Chapter 278
However, the agent's voice remained unchanged, still reassuring to hear.
Good evening, Nana. I hope I haven't disturbed your hard-earned vacation too much.
"Haven't seen you for a long time."
[Hmm... I'm relieved to see you're much more decisive than before. The people in SHD and the Ministry of Defense were initially worried that the events in Raisington City would destabilize you... In fact, when they see everyone else as unstable, perhaps they should consider whether they themselves are the ones who are unstable.]
"... He's complaining."
[Ha, you've already figured out how to complain? ~ It seems your understanding of emotions has improved rapidly over the years at Rhodes Island, Nana... Talking to you now really feels like talking to a 'person'.]
"I am indeed human."
[I will also explain this to those who are concerned about your situation... Through the joint efforts of the ICA and SHD back then, with the tacit approval and cooperation of the President and the Maylander Foundation, we have successfully integrated you into Rhodes Island, and spent a huge amount of manpower and resources to build the transnational humanitarian organization Rhodes Island, as well as the legend that can walk the entire land, the Light of Ticarondo.]
[Ha, don't look so shy... Although we did push things forward, you were the one who carried them out. This is the honor and capital you earned with your life; making good use of it is the duty of a high-ranking agent.]
"... Why does that sound like you're telling me to do something bad? Is someone else someone I need to deal with?"
Of course, I also miss the days when we operated as a national immunization and error-correction mechanism, but sending you to Rhodes Island confirms what Ms. Kal'tsit called a 'more terrifying crisis'.
[Although I have sent my direct subordinates to your side to assist your operations, this does not mean that the ICA has become a purely Mercenaries organization like Scar Market. Our operations still uphold fairness and the simple justice of the people... and this supplementary operation as an outer layer of the rule of law...]
"Until the country truly and fully implements the rule of law... people will not be oppressed because of their own lack of strength, nor will their own interests be jeopardized by the status and power of the wealthy and powerful."
As if by unspoken agreement, even though the two had been separated for several years, that shared ideal was like an instinct etched into their blood. Assassin Number Seventy-Seven and his agent silently recited these words together:
Transcending bloodline and strength, and unrelated to status and power, the lives of all people are ultimately equal and unique.
[That's great. It seems your years of practicing medicine haven't made you forget our promise...]
"After all, this is something that's been repeated to me for decades... So, is the monitoring of my mental health still not over?"
Upon hearing Nana's sudden reminder, the manager, who had been chatting with the assassin for a while, paused slightly. Then, the manager, still dressed in the same business suit, wide-brimmed hat, and scarf on the screen, chuckled softly.
[Don't worry about it. After all, my report says your life on Rhodes Island hasn't been peaceful either... I need to check if you're mentally prepared to carry out the mission rationally.]
"Any mission that is unrelated to international stance, will not affect important figures associated with Rhodes Island, and aligns with the basic moral values of the general public is acceptable."
[Sigh... Nana, you're much more picky about missions now than before...]
"After all, Kal'tsit has been very good to me, and I have no reason to trip her up... or Rhodes Island."
As Nana narrated, the armory, with only its screen lit up, fell into a brief silence once more. As the agent contentedly stubbed out his cigarette, Rhodes Island's network usage suddenly surged... Closure's swearing in the central command, looking at the unfolding electronic photographs on the screen, Nana finally felt the same way she did when accepting missions in the past.
Seeing how much you like Rhodes Island, I'm relieved... Now, let's move on to the mission briefing.
First of all, welcome to Lungmen, Number Seventy-Seven. You know, we Columbia originated in Victoria, but in that now chaotic the Dominion, people only know the bustling port of Lungmen and the tea of the East; beyond that, Yan is merely a mark on a map in their eyes, as incomprehensible as the technical details of Mobile City.
[I don't want to waste time criticizing the incompetence of the nobles here, and it's true that the ICA lacks deployment in Great Yan due to its geographical location... But as Rhodes Island, which we support, travels across the land, a large amount of intelligence and the threshold for intelligence acquisition have been lowered, and the diplomatic difficulties that the newly established country faced in the past have recently made considerable progress... This has allowed us to learn a lot of secrets.]
[And the reason why you, who have already followed Kal'tsit to deal with 'even more terrible disasters', are disturbed... is naturally related to those disasters that we originally had no way of knowing about.]
The Great Silence... its existence is known, but its essence is always kept secret. Even those who know the truth remain silent, leaving only the legend of that once golden the Dominion to be sung on the edge of this land.
