Chapter 146

The expressionless assassin simply turned the steering wheel with one hand at the same moment the gun fired, causing the car to crash into the other party again. But a police car is not the same as a small van that can be easily smashed... Back then, to deal with the Laisenton gang, the agent sponsored the police department with quite a few good cars.

Not only are they powerful, but most of them are also equipped with armor that can withstand portable siege crossbows, and their overall weight is comparable to the Ursus military vehicle that everyone is driving.

As the two sides collided with a loud crash, even Mary, who had witnessed battles between Rhodes Island personnel and Ursus troops, couldn't help but gasp in surprise... The little nun never imagined that such a violent incident would occur even after they had reached the city.

"So what exactly is going on now?!"

Frostleaf, who was protecting Mary but couldn't do much inside the car, asked this question. Eileen, observing the police car pressed against her through the shield's peephole, sighed, "Get up..."

"It's nothing more than... some company-related... business disputes?"

After hearing what Irene said, Typhon, who was still lying down, tapped his palm:

"I see. So this is what they call a business dispute? This is what they mean by 'the marketplace is like a battlefield'..." (Lin)

"No way! Miss Eileen shouldn't teach little Typhon strange knowledge!"

She shrugged, and before Eileen could continue flirting with the others, she suddenly saw the back window of the police car roll down, and then the muzzles of three Firearms Arts were pointed at her.

Eileen quickly braced herself with her shield and began using magic to enhance her 'weapon'. Immediately afterward, a series of gunshots rang out, and Nana felt ignored.

Accompanied by the sound of the hardened glass shattering against the rear window and Eileen's muffled groan, Nana pulled an ICA-customized pistol from her thigh holster through an opening in her skirt pocket...

'Bang--!'(

Even with the same loud gunshot, the unannounced firing from inside the car caused all of her companions to show pained expressions. But as the police car went out of control and quickly disappeared from sight, Nana glanced with a headache at the bullet hole in her driver's side window.

If someone with malicious intent were to take it for analysis, the residual Originium Arts on it would likely lead to a rapid connection between Rhodes Island's new operator 'Medic' and Ghost of Laisenton identity.

She scratched her cheek, and as the group of girls who had fought their way out of the Snowfield checked each other for injuries as if nothing was amiss, Nana glanced at the Intercity Network signal and made a phone call:-

"Hello? Is this the International Contract Agency (ICA)? I'm a member of the finance department at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, workstation number Number Seventy-Seven... My office is dirty and I need a cleaner."

[Okay, please tell me the location that needs cleaning and the extent of the dirt...]

"On National Highway 15, at kilometer 25, there's a van and a police car with an unknown amount of dirt and grime. Also, I need to dispose of some Ursus military vehicles. Please contact a recycling center for me."

[Okay, we have scheduled cleaning and recycling services for you. Please send it to the recycling center once it is ready for recycling... Eh? Sir... Okay, please wait a moment, we are currently switching to a secure line...]

Hearing the operator make strange noises, Nana instinctively thought that the ICA headquarters had been breached, but upon closer inspection, something seemed off... until that familiar, languid voice came through the receiver, and a smile instinctively appeared on Nana's lips.

[Ah, you're back, Number Seventy-Seven... It sounds like things didn't start well.]

"It might just be a probe into whether Rhodes Island is an ally of the ICA... I'm already heading into the city."

[Unfortunately, their probing was correct; Rhodes Island is indeed our ally... But even so, you'd better not let your ally flaunt your identity everywhere.]

"I know what I'm doing, and so does Kal'tsit ..."

[Well, I never doubted her... Let's discuss the details in person. Everything you need has been arranged here. You know where to meet me...]

As the phone call ended, Nana shrugged at everyone, and after helping Typhon adjust his chair... they passed through a tollbooth... this was Raisington City's 'Customs'.

Although the girls were somewhat uncomfortable with the silent police cars flashing their warning lights after the attack, Nana easily passed through thanks to the credentials from the National Laboratory and Rhodes Island... This meant that the local government hadn't directly participated in the war between the ICA and that unknown organization, which was good news.

"... The real police in Laisenton don't chase targets on bicycles. For some reason, they swarm criminals. You can remember that... Also Typhon, remember the traffic rules I told you. Memorize them as if they were the rules of your tribes."

"As for Frostleaf and Mary, although you have returned to the city of the attribute, as you can see, the city is not in good condition. Frostleaf, you should treat it as a quasi-war zone for now. As for Mary... before you get the protection of the Laterano people, you can listen to Frostleaf's opinions more."

