Chapter 279

"We'll talk about the operation later. After all, even if we've never met, I wouldn't really kill someone who's not involved... But, Kal'tsit, are you sure? Let such a seemingly weak land dweller, a Little Cat that looks like a harmless kitten, get involved in the entanglement in the sea? She doesn't even look as good as that man who led the way before, the one with the shield. At least in terms of physique and weight, that sunglasses-wearing man should be stronger than her."

"I can postpone investigating how the shark has become so weak, but I need you to explain further how she achieved her so-called 'last insurance'."

The white-haired woman's words immediately silenced the tension in the room. Kal'tsit glanced at the woman, who seemed to still be able to tolerate her, and then looked up at the white-haired woman, who also needed to be looked up to.

"You may have become accustomed to the various advantages that the ocean has over land-based nations, but don't let Aegir's arrogance influence your thinking. The current state of the Seaborn and Aegir's predicament largely stem from your ridiculous arrogance... And even though land-based people may never witness the vastness of the ocean in their entire lives, when have you ever seen the true starry sky...?"

"Does this have anything to do with me needing to verify her abilities?"

Seeing that the other person seemed genuinely puzzled, Kal'tsit's weary expression seemed to deepen.

"You can't even sense any threat from her. Just in that respect, you've already lost to many land-dwelling species. At least those weaklings in your eyes will maintain basic courtesy in front of an 'Angel'... Nana, activate your Halo."

Nana readily complied with Kal'tsit's instructions.

As the Halo System was activated, Nana's physique naturally increased rapidly and explosively in an instant... The woman who had just described the black cat as 'weak' looked much more serious the moment a silver Halo appeared above Nana's head.

Nana understood that since the other party was her partner in the Seaborn affairs, the stronger she appeared, the more respect she would gain, and the smoother the cooperation would be in the future... So, Nana rarely activated the full -Halo, which she had only used when annihilating the 'Sacred Remains'.

As the simple circle transformed into a dazzling cross, even the black-haired girl's pupils turned into bright blue, like a reticle pointing towards the target... Just being stared at by Nana at this moment was enough to make one feel a chill, as if being stared at by Beasts.

After all, at this stage, the Halo System had already started asking Nana if she wanted to mark the other party as an 'enemy'.

"So that's how it is. That appearance... was actually a disguise? This biological reaction... seems to surpass even the modifications made to 'Hunters'."

"Please think of it as a low-power standby state. Generally, I rarely encounter opponents that require me to fight at full strength. If you're worried about my combat performance, there's no need to worry... Also, as Specter's attending physician, I believe it's highly inappropriate to carry a weapon in a hospital room... Finally, Ms. Kal'tsit, may you continue with your presentation?"

Seeing Nana's strong support for her, Kal'tsit's lips twitched slightly, then she raised her hand slightly to continue the initial topic:

"Now, let me introduce you to a partner you might encounter while continuing your investigation in Lungmen... You can call her by her first name, 'Gladiia,' Aegir, Aegir Technical Administrator, Honorary Legion Commander, and one of the chief war architects of the Aegir military group 'Abyssal Hunters.'"

"Abyssal Hunters?"

Seeing that Nana was asking one question after another, seemingly without end, and feeling very uncomfortable with having the initiative taken over by someone else Gladiia stepped forward:

"In short, we're a military organization dedicated to fighting against the Seaborn. I'm currently searching for those beasts from the Church of the Deep and plan to follow this lead to their top... And in our potential future actions, to gain the trust of that trash, I might have to fight you... So, you land dweller whom Kal'tsit calls an 'Angel,' what is your name?"

"Nana Ivy, Rhodes Island Operator, codename Medic."

Looking at Nana's slender, fair fingers and wrists, free of calluses, they didn't resemble those of an operator or a doctor... In Gladiia's eyes, they were the hands of an artist or a cultural worker... Gladiia, who had been leaning her weapon against the wall rack, remained silent for a moment before taking Nana's hand:

"Although I just saw your battle form, your current appearance—lightweight, slender limbs, and even your neck looking like it would break at the slightest touch—makes me worry that you might be blown away by a gust of wind during battle..."

"Then please try to understand me using the mindset of a high-intensity, lightweight special combat individual... You see, even if I exert force, I won't get hurt, right... Of course, this kind of force shouldn't be used on ordinary people, as it could indeed cause disability to them."

I will be careful.