[Perhaps telling you these things while you're still struggling with the ever-present Demons from Ursus to Sami, from Rhodes Island to Lungmen will only increase your workload... But Kal'tsit has already been preparing to fight those monsters... Although that lady has emphasized to me countless times that fighting is the worst option, she always avoids the real issue when it comes to the correct approach.]
[If I weren't familiar with her character, I probably would have recalled you immediately and had you fully armed to join the Mechanical Hunter and Powered Armor Cavalry Regiment in wiping out those monsters known as the Seaborn.]
"... Seaborn..."
[Yes, Seaborn... Although Lady Kal'tsit corrected me, saying it wasn't his original name... but the sea people of Iberia and Aegir call him that, so I don't think Lady Kal'tsit would mind if we fools called them that in our own way.]
"So, the target is Seaborn... the location... is Lungmen."
The former is wrong, but the latter is right... The threat of the Seaborn was ultimately kept ashore by the Iberia Judgment, and that country barely maintained its crumbling state with the faith of Laterano... But also because of faith, some people are going astray.
Just as the 'Angel' who brought numerous new technologies to Columbia are treated as some kind of controllable new technology, the Seaborn, forcibly banished to the sea because of their faith, are also treated as objects of worship... I can't understand those members called the Church of the Deep, whether they're shouting for a better society, or to fight against Originium or Catastrophes... but their deformed flesh doesn't lie; they've strayed from the so-called 'human' path...
"If it is a voluntary exploration of the unknown, a clear act of self-martyrdom would probably not be noticed by the ICA."
[Yes, regardless of their initial vision, after engaging in a series of transgressions such as kidnapping, violent execution of opponents, and involuntary human experimentation, their attempt to 'bring the Seaborn inland and spread it'... demonstrates that the Church of the Deep must be a cult.]
"... Seaborn... is spreading?"
[For detailed information, please refer to the appendix table. For information on the characteristics of the Seaborn, please refer to... These Iberia documents may not be the most up-to-date. Perhaps you can obtain more comprehensive information from Lady Kal'tsit.]
Now, the ICA has confirmed that members of the Church of the Deep carrying the Seaborn have appeared in Columbia.
I don't know how they brought those dangerous creatures to Siesta, but thanks to the efforts of the Special Operations Airship TDD and the all-out attack by the Third Mechanized Cavalry Battalion attached to it, most of those who seemed to want to turn the Siesta coast into a nest of Seaborn were eliminated... But the most difficult to deal with are those who coexist with or even have the ability to spread Seaborn...
[They have now crossed the Kjerag Mountains and the border of Leithanien... Due to a warning from the Twin Empresses' guards, our troops can no longer pursue them, but the ICA has confirmed their current location.]
"Lungmen."
Yes... This mission is unrelated to nation or race, and it is different from the love and hatred between people in the past. Now Nana has regained some of her past power, and you have indeed used that power in the place I hoped for... Let us become... let us become the light that illuminates the whole land.
[Go and stop that monster from continuing to harm them. Don't let that inhuman behavior and tragedy spread any further. The ICA will do everything in its power to assist you...]
After delivering the mission briefing in one breath, the manager turned off the information screen that had been showing Nana... and then smiled:
[Although Agent Number Seventy-Seven no longer has the equipment allowance and replenishment authority of an SHD agent because his file has been transferred to Rhodes Island... I can still prepare new supplies for you in the name of the ICA through my involvement in the disaster relief efforts related to the Seaborn Infestation... Looking at how you've been these past few years, even your underwear has been altered time and time again?]
Listening to her manager's words, Nana looked at her combat suit, which had lost its fluidity and could no longer be called 'liquid metal,' and a hint of helplessness appeared on her face.
"My workplace has changed, not the targets of my battles have become simpler... In fact, the past few years have all been tough battles..."
[Demons is also an enemy of civilization. Although I can't say this outright to the members of SHD, Kal'tsit specially commissioned this large-scale strategic equipment just for you, but that kind of busy person obviously won't care whether you're wearing underwear properly or have a change of socks... Fortunately, the Führer has granted me access to the Columbia high-level intelligence arsenal to grant you access... I've already sent someone to order the new liquid metal combat suit. Is there anything else you need? I'll send it to you all at once this time.]
Looking at her manager's gentle gaze as always, Nana wanted to say that she lacked nothing... but recalling the speed at which her Continental Hotel Coin, which was essentially her savings, had been depleted in the past, and remembering how Kal'tsit had dragged her to beg and plead for sponsorship for the Exploration Vehicle, it was clear that even as a super agent, Number Seventy-Seven still had to worry about insufficient funds.