"I've already prepared the place you're going to, Eileen. It's a 'way out' I promised everyone. We'll talk about it later... As for Typhon..."

Looking at the little purple-haired creature, it's clear that Nana doesn't usually bring anyone else on official missions... just like this time she didn't even bring the Little Cat.

But Typhon's situation was delicate, because she was being slowly and steadily corrupted by the Demons surrounding the black bow... And Typhon herself had nothing but a goal to fight against the Demons.

She couldn't protect herself, yet she's still safe and sound... Nana thinks that aside from the influence and help from the Cyclopes named Alki, it's probably the protection of the snowball's owner... 'Anma'.

When she saw that thing in the car earlier, although Typhon kept saying it was just a snowball, Nana clearly saw a pure white void... Unlike the disgusting Pollution of the Demons terror, the white void and the gentle pupil behind it did not add any extra burden of Collapse to Nana.

However, when she made eye contact with 'Anma', Nana felt a clear loss of power due to the other's observation... Just like when Nana took over the Dominion of the dead Inner Guards, contact with a real the Warp creature, even just being looked down upon, was extremely dangerous for Nana.

Although it may have been an unconscious act by Anma, the phrase "being taken in by the other party," combined with the various functions of Collapse, is indeed a very accurate description.

Unfortunately, although Anma is powerful, his true form is probably still Sami, who is located in the base world... As for Columbia, Typhon's safety can only be entrusted to Nana.

Without the protection of that Sami 'Anma' in the Warp, she was as vulnerable as a newborn without an immune system when exposed to the Warp in her sleep... The only outcome of leaving her unattended would be Typhon Collapse into Demons and killing him with his own hands.

Therefore, Nana must take her with her; this is a contract reached between the two on the Snowfield... But in doing so, her identity, her actions, and her relationship with her will be inextricably linked.

Nana didn't know if the little hunter was prepared; Nana even felt that the little hunter had no idea what the choice she was facing meant.

But... Typhon herself has made her choice; she says she wants to become a hunter capable of hunting Demons.

Since that's the case, let's start with something simpler like hunting... Nana sighed, a sigh she herself didn't understand.

"Typhon, stay with me... don't leave."

"Um!"

Typhon expertly tightened the weapon case containing the huge bow and arrows on his back, and followed the others out of the carriage.

Everything in the city was incredibly new to Typhon. Although she wanted to ask why there were no trees or soil under her feet, just like Nana said, she should simply accept everything she didn't understand as the special rules of the special tribe of 'Columbia,' adapt to it, and gradually become a part of it... Typhon was very good at this.

"So, this is Columbia..."

Looking around at the minimalist... or rather, from Eileen's perspective, rather 'rudimentary' underground parking lot, the maid frowned slightly:

"I thought this country would be more... brighter... like turning the buildings white?"

"Miss Eileen, are you referring to the holy city of Sankta? Even on this day, Sankta's style is quite unique."

Compared to Mary's innocent and earnest explanation and smile, Frostleaf felt a bead of cold sweat drip down her forehead... Was it really okay to say such things in front of a Sarkaz?

But clearly, Frostleaf, who always worked in the rather serious Disciplinary Department, couldn't imagine how close Eileen and Mary were... They could even discuss the relationship between the Sankta doctrines in private.

Amidst this whimsical conversation and Nana's silent vigilance, the cat-eared girl casually hung the car keys in a metal box, destroying the car and the emergency food and water stored inside.

Nana hires top-tier Cleaners; they wouldn't be so clever as to leave any clues.

After that, they didn't go anywhere else. Nana led everyone directly through a sewer maintenance tunnel in the underground parking lot. Under the curious gazes of the other girls, Nana found a room that looked like a tool shed and led everyone inside.

Just as everyone was wondering why they had come to this dead end, Nana opened the junction box and flipped the circuit breaker. With a slight vibration, everyone realized that they and the room were falling rapidly.

Frostleaf was the first to react:

"... Is this an elevator?"

"Hmm, at the end of this road is a 'The Hotel'... a... neutral plot of land."

With a soft 'ding,' the door opened again, revealing a completely different plaza—a stark contrast to what they had just seen—that could only be described as 'magnificent'... or rather, a commercial street?

Nana's gaze immediately fell upon an open-air café, where four girls who looked like students, dressed in beige school uniforms, were looking around at all the entrances.

