Chapter 208

"If the former succeeds, all the better; if the former fails, the latter also requires constant preparation... It's simply a matter of whether the executor of the second clause is an aircraft or that special delivery system."

[Oh... do we have that kind of... covert transport and delivery system?]

Seeing Kal'tsit's seemingly questioning expression, Medic forced a smile back and nodded.

"Yes, the Human Resources Special Operations Team exists precisely for this purpose... If it's just about transporting equipment for Rosemary, then I alone am enough... In fact, I am the most suitable person, the one who can best control the accuracy of the delivery, and the one who can get Little Cat into combat mode the fastest."

[Hmm... Kal'tsit?]

"She's right, but... it's better to enter the country legally if possible. Medic's tactical capabilities are such that the more they try to conceal things, the more advantageous it is for us..."

[Understood. I'll take my client to meet with the relevant government officials tomorrow...]

Hearing Outcast's words, Medic suddenly felt uneasy:

"That Rosemary..."

[I think letting her take some initiative is a good way to train the child... There's a witness who was last seen by the missing person living in the neighborhood next to City Hall... Don't worry, Medic, I know what I'm doing.]

"... Okay, please... Little Cat too, you've been Elite Operator on Rhodes Island for a long time... Don't disgrace everyone who acknowledges your 'elite' status..."

Hearing the Little Cat's whimpering on the other end of the line, seemingly startled by his serious words, Medic sighed helplessly. Kal'tsit hung up after confirming that neither side had anything else to say.

And the first thing he said to Medic afterwards was:

You spoil the Little Cat too much.

"... Even if you say that, I've never raised a child..."

Seeing Medic's slightly bowed head as if he had been reprimanded, Kal'tsit sighed and continued:

"I mean, you're still a 'child' at heart... there's no need to put yourself in the position of a parent."

"... So, how exactly does it take to be considered grown up?"

In response to Medic's question, Kal'tsit opened her mouth slightly, but said nothing.

The two silently picked up the coffee served by the dark green crystal Sacred Remains, took a sip, and then paused for a while before continuing their conversation.

"In short, everyone will help you with the Little Cat's matter. If you don't understand anything or need any assistance, the entire Rhodes Island will be your support... But right now, what you need to worry about is probably not the Little Cat's side."

"... Ursus."

Nodding in agreement with Medic's guess, Kal'tsit hesitated for a moment before taking out the flight path map... After covering it with a transparent coating paper for drawing, she marked the areas in the data sent by Medic that seemed to be on edge with dotted lines.

"... The Emperor, war... Even without the Reunion Movement, Ursus ultimately chose to use war to purge its own rotten flesh..."

It's something I can't understand again...

But Medic knew that this was less a message to himself and more a reflection from Kal'tsit... Picking up his coffee cup, Medic simply remained silent.

"The entire land fears Ursus from the previous era. Countless people united to make countless lives disappear under gunfire and blades, but ultimately fell apart because they were no longer united... Medic, do you know why Ursus is always like this?"

"... They yearn for land that can sustain all the inhabitants of the land."

Nodding, Kal'tsit's finger finally stopped on a city called Chernobog, the place where Ursus was suspected of amassing a large force. Emerald Feline's eyes were filled with solemnity.

"The vast fertile land of Ursus has given its inhabitants the capital of confidence, even though most of the environment is actually undeveloped... or rather, it is basically undevelopable with their current technology... but the people of Ursus are still proud of their powerful nation."

"Because of their radicalism and self-confidence, small-scale frictions between Ursus and its surrounding countries have been ongoing... But ultimately, these foreign wars are merely a diversionary tactic to address the fundamental internal contradictions that leave them struggling to even afford food... And these repeated wars have failed to allow Ursus to assimilate those territories and peoples..."

"The distrust among the various races, coupled with the spread of Oripathy, caused the unity supported by militarism to collapse along with the emperor's ambitions during the war. The struggle between the grand dukes and the Royalist Faction was ultimately described as nothing more than a 'Great Rebellion'."

Kal'tsit lowered her hand and sighed again, looking at Medic:

"But what if I told you that Ursus was just one step away from having the opportunity to support its people without relying on the land?"

Although Kal'tsit's words were somewhat vague, the only thing that could create such a powerful and moving effect on this land in the present day... besides the inexplicable and sudden unity of the people, is:

"... Previous Civilization technology?"

"Yes... a... a home-use medical device from Previous Civilization... Ursus diverted its associated energy for other purposes, now powering the daily operation of a Mobile City... It's laughable that it could have been the key to resolving the internal conflicts of this nation, but now it's no different from any other Originium."