"As for weapons, I obtained the priest's belongings, plus the original stockpiles of Lycoris... I can actually handle the light weapons myself..."
[So heavy equipment is still needed after all... What about the grenade launchers and BMG50s from before?]
"They're all here... But you wouldn't expect me to bring heavy Firearms Arts into Lungmen, would you...? While the ICA's operations here are indeed out of reach, you should know that I'm stuck here because of tactical equipment, right?"
[Ah, I immediately went to Kal'tsit to tease her about that... but that lady is someone who hopes everyone can overcome disaster and lives their life with that goal in mind... I hope my teasing eased her mood a little.]
"Won't that make you even angrier?"
As she raised this question, Nana casually finished maintaining her four Firearms Arts during the conversation.
Seeing the black-haired Feline take the WA2000 out of the transparent cabinet, carefully wipe off the dust from this first Laterano Gun given to him by the agent, and then put it back, the agent glanced at the communication time between the two... mainly a data usage warning from Rhodes Island, and gave a helpless smile:
[That's Kal'tsit's own problem... And since this mission is entirely entrusted to you, you'll need to handle the follow-up matters, including intelligence gathering, yourself. You can involve Rhodes Island, or even Lungmen and Great Yan; I have no objection.]
"Understood... I will ask Kal'tsit for more detailed information before making a move."
[Finally, I will entrust the fastest ship to deliver the supplies specially approved by the Commander-in-Chief to you as soon as possible... I wish you a pleasant hunt in advance, Nana.]
He nodded, and the communication ended.
After reviewing the mission's key points in her mind once more, Nana sighed for this land plagued by disaster... She put her Rhodes Island uniform jacket back on, concealing her weapons and protective gear beneath the oversized uniform, Nana patted her cheeks, reverting to her Medic expression.
"... cults... and then another enemy of civilization... but since they can be contained by the declining Iberia, they should still be under control?" Jiu
Talking to herself incoherently, Nana returned to the coffee shop. Upon exiting the staff break room, the first thing she saw was Nana, Takina expression serious and her body tense... Just as Nana was thinking that the child seemed to be having a stress reaction, she turned her head and saw Ascalon, the head of Rhodes Island's SWEEP department, an assassin whose ability to conceal her presence even surpassed her own, currently holding a cup of milk tea with a straw in her mouth, drinking her beverage obediently and expressionlessly.
Watching Yi Lingshan II Lin Qi's private chat makes it seem like she was forced to spend money by Takina. 5
Speaking of that milk tea... isn't it a bit too big? The rim of the cup almost reached Ascalon's chin when it was on the table. Is this the legendary super-sized cup?
"Ah... Medic..."
Before Nana could even greet him, the straightforward assassin master relayed his purpose:
"Kal'tsit is looking for you."
Before Nana could respond, Ascalon, who was feeling extremely uncomfortable under Takina's gaze, vanished on the spot... What was even more unsettling was that not only did this companion disappear, but two seconds later, the milk tea also vanished.
It seems like he quite likes Takina's cooking.
"... Okay."
Seeing Nana's response, Mika, who was temporarily acting as the store manager at the counter, couldn't help but exclaim, "Eh--!"
"Is Nana going to see Kal'tsit again? Does that mean she'll have to go on a mission again right after she just got back?"
"That... maybe not..."
Nana reached out and touched the pink-haired, Halo Liberi whose cheeks were puffed up in protest. Then she looked at Nagisa, who was drinking tea at the staff bar, and Seia, whose fox ears were also twitching and whose attention was entirely on her.
"In short, this matter is quite complicated, and we'll need to speak with Ms. Kal'tsit to understand the specifics. Also, my manager is sending over a package soon... Could you please sign for it for me?"
"Of course, no problem. We're here to help you with these things."
In response to Nagisa's reaction, Nana could only tilt her head shyly before the assassin in her Rhodes Island uniform jogged towards Kal'tsit's office.
The agent's information lacked a systematic record of Seaborn's description, and Nana still hoped that Kal'tsit could give her a more detailed and clearer explanation.
However, before Nana could find Kal'tsit, Nana received a message from Kal'tsit in the Medical Department team channel of PRTS.
"Does this mean... I need to go to the patients I'm in charge of?"
Looking at the room number, Nana's mind once again conjured up the image of that strange nun who, although she was in charge of the records, actually had to submit all the data to Kal'tsit for filing.
"Specter"
PS: Waaaaaaah!
