Chapter 205

"... You said you were serious before, but did you give that seriousness to Jessica instead?"

Just as Amiya finished speaking, she and Rosemary rolled around in a ball, followed by Little Peach and Little Green. The lounge was filled with the children's laughter and tickling. Meanwhile, Medic, who was preparing to conduct Tactical Unit weapon use training as requested by Kal'tsit, picked up the Little Cat's Terminal. Huang and Su Sulo, who were nearby, quickly joined in.

"... Are you really going to work? And it's a special assignment... Rosemary, are you planning to do the task yourself?"

In response to Medic's concerned question, Rosemary, who had more "hands" and completely suppressed Amiya and the other two little ones, pricked up her ears and peeked out:

"Yes, if it were just me, I'd earn even more money!"

Listening to the Little Cat's explanation, Medic saw that she had already accepted the [Missing Child Investigation Mission], which only lacked the 'guardian's permission signature' prompt. Medic glanced at the mission location and said without hesitation:

"Going to Columbia City alone? That won't do... I won't allow you to go to such a dangerous place alone."

"Danger?"

Yes, it's dangerous... No one present knew better than Nana how dangerous the cities of Columbia were.

The military, companies, gangs, governments... even civilians on the street can't be considered completely harmless these days, given the prevalence of replica guns. Plus, Little Cat has almost no experience going out alone, so how could Medic possibly agree to her starting out with a solo mission?

Of course, a direct denial would be too much. Just as the Little Cat's ears drooped, Medic added:

"If Narcissa can find Elite Operator willing to accompany you, then I'll agree to let you go on missions... In any case, it's a good thing that you're willing to work, even if your motives aren't pure."

It's better to decide what you want to do than to think of Jessica first when the Little Cat wants something... so Medic generally supports this approach.

But the Little Cat showed strong resistance to having someone accompany it:

"Eh... would you like someone to join me on this mission?"

Anyone who knows Little Cat very well will probably realize by now that Rosemary simply doesn't want to share the mission bounty with others.

Seeing this, Huang chuckled inwardly. After exchanging glances with Medic and the others, the big cat raised a finger and said:

"Actually, Little Cat, you could say you'd do the whole task yourself~ That way, everyone else would just be going for a walk, right? You could take 90% of it, and if no one else helps, you could take less, right?"

"But..."

But at this time of year, who will help you travel with them?

Thinking this, the Little Cat, which had climbed off its friend, first looked at Huang.

"Me? No, no, I have my assessment today... Your mission is about to start, right?"

Seeing Huang's refusal, the Little Cat looked at Nana expectantly.

"... I can't either... I have more important tasks to complete."

As he spoke, Medic reached out and touched the cat's ears, which had drooped again. He knew that what he had said was undoubtedly a lie.

It's just a weapons test; they can do it whenever they want.

But this was the first time the Little Cat had shown the motivation to do something on her own; it was a rare opportunity. Medic, with Cole pinching his ear, told Narcissa to go and complete the mission herself.

As the Little Cat looked at Amiya, who, despite not having completed the Senior Operator assessment, was still a high-level operator, waved her hand: 8

"I still have tutoring... and I don't think I'm capable enough to go on a mission with you."

"... You do have some self-awareness..."

"Rosemary, do you want to fight?" Qi

Seeing the children scrambling together again in a chaotic frenzy, Medic felt that Kal'tsit should make some arrangements for this.

Just as she was pondering and preparing to text Kal'tsit to ask how she had arranged things with the Little Cat, a knock came at the door, and Outcast, with braided hair, a cowboy hat, and wearing the uniform of an elite Rhodes Island Elite Operator, entered the Human Resources Department's break room with a smile.

"I heard some little kids are looking for someone to go for a walk with~ Which cutie is it?"

PS: Waaaaaaah!

PSS: Here's a little task to help time move on... It feels like time has been stuck in the New Year period for a while now.

Then there's Medic's equipment to write about... I'll write it together with the Little Cat's solo quest.

Although everyone probably recognized it as the Unicorn's floating shield, it was painted with the Gundam livery from Thunderbolt Sector, with red and white trim. It looked a bit plain at first glance, but it was actually quite suitable for Medic, the emergency responder.

I also equipped Nana with a Beam Magnum... Of course, as a limitation, activating this equipment consumes the same amount of resources as a fighter jet...

