Chapter 240

As she spoke, Nana held up three fingers behind her back:

"First and foremost, securing control of the elevator and gate through which the Exploration Vehicle will leave, and getting the Doctor back to Rhodes Island, remains the top priority."

"Then, for a year... since the Mansion Originium Heist, the local intelligence agencies have been conducting unusually intense searches of us."

"Of course, going back to the point, we clashed with Boris during the operation to Pollution the Sarcophagus, and our previous methods of entering the city were even blatant illegal intrusions... not to mention our records of fighting alongside local gangs, Mercenaries, and opposing sides of the conflict while we were infiltrating... Although I'm confident I didn't leave any clear evidence... international relations aren't all about evidence... in situations like this, even becoming a suspect could bring Rhodes Island annihilation."

There was no time to comfort Jessica, who was trembling after hearing her description; Nana immediately revealed her own plans...

After all these years, the Blacksteel Squad has become Nana's Human Resources Department combat personnel, and with the Halo Permission granted to Jessica, along with her free use of special agent equipment, Nana has little left to hide from them.

"The second step is to completely erase all traces of our presence in Chernobog."

Nana had expected at least some surprise from some people, but... not only Liskarm and Franka, but even the still-naive Jessica showed no resistance to the order.

Their reaction made Nana wonder if they hadn't grasped the bloodshed behind this decision... Completely erasing traces, like the written contract Nana made with Boris, would be fine, but erasing memories... even Nana didn't have a similar spell.

As for believing in the character of those involved... expecting those businessmen and Chernobog government officials to keep quiet about the subsequent investigators is something even Jessica wouldn't believe.

There has only been one solution from the beginning... and that is to physically silence these people forever.

Hmm, if it were Agent Number Seventy-Seven who were to plan this... then having Chernobog destroyed by some Catastrophes would be a good choice.

After all, it's winter again. Although the high-altitude climate in Ursus is not as extreme as in Columbia due to the barrier of the Sami Mountains.

However, Ursus has just as many Originium condensation particles as 'Black Edge'... Even though Nana's Catastrophe Messenger Terminal did not give a clear warning of Catastrophes, with Nana's magical abilities at her level, creating an artificial natural Catastrophes through rituals or other large-scale spells is not a particularly difficult thing.

Rhodes Island's black cat was even prepared to accept a scolding from its companions before releasing its 'disaster relief plan,' which was essentially a concession... but...

"... I thought you would at least raise some questions..."

"Ha, how long do you think we've known you?"

Saying such baffling things, and referring to himself as 'Medic's adjutant,' he is, in a way, the most (two) 08 covering Lin Jiushan six who knows Nana's true nature Liskarm said this:

"Even when it comes to things like rushing into Catastrophes, Nana, you're always the one at the forefront... In terms of trust, I'm not much less reliable than your little follower."

The "little tail" here clearly refers to Jessica. After all, without Rosemary constantly vying for her spot, even the shy, tearful cat-headed girl has found opportunities to play the "tail-flirting" game with Nana during their year of living together...

Of course, after living together for a year, it was only natural that they would be discovered. Although the discoverer, Ms. Saria, was fooled by Jessica's excuse that it was "just a Feline game between girls."

"Ultimately, that's what Mercenaries do... Just like you said, Captain, we'll do anything for a mission... Besides, you're not planning to send the whole city to its deaths, are you?"

As she spoke, Franka suddenly noticed that Nana's cat ears twitched slightly. The way they seemed to instantly turn into airplane ears and then stiffly return to normal made Franka gasp slightly.

"You're not planning to do that, are you?"

"I truly have no intention of causing a humanitarian disaster... Although the process of erasing evidence will inevitably involve killing to silence witnesses... I hope that most reasonable people can be contained on Rhodes Island by leaving this battlefield, so that they won't be used by those with ulterior motives in Ursus to attack us. That's enough. Ms. Kal'tsit will take care of them... Furthermore, this guarantee that Rhodes Island will be ready to arrive at any time to take the refugees away is our third objective."

"To... to ensure the safety of civilians as much as possible, right?" Lin

Clearly, upon hearing Nana's decision, Jessica's spirits instantly lifted, her deep blue ponytail and the cat tail peeking out from her dress swaying as they proclaimed their owner's emotions.

But Liskarm is more realistic.: V

"Would either side allow it? The docking of a large Landship... that's extremely risky for both sides. Rhodes Island might even get hit by a naval shell." Lin

As soon as Liskarm finished speaking, another noticeable tremor shook the Mobile City structure. The three of them nervously crouched down and hid next to the supporting structure of the Mobile City. Half a minute later, when the tremors stopped, the three of them took off the civilian inflatable protective gear that was attached to their heads and put it away... Incidentally, this was also equipment that Nana had prepared over the past year.