"The research failed?"

"Yes, and... it failed with my involvement... You've met Folinic, her mother was the researcher in that study."

"The main reason I agreed to disclose the partial disassembly and analysis of that device to Ursus was because of the researchers' wonderful vision... 'to feed all the people'... how irresistible it was."

"But similarly, the Ursus army, which has gradually become overwhelmed by the other major powers on this land, seems to see in this a hope of regaining its former glory."

As Kal'tsit slowly explained, Medic gradually frowned:

"Trying to use Previous Civilization technology for military purposes seems to be the easiest way to gain the support of government officials. The New Nobility of Ursus also gained their voice by profiting from the Originium Revolution, so it's expected that they would either kick someone when they're down or stand by and watch coldly. I'm not surprised by this development... but according to your description, Kal'tsit, this matter should have been over by now..."

"Ah, because someone is cleaning up the mess over there, the entire system connected to the device has essentially been sealed off, and the energy of that Previous Civilization device is being used only to power the Landship. Logically, this matter should be over... but, that device is still in use."

"In use... Wait, a home therapy device?! The Doctor is in Chernobog--?!"

For the first time, Kal'tsit clearly saw Medic exhibit such a distinct emotional response in someone other than Little Cat.

But now is not the time to investigate whether Medic's reaction stems from an instinctive interest in pure-blooded humans from Previous Civilization, or whether she harbors mixed feelings towards the Doctor unlocked her emotional lock... Kal'tsit simply nodded heavily at Chernobog, who was suspected of being the assembly point for several Ursus Main War Faction armies in the ICA intelligence network.

Medic's expression at that moment was one of utter astonishment. In that instant, driven by the instinct to 'protect all citizens,' Nana almost blurted out a curse.

But upon closer inspection, this has nothing to do with Kal'tsit.

The research channels for that device have been sealed off, and without professionals like Kal'tsit, it's virtually impossible to reopen it... But even so, long-term weaponization is no longer feasible for Ursus at present.

However, the very act of the Main War Faction forces gathering there was dangerous enough... and it was hard to say whether the Doctor would be disturbed by Ursus while he was in hibernation there.

And to put it another way... what if... I mean what if, if those military forces, gradually losing ground under the pressure of public opinion and Patriot, were forced to take extreme actions... it's entirely possible that they would use Chernobog itself as a battlefield, or even weaponize this Mobile City that both the Old Nobility and New Nobility dislike.

Okay, now there are two restless Feline cats, Medic and Kal'tsit looking at each other with expressions that can only be described as bewildered.

"... So... the reason we immediately headed east was also to check on the Doctor's condition as soon as possible?"

"... My original intention in cooperating with that emperor was to gain the opportunity to continue operating within Ursus and monitor the Doctor's condition... But sending the Reunion Movement to Columbia was a spur-of-the-moment decision... Don't blame yourself too much. I was the one who planned the voyage, and even if we're to determine responsibility, I'm the one who should bear the main responsibility."

Looking at Kal'tsit's airplane ears, which were exactly the same as her own, Medic knew she could no longer be a burden to Kal'tsit, so Medic took the initiative to look at the flight path map again:

"We're heading to Ursus at full speed now... Tsk, even if we go by Landship at top speed and there are no unexpected incidents along the way, it'll be summer by the time we reach Chernobog... There's no faster way..."

At this point, Medic suddenly felt a jolt of electricity on his forehead, and his cat ears stood up like lightning. Even in the dim light that wasn't very bright, just right for Feline, Medic's heterochromatic pupils shrank and turned into vertical pupils at this moment.

"... We do indeed have something even faster..."

"Wait... Medic, I'm not telling you this because I want you to go to Ursus alone. Things are already moving towards a war zone there..."

Seeing Kal'tsit's worried expression, even grabbing his arm and shaking him, and feeling the faint but real Empathy for her concern, Medic slightly raised the corners of his mouth:

"But what's needed now is precisely a... high-speed 'pioneer,' isn't it?"

Turning his hand around and grasping Kal'tsit's, Medic said from the bottom of his heart:

"I just happened to look at the records of the past 'me' at the experimental facility last week... If I'm not mistaken, Doctor ... and you, Kal'tsit, are both people who can be considered my... and my agent's saviors... Rhodes Island's help to us, and Rhodes Island's significance to us now, is probably more important than you think, Kal'tsit."

