Chapter 231

"Your job, Mika, is to protect Amiya. Go over there..."

"Eh... but I also received proper special agent training, waaaaah..."

Seeing that everyone was still relaxed, Amiya watched as Jessica draped the only relatively clean blanket in the team over Nana... the one that Jessica herself had used, and then left.

Seeing that Nana had indeed fallen asleep instantly, the Little Bunny and Typhon beside her made a 'shh' gesture together, and the two of them showed helpless smiles at the same time. Then Typhon and the others went to pack their luggage, while Amiya, who had been driven out of the work area and had nothing to do, could only go to keep the Doctor.

Resisting the urge to activate the lights inside the pod to check on the Doctor's condition, Amiya knew that even the smallest amount of electricity consumption had to be conserved... After living underground for two months, Amiya, her clothes filthy, unhesitatingly lay down on the Sarcophagus: Er...

"Doctor..." Jiu

As everyone deliberately lowered their voices, Amiya, leaning against the Sarcophagus, quickly fell asleep.

This time, she didn't see the carbon blocks evaporated by the Cross Light Cannon or the inhuman corpses affected by the Collapse Pollution in her dream... She wouldn't encounter such cruel things again, right? Wu

Amiya, still unaware of the true nature of this land... prayed in her dream. (Umbrella)

She may still have to pay a good price.

PS: Waa...

Rabbit picture↑Shan

PSS: This volume is halfway through, and I'm just going to get ready to start the second half - er Another Work EIsan - Chernobog Chicken Eating Contest.

7th Chernobog's Blood Money: 256 Welcome to the Scar Market

While living underground for two months is technically not dangerous compared to marching through Collapse Pollution area... that's only relatively speaking.

The spoilage of supplies due to Pollution, the emotional turmoil caused by witnessing the deaths of innocent people... this was a double trial for both body and soul. Even though everyone gritted their teeth and persevered, after Nana announced that this refugee life could end, everyone's eagerness to return home was evident in how quickly they packed up their tents.

Sarcophagus was secured to the Tactical Unit using straps and paracord, and then transported using the Little Cat's 'hands'...

Because she hadn't seen anyone else show a surprised expression when she used 'Rosemary's Originium Arts' in a long time, Nana felt a great sense of nostalgia for the way Saria initially showed curiosity, but after she explained, she looked at her as if she were crazy and asked if she needed psychological intervention.

Interspersed with these familiar storylines unique to Nana's team, and guided by Jessica, who possesses SHD agent gear, the group returned unimpeded to the industrial raw material transfer garage equipped with Mobile City elevator.

"Senior, I'm back. There's no one guarding the place, and I've disabled all the surveillance cameras... but..."

Seeing the curious looks from everyone, Jessica seemed to still be the same somewhat socially awkward Jessica. Even though they were already very familiar with each other, Jessica, with her bangs sticking out and her forehead exposed, seemed to have lost thirty points of IQ as well. She pointed in the direction of the Exploration Vehicle with a troubled expression:

"You should all see for yourselves..."

"What's wrong? Why do you look so complicated? Did our car burn?"

"... No, that's not the case."

Seeing the big-foreheaded cat say that, Weedy, who was already going crazy wanting to take a bath, quickly went into the transfer station first:

"That's settled then! I can't wait to wash... the car! Our car--!"

Seeing Weedy, who rarely abandoned her ladylike demeanor, let out Aegir scream, the curious crowd behind her filed in one after another. Then, looking at the Exploration Vehicle in front of them, which was completely locked by various locking devices, everyone fell silent.

"... So that's why the entire transfer station, apart from a few surveillance cameras, has absolutely no sentries, turrets, or defensive measures..."

"Waaaaah! Don't go to the bathroom in front of Mika!"

While Nana was sighing, Mika, who was the most impatient, went up and kicked the X-shaped barrier at the main gate of the Exploration Vehicle. But putting aside the barrier's alloy material, the rear door of the Exploration Vehicle opened outwards. Even if Mika really used all her magic to kick the barrier, it would only help the other side completely seal off the main door.

Before Mika could really lose her temper, Typhon and Amiya quickly pulled the pink-haired girl back.

While the children were expressing their anger with exaggerated gestures, Saria and Liskarm had already circled the car, inspecting the large wheel locks that secured the wheels, their expressions grave.

"The product from Raythean Industries, with its tires locked to the ground by square locks equipped with alarm systems, also had its emergency safety doors on the chassis blocked..."