"That's the problem. Evacuating in small groups... now that the Doctor is out of danger, it's easy to do... just find an opportunity to have the aircraft pick us up..."

"But leaving those suffering in the war zone unattended and just walking away wouldn't be 'Rhodes Island,' so, Captain, you can probably give the order now." V

Looking at the ruins not far away, the dim sunlight filtering through the blast-torn armor and scattering across the damaged lower levels, Nana glanced at her still unresponsive phone and gave the order: I

"Now we'll focus on the primary objective... and to ensure the condition of the concealed elevator, we need to make a trip to the Central District Control Tower... but that's not an easy target to breach. Before that, we need to rendezvous with the guerrilla team... The First Safehouse still has a considerable amount of combat equipment stored there; let's go there and remove all the equipment bearing the Blacksteel and Rhodes Island markings, but before that..."

As they spoke, the four men, all dressed in black combat uniforms, stopped in unison and darted into the ruins behind the steel plates, concrete, and debris that could serve as cover.

"Following us like this for so long is not a friendly gesture. If your goal is to attack us, then you can begin... Otherwise, we will attack you."

After saying that, Nana made a hand gesture to her side, and then the spellcasting unit built into the Liskarm Shield was activated. As the electricity jumped on the horn above the Vouivre girl's head, a beam of light comparable to an industrial headlight swept across the corridor behind her.

Because both sides in the Ursus Civil War used a large number of naval guns, the power supply systems in most urban areas suffered physical damage. Even during the day, Chernobog was pitch black.

Clearly, the magical light, brighter than the sun, caught the trackers off guard, and it wasn't quite what Nana had guessed... In the past six months, it wasn't just the local intelligence agencies that had clashed with them; the weapons and attire of these people only indicated one thing... The Sarkaz Mercenaries were no longer just 'neighbors' to everyone.

"... The Scar Market has indeed become more active in the last six months... but is it still the same as before?"

Although Liskarm asked a question, his hand had already pulled out the same baton as Nana's from his belt... This was the non-lethal guard equipment that Liskarm had casually taken when he robbed the mansion's warehouse.

This is an expensive spellcasting unit that the military and police would have to pay for themselves in the outside world, but in the mansion warehouse it's just lying around in a corner weapon box like it's free and nobody cares about it... Nana has no interest in how the mansion agents use their weapons and equipment, but right now, looking at the Sarkaz greatsword and crossbows casting long shadows under the bright light, Nana has no mood to waste time with these people.

In the past, Rhodes Island's Trauma Team have always used non-lethal weapons mainly to avoid the situation getting out of control... But now that war has begun and Rhodes Island headquarters could arrive at any time, the most important thing to consider now is to seize control of the lower levels in the fastest and most convenient way.

The gesture was made again, its meaning simple: 'Allow lethal firepower 517880761, maximum firepower output'.

While everyone was changing their equipment, Nana pulled the trigger of her pistol, and the Silver Dancer entered combat mode.

"... Regardless of who hired you, this is the final warning: either leave or war will break out!"

As they spoke, a cross-shaped Halo appeared above Nana's head, Jessica, who was standing next to her, threw her short assault rifle to Liskarm and also revealed her bright red Halo... This action was like adding a spoonful of water to a hot oil pan, and the Sarkaz's filthy 'Halo guy' curses and the crackling sound of gunfire followed one after another.

In order to fit the style of their squad being equipped with all-gun ammunition, Liskarm also gave his spare pistol to Franka... Even though everyone was only using single-shot bursts, and Franka could be said to have no talent for Firearms Arts, the momentum of four Firearms Arts firing together was still quite terrifying.

"Wait... It seems the other side has quieted down... Should we continue, Captain?"

"No, clean up the battlefield, collect spent shell casings, and remember to finish off any remaining enemies... From now on, we are the 'Sankta' squad."

As Nana spoke, she ran her fingers through her short hair, turning it from black to silver. Then, with her ominous, Witchcraft- infused hands, Nana rubbed the heads and faces of the other people... Even Franka's long tail, which she groomed daily even while lurking underground, couldn't escape her clutches.

With the help of Nana's Halo, a Firearms Arts unit that had no other racial characteristics and whose first impression was that of a pure Sankta member quickly appeared in Chernobog.

This was the first time Jessica had ever seen Nana bestow Halo upon someone else... Although it was still a bit strange that Nana's original Cross-Star Halo appeared above Liskarm, seeing how Nana's Halo looked like it was being casually kneaded like clay, Jessica could only say that it was up to Nana's preference.

"Well, I understand now why Jessica has been so close to the captain all these years... It's all about connecting with each other... It's really convenient... But why is my Halo green?"

