Chapter 242

The Chernobog's Blood Money: 270 still lacks a bit of persuasiveness.

"In short, that's how it is. The civil war remains at a stalemate, but our old friend is still here... his men continue to uphold justice, and his wife continues to help everyone in whatever way she can."

"Those who carry firewood for the masses should not be left to freeze to death in the snow... If possible, I would like to help this family, so do you all remember Zhuoya and her friend, Radrovna Alexandra Skaya?"

"Weedy, our industrial area is also a resettlement site. Could you please get PRTS moving around and conducting a facial recognition test?"

[No problem, but our surveillance hard drive array can only go back three months...]

The Aegir in the team channel looked slightly helpless. After all, the war had officially started half a year ago. Dalia said that Zhuoya had disappeared two months ago, but in fact, there had been several security problems in Chernobog before the war even started.

No one can guarantee that Zhuoya and Fufu have already left the school... After all, the fact that Amiya's attendance rate at school and the school's virtually zero tracking of Amiya shows that the school is not very responsible.

As an old-school public academy whose history dates back to the Originium Revolution of the late emperor, it is viewed terribly poorly by the public.

"When we get back, I need to upgrade the software on the Exploration Vehicle... If we can drive it back, then I need to add an array cabinet to the onboard PRTS system... Please write this in the PRTS memo."

"The Trauma Team I'm leading will continue operations under the guise of Sankta. Please be aware of friend or foe identification... Now, everyone, report your current situation."

As Nana's gaze met the group on the Exploration Vehicle through her phone's camera, Saria first glanced at Amiya behind her, who, though also in a meeting, hadn't pulled her hand away from the Doctor, before taking over the task of leading the group:

[VIP is in good condition, having regained consciousness twice during the session...]

Can it be moved?

[With the aid of stimulants, he could barely walk, but to be on the safe side, he's currently resting in bed. Another point worth noting is that the water supply to the industrial area and the Exploration Vehicle was interrupted today... We've started using the vehicle's water tank inventory.]

"Then let's switch to rationing immediately. I remember that as long as the Exploration Vehicle's power doesn't run out, a standard squad should be able to last for six months with the secondary circulation filtration system."

[Yes, but the problem lies with food... According to Operator Ptilopsis's daily inventory, even including strategic reserves like MRE rations in the warehouse, we can only last for a maximum of two and a half weeks.]

"... rationing system?"

[Yes, under the rationing system, we can hold out for another two and a half weeks, excluding those who leave the team... It's currently December 1096, and we have indeed held out for the expected time. These two and a half weeks should be the time we leave Ursus for Lungmen.]

Despite saying that, seeing Nana's silent expression, Saria tilted her head and crossed her arms:

[It seems you're not planning to leave, Captain... Why?]

"There are both emotional and practical difficulties... It is now confirmed that the Chernobog Military Police and police have fully entered a state of war, which means that we may not only become prey for the Nobles' Army, but also the Chernobog's defensive artillery will become a threat... However, we cannot act with the aim of paralyzing Chernobog's defenses. The Ursus Nobility army is a thoroughly feudal army, and allowing them to enter the city will only cause a humanitarian disaster."

[... It sounds strange that I'm saying this, but you wouldn't be thinking of maintaining a friendly relationship with the Chernobog authorities after taking that batch of 'strategic stockpile,' would you...? You said...]

"... I'll do anything to ensure the mission's objective is achieved... Yes, I still hold that belief... but that doesn't mean I'll abandon my principles."

Seemingly satisfied with Nana's reaction, Saria even showed a slight smile. This woman, whose thought process was as hard as stone, later shrugged in the team video:

[Then, I will continue to obey your orders... Exploration Vehicle team reports complete.]

"Then let's switch to the Guerrillas report... Huang, how are you all doing?"

[Hmm... not bad~?]

It seems that Huang didn't turn on the camera due to battery concerns, so Nana couldn't see what was happening on his end. However, judging from the sound, Huang, the big cat, wasn't too embarrassed to be laughing out loud.

[Zhuoya and the others' disappearance is indeed worrying, but what I'm a bit confused about is Nana's plan... Is it still possible to erase all traces of our actions? We clearly left a public cooperation agreement at the Sarcophagus a year ago... We can't possibly cast Grand Forgetting Spell on so many people at the city hall, can we?]