I think Kal'tsit's idea of using heavy weapons to deal with the Seaborn is fine, it's just a matter of attrition... Also, don't talk about the Seaborn evolving, if you just kill everything you see, then there's no question of evolution.

Although that's just a last resort... In normal times, Medic can only play with high-tech melee weapons... But a lightsaber, yes, Originium Lightsaber, having that is enough to make me happy.

6th Patriot's Gun: 223 Historical Remnants

Having worked at Rhodes Island for several years, Medic has indeed developed a lot of goodwill towards Rhodes Island company... However, when it comes to his interactions within Rhodes Island, given his sensitive positions at Columbia and other institutions, if one were to draw a reverse diagram of Rhodes Island's relationship with Medic, Medic would be someone who is respected... but also viewed with suspicion.

Being Senior Elite Operator does not prevent Medic from continuing to work as a Columbia agent; in other words, Medic is the liaison between Kal'tsit and the ICA.

As a frontline Executor, Medic is only responsible to Kal'tsit. However, when things arise that test her interpersonal skills within the company, we can awkwardly discover that because of her limited time working within the Landship, those close to her are often unable to provide her with horizontal, peer-level administrative assistance.

After all, aside from her own department subordinates, few ministerial-level figures have a good relationship with Medic.

This initially left Medic somewhat bewildered when he heard that the Little Cat wanted to go out on its own, but fortunately Kal'tsit had already made arrangements.

Good news: Elite Operator at Rhodes Island have considerable freedom in their field operations... Medic has experienced this firsthand.

Independent authorization means that even if the Little Cat does something stupid on the way, its companions won't be left in an absurd situation due to insufficient authority, allowing the Little Cat's mission to simply plunge headlong into the underworld.

Among Rhodes Island's Elite Operator, Kal'tsit's choice of Outcast as the Little Cat's companion was clearly well-considered...

First of all, this old woman Sankta, doesn't belong to Little Cat's social circle. She still has the dignity that a high-ranking Rhodes Island operator should have towards Rosemary. It's not like she would let Little Cat, who has had great strength since childhood and is certified as a qualified operator, run rampant outside.

Then, Outcast is Sankta. Not only did she indirectly participate in Rosemary's rescue several years ago, but she also had some understanding of the Little Cat's background and was able to Empathy with Medic.

To the races without Halo, Sankta's Empathy was nothing more than unfounded mutual understanding. Moreover, given that the two sides had already had some contact, Outcast became one of the few partners on Rhodes Island whom Medic could completely trust in terms of character, and with whom both sides could mutually confirm this goodwill.

Finally, while ensuring the stability of Medic, it also gave Rosemary the opportunity for social practice, and reassured Kal'tsit that she could let Rosemary, Rhodes Island's signature high-ranking operator, leave the ship... Outcast was also one of the few operators that Kal'tsit considered to have sufficient ability, responsibility, and judgment.

Thus, the mission chosen was a Missing Persons Investigation where the expected conflict wouldn't be too intense. Based on Rhodes Island's intelligence gathered locally, as well as from local police and social organizations, the enemy was considered to be at most a gang armed with melee weapons or members of the 'Rusthammers' Wilderness Mercenaries... Green Cat and Black Cat could finally rest assured and let Cloud Little Feline set off.

However, even with theoretically foolproof plans, Medic still caused quite a few laughs in front of friends and family because of her tender maternal love before the Little Cat set off.

Whether it was trying to give a child a single drop of potent poison that could kill everyone in a town, or making him carry enough magical explosives to destroy the walking mechanisms of Landship... at that moment, Medic truly gave onlookers a question: 'Do you want that small town to disappear, or do you want the Little Cat to disappear forever?'

However, for operators of a certain age, seeing Medic, who is said to have brought Rhodes Island a very special international status, was awarded the Light of Ticarondo by the Columbia government, and was called the 'Silver Dancer' by the Ursus Inner Guards, in such a flustered state because of his concern for his adopted daughter, is indeed full of contrast and comedic effect.

Finally, the Little Cat, for the first time, led Outcast away as if escaping... Incidentally, their rapid development in their relationship was also related to the Little Cat's Empathy.