"I don't know much about special equipment, but Rhine Lab's Security Department also purchases the civilian version of the same model... because some of my subordinates have lost their keys, and I've witnessed how the Fire Department breaks down structures..."

Seeing Saria's words, Franka, who actually worked in security, stroked her matted tail and said with a troubled expression:

"Leaving aside the alarm system, all our heavy tools are in the vehicle, so the question is... how do we get the breaching tools to break the lock that's holding them?"

"Should we go to Chernobog and use the favor we did for helping with the body examination? Or should Chernobog just call the Fire Department and ask them to break down the body?"

Faced with everyone's gaze, Nana shook her head at Amiya's rather insightful suggestion:

"Unfortunately, this transfer station doesn't have a road connecting it to the ground on the structural diagram. Normally, Fire Department would have to use an industrial elevator from the outside... But as you can see, this elevator is not only powered off, but its control is probably locked as well... Therefore, the only way to get here from the surface is..."

"... Sarcophagus."

At this point, everyone glanced at the 'Sarcophagus' that was still connected to the Tactical Unit.

Putting aside the fact that the surface part of the Sarcophagus has been completely sealed off, just the reaction of the people of Chernobog passing by the core area of Sarcophagus and finding only the base is enough to give anyone a headache. The attention that Nana went to great lengths to divert will probably all be focused on this place immediately... It's purely asking for trouble.

Recently, because Nana has been generating a lot of buzz, Huang, who actually needs to reduce the dissipation of Originium Arts, suddenly realized something upon hearing this:

"Wait a minute, if getting to the city from here inevitably involves passing through the Sarcophagus, doesn't that mean we're completely sealed underground? No, that's not right... How did the city government and the Church of the Holy Fool find us?"

Upon hearing this, even Mika showed Huang a look of pity for his intelligence.

Perhaps prolonged exposure to sunlight and a diet consisting only of fast food are indeed harmful to health. No one knows how Huang was able to ask such a question as how someone with access to the Sarcophagus could enter and exit it.

Clearly, Huang quickly realized the inappropriateness of his question. The big cat, also carrying large bags, scratched his head and revealed a silly smile, while Nana used the SHD magic Terminal to project a 3D map of the area where everyone was located.

"The Sarcophagus is now undoubtedly a restricted area. Now that we have retrieved all the victims' belongings and bodies, the probability of Chernobog entering the Sarcophagus again is very low... If possible, I hope they don't send anyone else."

"Although the area we're in seems to have become a walled city due to the official sealing off of the Sarcophagus... this is the premise for my proposal to turn this place into a permanent fortification... As for how to get in and out, look here."

"Ah, a raw material conveyor belt!"

Nodding, Nana pointed to the 'Raw Materials Primary Processing Center' sign in the distance, which was lit but had a blurred signboard. On the projection, she marked a path that... wasn't originally meant for people to walk on.

"Although we don't know what raw materials it's used to transport, this conveyor belt leads directly to the industrial area on the 30th floor above us. And that park is different from this transfer station; it's outside the Sarcophagus's blockade... The electricity is from industrial high-voltage lines, so we can try connecting the Exploration Vehicle to power the Sarcophagus. It's just that the water pipelines might need to be modified... Otherwise, it might be a bit troublesome for us to get running water."

Seeing Nana looking at her, Weedy, whose eyes seemed to be filled with balls of yarn, rolled up her sleeves:

"It's alright! Leave it to me! I'll go check on the waterway right now!"

"... Judging from the structural diagram, that industrial zone ceased operations and was transferred as early as when Chernobog transformed into a tourist city. With Chernobog being blockaded by the Nobles' Army, most of the industries that required external raw material supplies were also sold off..."

"I reckon the Third Army won't let this opportunity slip by, and the fact that they haven't been able to control those areas is probably because Boris is holding them back... However, given the energy consumption of the Sarcophagus, if they do nothing, they'll be discovered in no time."

Thinking of this, Nana looked at everyone:

"But if we go to the power bureau and adjust the block's power supply settings, and make the power distribution system ignore that factory area... even if the current industrial high-voltage lines aren't as direct as the original Sarcophagus, it should still save some Originium... Anyone want to come with me?"

Seeing that the group had no reaction whatsoever and clearly didn't want to run around anymore, Nana perked up her cat ears and added:

"You can stop by Safehouse One to wash up and rest on the way..."