"There's really nothing to it in that regard... After all, the initial Touch can be traced back to the Nobles' Army, but the ultimate purpose of our concealment is to ensure that the existence of VIPs is not exposed... We just need to create the illusion that we will secretly withdraw after the Sarcophagus Pollution incident, which also fits the logic of Rhodes Island's main ship entering the country later."

"The entire incident was disguised as a process of 'Rhodes Island squad entering the country,' 'discovering an emergency,' 'evacuating after pre-treatment,' and 'Rhodes Island main force entering the country to participate in the refugee evacuation.'"

[... That doesn't seem right... Boris should have records of locking us up at the material transfer point...]

"But not many people know about this. At least, neither Loban nor the reinforcements knew when the Sarcophagus was sealed off... So I think the sealing off was entirely orchestrated by Boris's intelligence agents, perhaps to make us a surprise force against the Nobles' Army..."

So, are you going to cast a 'Grand Amnesia Spell' spell on those intelligence agents and Boris himself?

In response to Huang's direct question, Nana paused for two seconds before making a decision:

"There's no need for that... Just make them think that we left after the Sarcophagus was sealed off, and then arrived with this ship to evacuate the refugees... There are two key points: one is the reinforcement and sealing of the elevator that has not yet been opened, and the other is the record of the opening of the hatch in the command tower."

"The former simply involves aging the cutting marks, while the latter adds an activation timestamp to Ursus's system... As long as no one witnesses our departure afterward, then we've been gone for a year."

Nana's confident statement silenced everyone for a moment, and as Folinic, "So as long as evidence can be altered, so-called facts are information that can be manipulated at will," even the data recorder, Ptilopsis, visibly slumped down in spirit.

[The information I received is no longer reliable... Medic's actions and the possibilities have shaken my memory...]

"... It's just that it was deliberately described that way. Getting back to the point, Huang, where are you located?"

[Huh? Oh... We're resting in the ruins about two blocks... um... about 800 meters away from Safehouse One. ]

"What about the disguised situation?"

[Let's use the scraps from the Scar Market as cover for now. The only problem is we'll get beaten up if the Chernobog Military Police see us... Luckily, we ran fast enough, and today Mika's boxing match is being fought by the local intelligence agencies.]

"So, we'll meet up at the safe house later... You've seen the new map, right?"

[Yes, the camera footage is very clear; we've already taken the screenshot...]

"From now on, we'll be using the Sankta forces as our cover. You can use everything in the safe house. Evacuating VIPs remains the highest priority, so don't skimp on supplies and equipment..."

[So, about Zhuoya...]

"We'll regroup and deal with it together... The exact time to take the VIP away depends on whether we can contact Rhodes Island... Hopefully, the communication with the non-contracting parties on Loban's side will go smoothly. As long as we can use the Chernobog army's Intercity Network to send messages, we should be able to find out the location of the Rhodes Island main ship."

Looking at the current team composition, most of the Trauma Team's combat power is currently on the periphery. The only one in the Exploration Vehicle who can truly be considered a combatant is Saria. Amiya is still immature, Folinic's combat power is not outstanding, and Ptilopsis is Oripathy who needs to recuperate.

Weedy... Nana still doesn't know how strong she is in combat. In the team chat, Weedy only says that she passed the field operator assessment. If possible, Nana still hopes that the technical staff can stay away from danger.

"Then, the Exploration Vehicle will focus on defense. Access to the Chernobog facilities remains valid. Everyone can change all roads leading to the Exploration Vehicle to password-protected or manually accessible from within... Once we've notified the refugees and re-established contact with Rhodes Island, we'll proceed with the final evacuation plan."

[Wu Qiqi understands Ling Qi Liuyi... So we will begin the final gate sealing and removal, and await your next communication.]

They saluted each other, and then the team status windows on their phones went black one after another. Nana and the others exchanged glances, tilted their heads to ask about everyone's status with their eyes, and then picked up their backpacks and got up from the corner of the shelter. Under the watchful eyes of the crossbowmen, Nana waved to Ms. Daliya, who quickly ran over from the communications room.

"Ms. Daliya, how have you considered my previous suggestion?"

Faced with Nana's serious question, the gray-haired woman clasped her hands together in a prayer-like gesture, her fingertips turning white:

"Of course I agree, but... my husband said he needs to discuss it with other officers, and he hasn't given me a formal reply yet..."

"This is indeed not something that can be resolved in a short time, but the search for the missing child is urgent... We came from the public high school area, where the underground industrial zone is controlled by different forces... We usually stay in our own controlled areas, so it's normal that we haven't seen your daughter. But I think we can ask other people."

