Chapter 150

Here, at Laisenton Third Public Hospital, is both a sponsor of the ICA and the place where Nana and Rosemary stayed when they escaped.

Now, even the Kitty Killer remembers how he used to see everyone as a bad guy, and how he and the Touch of the Durin Clan were talking about joining Rhodes Island... Looking back now, it's more accurate to say that Rhodes Island's missions occupied most of his time rather than making him an ICA agent.

However, Nana doesn't dislike it. If she had to pinpoint the annoying part, it's that she only went away for a few years and then came back to find someone causing trouble at home... She clearly wants to be a person with ideals and aspirations, just like her manager instructed, so why do you all insist on making her go back to her old ways?

With these questions in mind, Nana Qianyi Lin Yiqi Shiwu Jiushi Jiu Ba Zhe Typhon completed the visitation procedures.

"An employee of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Hmm... you did have an appointment, and it seems your superior has already brought someone to visit..."

"Yes, we live quite far away, so we're late... Could you tell our colleague's ward?"

After hesitating for a moment, Nana continued to ask:

"By the way, what exactly was her injury?"

Hearing Nana's question, the receptionist glanced at Nana listlessly. Only after the cheerful, blonde girl in red smiled and handed her a Columbian Dollar coin did the nurse perk up.

"The reason for her hospitalization was that she was caught in a gang attack, right? She was shot several times. At that distance, even the best protective gear wouldn't have been effective... Look at her medical records; she even had a bullet from a large Firearms Arts shot in her lower abdomen..."

"A large-scale Firearms Arts?! She actually survived?"

"... Fortunately, it was a ricochet, so the injury wasn't deep... of course, some physical pain was inevitable."

Seeing the nurse shrug, Nana chuckled wryly. The two then received their reservation tickets and showed the security guard their 'laboratory' ID cards and reservation tickets.

After being listlessly reminded by a security guard in a bulletproof vest and carrying a riot shield, "You have two hours," Nana led Typhon into the less crowded inpatient ward.

For Typhon, the courtyard of the inpatient department, planted with many plants, was a rare green oasis in the otherwise rugged concrete jungle. But now was clearly not the time to let this silly child play freely. Moreover, Nana was a little worried that if she let her act on her own, she might eat grass in public... Back when it was snowing in the mountains Typhon always liked to grab whatever was edible and stuff it into her mouth.

This unexpectedly gave Nana the idea of feeding her child on time... Anyway, putting aside these digressions, following the well-designed ward signage, Nana easily found her target ward.

She knocked lightly on the door, and after receiving permission from the familiar voice, Nana entered the room.

"Hello, sorry we're a little late..."

"No, the timing is perfect... Nana? Or Alice?"

Nana glanced speechlessly at her manager, who was eating an apple, then sighed and casually moved a chair to sit down.

"Just call me Nana... It would be funny if I didn't recognize the name Alice... So, this is my... 'guide'?"

Looking at the girl on the hospital bed, with her bob haircut, extremely ordinary short, slightly wavy brown hair, and very noticeable freckles (perhaps without makeup), holding the hand of the person beside the bed while sobbing with a bewildered expression, Nana, completely immersed in her 'new personality,' helplessly made a 'huh-huh' sound:

"It doesn't seem like it?"

"... No matter what, neither Lycoris nor the ICA would allow you to take a wounded soldier to the front lines... This is Lycoris, who was recently injured in combat. She's a first-year student and hasn't achieved any notable accomplishments yet, so she doesn't have a codename... As you can see, she's a Liberi."

"... I didn't see any tail feathers... Could it be that someone really erased their racial characteristics to avoid revealing information?!"

As Nana uttered those words, which, though unintentional, sounded somewhat sarcastic, the manager couldn't hold back any longer... Part Two

Nana, do you have the right to say such things? You can change your racial characteristics at will, are you truly fearless?

However, Nana also realized that she had let herself go a bit too much after changing her identity this time. She then scratched the back of her head and looked at the person being led by the injured Lycoris... It was actually someone in red?

Hmm... short hair, completely bare face... I don't know if it's because of her mood, but at first glance she looks fierce, so let's just call her Miss Fierce and Ferocious.

"Ah, sorry... So, you're my guide?"

"A guide? I've never heard of that..." Qi

As the agent chewed on an apple, she began to introduce Nana to this girl who looked to have just come of age, probably the most recent red-clad top student: Shirt.