Seeing that the other person was behaving normally and could communicate amicably, Nana nodded in satisfaction, letting the other person hold her hand as if studying it. The cat looked at Kal'tsit:

"So, to put it simply, the plan is to cover for Miss Gladiia's gaining of trust in the Church of the Deep and to help her join it, right?"

"Yes, your combat capabilities are all above average. If you fight recklessly, it will inevitably cause irreversible damage to the Mobile City... I will handle the communication with the local government of Lungmen afterward."

"To prevent more innocent people from being caught up in the collateral damage, Gladiia, you need to quickly exchange information with us after finding and joining the Church of the Deep. After that, we will purge the remaining Church of the Deep members, while you will continue your own mission with a group of cultists... That's the general process. You two can now start adding the details."

After studying Nana's hands for a while, and finding herself still unable to understand how the other could control her power so freely, Gladiia politely released her, then looked at Kal'tsit:

"First, let's establish some fundamental principles... Any beast that has transformed into Seaborn will be killed without mercy. Do you two agree on this point?"

Seeing Nana twitch her cat ears, Kal'tsit realized that although Nana didn't show any outward reaction, her body language clearly indicated that she was wondering about the underlying logic. So she explained:

"The flesh and blood of the Seaborn are abnormally active biological products. Even if they lose their biological activity, sometimes just touching them can cause the transfer of genetic material, which then causes the life form of the receiving individual to begin an irreversible transformation into that of the Seaborn... Any beast that has been transformed into Seaborn will be killed without mercy, and Rhodes Island has no objection to this."

Listening to Kal'tsit's explanation, Nana nodded thoughtfully, but then raised her hand and asked:

"So, how do we determine if we've been infected by Seaborn?"

"The simplest way is to show marine-like features on the body... In the words of land people, it is to show 'scaly' characteristics... grow scales, have deformed limbs, and distorted faces... Seaborn are very different from normal humans. You should be wary of the type that only shows some characteristics and has not yet fully transformed."

"At the same time, compared to the physical changes... Medic, you need to pay more attention to the mental interference from those beasts."

"Even Seaborn from mental Pollution?!"

Although she didn't know why Nana was reacting so strongly all of a sudden, Gladiia was only puzzled, which didn't stop her from continuing her explanation:

"No, I'm talking about the heresies and fallacies of those believers. Because of the unique life form of the Seaborn, they essentially have no individual distinctions; all individuals serve the 'The Swarm consciousness.' I've seen too many terrestrial beings yearn for those who abandon thought and their human identity for reasons that don't make sense..."

"As Kal'tsit's 'last line of defense,' you must be careful not to be persuaded by them mentally. Otherwise, the assimilation of the Seaborn will intensify as you abandon your human identity. Unlike the erosion of flesh and blood, which can be treated later, abandoning one's mind is a death sentence. At that time, you must not become an accomplice of those beasts."

"Hmm, I roughly understand."

Seeing Nana's nonchalant statement, Gladiia wanted to say something but ultimately kept quiet, realizing that all she could do was offer advice.

As the tall, 1.8-meter-tall woman looked at the nun still hiding behind Nana, Gladiia turned to look at Nana with a complicated expression:

"Finally, let's talk about Shark's treatment... I heard that her current state is a consequence of conservative treatment. What were your considerations in keeping her in such a weak state?"

"... Is it possible that we simply don't know how to deal with the nervous system assimilated by Originium, and can only offer conservative treatment that minimizes the patient's suffering?"

PS: Waaaaaaah!

PSS: I've compiled so much, I'll post this much for now, there's more to come QAQ

9th Lungmen Seafood: 316 Aegir and the Ball

At Nana's explanation, Gladiia's brows furrowed even deeper: 8

"Thank you for considering my team so much... but I must point out that this is a completely wrong approach. Chess..."

"We Abyssal Hunters spend our lives fighting against the Seaborn, fighting against its corrosive effects on our Seaborn. For various reasons, Originium from the land has little impact on us. The Church of the Deep's torture of sharks is outrageous, but please trust my team member. I have a thorough understanding of the Hunters' physique. She must regain her senses; she can resist the Originium."

"Kal'tsit said that the technology to interfere with and modify the activity of Originium is unique to you... Therefore, on behalf of the patient's family and superiors, I request that you change the treatment strategy... Please proceed with the treatment with the aim of awakening her original consciousness."