"Furthermore, I can inform those living in poverty about the military shelters connected to the railway... and if the Contingency Contract can help establish Safe Corridor, it will be easier for the military to coordinate the evacuation of personnel."

Seeing Nana's righteous expression, Ms. Daliya was so moved she almost cried... completely unaware of Liskarm's deadpan gaze, Franka's suppressed laughter, and Jessica's wandering eyes behind Nana.

Nana herself is the type to do good deeds regardless of her background. Putting aside whether her goals are evil, just consider whether what she does is beneficial to the majority of people... Of course, it's impossible to say that she hasn't done anything bad, because ultimately, the primary strategic objective in the rules of Agent Number Seventy-Seven's operation is above public morality and safety.

Nana knew she was worthless, but if there was a chance to become something good, she would still give it a try.

"Well then, we'll be leaving now... If it's inconvenient to move around during the day as you said, then the people of Chernobog will probably make nighttime their primary time of activity in the future..."

"What if we encounter rebels... or are misunderstood..."

"All we can say is that we should try our best to avoid this situation."

Seeing the silver-haired girl before her, who seemed to disregard life and death, Daliya's gaze wandered for a moment, then, as if remembering something, she turned and walked back towards the warehouse.

"... Um... please wait a moment..."

"Ms. Daliya... Madam?"

Although it was rushed, the lady didn't keep Nana waiting long. She quickly took out a bag from the storeroom and then took out a set of knitted soft hats and scarves.

Their colors were all a striking red, Nana herself refused to wear them, but in the end the young girl allowed the lady to put them on for her.

The hat has ear flaps at the top, and its pointed shape is suitable for various hat styles, including Feline, Ursus, and Vulpo. The brim and ends of the scarf feature the Chernobog Police Station logo, and the very edge is embroidered with the words 'For the Champion Model Couple – Loban & Daliya'.

"... This was originally a prize for my husband and me at a government event. It's a standard item, only for military and police family members. That way, as long as your actions aren't too suspicious, you shouldn't be attacked by military or police personnel... And this can also be considered a token. If you find Zhuoya, you can show her my husband and my names on it, and she'll know that you were sent by me to find her... But in any case, it's not a formal token, but hopefully it will have some effect."

As she spoke, Daliya stroked Nana's hair as if she were looking at her own daughter, then gave her a tight hug:

"Although it's in the south, the winter nights in Ursus are still very cold, so please be careful."

"Of course, we are also professionals, please trust our capabilities."

Smiling, Nana waved goodbye to Ms. Daliya and the soldiers who were watching the situation with suspicion. Then she left the way she came, and everyone exhaled a puff of white breath after returning to the ground.

Glancing at the -20 degree Celsius temperature warning on her watch, Nana quickly determined her direction, and her disguised red pupils instantly reverted to their heterochromatic blue and emerald hues.

"Let's go... target safe house Number One, rendezvous with the guerrilla squad, then change equipment."

As she spoke, Nana glanced at the four of them dressed in their commoner attire:

"Clearly, we still lack the persuasive power to engage in dialogue with those established underground gangs."

PS: Waaaaaaah!

7th Chernobog's Blood Money: 271 One more chapter coming soon QAQ

Although her killer instincts kept reminding Nana that going out wearing a red hat would most likely make her head a target.

But no matter how conspicuous it is, it can't hide the 'possibility' that this knitted outfit might be mistaken for a friendly unit by the Chernobog Military Police... Yes, just the 'possibility' is enough for Nana to take the risk.

Ever since returning from Laisenton, Nana has harbored a deep aversion to fighting systematic enemies. The rules of this land have remained unchanged throughout history; the strong and military formations are ultimately just a matter of exchange.

People die when they are killed; that's the simple Istina of this land.

The journey from Zhuoya Shelter to Safehouse One proceeded without incident; Ursus's nighttime combat capabilities were essentially nonexistent.

If it were the real Sankta squad, they might need some special means to conceal the online notification light of the Command System above their heads, but Nana's squad doesn't need to worry about such things at all.

If we have to say that working in the dark has any impact on Nana, who has night vision, then the only reason is that due to the change in terrain, everyone couldn't find the safe house No. 1 after searching around.

Finally, following Huang's suggestion, they went down to the original basement level four through a nearby subway entrance, and then returned from the basement level four to directly beneath the original Safehouse One before finally finding the new entrance Huang had opened.