Seeing that Franka seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the bright, thorn-like emerald Halo of crosses above her head, Nana pondered for a moment, transforming her own Halo into a simple, mercury ring... Then, she wiped Franka's head with her hand, and Miss Vulpo was surprised to find that her fur had also turned emerald green, and her golden eyes had turned a faint SilverAsh under the influence of some force.

"Oh... that really is..."

As Nana casually tugged at Franka's braid, the single ponytail, designed for convenience, quickly became a side ponytail... After putting away Franka's signature smile, the naturally mischievous and cheerful Vulpo now seemed to have truly transformed into a melancholic Sankta.

"Is this some kind of agent-level makeup skill...? It's terrifying... Liskarm, you... have black hair now? Jessica seems to have become quite serious too..."

Seeing that Franka's true form was about to be revealed in just two minutes after she finished her makeup, Nana took back her "Bloodfiend" outfit... and with Halo aura of a sickly Sankta princess, Nana stepped forward and flicked Franka on the forehead:

"Alright, stop fooling around... Don't forget our next goal."

"Understood~ No speaking Ursus language!"

P. S.: I've slept for two more days... but the bleeding still hasn't stopped... Maybe I should see a gastroenterologist...

PSW2: Waaaaaah Cat

Chernobog's Blood Money: 268 Zhuoya Shelter

Problem-solving generally follows a step-by-step methodology.

Set a goal, find a method, and then take action...

Although the operation by the disguised Sankta forces was merely a fleeting glimpse of hostile Sarkaz Mercenaries, the Sankta's outward military personnel were notoriously reckless and unruly in this land... After all, you can't imagine what kind of image those Angel, who cause explosions in their own holy city, have in the outside world, especially the fanatical troops with deep faith, who are lunatics on par with the Sarkaz madmen in their level of madness.

Of course, aside from the obvious reasons, the main reason why Nana chose to go to the ground with a Halo was that Ursus couldn't really go to Laterano to demand an explanation... Because of the previous emperor's rampant expansion, Ursus now prioritizes stability in international relations, and the current emperor himself would order the suppression of the 'scandal' of the Sankta forces fighting on his own territory.

"However, the fact that these Sarkaz Mercenaries attacked us... suggests that Chernobog... or the Nobles' Army, are starting to recruit third-party military forces."

"What nonsense are you spouting, top student? The war is at a stalemate, and that's when people like us get business... Mercenaries have existed since ancient times, but the question is, who exactly sends them, isn't it?"

Watching her seniors bicker again, Jessica, whose eyes, made up by makeup, looked more like dead fish eyes than their usual teary ones, tugged at Nana's combat belt. Nana's combat suit was completely form-fitting, with no sleeves to pull up.

"Shouldn't we have spared some survivors...?"

"But there's no time for interrogation if we keep them, so let's just assume they'd rather die than surrender."

This serves as a conclusion to the life of the Mercenaries had previously come to their door. With her hair made up to be silver and her halo above her head turning bright red to indicate alertness, Nana makes a hand gesture, and the team quickly takes their positions in the shadows of the broken, light-leaking ruins.

While Liskarm held up a shield and a short assault rifle to guard the rear, Franka, whose hair had turned into a green side ponytail, took out a small makeup mirror, exchanged glances with Nana, and then stuck it to her sword sheath before slowly extending it.

Having lived a secluded life underground for a year, mostly buying daily necessities through the Scar Market, Jessica's impression of Chernobog was still that of a prosperous tourist and commercial city... The girl only knew that due to the war, most of the surface residents were huddled in prefabricated shelters, barely surviving on their reserves.

Because Liskarm, who was responsible for communicating with refugees and obtaining information, was ordered by Nana to block internal communication, the members of the Trauma Team, especially younger members like Jessica, had little concept of the intensity of the war on the surface.

Through the lens, Jessica watched as countless steel frames were melted by Originium Cannon, and the endless ruins stretched from her feet to the horizon... To avoid being exposed, Jessica covered her mouth.

"This... this is Chernobog?"

"Oh my, Jessica, you've been with us before, but you've probably never seen a war between major powers. The sight of warships and Mobile City exchanging fire is truly astonishing... I wonder how much damage the Nobles' Army has suffered. It looks like the surface of Chernobog has been completely razed to the ground..."

Nana remained silent in response to Franka's words... The black cat from Rhodes Island simply stared silently at the wall in the distance, which appeared to have risen dozens of meters higher.

Clearly, this wasn't just a simple case of the city surface being flattened; it felt like the entire city, including the underground pipeline construction layer, was completely destroyed.

The large amount of rubble piled up haphazardly, creating an unsettling atmosphere, and the twisted steel growing from the ruins resembled a scorched forest, eerie and terrifying, sending chills down one's spine.

Anyone with a modicum of reason would not choose to go to the surface... Even disregarding the occasional falling shells and the ongoing Ursus Civil War, the risk of buildings collapsing is a real threat.