Medic was finally allowed to leave after Cole pinched his ear and scolded Little Cat, but even so, Medic forcibly stuffed an extra Intercity Network communication Terminal into the Little Cat's backpack.

'At least send a message every day to report that you are safe.'

Medic thus set the boundaries for the Little Cat.

She had seen too many, and planned too many, situations where people disappeared without anyone noticing... As Medic prepared to rest that day, she kept wondering if she had... done a lot of unethical things?

After reflecting on what roles she was aiming for, the question subsided again. Even now, with her 'self' so strong, looking back at her 'masterpieces,' Medic still has to say they were good to die.

Because of sending the Little Cat out, Medic made virtually no progress on his work... It wasn't until Nana received Little Cat after dark saying that the two had driven into town, along with a hotel check-in voucher from Outcast, that Medic finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The last day of 1094 was spent in Nana's state of mind, filled with this sense of gain and loss.

After a night of reflection, Medic, though still unaccustomed to not seeing the cloud-like little Feline fluttering around him after waking up, managed to regain his spirits.

Yesterday was actually the day Huang was taking the Elite Operator Assessment. Although Medic went to observe, his attention was constantly on his phone waiting for a reply that the Little Cat had arrived safely... which was quite rude of him.

Today was the day for Huang to undergo his final comprehensive combat strength assessment test. Medic met up with Su Sulo early in the morning, and after encountering FrostNova who was always doing nothing, the three of them headed to the training ground.

Seemingly for this special day, Huang changed out of her usual Rhodes Island uniform. Huang was now dressed in an all-white outfit, mainly made of transparent cut-resistant and flame-retardant materials, with a heavy X-shaped belt, long and short socks, and long boots.

A sports bra, a short skirt with transparent parts, lots of belt decorations, plus naturally long, straight black hair that may not have been styled, and a bright smile—no matter what your mood was at the time, you would be infected by Huang's enthusiasm the moment you saw her.

Orchid's newly designed outfit undoubtedly enhanced this impression, and Huang herself, with her eyes squinting from smiling, was clearly very satisfied with her new look.

"Hey~ Has that guy who seemed to have lost his soul yesterday finally come back to normal?"

"... Feel sorry."

"Um, has anyone ever told Medic that it's hard for us to continue the conversation because of you... Well, it's only because I know this is your nature, otherwise you probably wouldn't last three months at any other company."

As she spoke, she casually put her arm around Medic's shoulder. This time, Nana didn't refuse, after all, she had indeed been out of sorts yesterday because of the Little Cat's departure.

But after FrostNova conveyed a chill with her eyes, Blaze naturally released her hand, mischievously ruffling Su Sulo's hair into a bird's nest, before showing everyone the huge weapon case on her shoulder.

"Here you are!"

"This is... a weapons case?"

"Hmm~"

Seeing Huang puffing out his chest and wagging his tail, looking like he was saying "Praise me!", Medic was a little confused, but Su Sulo, who was more familiar with Huang, immediately understood:

"You've completed that Originium Arts that combines thermodynamics and controls the impact of explosions?"

"Yep, now I can use magic to drive this 3,500-watt spellcasting unit. Also, because of the change in clothing material, the maximum temperature I can heat up has increased to 350 degrees Celsius... Well, higher isn't impossible, but that might hurt myself... I know it might still be a bit too much compared to Talulah's Elders bloodline, but I guarantee I can give Captain ACE a run for his money!"

"Hehe, after passing this assessment, I can apply for a 'Blaze Squad' too! I'll be Elite Operator with autonomy in field operations!"

Listening to Hoshiguma's self-praise, Medic's obliging clapping with both hands clasped made Hoshiguma even more smug. But for FrostNova, the White Rabbit who was trained by her adoptive father and was essentially a user of Teekaz Witchcraft, she just had a "this is something you're bragging about?" expression.

"Let's talk about being happy after you pass the test. How come some people get applause and praise halfway through... What if you don't pass?"

Seeing FrostNova raise an eyebrow, seemingly offering a reminder but actually delivering a barbed greeting, Blaze perked up her cat ears and, in a show of defiance, knelt down on the spot and hugged Medic's waist, pressing her face against Medic's form-fitting bodysuit... Incidentally, because Blaze was trying to keep her head down, she was actually pressing against Medic's lower abdomen.

"Then I'll just hug Nana and cry right there... and then wait until next year~"

"... You... you'd better start studying for the exam right now!"