Nana, of course, couldn't accept Gladiia's opinion. After Kal'tsit nodded in agreement with a complicated expression, Nana turned to look at the nun who was nervously clutching her hem.

"Doctor... I need to..."

"You need to change the treatment plan. This is the idea proposed by your family, and it's also the method that Dr. Kal'tsit agrees with..."

While examining Specter's current physical condition using the medical records handed to her by Kal'tsit, Nana said:

"The Originium nerves have blocked your memories and made you unlike yourself. Your family says that you became like this because of what that church did..."

"Is that so? I'm sorry... I didn't know that..."

Talking, yet uneasy, Specter grasped Nana's hand as if in prayer, and knelt before Nana in a gesture of confession:

"But this life is just a dream... Without memories of the past... I can't fulfill my mission... I remember that person saying that, and now, this woman is saying it again..."

"I can confirm that enhancing Originium activity will reactivate your memories, and your bodily functions will also be stimulated and... recovered? But be aware of the pain that will accompany it."

"Unlike ordinary Originium Disease where only the affected nerves are affected by foreign objects, your entire nervous system has Originium, making it difficult for me to assess... your quality of life after treatment..."

Watching Nana explain the medical records to him in detail, Specter, who couldn't understand a word, eventually focused his attention on the 'doctor' who was clearly thinking of him.

The nun held Nana's hand, her smile showing a hint of reluctance, clearly out of fear, but also a strong determination.

"I still vividly remember the pain I felt when the illness struck... But that woman was right, people spend their entire lives fighting against pain. Whether it's the 'hunter' she mentioned or the other people on this ship, I've seen a lot of it."

"If my current state is essentially a slumber, an escape from responsibility... then, regardless of whether my current beliefs are right or wrong, I agree with the fact that I should indeed wake up."

"But back then, what were my true feelings towards this ship, towards you doctors... and towards the Doctor would come back to visit me from time to time...? That was all I was worried about."

Finally, he touched Nana's hand with his forehead, completing the entire set of repentance gestures, and Specter released Nana.

"Please forgive me, the Specter you know may become a completely unfamiliar entity to you, but... please continue to watch me. Although I am afraid of pain and the unknown... if you, Doctor, are by my side, then the unknown future will no longer be frightening."

"After all, Light of Ticarondo... my doctor, the center of everything I talk about... you have always been by my side."

After seeing that Specter had confirmed the change in treatment plan on her own terms and signed all the formalities in the presence of Gladiia, Nana and Kal'tsit immediately began Specter's... treatment.

Nana was somewhat unable to describe the bloodshed and discomfort of the treatment process.

After all, as Nana said, the fact that the nerves are completely Originium means that increasing Originium activity is a more painful punishment than being slowly sliced to death.

But throughout the entire process, with Gladiia's help... mainly in holding down the Specter, which required Nana to activate her Halo to physically fight against, Nana heard the woman's indifferent 'continue' voice most often.

This 'treatment' only enhances a small part of the overall activity of the Originium. The entire treatment process has been divided into several years at Nana's strong request, but even the current 'first phase'... the female reaction of the woman named Specter is painful enough.

Even with restraints in place, they couldn't hold back the supposedly weakened 'Abyssal Hunters,' and what was most critical was that Specter was forced to remain conscious throughout... which was also the basis of the treatment... The higher the Originium activity, the more conscious she became.

Although this allowed Specter to consciously avoid unleashing her power on Nana or Kal'tsit, her struggles and the force that Gladiia used to hold her down had already caused the metal bed to cave into the floor.

Blood was splattered on her scratching fingertips, and many of her fingernails were torn off, skin and flesh torn away. Blood was oozing from the nun's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth... Nana was really worried that Specter would suffer irreversible consequences from the excessive pain... But as the treatment continued, she herself stared at herself with an expression that Nana couldn't quite describe, saying:

"Continue--!"

Okay, now Nana should probably start paying attention to her mental health.

Perhaps sometimes being too empathetic and Empathy with others isn't a good thing.

Finally, with Specter's Originium activity reaching the preset value, the agonizing treatment that had been grueling for both the patient and the doctor came to an end.

Even Kal'tsit couldn't hold on this time. Emerald Feline simply said goodbye to Nana and Gladiia and left with slightly unsteady steps... After inquiring that Gladiia did have a room to stay in and would soon be entering Lungmen to investigate the Church of the Deep, Nana also prepared to take her leave.