Nana wasn't surprised to see minors here... In fact, underage boy soldiers are everywhere in Columbia. Now that there's no war, it's not uncommon for those without education to become Mercenaries because they can't find jobs. At most, they're just young, pretty, and of school age, which makes them particularly eye-catching...

What truly caught Nana's attention was their uniform. Although it was a dress, the upper body had a layered design similar to a faux coat, and the lower body extended to five centimeters above the knee. This design, which could completely cover a full-size gun holster, was all too familiar to Nana... After all, she had a similar one in her original Wilson Apartments, only with slight differences in color.

'Lycoris'... To put it simply, it's the ICA's own professional girls' school. Although it sounds like a professional agent training center, Lycoris is not only for combatants. Most of the important civilian personnel in the ICA who need to maintain loyalty are also Lycoris.

It is actually closer to the concept of a broker's 'Eternal Constant' close protection.

The beige uniforms indicated that they had just completed their professional training. If they were in administrative positions, they should have changed into women's business suits after completing their training... Only combatants would dress like this, and from the perspective of both the ICA and the Security Bureau, their casual sitting at the entrance of the 'The Hotel' was still very inappropriate, even with the protection of a neutral facility.

Just as Nana was thinking about how to send a message to remind them that there were at least two full squads watching them in the square, Nana suddenly saw a clothing store sign repeating a message in a code she recognized.

Come here.

Yes, different colored lights combined with different flashing frequencies... Although it's a breathing light, it's enough to convey a message.

Nana looked around and finally decided to ignore the juniors who seemed to be bait for now, and led everyone into the Columbia clothing store.

P. S.: You might think this mission is a bit too intense... but as you all know, the ICA has been in a standoff with these Rogue Gloves for over a year... This atmosphere has been going on for a long time.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

5th Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 156 (Arranged one by one)

Unlike Nana, who was always on edge, Frostleaf was somewhat aware that emphasizing 'neutrality' meant that this place was a gathering place for warmongers. However, for the others, including Eileen, no one seemed to pay much attention to the atmosphere of the 'The Hotel'.

Because they had spent so much time either in the Snowfield countryside of Ursus or were so devastated by the civil war that they had almost forgotten what a prosperous commercial place should look like... Typhon, who didn't understand the concept of 'ready-to-wear' at all, was completely ignored. The girls on Rhodes Island, who were somewhat restrained, were like huskies running wild in the snow when they entered the ready-to-wear store.

If Nana hadn't spoken up and said not to go too far away from her, the girls probably would have just plunged into that colorful world to enjoy the conveniences brought by industrialization.

Of course, once it was confirmed that Frostleaf was protecting them, and even Typhon became a clothes hanger, being shown what to wear by Eileen and Mary, Nana looked at the familiar old man in front of her.

"... Ah, this taste... it's you, sir. It seems that no matter where I'm transferred, you'll always find me."

The blind old woman with white eyes laughed and joked. This Liberi is a tailor who is blind due to some congenital problem... However, her skills as a tailor are recognized by her agent. Since Nana can remember, all her clothes, whether uniforms or work clothes, have been made here.

Nana had also wondered if her manager introduced her to this old man simply because he valued her for never revealing her 'Ghost' appearance. But that didn't really matter. Returning to her 'hometown' and seeing familiar faces... Nana, who had never been emotionally affected by others before, felt a little 'touched' for the first time. This time, she took the initiative to shake hands with the man.

"Long time no see."

"Long time no see? Not long... just four or five years. I remember your boss said you were going on a business trip and ordered a large batch of clothes for you before you left... I originally thought you wouldn't come here for at least ten years."

"Maybe... but for some reasons, I have to buy some more..."

"Hmm... okay, let me 'see'... why haven't you grown at all, just like you did a few years ago?"

"... The doctor said I might stay like this forever..."

Feeling the calluses on the old man's fingertips with nostalgia, Nana's words made the old man burst out laughing:

"Oh, I see... But you seem much more cheerful since you came back this time... In the past, I, this old woman, was always the one saying, 'Guest, you've always been so quiet...' Speaking of which, what kind of clothes do you need this time? A uniform? Work clothes? Or loungewear?"

Listening to the old man's question, Nana looked at the photo wall used to pass messages to the ICA. From the thumbtacks and ropes anchoring the signs, she read the message that her agent needed Nana to stay close and act as Lycoris. Nana then stated her requirements:

"... Please give me a school uniform, for third grade..."