Holding a flashlight in her mouth, Nana looked up at what was probably a manhole cover, then wearily asked Franka to knock on the door.

Thump, thump thump...

[Password.] Four

Yi Ling easily abandons Si Wu (IV) and pulls "Longbow." Group

[Thunder... Captain, you've arrived.]

With the other party's formal response, Nana put away her Silver Dancer. Accompanied by the screeching sound of metal manhole covers scraping against the concrete floor, everyone saw Typhon, dressed in a gray cloak and a standard Sarkaz Mercenaries attire.

To enter Safe House Number One must jump straight from the floor to the ceiling, a challenge of a very subtle degree... For truly weak races, this three-meter height would be considered a divine punishment, but for everyone present, this level of obstacle is unsettlingly fragile.

After all, not to mention the exceptional case where Nana's magic defense is stronger than Saria's after activating her Halo, even Jessica, whose physique is not particularly outstanding, has almost no defense of this level... Even excluding Firearms Arts, it's probably something that a single Rising Dragon Punch from a young girl could solve.

However, given that this safe house is already on the verge of being scrapped, no one cares about its various problems.

"Ah~ Nana! Long time no see~"

Reaching out to support the dirty, dusty-faced, but silly-smiling pink-haired idiot in front of them, who lunged at them and nuzzled against them as soon as he saw them, Nana and Huang met eyes, smiled knowingly, and nodded to each other.

"Um... Nana, at least look at me..."

"Mm, Mika, you've worked hard too... but your hair is so dirty. Have you been taking care of your personal hygiene?"

"Huh? No way?!"

Using a small excuse, Nana got the pink-haired idiot to grab a wet wipe and start fixing his long hair. She then turned to look at Typhon, who was still wearing his Mercenaries outfit.

How is Typhon doing?

"Yes, Captain and Mika- senpai took good care of me, and I wasn't injured this time." Reminded by Typhon's words, Nana suddenly turned to look at Mika and Huang. The emerald flames lit up the dark room, and Nana realized that although the two of them were not seriously injured, they both seemed to have covered up the marks on their bodies.

Nana hadn't noticed before, but Feline, who also dislikes the heat, was now wearing a long-sleeved jacket and jeans, seemingly unconcerned about heat dissipation. Her long arms and legs were generously displayed even under the cover of the close-fitting clothes.

This might not seem special to others, but for Originium Arts are related to the manipulation of thermal fluids, it's like replacing the engine grille of a powerful armored vehicle with a solid iron plate.

Ignoring Huang's exaggerated gestures of "What are you doing?", Nana grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it up, revealing the bandage that had just been put on and was still bleeding...

Turning to look at Mika, ignoring the pink-haired idiot's expression as she lifted her skirt, seemingly expecting an inspection, Nana wandered around the room and quickly found the Mercenaries coat that the pink-haired idiot hadn't hidden at all:

"Three cuts on his chest, and the hem of his long coat has been cut into strips like rags... I should have said that if the intensity of the battle exceeds your tolerance, you should contact me immediately."

"Well, is it possible that we haven't even entered overload mode yet? I haven't activated my Halo, and Huang's device isn't activated either... As for Little Typhon... um... she's safe!"

Seeing Mika's silly grin as she gave him a thumbs-up, Nana sighed, took Mika's hand, and then pulled up her sleeve.

Just as Nana guessed, even with the Survivor Protocol, a SHD spell, Mika still had a considerable number of purplish-blue bruises on her arm while in the state of Halo. These were probably left from taking the fatal wound for Hoshi while performing her duties as a guard.

After the three returning members underwent a brief check to confirm that there were no lasting injuries, Nana gestured in the right direction to Mika, and then the pink-clad girl excitedly punched the floor.

As the cement on the floor cracked and crumbled, revealing the gray, grimy storage boxes, Nana stepped aside, allowing Franka to excitedly pull out all the safe house's supplies at once, while simultaneously complaining:

"So what if our Halo are exposed? It's better not to activate Huang's emergency defibrillator. After all, that's something only the dead need... Speaking of Halo, everyone can activate their Halo now, and we'll be operating as the Sankta squad from now on."

As she spoke, Nana took out a night-sky-colored butterfly knife, its unusual Sharp slicing through the row of boxes of items as easily as cutting butter.

Because the initial design was for long-term storage, the equipment cases were specially sealed, with the locks welded in place... This packaging never considered usability from the start; it's designed so that even the Ursus officials wouldn't understand it.