In an instant, apart from Saria and Liskarm, who are relatively stable operators, everyone, including White Cuckoo and Amiya, appeared in front of Nana as if they had teleported, looking at her expectantly and saying, "Pick me! Pick me!"

Actually, I only need one person to help out... Although I wanted to say that, Nana felt that saying it out loud might get me scorned.

So, after arranging for Jessica to come along for the sake of convenient cooperation, Nana looked around with a troubled expression, then waved for Amiya to follow... This Little Bunny really needs a good wash.

"Well then, I'll leave these matters to everyone for now... Mika, don't look at me like that. I'm letting you stay here because you're the most capable person to protect the Doctor besides me... This is a job only you can do."

Hearing Nana's praise, the pink-haired girl, who had just been looking miserable, suddenly perked up and put her hands on her hips... Then, with Franka's barely suppressed but equally genuine "So easy to handle" comment, the pink-haired girl suddenly remembered something:

"Wait! Nana, we haven't opened the car door yet. Are we waiting for you to come back and break it open?"

Seeing that Mika's IQ was also declining... although this was normal, Nana still sighed:

"... Honestly, this is the first time I've seen a militarized squad like ours struggle with breaching and demolition issues..."

With a wave of his hand, the Tactical Unit ejected an Originium Lightsaber, which landed in Mika's hand. The others, upon seeing this, all wore expressions that seemed to say, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?" After all, it was now a consensus that not a single drop of Originium Steam could be wasted.

Nana didn't need Empathy to know why such an obvious answer would make everyone so troubled; after all, the number that was just a few percentage points away from triggering the Tactical Unit fuel warning line was indeed unsettling.

In response, Nana directly issued an order using her captain's authority:

"Breaking down the main gate's lock shouldn't take much effort with SHD's special magic... Weedy, let's deal with the lock's alarm system first. We can talk about the water pipe modifications after we've settled the Doctor in and the Exploration Vehicle has had a good night's rest... After all, it'll take time for me to get the area electrified and pay the bills."

Seeing Weedy immediately turn around and handle the work with her toolbox without saying a word, Nana waved to everyone with Jessica and Amiya:

"Well then, everyone get some rest, but don't let your guard down... Folinic, Ptilopsis, don't forget to keep an eye on the Doctor's condition."

Before leaving, seeing Huang and Mika setting up their lightsabers to break through, Nana clenched her fist, relieving some of the magical pressure on Mika. With the magic that dyed her hair red, Nana picked up Amiya and had Jessica, who was already on the conveyor Jessica, lift the Little Bunny up as well.

Let the others handle the Exploration Vehicle situation. Nana checked her watch before leading the way...

"Three o'clock in the morning... we'll arrive at our destination around ten o'clock... perfectly avoiding the morning rush hour, that's great."

Compared to Nana's carefree attitude, Amiya, remembering that it was daytime outside, nervously clutched her dirty Rhodes Island uniform, looking quite troubled.

"Am I going to smell really bad...? Will people give me attitude if I go out? Waaah, Dr. Kal'tsit specifically told me to be careful about my appearance..."

"Miss Amiya has worked very hard. Whether it was explaining things to the villagers who resisted us at the beginning, or negotiating with those merchants in Chernobog later, I think Miss Amiya has indeed made outsiders aware of what Rhodes Island looks like."

"... Waaah, although I know you're trying to comfort me, Miss Jessica, I still feel like there's something strange about me..."

No, actually, all three of them had a strange smell about them.

Without turning back, Nana added in her mind.

In addition, when Mika, who is good at creating a lively atmosphere, isn't around, Amiya and Jessica both have a habit of addressing each other with honorifics... Although Nana knows that this is just a way for the two of them to show respect... seeing these two little ones calling each other "Miz" all the time, Nana always gets the feeling that the two of them are becoming inexplicably distant.

In the past, when dealing with her manager, the manager would only start using formal language in an emergency. When she was addressed like that, Nana always had the feeling that she had done something wrong and was being scolded.

As the girls' conversation gradually shifted from how to get rid of body odor to what brands of shower gel or conditioner they wanted, Nana a light shining from her fingertips, offered this advice during the relaxed and pleasant chat:

"Arrive."

"We've arrived? Aren't we...?"

"After all, I think Amiya has a point; being so dirty could indeed negatively impact the company's image..."

Standing on the second basement level, where the sounds of traffic could be faintly heard above, Nana led the two little ones to a reinforced iron door without any markings.