"And correspondingly, I also hope... I want... no, I absolutely cannot stand by and watch the Doctor suffer even the slightest problem... My emotions, my reason, my instincts are all reminding me... Kal'tsit, to me, the Doctor is also a very, very important person." (Wu)

Seeing Medic's expression soften again, and feeling the warmth of his hand, Kal'tsit tried her best to maintain her usual expression, but the worry, confusion, and even helplessness continued to flow into Medic's heart.

"But... you just suggested providing support to the Little Cat..."

"Does that mean Kal'tsit wouldn't care about the Little Cat if it weren't for me?"

Feeling Medic's hand tighten slightly, Kal'tsit shook her head without hesitation... She would never do that. Dad

Medic was pleased with Kal'tsit's reaction, but simply holding her hand was merely a way to gauge her emotions; to truly help Kal'tsit, he needed to take action himself.

Thinking this, Medic took Kal'tsit's hand and pressed her palm against his chest... Although his heartbeat was almost nonexistent compared to others, and although he knew Kal'tsit might not be able to Empathy with him through touch like he could... Medic still wanted to express his joy at her awakening through this gesture.

Similarly, Medic hoped that Kal'tsit could trust him as much as he trusted her... Liu

"I will do everything in my power... to ensure the Doctor's safety before arriving at Rhodes Island. And I also believe that while I'm working hard, Kal'tsit, you will also do your utmost to ensure the safety of those I care about... whether it's food, clothing, shelter, or anything else."

"After all, Rhodes Island is just my workplace, but this is Kal'tsit's home... And Kal'tsit, please help me soothe the Little Cat. After all, I went to the Doctor's place because Doctor's more dangerous there, and they need my abilities more... It's definitely not because I don't care about others."

At this point, Nana sighed:

"Actually, at times like these, I have this urge to split myself into several people..."

Feeling the softness of her palm, Kal'tsit said somewhat awkwardly:

"... I have that thought too..."

"But we only have so many people... so let's all do our best... I'll set off immediately after gathering information about the target area, and as for Little Cat... and the others, we'll need Kal'tsit to take care of them..."

Medic waved and prepared to leave.

Just after Medic left, as Kal'tsit stared blankly at her left hand, the door that had just closed suddenly opened again, and Medic poked her head out, saying:

"Speaking of which, although I approved Orchid's interview, I might not have time to entertain her. Kal'tsit, do you want to hire her to help out in the Human Resources Department? Just you... Kal'tsit? What are you doing?"

There's nothing there.

As she spoke, Emerald Feline put her left hand behind her back... Even she herself didn't know why she was doing that.

PS: Waaaaaaah!

Woof woof cat. jpg

PSS: The original plan was to wait until the whole ship arrived at Chernobog and was dumbfounded by the battlefield, but after thinking about it carefully, that didn't fit Medic and Kal'tsit's style of planning before acting. So let's start the preliminary preparations now.

6th Patriot's Gun: 227 That Woman Appears!

There was no time to dawdle. Medic didn't even wait until tomorrow... On the very night she said goodbye to Kal'tsit, Nana began planning and preparation.

Of course, although Nana has a large number of emergency backpacks that she can carry with her, the assassin is not so reckless as to head to a place that is likely to become a war zone.

The first thing to confirm is the target's condition. According to the information Kal'tsit later sent through the PRTS system, the Doctor was basically in a near-death state when he was placed in the home-use medical device codenamed 'Sarcophagus'...

With a head injury, an open wound in the chest cavity, and damage to the abdomen and multiple organs... it seems that he was attacked head-on by a powerful spell at close range. The fact that the Doctor was able to lie alive in the Sarcophagus can only be attributed to Kal'tsit's exceptional medical skills.

Because Nana had no idea what level of medical equipment from the Previous Civilization was at, even though Kal'tsit said that apart from the fatal heart injury which might still be in the repair process, the other injuries would be roughly repaired by December of this year, Medic couldn't gamble that it could protect the Doctor until December... Whether Rhodes Island could even reach Chernobog by December of the fourth or fifth year was still unknown.

The Patriot began engaging the Old Nobility Faction in heavy firepower battles with their Landship last December. Who knows when the shells will land in Chernobog... or whether the garrison stationed in Chernobog will throw the Sarcophagus as cannonballs. It's all uncertain.

"... medicines, equipment, surgical assistants specializing in trauma..."

Based on the intelligence analysis provided by Kal'tsit, Medic has already concluded that this is not a problem that he can solve alone.