However, Nana still led everyone back to the light gray sky. After all, the route from underground to the First Safehouse had been destroyed several months ago in a high-intensity artillery battle between the two sides of the civil war. Currently, this route is one of the alternative routes for the guerrilla forces led by Huang to deal with the local intelligence agency in Chernobog. However, walking through the ruins requires a series of preparations.

First, everyone had to put away the terrifying-looking weapons in their hands. Then, they had to take off their militarized equipment, such as weapon belts and tactical gear, and put them back in their backpacks.

The concealment of the Halo goes without saying, and finally, the formation also needs to change... at least to look less like special agents on a mission and more like civilians forced to come to the ground to find supplies.

"The civil war in the Chernobog area is currently at a stalemate, but the local military and police in Chernobog still maintain a high degree of organization. According to Liskarm's latest intelligence, as long as the curfew is observed and sensitive areas are avoided during the day, there will be no attacks."

As she spoke, Nana put on the windbreaker and jeans she had prepared in her backpack. All her equipment could be carried discreetly, so she could be well hidden by simply adding an outer garment.

As for the rest of the team, whether it was Liskarm or Jessica, they were all 'taking off their clothes' at this moment... all the clothes with the Blacksteel logo had to be changed.

Another pain point about shedding those high-performance Blacksteel gear is, of course, the winter of December itself... In order to keep warm and conceal the protective gear worn close to the body, Liskarm, Jessica, and Franka all had to wrap themselves up like balls in civilian clothing.

After completing all this, the four of them scurried out of the... subway gap like hamsters searching for food.

"Oh! The Central Command Tower in Chernobog is still there..."

"We can talk about that later. Right now, our top priority is to reunite with Huang and the others."

"That's true... but the entire city's terrain has changed. Does the First Safehouse still really exist?"

Nana addressed her concerns about Liskarm with her actions:

"Don't underestimate the ICA's Logistics Department... although it's safer to prepare these things ourselves in the future."

Yes, Nana contacted the ICA again this year.

Because Rhodes Island's supplies couldn't be obtained in the short term, Nana had no choice but to use her own resources.

Fortunately, the Continental Hotel still had some credibility. With the help of the ICA's system, Nana was able to reinforce the First Safehouse and purchase additional supplies while maintaining her disguise.

Among those supplies were many medical supplies originally ordered for the Doctor. In addition, considering the possibility of conflict with the regular army, Nana also ordered a lot of contraband such as individual Originium Artillery and spell-guided missiles, which would mean certain death if found.

This is also the source of Huang and the others' confidence in fighting, although Nana doesn't really want them to use those things.

Walking through the deserted ruins, where only the occasional whooshing sound of air being cut could be heard, Nana and the sharp eyes watching from the control tower in the distance quickly met and retreated. At Nana's reminder, the four of them, like proper refugees, Collapse into the dangerous ruins and continued on their way to their destination.

"Ah... I actually found something edible..."

"Take them all with you."

Leaving the dusty cans in the ruins would be a waste, but the four of them weren't really scavengers, and their backpacks didn't have much room.

Even so, the thrifty Jessica still managed to find some slightly damaged Backpack in the ruins. After Nana used magic to repair them a little, the four of them, covered in dust and dirt, carrying large and small bags of canned food, bottled water, and drinks, arrived at the vicinity of their destination before dark.

However, some unexpected things happened while searching for the target point.

The collapse of the building housing the safe house was expected; Nana had actually planned to use magic to break it down and re-secure the entrance and exit.

However, the Ursus military police squad patrolling around Safehouse One clearly disrupted Nana's plans. Moreover, since there was little room to hide while walking on the ruins, the four of them were instantly discovered by the Chernobog Military Police, who pointed heavy crossbows at them and ordered them to surrender.

"Nai Liulinger Ersan IV Baba Shi Nai?"

"Don't panic... It's not a good place to shoot. Let's pretend to surrender and get close to them to see what's going on..."

The Blacksteel Squad naturally carried out Nana's orders perfectly, or perhaps Jessica herself had a tendency to cry easily, and her sobbing seemed to have lowered the guard of the military and police considerably.

Seeing that these lightly armed police officers didn't seem inclined to check their backpacks, Nana patiently began talking to the lead crossbowman.

Hey! Where are you guys from?

"... I... we're from the public high school area..."

"Huh? You came all the way from the government district to outside the Third Ring Road? Are you out of your mind? Don't you know there's a war going on here?! Why?"

"... Because my house is up ahead..."

Nana's seemingly self-evident words made the Chernobog crossbowman hesitate to speak. Judging from his voice, the crossbowman, who was still quite young, speechlessly rummaged through the backpacks the four had placed on the ground with his weapon. Seeing that they were full of canned food and water bottles, he lost interest.