Chapter 70

"I understand that he wants to use Rhodes Island to create momentum and ease international public opinion... but I still don't understand why we should do as he wishes... Does Rhodes Island have the capability to resist Ursus military intervention?"

"... Originally, it wasn't there."

Nana immediately understood the slight shift in Kal'tsit's gaze when she said those words.

So, is it because I'm here, because I represent Columbia's interests, and because I'm about to interfere with Ursus's the Infected strategy, that Rhodes Island now has the ability to resist Ursus's military intervention?

It seems that it really is...

Because he would inevitably need the involvement of the Columbia Homeland Security Bureau, Rhodes Island and the emperor who hired Rhodes Island would become cheerleaders waving flags from the rear.

The Old Nobility who directly confronted Ursus by using the Infected to divert attention from their own problems thus became 'Columbia'... which just so happens to be something Columbia is planning to do.

After all, the Old Nobility of Ursus were in Columbia's way... mainly because a high-ranking Columbia agent happened to be going to Ursus to do a mission on the side.

If things go smoothly, Ursus will appease public opinion, the Emperor will enhance his authority, the New Nobility will gain support, the Infected will be treated better, Columbia will acquire population, and Rhodes Island will realize its ideals... So who will be unlucky?

That's not important.

Nana simply watched calmly as Kal'tsit, who seemed to support Amiya's decision, watched with indifference.

"Rhodes Island may become a target afterward. The Emperor and his faction will inevitably publicize Rhodes Island's entry in a big way... At the same time, if the Infected do not receive enough support when they develop the disease, the Infected hatred for the Ursus authorities will also be transferred to Rhodes Island... The Infected problem in Ursus may become a burden that Rhodes Island cannot get rid of for years or even decades... Is it worth it?"

"Similarly, the closed-off and arrogant Ursus will also extend goodwill to Rhodes Island, and its militaristic expansion will, under the new emperor's leadership, shift towards satisfying internal needs. Our pharmaceutical factories and outposts, with material support from Columbia, will rapidly spread throughout Ursus's Mobile City... More people will obtain our medicines through these channels..."

"If we succeed, a nation will be united... and even if we fail, the loss to Rhodes Island itself will merely be another failure..."

Looking at the indifferent Kal'tsit, Nana met her gaze and then lowered her head slightly:

"It seems as if you've long since given up on 'success'..."

"Things rarely turn out so ideally, just like the Rhodes Island Navigator Miracle three years ago... How should we value the price we paid?"

Shaking her head, Kal'tsit glanced at the others, and seeing that no one else had any objections, she said:

"Often, we can't say for sure how our choices will affect the future. Right and wrong can seem completely opposite from different perspectives... I can only say that our choice is the most appropriate one at the moment... This is the right opportunity for us to get involved in Ursus."

"Then, the next step is to ensure the mission can be completed... I need to restore my strength."

"I am also Nana's power!"

Seeing the two cats, one black and one white, snuggling together again, Kal'tsit, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, smoothed down her own ruffled cat ears.

As someone with a wealth of experience, Kal'tsit is somewhat allergic to the word 'power'...

In her memory, countless talented young people seemed to believe that with 'power' they could solve all the suffering on this land... However, most of them were directly crushed by the chariots of calamity and crisis.

They have become dust in history, swept into an unknown corner...

'Kal'tsit'...' Kal'tsit '... q

She was like a corner of history, her mind filled with the names of those who wanted to change this land.

She still remembers them.

Will Nana become like them?

Or will they also become dust crushed by the wheels of history...?

Kal'tsit will no longer comment on such speculation... just as she doesn't hold expectations when pursuing ideals. (Lin)

If you don't expect anything, you won't get hurt.

She was already in excruciating pain.

"So... the next mission is to go to Ursus, right...? What are the more specific arrangements? For example, the level of support and permission granted by the emperor?"

Liskarm's question brought Kal'tsit back to her senses. Glancing at Nana comforting the Little Cat, Kal'tsit had Amiya circulate the document:

"The specific arrangements will be handled by the Medic operators... As for logistics, Rhodes Island's support stations began to be set up in Saint Petersburg and in noble territories that support the treatment of the Infected six months ago, so it's not entirely isolated and helpless..."

"The authority granted by the Emperor was merely an entry permit... Rhodes Island's Oripathy inhibitor was permitted for use within Ursus, and Rhodes Island members could move freely within the territory... Subsequently, Rhodes Island would operate as it would in other regions; we would distribute the medicine, alleviate the suffering of the Infected, and provide medical services... In this way, those of us holding the Emperor's pass would be labeled as belonging to that faction... and everyone's demands would then be met in this process."

"Is that assuming our operations in Ursus go smoothly?"