"She's not Little Raiden, she's this child's 'older sister'... Hmm, you haven't forgotten the sister mentoring system, have you..." (private message)

"Ah, although I've never led anyone before, the first-year bob-haired kid was injured under the guidance of this... Thunder Operator, right? I think I understand..."

"Hey, you... if you can't speak, you don't have to!"

Seemingly concerned about the presence of her manager, the operator codenamed Thunder, though also dressed in red, was as roaring and irritable as her codename suggested.

Even Typhon, who had remained silent since entering, was somewhat startled by the loud voice. Just as Nana was laughing and apologizing, there was another knock at the door. Nana's hand naturally went to her skirt pocket.

"Lord Eternal Constant, it is I."

"Ah... here she comes... Nana, this is the guide I prepared for you... Don't mind the tape on her face, that's... um, from being hit by Little Raiden."

Seeing Blue Lycoris, enter the ward carrying several takeout containers, Nana knew that it was indeed one of her own. Without a word, she withdrew her hand, which had almost drawn its gun.

"Being struck by Thunder... why?"

"You must have checked the little guy's medical records when you came in... Don't deny it, I know you did... Who do you think fired that large-caliber stray bullet into the little guy's abdomen?"

As her manager sighed, both amused and exasperated, Nana couldn't help but let out an "Oh dear" as well... However, it was just an accidental injury. In Nana's opinion, as long as no one died, it wasn't a big deal. A proper apology would make them good friends again, right?

But to Nana's surprise, after setting out the bowls and chopsticks, the black-haired girl put her hands behind her back, stood at attention, and said:

"I did nothing wrong... In that situation, firing directly was the best option."

"You fucking almost killed Nono! Inoue Takina, have you really reflected on your actions?!"

Hmm, it seems Nono is the name of this youngest first-grader, and this one in blue... is his name Inoue? A Columbia from the Higashi? That's quite rare.

Watching the volatile girl codenamed Thunder stride up to Inoue and grab her by the collar of her uniform, Nana glanced at her unmoved manager, then helplessly stepped forward and grabbed the wrist of the fierce-looking girl who was about to punch someone in the face.

"Well... I understand you're heartbroken that your 'little sister' is injured, but she's about to become my guide and participate in my mission, which means she'll soon be my 'little sister' too... So, for my sake... ah, how about letting her go for the sake of Lord Eternal Constant?"

Whether it was Nana's forced smile or not, the fierce-looking girl, who had tried several times to pull her wrist back, finally managed to stammer, "She's a notorious problem child. I'll wait until she loses her 'older sister's' protection for the third time..."

PS: Although the name Inoue Takina is still mentioned in this volume, her ancestors were Iberia who fled to the Higashi due to the Great Silence. Later, her parents fled again due to the Higashi–Ursus War, during which time Takina became an orphan and was taken in by Lycoris.

Essentially, she's still a tragic, beautiful core character in Arknights... Of course, in Arknights' worldview where kings and generals truly have guts, how strong Takina really is is probably still worth putting in quotes.

Just remember her design. I went through a lot of deliberation, but I always felt that since the main characters were all cosplaying Chizuka, it would be missing something without Takina... so I brought her out anyway.

So don't try to connect this to the original Rumble novel (I'll repeat that three times here)... If you really want to, just focus on the visuals.

After all, the core of RL was trying to play the Batman game but failed miserably. We don't play that game here... Nana is essentially a tragedy absorber that I, from outside the fourth wall, am involved in. She herself may suffer, but she will definitely make others happy.

PS2: Meow Meow Cat

5th Laytonson's Ghost Assassin: 161 Opening Ceremony

Nana also realized that she had been far too oblivious to the outside world in the past. She had never imagined that the members of the Lycoris organization, where she had been for three years, were so... unique.

First, there's the person at the center of this minor conflict: a first-year student who lacks any opinions or convictions, and who was completely lost and confused from the beginning, uttering nothing.

Nana told herself not to be too harsh on the newcomer. At least she had been genuinely shot a lot during the mission. Although it seemed that the most serious injuries were caused by ricochets from her own heavy Firearms Arts, she should still congratulate her for surviving, rather than coldly pointing out her mistakes during the mission. Those things could be used for her to reflect on in a serious setting. Nana believed that, from an emotional intelligence perspective, this was the proper way to handle the situation.

Then there's 'Little Raiden,' who seems to be constantly filled with anger, from Nana's perspective, is someone neither the special agent nor the assassin can graduate from.