FrostNova grabbed Huang, who was clinging to Medic, and, taking advantage of their shared experience as users of temperature-based magic, forcibly carried Huang to the preparation area.

Medic smiled and waved to Huang, who was being dragged away with a =w= expression on his face... After using up their ship's welfare allowance at a vending machine along the way with Su Sulo, Medic and Little Fox went to the audience and found seats near the front by virtue of their ship's employee status.

After all, today is the third day of the Rhodes Island Operations Team's year-end Elite Promotion assessment, and the training grounds have a large number of drills and battles scheduled.

Not only the new recruits in the Action Reserve Team, but also many Rhodes Island civilian employees with nothing to do, as well as those who had recently signed cooperative medical agreements and had basic access rights, were having fun in the training ground's spectator stands.

Just as Medic had been discussing with Su Sulo about her promotion in the Medical Department, the sudden call made Medic turn around in confusion.

The voice calling his name was both familiar and strange; the Rhodes Island custom operator uniform lacked the distinctiveness of a traditional uniform; Medic only felt that the gold and pink ponytail hairstyle was very familiar...

It seems that even for secret agents, it is extremely difficult to quickly identify someone by their distinctive features when faced with a person whose appearance has been completely altered.

But... she had long, pinkish-gold hair, an off-the-shoulder vest with Rhodes Island lettering, a thick white dress, and underneath, she wore heavy safety shorts and thick 90D black stockings...

Despite being dressed so conservatively, the shoes chosen were strikingly red and white ankle boots, and the goggles on his head bore the 'Contingency Contract' logo—a typical outfit for search and rescue personnel.

And considering the other party's title of 'Captain Medic', and his magenta eyes... Medic, taking these characteristics into account, tried to come up with a possible name.

"Cardigan?"

"Captain Medic! Ahh..."

Even though it was the audience seating area, the sight of the little dog leaping forward with snot and tears streaming down her face instantly made the area around Medic more attractive than the competition venue.

The first thing Medic saw after being tackled and helped up by Su Sulo was the sight of Sankta and Vulpo, who looked like twins, bowing repeatedly to the frowning instructor from a distance.

Although it was an undeserved misfortune, Medic could only scratch his head helplessly at Dobermann, who then sighed and turned away as if he hadn't seen anything... He was probably too busy, Medic could only apologize in his heart... Then he smiled wryly and gently tapped Cardigan, who was sobbing uncontrollably against him.

"What's wrong? What happened... Even though we haven't seen each other for a while, it doesn't have to be like this, does it?"

"But, but... Captain Medic, every time I manage to visit you, all I hear is news of your life hanging by a thread!"

"Huh? Is that so?"

Seeing Medic fall into deep thought, seemingly wondering when he had experienced such a dangerous situation, Su Sulo sighed... Clearly, her friend from the same period had no idea what kind of image she had in the eyes of other normal operators.

"Medic, think about this carefully... Or do you think that being over 70% Originium, Collapse and Pollution, and engaging in combat with clandestine forces from various countries isn't a dangerous situation?"

"... I actually think... it's okay..."

Seeing Su Sulo gasp and then start rolling up her sleeves as if she was about to hit him, Medic quickly waved his hands in surrender.

"I've already... been strengthening our frontal combat capabilities, and even added new tactical equipment..."

Hearing about Medic testing tactical equipment yesterday, Cardigan, who had been wagging her tail and sticking to Medic, met his gaze with eyes that seemed to sparkle with stars:

"Ah! I saw that yesterday too! Captain Medic, that's amazing! That Tactical Unit... isn't it even more powerful than the Havoc Power Armor we used back in the day!?"

"... You've asked me a question... In my opinion, they're all the same; they're all things I don't understand... Perhaps we'd need someone from the Engineering Department to make a clear comparison of their advantages and disadvantages."

While Medic was dealing with the dog Cardigan, Su Sulo, who had been left out for half a day, finally couldn't take it anymore:

"By the way, I'm also one of the members who work with you Cardigan... Why do I always feel that Cardigan lack respect for me?"

"Well... haha, it's probably because we run into each other during annual checkups and such, and we often bump into each other on holidays, so I feel like you're more like a friend, Dr. Su Sulo..."

"And what about this guy?"