Seeing Liskarm's furrowed brows, Franka chuckled twice.

"But... it's obvious our operation won't go smoothly... The emperor is using us as bait, and those nobles probably won't let us proceed... It's still a rescue mission, but compared to three years ago, it feels like we'll be chased the whole way..."

"That's why we, who are labeled as emperors, receive the support of the Infected, right?"

Seeing that everyone was confused by the various demands behind the scenes, Nana gently patted the weapon case, and the chattering crowd immediately fell silent.

"We don't need to think about those complicated things... As employees of Rhodes Island, we just need to do what we're supposed to do... Distribute medicine, treat the Infected, and the political implications beyond that are none of our business; that's handled by... Kal'tsit and the others."

Nana's words were affirmed by everyone. Although everyone thought that Nana was referring to Kal'tsit and Amiya when she said "they", Nana knew that something involving such a wide range of people... Amiya was still too young.

Kal'tsit would produce a contact permit from the Ursus Emperor's faction, which must be the work of either her agent or Kal'tsit herself.

This had nothing to do with her, a frontline executor; Nana was only thinking about one other thing right now:

"... Let's go eat... I need to gain weight back now."

"... Let's also finalize the personnel for this mission..."

Are you sure the Little Cat can come with me?

Nodding, Kal'tsit took out her Terminal and pressed a button. Nana was completely confused, but Folinic, who had been watching, suddenly realized what was going on and took out Nana's PRTS Terminal, which had been in her pocket all along... It had six stars flashing on it as an access marker.

"Although it's unlikely to be announced in a big way, Nana, your file has been revised... You can make sure you know your job title and department affiliation... 'Human Resources Department' and 'Emergency Department' are both departments with very special status on Rhodes Island. Just remember that you will still be conducting your initial activities under the Human Resources Department... I'm giving you the authority to mobilize a standard team of up to thirteen people. You have two weeks to prepare."

At this point, Kal'tsit's expression became complicated:

"Also, don't rush to leave once you arrive in Kazdel... your attending physician wants to see you."

"The attending physician? Wasn't it Kal'tsit who helped me?"

"No..."

"Do I know that doctor? What should I call him?"

"You... just call her Doctor."

3rd This Land: 070 Cheers~

Although she had prepared in advance, the accumulation of three years of information, including the changes in Columbia and the intensive study of Ursus's national conditions, made Nana truly appreciate the weight of time.

After receiving information about recent missions and objectives from her agent and Kal'tsit, the assassin finally began to feel a sense of returning to her 'daily life'... However, wasn't everything around her a little too lively right now?

Looking back at the Little Cat happily pushing the wheelchair, Nana decided not to disturb her. Looking further back, she saw her 'subordinates'... the unlucky ones who would be accompanying her again.

After leaving the training ground, Liskarm was looking at the map with the PRTS Terminal. However, whether it was terrain or human environment, Kazdel and Ursus were not exactly evenly matched, but rather like two equally matched places... Neither place was easy to get along with.

Franka huddled next to Liskarm, their faces almost touching, discussing how to deal with the Kazdel war and the Ursus border army.

Perhaps it was Jessica's sniper instincts, or perhaps she had been watching him the whole time; after their eyes met, the girl with droopy ears, looking softer than Rosemary, pursed her lips and tapped her fingers... Was it some kind of code?

Nana didn't understand, Kitty Killer decided to ask Miyuki next time.

Because Vanilla hadn't finished her training, Nana planned to assign her to the Action Reserve Team under Instructor Dobermann for continued training... after all, Franka was going on a mission with her... and the rest...

"So, does this count as the hero team regrouping?!"

"... What hero squad?! Huang, be serious..."

Leading the way were Huang and Su Sulo... these were also Nana's old friends.

Despite Su Sulo's lukewarm reaction, Huang continued to radiate her enthusiasm, which even air conditioning couldn't suppress. Seeing that Su Sulo had become unresponsive after being bothered by her for three years, Huang shifted her focus of showing off to Nana:

"Is that what Columbia calls us? 'Even those the Infected are our heroes.' Medic, your president gave me and Su Sulo medals!"

"Medal?"

"Hmm~ Ticarondo Heroic Rescue Commemorative Medal!"

As he spoke, Huang carefully reached into his pocket and took out a brocade box, handing it to Nana.

The packaging itself uses Great Yan brocade and embroidery techniques. When unfolded, a gold medal with the main body in the style of the District Four Ticarondo lies in the red silk.

What really caught Nana's attention were the ten people in front of District Four... Did they even have their names engraved on the commemorative badge?

Thinking this, Nana looked at it again with some concern. Although the details of the human race were sculpted very realistically, the specific appearance did not seem to be depicted. Nana breathed a sigh of relief at this.