Nana couldn't quite recall Lycoris had paid attention to the mental health of the various units. Perhaps she had simply overestimated the value of the 'Chief' title, or perhaps Thunder was simply feeling guilty about the injuries to her team members, which was causing her emotional instability...

But if Nana really have to give my opinion, regardless of the objective factors that led to the injury of another member of the group by Inoue Takina's Blue Lycoris... the underlying meaning is ultimately that Thunder lost control of the situation on the spot.

As a chief, a codenamed Lycoris, the highest-ranking representative of the ICA Operations Department, and the face and business card of the agent in PMC business... she looks unkempt and sloppy, probably because she is taking care of her juniors in the hospital, so Nana will let her off the hook here.

But to attribute the injury of one subordinate entirely to another, based on the limited but largely accurate information available, suggests that Little Raiden, as the current top leader, must be at least somewhat incompetent and unreasonable... After all, Inoue is also your subordinate; you can't be so blatantly biased, right? Or are you trying to shift the blame by doing this in front of your manager?

Finally... let's turn our attention to Inoue Takina, compared to the previous two, at least in terms of temperament and actions, seems more like a proper ICA member...

Nana's first impression of her was actually the best. Compared to Thunder's sloppy appearance, Takina's timely reminder when she opened the door, her proper bow when she entered, her military-like demeanor, and her genuinely beautiful black-haired high Higashi girl appearance... it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she was the typical Lycoris image in Nana's mind.

But... if Nana understands correctly, Thunder's "three times losing her sister's protection" means that, as an operative, she had already been "returned" to Lycoris by the ICA three times before?

What's the difference between this and going to a company for an internship only to be told you're not capable enough to get a full-time position?

If Lycoris and ICA are really just a regular girls' college and sponsoring company, that's fine. If we really can't do it on-site, we can just move to an indoor office.

But this is the third time in a row... Normally Nana would think this indicates a major deficiency in her abilities, but she's a Blue-Clad... Although she's numerous compared to the Red-Clad Chief who only produces one per year at the academy, the Blue-Clad title is an affirmation of her professional skills, an official certification similar to Rhodes Island's 'Elite Operator'...

Blue Lycoris was returned three times; no matter how Nana thought about it, it was still somewhat abstract.

The only possibility is that Inoue Takina has a flaw that makes it impossible for her superiors to compromise...

"A problem child..."

Looking at the genuine high school girls who were still playing the staring game even after she pulled them apart, Nana, who had been out of the running for who knows how long but still mingled among them, looked at her manager with a bitter expression:

"Or perhaps I should go myself..."

"No, because no one else wants to take care of Takina, so I have to put you in the top priority to take care of her... Even if you don't go back to Columbia this year, I'm still going to have her come to Rhodes Island to find you."

"... If it's just a group of 'sisters,' I already have Typhon..."

"Typhon doesn't count, she's old enough to be your daughter."

As the manager waved his hand, the girls who had just been playing "Red Light, Green Light" suddenly froze. They first looked at Typhon, who was pointing with his finger, and then looked at Nana with eyes that said, "This guy is eight years old."

Ignoring the sudden strange atmosphere among the girls, Nana looked at Takina face was still covered with medical bandages, with a troubled expression... Now, not only Typhon, but also Mary, Frostleaf, and Eileen, who had already entered the ICA logistics department to experience life... Her ties were increasing, and her weaknesses were gradually becoming more and more numerous.

From a pure assassin's perspective, he is becoming weak... but his agent seems to be happy about it.

If assigning herself to Kal'tsit in the past was just a matter of convenience, then this time, sending a problem child to her confirms to Nana that her manager probably doesn't like her as an 'assassin' at all.

"I seem to have gone off-topic a bit. Let's get down to business, Nana..."

As the agent's smile faded, the assassin cat also became expressionless. The Lycoris in the ward immediately spread out and took up positions to be on guard, while the agent tossed out the documents she had prepared.

"I once said that the VIP Incident a year ago marked the beginning of our war with that organization... Lycoris, who survived that year, is right here... Nono's injury this time is a sign that the situation has escalated."

"After all, the worst situation in the past was nothing more than a firefight between large Firearms Arts. Similar gang conflicts are common in Columbia... But this time, the other side has started using explosives. Although the explosives did not detonate thanks to the handling of Little Raiden and Takina, the meaning behind it is obvious... Either the people behind them are getting anxious, or they themselves are starting to get anxious."