"School uniform? Ah... a class reunion... you should be around that age by now, do you have any needs regarding the material?"

"Please make it according to my highest-grade work uniform."

Listening to Nana's request, the old man, trembling, gripped the handrail in the shop's passageway and began to mutter to himself:

"The highest standard for work uniforms... How about carbon fiber blend material? But school uniforms that are too stiff won't look good, so I'll try to make it as soft as cashmere... Breathable bottom layer, hydrophobic surface, bright colors, while also being wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and cut-resistant... For a dangerous job Catastrophe Messengers, wearing the most durable clothing is really not excessive..."

As the old man waved his hand, the drawers on the wall that held various materials opened automatically, and needles and threads began to weave and dance in the air... Watching the bright red fabric rapidly change shape, Nana winked at the others, and they immediately gathered around.

"Grandma, my friends and I are going to sit in the staff area for a while. We're a little tired."

"Okay, okay, the company provides me with snacks and drinks every quarter, but I really can't finish them all. You young people have good appetites, so please help me use them up, otherwise the cleaning staff always say they're expired and need to be disposed of... that's such a waste."

Just as Nana was about to leave, seeing Typhon looking so reluctant to part with the clothes around him, it was as if a lightbulb suddenly went off in her head. Then, the cat took her apprentice's hand and led the bewildered purple-haired girl to the tailor:

"There's one more thing... Please make a uniform for my disciple as well, using the same specifications. You know the style; just use the colors from the first-year students."

"Eh? You have a disciple now, huh? Judging from the footsteps, I thought it was one of your colleagues... Let me confirm the size... Um... Is this a first-year student?"

Seeing Typhon fidgeting and clutching his chest, his face slightly Typhon, Nana suddenly felt a surge of anger for some reason. However, this emotion came and went quickly. Remembering she still had important matters to attend to, Nana said in a unchanged tone:

"Yes, thank you for your help... Do I need to pay a new deposit?"

"No need. You've been getting your clothes from me for almost ten years. I'll send you the bill along with the order."

After a few polite words, Nana led everyone into the inner room marked with a 'Staff' sign. The previously elegant decor seemed to revert to the typical underground structure: damp, smelly, with exposed and rusty water pipes, and rumbling ventilation ducts...

"What are we doing here?"

Nana decided to answer Frostleaf's questions with actions.

Another dazzling series of electrical box switches were activated, followed by a journey through several damp and dark corridors. Then, the group saw two girls in blue uniform dresses suddenly emerge from the darkness, their silent appearance startling Frostleaf.

Just as the young soldier was about to have a stress reaction, girls who seemed to be around the same age as Frostleaf saluted Nana and silently made way for her. Amidst the surprised exclamations of a few unsuspecting girls behind Nana, they entered a small room that, upon entering from the outside, revealed three doors leading to unknown destinations.

"... Welcome to my safe house... Even so, Nana, I was still startled to see you bringing so many people... I almost thought you were here to kill me."

"They were all involved in the operation... I never expected that just entering the city would lead to encountering 'bandits' disguised as police officers." Guilt

As she spoke, Nana and her manager exchanged a glance, then looked at the clueless girls behind them: fin

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to this person: Rhodes Island's partner and representative in Columbia..."

"Yes, I am the CEO of the International Contract Agency and the Finance Director of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Columbia... the kind of agency I only work with at the end of the year~ Hello everyone." Hiss

The self-introduction was fairly standard. While it might seem odd upon closer inspection that this seemingly unimportant person would meet Nana in such a secluded place, the manager's cheerful self-introduction led everyone to simply accept it as a Columbia custom and not delve into the reasons.

After skipping the introductions, the agent smiled and gestured to a large stack of documents on the table:

"Anyway, since we're all involved, let's get the work done efficiently. After all, Nana and I have some personal matters to attend to... First, Sister Mary, I feel very sorry for what happened to you. And coincidentally, regarding the incident that occurred in this city three years ago, the Laterano Church has set up Notarial Hall the investigators can handle the aftermath of that venerable priest... I think you could seek help from that 'Executor,' what do you think?"

"I... I have no objection."

Nodding, the agent took out his phone and typed a long string of keys at an abnormally fast pace before looking at the next person:

"Then, next is Miss Frostleaf... After hearing Nana tell me about your being 'sold' to Ursus by the army commander, I knew it would involve a lot of people."