Looking at the medal, the overall design gathers towards the center, with three people on the left guiding the Landship to the center, while four people on the right are being suppressed by infected creatures.

In the lower center, a Feline and Vouivre stand on a vehicle, one holding a gun and the other a box, looking at the crowd of backs turned. In the very center of the badge is a person wearing a hood and a military exoskeleton, firing a signal flare into the sky.

The upper part of the medal's front is adorned with bright white metallic accents, outlining the light that pierced through the Catastrophe Cloud.

So the person in the middle... is it myself?

Nana didn't like having her actions recorded, especially since such records were highly targeted, which made Nana, whose main job was an assassin, bristle with rage.

Meanwhile, Huang, who had been observing Nana, revealed a wicked smile:

"Oh, you're blushing!"

"... No."

"Don't be shy~ Nana, besides your Heroic Rescue Medal, you also have a Purple Star Medal from the Columbia Department of Defense."

"... oh."

"Why are you so hesitant about accepting this honor...?"

Seeing that Huang had made Nana blush, Su Sulo, who had become indifferent to Huang's constant nagging about this, suddenly remembered something. The Little Fox flicked its tail and said:

"Speaking of which, Nana, we helped you collect your medal on your behalf, but it was later given to Chief Kal'tsit... At that time, everyone thought you were going to die. Blaze even said that if you really didn't wake up, we would frame your medal and hang it on the wall of our lounge... Although it's probably difficult to leave a photo of you given your status, at least we can pay our respects every time we pass by or go on a sortie."

Seeing Nana's expression gradually change towards 'utter misery', Su Sulo finally revealed a slight smile:

"If you were to suddenly disappear like this again, this would be the only way we can commemorate you..."

"Please spare me..."

"That's right, that's right~ Next time you kill yourself like this, I'll put your portrait in the dorm... no, in the Rhodes Island Hall of Fame corridor~ and then have Amiya add a lifetime honorary employee mark under your portrait, how about that?"

Hearing Huang's terrible idea, Nana hesitated... The main concern was displaying her portrait on Rhodes Island or at their homes. If her mission failed and the enemy purged her, wouldn't that implicate them?

Thinking this, Nana then shook her head frantically... What unlucky things was she thinking? The two of them had completely steered the conversation off course!

"Who wants to be made into a funeral portrait...?"

"Then, next time you do dangerous work, you're not allowed to leave us behind!"

"That's right, that's right~"

Seeing that these two had revealed their true colors, Nana couldn't help but laugh and cry... Could the mission really be discounted like this?

All I can say is I'll try my best...

Ultimately, it's strange that these two would admit they don't value their own lives... Is it the lingering effect of the PTSD Rhodes Island diagnosed them with three years ago because of the Little Cat incident?

Nana didn't know, and she couldn't say... She could only give Huang and Su Sulo a perfunctory "okay, okay, yes, yes, yes, uh-huh."

Meanwhile, Folinic, who had witnessed the entire process, calmly took out her Terminal.

She has a special column for judging "will to survive" in PRTS's "Nana's Observation Diary"... The Seventeen- year-old Ursus girl thought for a moment and checked the "normal" box.

In previous operation records belonging to Kal'tsit's historical records, Nana's will to survive hovered between low and extremely poor.

Folinic will write a comment for now:

[It can be determined that when Operator Medic and Operator Rosemary act together, both of their mental stability is improved. Medic's will to survive is significantly enhanced, while Rosemary's mental agitation almost disappears...]

"... Folinic?"

"Huh? Senior Medic, you called me?"

"Hmm... you're from Ursus, and you're an intern in the Emergency Department... I was wondering if you'd like to join us... are you a field crew member?"

"I have field mission privileges, as well as the operational qualifications for sniper and medic operators... Of course, I will also be operating alongside you, so please rest assured, I won't hold you back."

Seeing this girl, who is a few years younger than Jessica, say this, it's obviously impossible for Nana not to be worried... But obviously, Nana can't use age as an excuse, otherwise she won't be able to get past the Rosemary hurdle.

Fortunately, by fiddling with the medal in her hand, the assassin quickly found a way out.

"Hmm, I believe you... but in that case, it seems the team won't be able to include Cardigan and the others..."

"Um... I was just kidding when I said 'hero team'... While Cardigan and the others are very talented, they've only just started training, and it's a long way from them being able to participate in Elite Operator missions."

Seeing Huang say that, Franka closed one eye playfully and said:

"So, Vanilla, we're sorry, we probably won't be able to take you... Of course, this is just our and Liskarm's opinion, what do you think, Captain?"

"I agree. Compared to Catastrophes that can be measured by data, human interaction is dangerous... especially when the target is Ursus."