"People will do anything when they're pushed to the limit. If things get too big and the government can't explain it to the public, then the ICA will become the government's way of explaining itself to the public... I know some people are definitely looking forward to this, but I think they're going to be disappointed."

"Nana, your return is just in time. The Little Raiden team, which has been maintaining the situation in Laisenton for the past few years, can finally rest and rotate... After all, in order to ensure that the ICA does not attract the attention of the military, I cannot gather all the 'chiefs' of other station affairs in one city... Certain malicious accusations have drawn a lot of attention to our movements. In order to test what those people are trying to do, I even turned our house into this battlefield-like state... It was truly outrageous."

As he spoke, he took a cigarette from the pack, but seemingly remembering that this was a hospital room and there were several minors present, the agent could only squint slightly and pretend that the cigarette in his hand was already lit...

The manager, with eyes as sharp as a hawk's, looked at Nana, as if asking if she was ready.

"Now, I will reintroduce them... to our ICA's ace, the legendary Ghost Assassin ... and my unwavering commitment to maintaining peace in Columbia."

"... Excuse me, manager... with my methods, it might be difficult to achieve your goal of clearly warning the other party."

"Yes, I know..."

Smiling, she put the cigarette back in the metal case, straightened her suit, and prominently displayed the tie clip that symbolized 'Eternal Constant'. She slowly rose, smiling at the children on the hospital beds and those by the guarded windows.

"So I'll personally conduct the opening ceremony."

Takina frowned slightly at the manager's statement and said bluntly:

"A reckless act... You shouldn't put yourself in any possible danger..."

While Thunder wasn't as lacking in emotional intelligence as Takina, the suspicious look she gave Nana was quite obvious:

"Sir, even if you can't summon other chiefs... you can still summon regular ICA action teams..."

"No, no~ Wouldn't that be considered a gang fight? And then it would give those guys who're watching me a reason to investigate... I won't do something like that that would give them something to talk about... Ah, I understand. As far as Lycoris is concerned, Nana's achievements are still from eight years ago. For young people, unless they are familiar with history or have read the files thoroughly, it's hard to notice Nana's position in the ICA."

With a smile, the manager gestured for Takina to follow, and then left with Nana and Typhon.

"Don't worry~ From now on, it's time to fight back."

"Although they said those cool things when they left, I think Little Raiden and the others weren't wrong. It's supposed to be an intelligence-related position, but they're going to the front lines with us... Manager, you really didn't just make this decision on a whim, did you?"

"Of course not... it's just a normal exchange of gifts. The reason they're targeting the ICA isn't just because they're the only ones handling work related to the ICA, but probably because they themselves also have ideas about replacing it..."

"Just as they know the best way to replace the ICA is to prove that the 'Ghost of Laisenton' doesn't exist, the best way to establish my authority is to prove them wrong from the ground up, by stepping on their faces."

Perhaps because she had spent too much time with the clowns of Rhodes Island, Nana's first reaction when she heard her manager say that was, 'Why reward them?'... But as Nana started the manager's car, set the destination, and replaced Typhon, Typhon, Takina was able to better utilize her 'co-pilot' abilities, frowned slightly as she looked at that seat.

"This is... the location we investigated before, the site where dangerous goods transactions took place..."

"Hmm~ But that's not a trading location, Takina. Intelligence indicates that the unfinished construction site has already been bought. Judging from the flow of funds, that area is the temporary base for that organization's armed personnel... or, their future headquarters?"

"Although I tried reporting the presence of dangerous Originium artifacts to the police before letting you intervene directly, it was completely ineffective... The people behind them have at least as much influence over the police as I do... But that doesn't matter. If they can't get involved, then they'd better not get in the way."

"So, we're directly attacking the enemy's lair?"

The manager nodded in confirmation, his eyes bright and cheerful, at Typhon's keen intuition. But when Takina frowned and asked, "So... what's the plan?"... a hint of slyness crept into the manager's smile.

"It's simple. They want to use gang rebellion against us, so I'll retaliate with gang rebellion... Nana?"

Recalling that she initially just wanted to go back to Laisenton to spend Christmas with her Little Cat, but given that things had come to this point, Nana couldn't just leave it at that... So, amidst Typhon's curious expression, Nana sighed, maintaining her initial pretense:

"Okay, okay, yes, yes... I just can't do anything with you."

Amidst laughter and conversation, the ICA's black luxury sedan arrived at a construction site... It seemed that the handover was not yet complete, as there were no workers present, nor were the men in old-fashioned military uniforms seen in the neutral zone.