Dogs are also cats↑
PSS: After all, this is Yan territory, it's impossible for the ICA to just arrange things and immediately begin execution... Now Nana will have to search for it herself.
I'm a little worried about Ch'en and the others' mental state right now. (laughs)
9th Lungmen Seafood: 315 Gladiia
When it comes to Specter, Nana's reaction is naturally to recall her seemingly docile first impression, and in stark contrast, to the fact that she was inexplicably chosen by Kal'tsit as a test subject for her tactical equipment.
Compared to Aegir like Weedy and Takina, Specter's physical strength, physique, and combat abilities far surpassed theirs. This made Miss Specter seem rather... abnormal.
Although Nana knew that making connections without any evidence was likely to cause trouble, given that Specter was known to be a 'nun' and the Church of the Deep was a cult that used Seaborn for human modification... it seemed quite natural to link Specter's unusual combat abilities to the Church of the Deep.
Of course, this speculation only flashed through Nana's mind, since finding decisive 'evidence' is a very important and serious matter for someone like Nana who is used to receiving the most expensive currency in this land.
Although Nana is no longer a simple 'assassin', Nana is now much stricter in taking lives than before.
After all, when he was an assassin Number Seventy-Seven would occasionally cause unavoidable collateral damage. Now, Medic seems to only decide whether to use lethal force after the other party has clearly shown hostility... or even after hostility has already been shown, he will go through a series of weighted judgments in his mind.
Considering her decisiveness in combat, Nana would probably complain that she's gotten weaker... Her past self would definitely have wondered why, but the current Nana doesn't think it's a bad thing.
This undoubtedly represents an improvement in empathy, and is the most significant manifestation of transforming oneself from a 'weapon' into a 'human being'.
Only in this way can one understand what emotions are and what the 'love' one needs most is.
"Specter... Specter... Ah, found it."
They went to that special guest room, which was considered a marginal spot on Rhodes Island, again. Sensing presences other than Kal'tsit and Specter inside, the black cat from Rhodes Island politely straightened her clothes and gently knocked on the door. Nana then heard Kal'tsit's slightly weary voice:
"Nana? Please come in."
Kal'tsit, you... called me?
As the ward door opened, Emerald Feline greeted Nana with her eyes. She had seemed perfectly normal when she left not long ago, but only a few hours later, Kal'tsit seemed to have reverted to the exhausted state she had been in years ago when the Doctor was sent to Chernobog, as if she could die at any moment.
Was it because of the anxious-looking Specter on the hospital bed?
No, compared to his manic state that seemed like a relapse of his illness when we first met, the now docile Specter is enough to show that the Originium inertia-inducing conservative treatment I devised has indeed allowed him to maintain a fairly high quality of life...
So the source of Kal'tsit's rigid expression and tired eyes, as if she wanted to quit but had no choice but to work overtime, is quite obvious. After all, the white-haired, fit-up woman in the ward, whose gaze Nana had to tilt her head slightly to meet, had an overwhelming presence from the very beginning.
"So it's you? The... ultimate insurance Kal'tsit spoke of?"
Although Nana doesn't dislike straightforward people, the sight of the white-haired, red-eyed woman wielding a weapon in the hospital room made Nana frown. As Nana entered Specter's room, the nun seemed to see a savior and hid behind Nana... In contrast, the white-haired stranger's face became even more serious; she seemed quite displeased with Specter's reaction.
"... What a weak state she is in, whether it's the shark or you... or rather, you're the one who made her like this?"
As she spoke, she tightened her grip on her weapon. The long spear, which was longer than her height, was almost touching the ceiling when held behind her back. Compared to Nana's composite beam halberd, which at least considered indoor combat, this person's weapon seemed to have never been considered for urban warfare.
More importantly, did the person tense up all their muscles after saying that?
What do you mean? Do you have some grudge against me? Do you want to fight me?
Despite her growing vigilance, out of respect for Kal'tsit's guests, Nana maintained the smile she had learned from Cole and politely looked at Kal'tsit.
"And who is this?"
"... I've received your contact from Columbia. She's directly involved in this mission... As preliminary preparation for follow-up operations, and to prevent Lungmen from being destroyed by you two without your knowledge, I think you need to get acquainted with her first..."
Nana, with her Empathy, could tell that Kal'tsit was struggling to suppress her frustration at wanting to leave. However, this woman, whom Nana had to look up to meet, seemed even more agitated than Kal'tsit. She even interrupted Kal'tsit's introduction, speaking with an attitude of 'it doesn't matter whether I hear her name or not, she's nobody's name':