Medicines and equipment are relatively easy to procure; given Rhodes Island's reputation and its connections with the Ursus Emperor and the Patriot, they should be able to raise some...

I can barely count myself as a skilled emergency surgeon, but if it's an open-chest surgery, I'd need at least an anesthesiologist, an assistant nurse, and a surgical assistant with considerable experience in organ repair... or maybe two? I feel like three would be the normal surgical setup... and if possible, these people should also have the Self-Protection capabilities required for war zone operations.

Such a request seems far too demanding. A more practical approach would be to gather medical personnel from Rhodes Island, while Nana's team focuses on providing protection.

Even so, this makes covert entry virtually impossible... but compared to suddenly assembling such a targeted medical combat team, entering Chernobog directly as a team is still more feasible.

However, such a plan would cause Rhodes Island to lose its strategic stealth effect. With its close ties to the Royalist Faction and the New Nobility Faction, Rhodes Island could easily enter the city where the Old Nobility Faction's army was stationed... It's hard to say whether the rescue of the Doctor could proceed as planned afterward.

However, considering the worst-case scenario that Chernobog would become a battlefield of civil war when he arrived, the most important goal right now is to deploy manpower, equipment, and medicine to the Doctor as quickly as possible... Whether or not to make contact with the local government and the Old Nobility Faction in a radical way is something that can be decided after arriving at the destination.

With this in mind, Medic sent Kal'tsit his reason for needing a Rhodes Island presence in Chernobog and began planning the action team.

Unfortunately, Rosemary, the most reliable insurance in the Human Resources Department besides herself and her soulmate, is temporarily tied up with other matters and cannot participate in the Doctor's affairs... Nana can only hope that she will prioritize her own mission.

Aside from Rosemary, the first person I need to bring is Jessica.

This child has her own activated 'Command System'. Although Feline, with her red alien Halo, could easily become a target of attack due to cultural customs in Terra, Jessica, aside from her weak personality, has impeccable combat skills.

In addition, she is also the holder of SHD agent equipment, so she can handle both low-profile operations and aggressive assaults... As the operator with the best synergy with her, although it was a pity for her year-end holiday, Nana still sent her an emergency mobilization notice.

With Jessica joining the team, it became inevitable that Liskarm and Franka would also join to ensure Jessica mental stability.

Perhaps this is underestimating the two of them, but in reality, if we disregard the compatibility issues between Jessica and myself, Liskarm and Franka are the most stable combination in my team in terms of combat performance... So you two should also work overtime.

However, this means that Vanilla's training will have to be delegated to other Instructor Corps... No problem, Nana has already read Instructor Dobermann's training program, and it's a very scientific training method, so let's just entrust Vanilla to Rhodes Island.

After sending the message to all members of the Blacksteel Field Team, Nana looked at the empty medical team, and then at the combat personnel who were only the Blacksteel Team and herself... Although the current lineup was capable of independent operations, it was still too dangerous to traverse the war zone.

She needed other, trustworthy combat personnel to protect the medical team members who might not be able to protect themselves... and considering their teamwork and capabilities, Nana's gaze first fell on Rhodes Island's Elite Operator.

"... No, Elite Operator are too conspicuous."

Shaking her head, Nana immediately ruled out operators like ACE and Sharp...

Putting aside their additional responsibility of protecting the Rhodes Island flagship, the mere presence of warriors of their caliber in a tense area is enough to draw attention... Their magical abilities, their physical strength, their combat skills... to experienced individuals, these things reveal a great deal of information with just a glance.

Jessica and her team have the backing of Blacksteel Worldwide, so their presence anywhere wouldn't seem suspicious. However, according to the ICA, every single member of Rhodes Island's elite operations team should be on the list.

If 'Medic' came to Ursus with a mission, it could be said that it would only attract the attention of the Inner Guards... but the appearance of multiple Rhodes Island Elite Operator in one place makes it difficult to predict Ursus's reaction.

However, Blaze's promotion was only recent, and compared to other Elite Operator, she lacks that elite aura and notable achievements... Perhaps she could be considered a suitable teammate...

However, calling upon Blaze requires Kal'tsit's approval, so Medic could only send this request to Kal'tsit. He wondered if the big cat would pinch his cheeks again if she knew he had reimbursed her annual leave... Just thinking about it made Medic's cheeks hurt. He shook his head and looked at the fact that he still didn't even have a full squad, which worried him.

After a moment's hesitation, Medic looked at his Terminal and opened the latest status list of Lycoris and the others.