Nana took Amiya's hand, whose eyes were filled with curiosity, while Jessica on the other side frowned slightly and placed her hand on the handle of the Firearms Arts at her side... Nana gestured for her to relax and not pay too much attention to the gaze from behind the cover. Nana picked up Amiya and knocked on the iron door.

As the rhythmic clanging echoed underground, the small window on the iron gate opened, revealing a pair of vertical pupils... Amiya instantly realized, through the Demon King's Authority, that they were the eyes of the Sarkaz.

"With Cautus's... Feline? We don't accept children here..."

"If you accept this, you'll be in big trouble. We're just here to buy things."

As she spoke, Nana reached out and placed a.45 Etch Rounds in front of the window. The other person stared at it for a moment, then reached out his hand, and Nana placed the ammunition in his palm.

"... Etch Rounds... Fine, whether you used them yourself or actually stole them from the Sankta Guard... at least you got the ticket, so you're allowed to pass."

After a series of clicks as the bolts were released, the iron gate opened, revealing the three of them. Sarkaz, wearing a hood, frowned slightly upon seeing their appearance, but said nothing; after all, more disheveled individuals were not uncommon in this circle.

"Welcome to the Scar Market... Looking for work? Selling goods? Or maybe a big pre-fight shopping spree? As long as you don't mind the smuggled goods, we have it all."

PS: Waaaaaaah!

Chernobog's Blood Money: 257 Together

The Scar Market, its origins and source unknown... Based on fragments gathered by the ICA's rather young Intelligence Department, it may be a personal characteristic of the Sarkaz originally founded this exchange venue, or perhaps some kind of code.

In short, the Scar Market now refers to a place widely distributed in various war-torn areas, mainly dominated by Sarkaz Mercenaries groups, but in recent years it has also begun to serve as a low-barrier-to-entry venue for other independent Mercenaries groups that do not have their own mission platforms and channels.

It's said that the tradition of Etch Rounds as 'tickets' originated as a way for the Sarkaz to express their hatred for the Sankta... After all, in the old Laterano, the only way to obtain Etch Rounds from the Sankta was truly to kill them.

However, now that Etch Rounds are no longer exclusive to the Sankta, more and more people like Nana are getting away with using projectiles that are neither from the Holy City nor Sankta.

The Sarkaz, as the maintainers of the site, could certainly discern the location of those projectiles. However, as a race with a long history, they respect tradition and value the information and vitality brought by outsiders. Therefore, since they allowed Nana and her group to enter, the manager of this Scar Market is probably a rather extroverted type.

It's important to note that 'external intelligence' is easy to understand, but as for 'external vitality'... well, those who come to the Scar Market know what I mean. Most are desperate clients, and some are Mercenaries begging for food... (The last sentence is a fragment and doesn't translate directly.)

Of course, whether one lives a good or bad life has little to do with whether they are Sarkaz, so it's quite normal to "eat" desperate clients like food in this region, where Continental Hotel.

"... Rhodes Island uniforms, you've gotten quite famous lately. For some reasons you and I both know, I can't show you the mission board... So, what are you planning to procure?" V

While the tall Sarkaz turned to retrieve the ledger, Amiya looked at her two cat guardians with a puzzled expression... Nana remained expressionless as always, but Jessica seemed to react strongly to the Sarkaz's words.

The cat with dyed black hair was now completely stiff, looking as if it would perform traditional Columbia martial arts for the Sarkaz Mercenaries who were eyeing it at the slightest sound.

With her doubts lingering, Amiya shook Nana's hand and whispered, "Y..."

"... Why can't we see the task board?"

"Because we're the mission target now... Officially, they don't show us to protect the client's privacy, but actually... it's probably a matter of paying if we really want to see it... kind of like an intelligence fee."

As Amiya nodded in sudden realization, a few tables were set up in the messy basement. With the rhythmic hum of the communal ventilation fan blades, the Sarkaz owner, who had the air of running a frontier open-air bar, brought out a ledger with foldable pages, filled with items for sale.

She naturally sat down at the bar, holding Amiya as she flipped through the pages. Nana immediately noticed a few items marked 'pawned' on the list of items for sale, most of which were weapons or equipment... probably traces of Mercenaries who desperately needed money pawning their livelihood.

"... Ah, the first few pages are all secondhand goods for desperate people. For a company like yours... well, for a cat, it's probably easier to find something to your liking by starting from the last page."

Nana, somewhat speechless, remarked to the boss who seemed to be hoping to make a big sale: