, the orange cat who had been hiding her neck and acting like a nobody, quickly put down her teacup and waved her hand, clearly having forgotten that Medic no longer had sight.

"Let's return to our own topic... In Columbia, the veneer of civilization is a good thing; people are generous with their compassion for their own tragedies. The weapon called 'public opinion' operates with 'exposure' as its ammunition..."

"The Infected in Ursus can fill a large number of pioneer quotas, but they are also likely to become targets for lazy people. After all, the Infected from other places have neither a powerful backer nor familiar connections. Even if they find that they have been deceived, they have no way to protect their rights. Many unscrupulous people like to bully people like this."

"Therefore, as part of Rhodes Island's sincerity, we will make those of you willing to pioneer in Columbia your representatives in promoting Columbia's the Infected policy... This is entirely beneficial to the Columbia leadership. Even if other forces try to interfere, I have ways to ensure you get what you need... The price is that you must cooperate with the government's propaganda efforts... Of course, you can come to me if anything goes wrong."

"I am your best source of information in Columbia."

When talking about Columbia, Medic herself seemed unaware that her tone had become firm when discussing her familiar territory... as if she could do anything in that country.

The others didn't say anything about it... but everyone silently remembered that you could contact Medic for anything related to Columbia.

While she understood the need to seek Columbia's assistance, Talulah remained quite concerned about the involvement of another major power.

"... Is this alright? If it's discovered that Columbia is involved... it could very well be used by the Old Nobility Faction as a pretext for war... Not to mention that the western snow mountains and swamps are not suitable for large vehicles, Exploration Vehicle would already be barely enough..."

Medic smiled at Talulah's concerns.

"Don't worry, if it's just about resupplying, we have a wealth of experience..."

[Your so-called extensive experience in requesting assistance involves using Ursus's military channel to switch to Columbia's experimental warship?]

The voice of the girl with the Rhodes Island communications codename 'Puff', the captain of the Columbian Experimental Hovering Sand Cruiser TDD, seemed somewhat distorted in the communications due to the transmission loss of the Originium circuit. Even so, Medic could still see the white-haired, pointy-eared girl in front of him holding her forehead, seemingly with a headache and a wry smile.

[However... does it relate to the factional struggles within Ursus's internal political landscape... or even the favor of a Grand Duke's heir? Indeed, it can't be said that it's unrelated to my work... Although I personally don't care much about 'politics,' at the colonel's level, it's impossible to completely ignore it.]

While talking about Puff, she fiddled with the end of her own braid, as if laughing as she said:

[So, my dear Number Seventy-Seven. You've prepared an irresistible condition for Rhodes Island, for the Infected, and even for Ursus itself... What have you prepared for me? What grounds do you intend to use to command three hundred crew members and one hundred and fifty marines to act on your behalf?]

"... The Emperor's Blades, an Inner Guards who betrayed the emperor and whom the emperor said he could deal with at my disposal... What are your terms?"

Is this all?

Seeing the expectant look in Puff's eyes, Medic remained stunned for a while until Cole reminded him. Our adorable cat then answered hesitantly, looking a little dazed:

"Then... I'll bring you a souvenir..."

[Okay~ It's a deal! Send me your requirements, and also send me the communication port code for the Shieldguards. I'll send you messages later as an unofficial Shieldguards...]

[Although I still want to complain, using the Ursus army's communication links to contact the Columbia fleet—you think you can just act recklessly because you have the Emperor and that woman behind you? One day you'll die from being betrayed by some unsuspecting bystander.]

Since he really didn't know how to reply to Puff's message, Medic could only reply with "Mm" and then hang up.

Not long after, a new Shieldguards signal contacted the Exploration Vehicle via the Ursus communication link.

It's safe to say that she truly deserves to be Columbia's only airship captain. Even with the label of "beautiful girl, "Puff can manage things perfectly without Medic needing to say anything. It's no wonder she can get along so well with her manager. Like Kal'tsit, they both have their own unique skills.

After leaving the long-standing supply problem to the Columbia Security Bureau and military, Medic began to contemplate his next move on the deserted air bridge.

The Exploration Vehicle sped across the Snowfield, testing the Inner Guards' methods of controlling Demons. Talulah's conditions were also agreed upon, and both sides signed the documents... The last thing to do was...

"... FrostNova..."

Remembering that he seemed to have stood someone up, Medic groped his way to get up... and with PRTS's voice guidance, the cat that had just stepped outside felt a very unique and easily recognizable body temperature.

"I was wondering if this busy person, always running around doing everything, had forgotten about me..."

Recalling the communication PRTS had forwarded to her, White Rabbit looked down at the black-haired Feline in her arms, who seemed like a fragile work of art, and felt a pang of jealousy... Only now did she realize for the first time that the gentleness in front of her wasn't just directed at her.

FrostNova initially thought it was a good thing that a doctor was on the side of the Infected, but seeing her always busy herself with others and forgetting about herself at the very end, she realized that this was a good thing.

This gave FrostNova, who had been going to bed later and later lately, some... complaints.

"So, can my treatment begin?"

"Um... not now... um, nail clippers..."

"Need to trim my nails? Hmm... actually, this length is alright."

Playing with Medic's soft, delicate hands—clearly untouched by physical labor and a stark contrast to her own—it took the White Rabbit a while to realize what she was doing... Then, blushing, she asked:

"But aren't your eyes sealed right now? Can you manage on your own?"

"Should... be okay?"

Puzzled, Medic pushed the bandage up a corner, and then the cat saw a pair of hands holding a knife, wearing a ring, and covered in blood... Hmm, it was the same ring as the Franka had seen before, the kind she liked.

Medic silently tightened the bandage and didn't look at it again.

So what's wrong with this Foresight? It sees everyone as someone you could potentially have a relationship with, and everyone's always trying to get rid of you, right?

If you have nothing else to do, you can bite a lighter! If that doesn't work, try flying into the sky or fighting monsters in the sea a few more times. Please stop letting yourself die from inexplicable emotional problems, okay?

Just as the cat was thinking this with such indignation, FrostNova's voice came from the side.

"Medic?"

"... It doesn't seem like it will work..."

"Hmm... shall I help you?"

"Okay, sure."

With a strange smile on her face, FrostNova took Medic's hand...

It seems her treatment will have to be postponed.

P. S.: From now on, even if I get sick, I'll have to wait until the end of the month to go to the doctor... The beginning of the month is really unbearable... Why hasn't my temporary relief gone down, and instead it's gotten worse?

The amount of water I need to hang has increased, and it seems the only thing that's decreased is my wallet QAQ.

PS2: So, which one should I choose to spend my whole life with the cat?

My personal feeling is that anyone would be fine, since most of the well-known characters in Arknights have their own charm... There are so many high-quality candidates that it's a luxury to not be able to choose.

I initially chose Jessica as the cat's partner... but considering that there's an SS episode coming up soon in the Blacksteel storyline, the tearful cat will have to continue spending time with Medic from the furthest distance for a while longer.

How about we go for something shocking like adult casual sex...? But if we arrange it that way, wouldn't we be heading straight for an inevitable tragedy? (Thinking)

So, in the end, is it better for the cat to be like, "Should we just break up with her?"

... I've been sick lately and my brain isn't working very well. Any suggestions?

PS3: Meow Meow Cat

4th Crimson Warm Winter: Route 138

Time slipped through their fingers unnoticed. For the members of the Reunion Movement, they boarded the bus to Columbia and put on warm clothes.

Not only do they have doctors to help treat Oripathy, but even the food problem they used to worry about every day can now be solved with plenty of food every day... Although the Ursus army from the Old Nobility Faction is still chasing them, and they may even face off against Ursus's secret forces in the future, no one is worried about that, because life is getting better and better.

Even the members who always had stern faces and looked bitter and resentful have softened their expressions a lot during this period. After all, even Talulah, a martial arts executive who always maintains a serious demeanor, would occasionally show a smile.

But for Rhodes Island, the situation may be quite the opposite.

Not only were the members of the Human Resources Department Action Team becoming more serious, but even the members of the A4 Action Group, who managed the vehicles, could sense that things were getting increasingly difficult.

While the Reunion Movement members spent a few days adjusting to sleeping on the floor in the Exploration Vehicle, the Rhodes Island members took time to hold a meeting. Just as the Reunion Movement members were looking to the future, the Rhodes Island members had to protect the 'present'.

"The food issue summary, everyone should have seen the PRTS documents. Now we need to start planning the route to Columbia immediately, and we need to know the detailed vehicle status... Durin?"

With Medic's undisguised worry, the blonde 'young girl' who had been struggling to stay awake finally stood up hesitantly after being reminded by Yato beside her.

"Hmm... should I say the situation is good or bad... Ignoring the boring scientific data, to sum it up, it's the best of the worst... It's just fortunate that the minister refurbished the vehicle before setting off and also purchased supplies from the Ursus people half a month ago, otherwise it's questionable whether the vehicle would even be able to move now."

"So, basic navigation isn't affected? We might have to cross the Sami Mountains on the Ursus border, then traverse the Sami Wetlands, until we reach the Kazimierz border where it's a bit safer... The condition of the Exploration Vehicle will determine our route..."

While speaking, he asked PRTS to release the routes he had set. In addition to the three routes set by 'shortest distance', 'safest and most secretive', and 'easiest to obtain supplies', there was also an alternative route marked in gray.

This is Medic's habit, much like Ticarondo's backup plan C, a strong attack option when all other routes are unavailable, chosen based on the logic of 'being able to travel at the highest speed'.

While working with the terrain map, and ignoring the bright red countdown on the screen displaying the 'Estimated Pursuit Time Limit for Durin Ursus Army Group,' Durin hesitated for a while. Standing almost as tall as Rosemary, Durin looked around and, seeing everyone waiting for his judgment, sighed helplessly.

"... The top speed is not enough... Driving in the Snowfield mountains has caused severe wear and tear on the brakes and transmission. Although it hasn't reached the point of failure yet, the handling sensitivity has definitely decreased. If possible, don't put too much pressure on the car... After all, this is not a city car. If it breaks down, we can't push it by hand."

Durin's words left everyone looking at each other in bewilderment, and seeing that no one objected, PRTS rejected the assault plan, and the route on the map, which was mainly composed of plains, immediately dimmed.

"So, continuing... if high-pressure driving is impossible, does that mean the shortest route is also impossible?"

"... No... Boss, are you really planning to drive over the snow-capped mountains? I thought that route was just released for testing..."

Hearing Durin's troubled tone, Medic lowered his head slightly, seemingly reflecting for a moment, and marked the route that appeared to be the shortest, directly crossing the Sami Snow Mountains, with a red cross.

"So, there's no other choice..."

Medic's voice was soft; although everyone could hear it, it sounded more like he was talking to himself.

After all, with food supplies lasting less than a week, trying to take a safe and secretive route is almost suicidal.

As Medic tapped the tablet, PRTS thoughtfully displayed the details of Medic's designed 'supply route'.

This is a route that doesn't prioritize safety, but rather uses areas supported by Columbia as its navigation nodes... What's more intriguing is the countdown timer at each node, whether in the Snowfield or the depressions.

The closer it is to the west, the later the countdown, easily suggesting it represents 'supply arrival'... But this raises another problem: if the Exploration Vehicle travels at full speed, it can reach the nearest route node today, but the countdown to that node is a full three days long.

However, if we ignore this node, then traveling to the next node... even ignoring Durin's warning about mechanical wear and tear, and completely disregarding any potential unforeseen events along the way, reaching Number Two Node would still take at least four days.

The giant cat, its tail hooked around Medic's calf, scratched its head in annoyance: Lin

"In other words, if we don't wait for us at Number One Node to continue forward, we'll definitely go hungry... but if we wait here for three days..."

"... The pursuers, whether they are the Snake Scales or the Inner Guards who might come to stop us, will inevitably face a battle..."

Recalling what Kal'tsit had taught her in class, Rosemary glanced at Blaze's actions next to Medic, then moved her chair closer to Medic, and then, imitating her, wrapped her tail around Medic's leg... However, the Little Cat's tail wasn't as long as Blaze's, so she was now almost glued to Medic.

However, the Little Cat has always been very attached to Medic, so everyone is used to it.

Today, because the Oripathy from the Reunion Movement have all stabilized, Folinic has styled her hair in a ponytail more suitable for daily activities, sighed: a

"So, it seems we have many choices... but is the only optimal choice the safest and most reliable one?"

Because they were on different teams, and because he had been sleeping the whole time, they hadn't spent much time together. Durin, thinking that Folinic was somewhat dissatisfied with his limited options, quickly explained, "Privately..."

"Well... running the Exploration Vehicle at top speed isn't out of the question... but that would mean resupplying the Originium Reactor's coolant and the Originium solution used in the steam turbines..."

Although everyone knew that Folinic's sigh wasn't directed at Durin's words still made the operators unfamiliar with mechanics raise their hands in curiosity... It was Su Sulo:

"Um, I thought large vehicles were semi-permanent equipment that only needed to be stopped for maintenance every few years... Shouldn't Originium Reactor be like semi-perpetual motion machines?"

"Of course not. Mobile Landmass and the like have fuel processing modules that make you think they can run indefinitely... This vehicle uses a relatively new and energy-efficient steam turbine from the surface world, which also requires Originium fuel... However, we only need to replenish the fuel once before the Number Four Node; the key is the coolant."

"Unlike Mobile Landmass, the Exploration Vehicle doesn't have many areas that generate a lot of waste heat. The reactor and turbine both require a large amount of coolant circulation... Normally, in cruise mode and occasional afterburner operation, it can be maintained by the low temperature and air cooling of the Snowfield itself, but it's a different story under critical operating conditions... Incidentally, if we want to climb snow-capped mountains, the turbine will definitely need to enter a supercritical steam state... If I'm the only person in the Engineering Department, it's impossible to monitor the entire vehicle operating at such high intensity for an extended period of time..."