But just as Nana was about to leave with Specter's medical record, Gladiia, covered in bloody scratches, called out to Nana:

"Wait a minute, I heard from Kal'tsit that you're hosting a ball tonight?"

"Huh?"

Because of the huge discrepancy between her statement and Nana's understanding of Gladiia, the cat's brain seemed to shut down for a moment.

Seeing Nana's expression, Gladiia tilted her head as well. The tall woman, while removing what the cat interpreted as 'Iberia style' blood-stained clothing, asked:

"Huh? What? Did I make a mistake?"

"No, it's just... I was a little surprised that you can dance..."

"Although I haven't spent much time on land, I've observed that the music, art... especially dance, on land must each have their own unique characteristics, right?"

At this point, the silver-haired woman smoothed her long hair and cast a questioning glance at Nana:

"You don't know how?"

"Well, yes, I do... but I think you seem to have some misunderstanding about that event."

"First of all, it was more like it was organized for me than hosted by me... and it was just a casual get-together with a small stage where everyone could move around and perform, calling it a 'dance party' is a bit of a stretch..."

Can we dance?

"... able."

"That's fine then."

Seeing that Nana's gaze towards her became even stranger, Gladiia unbuttoned the leather-like hunter's undergarment and said calmly:

"You still seem to have some misunderstandings about me. What kind of person do you think I am?"

"A passionate follower of Seaborn? You seem like the kind of person who would rush in and chop them to pieces the moment they heard the news."

"... Your description is quite accurate... but that doesn't stop me from continuing my life. After all, if I were to leave the ocean and feel the dry air of the land, and also lose my dancing, I'd probably be lost... By the way, the toilet isn't smart, but the washing machine does have a smart washing option."

Speaking in a completely disjointed manner, so unlike her tall and slender figure, Nana couldn't help but cover her face as she watched her stuff her coat inside.

"That 'smart' feature only refers to the pre-set washing program. Bloodstained clothes still need to be treated before throwing them into the washing machine... Spray some detergent on the bloodstains and rub gently... Ah, this material doesn't seem to be easy to rub... How about using a brush? Ah, gentler, even gentler? Never mind, come on, let me show you..."

Nana skillfully retrieved the laundry detergent provided in each room from the bathroom, and seeing Gladiia's somewhat clumsy movements, Nana volunteered to help clean up the bloodstains.

Listening to Gladiia, "Actually, hunter's clothes are quite durable, and you can use more force..." Nana chuckled as she dealt with her while teaching her how to adapt to the... primitive life on land.

Yes, those are Gladiia's exact words.

As the other party awkwardly operated the 'not-so-smart' appliance into the final rinsing stage, Gladiia, dressed only in a shirt and leather pants, finally breathed a sigh of relief:

"Okay, hopefully I can make it to the ball... Thank you, Medic. There are just too few land dwellers willing to patiently listen to my explanations."

Seeing Nana's curious expression return, Gladiia continued:

"I understand that this might be because seeking the most efficient dialogue possible is instinctive for a ruler like me when using purely verbal communication, a low-information-density form of exchange. But it's truly rare to find a land dweller who can keep up with my pace like Ms. Kal'tsit, while also possessing the patience to tolerate inefficient communication... Oh, no, Ms. Kal'tsit said you are..."

Shaking her head to stop Gladiia from saying that, Nana gently touched her chest and corrected her with a smile:

"No, wait, I'm human... Self-awareness is very important, didn't you say that before?"

Gladiia quickly realized Nana's correction. Although her expression still seemed indifferent, Nana thought that this was probably just because she didn't understand Grandia well enough.

After all, whether it's the Abyssal Hunters or the Aegir Executive Officer... why does Gladiia love dancing so much, and why does she hate Seaborn so much...? Her first impression is that of a battle maniac, but she's the kind of person who doesn't want to miss even her own little banquet.

Gladiia is full of secrets, and Nana is very curious about her.

As for this Angel is described by Kal'tsit as completely unlike a human, yet possesses a strong empathy for humans, Gladiia's opinion is probably not much different from Nana's.

Amidst the familiar, homely sound of the washing machine's running water, the tall woman, as if having already assessed Nana's strength, gently took her hand, bending down to lightly touch the back of Nana's hand with her forehead:

"So, may I ask if I can reserve a dance for my future comrade?"