Chapter 76
It's no exaggeration to say that the Ranger's Exploration Vehicle's dormitory might be better than that of the Rhodes Island main ship. Although the Exploration Vehicle's dormitory is a fixed double room with bunk beds to save space, the interior, beds, and bedding are all brand new and expensive... Especially compared to the A4 Action Group's lounge, which is still in its unfinished state, the Exploration Vehicle's dormitory is like the Hotel- level treatment.
Of course, Nana didn't forget to remind Yato to quickly choose a dormitory renovation plan... so that at least after the mission in Ursus is completed, the group won't have to sleep in the car again when they return.
"So, Medic, you really don't miss any opportunity to give me overtime..."
"... Even Closure, if the work isn't done, won't it just pile up there forever?"
Faced with Nana's innocent gaze, Closure could only feign pain and continue typing on the keyboard.
"In short, next time you need an expedited service, please consider my workload a little... The Engineering Department is so busy they'd practically want to borrow a cat's paw!" Er
"After Closure is Rhodes Island's chief engineer, and only senior engineers like you and Weedy can tell whether this vehicle truly has the capability to traverse the Ursus Snowfield..."
"That's right~ In crucial moments, we still have to rely on our Engineering Department." Ling
Seeing how a single compliment made Closure look smug, and how she then energetically started typing away on the keyboard, checking the vehicle's electronic equipment and continuing to connect its system to Rhodes Island's PRTS system... Nana looked at the white-haired girl on the traffic bridge who was checking the vehicle's hardware. It was Weedy, whom she had met once before, one of only two current senior engineers at Rhodes Island.
Her current task is to lead the Ship Affairs Department team in inspecting the hardware installation status, and while inspecting the various hardware components, she also takes the opportunity to teach the team members about mechanical issues... mainly teaching Durin how to identify common malfunctions in small wheeled Landship.
As for how to repair it, it's all written in the manual... 7
The teaching process itself wasn't particularly noteworthy. Weedy seemed a bit reserved because she wasn't very familiar with everyone, and her presentation consisted mostly of dry, mechanical maintenance-related content...
Whether it was Jessica, who used to operate the equipment under Nana's supervision, or Yato and Black Horn from the A4 Action Group, everyone found Weedy's lectures, filled with technical jargon, quite difficult to adapt to... If the focus had to be on 'teaching,' Weedy was clearly not suited to mentoring apprentices.
Fortunately, Durin, who possessed considerable mechanical knowledge, seemed to understand. The petite blonde girl was either writing furiously or chewing on her pencil, lost in thought. Her occasional dialogues, interspersed with onomatopoeia and rhythmic descriptions, demonstrated that as a member of the Durin race, her understanding of mechanics far surpassed that of the terrestrial races.
Even Weedy sometimes had to tilt her head to think about the difference between the 'thump thump thump' and 'thump thump gurgle' sound effects that Durin described... In general, the theoretical courses were enough to ensure that the main technicians could quickly understand the car in front of them.
After enduring the arduous morning training on mathematical symbols and troubleshooting various electronic devices, everyone would return to the Human Resources Department for a short rest at noon... and then go to the cafeteria for lunch.
Considering that they would soon be leaving the ship to live in the perpetually cold Ursus, the menu that Nana specified for everyone was very similar to the hospital meals she ate when she first woke up... Even adult men like Black Horn and Ranger would feel stuffed in the face of this high-sugar, high-protein, and high-calorie diet.
"But in Ursus, if we have the means, we'll probably eat like this every day... because our destination is the Snowfield, and the variety of food and available supplies will likely be very limited... While it's unrealistic to expect everyone to gain weight quickly like I have in just a few meals, on Rhodes Island, I can at least treat everyone to a good meal... because we might not be able to eat like this after we set off."
Everyone understood Nana's extremely pessimistic view... As eating food was also considered part of the mission, the sense of urgency that the mission could begin at any moment spread from Nana to everyone else.
In the afternoon, we had practical driving training.
With Kal'tsit's permission, the group that had been hastily put into operating the Exploration Vehicle began to systematically learn how to drive large vehicles once again.
Closure integrated the Exploration Vehicle into Rhodes Island's Command System, attaching it to Rhodes Island's Intercity Network identification signal, thus forming a fleet with only two members with Rhodes Island.
From the initial cold start inside the ship to reversing and disengaging while in motion, from specialized training in radar operation and map reading to the emergency manual pressurization and overload of the Originium Steam boiler on the Exploration Vehicle...
As former and current Exploration Vehicle drivers, Franka, Liskarm, and Blaze have made rapid progress under Kal'tsit's occasional cold reminders.
Perhaps Kal'tsit's role as Rhodes Island's acting guardian influenced the attention she commanded. But ultimately, Nana never believed that the group would be unable to complete the training... After all, their educational background and past work experience were there, and with the intensive training where they lived and ate together, it was only natural that the pilots would cooperate more seamlessly.
Thus, it seems that all members of the 'Medic Squad' are progressing at a visible pace. Is Nana the only one doing nothing?
Not really... Just like everyone tries their best to improve their skills within their responsibilities before a mission begins, Nana is also trying her best to strengthen her weaknesses... namely, the decline in strength caused by her slumber.
As a Sankta who considers herself to have lost her Halo, even if her 'master' no longer supports her, with a high-performance Firearms Arts like the WA2000 and her past experience in using Firearms Arts, Nana is not entirely without combat power... However, the number of large Etch Rounds is limited, and Nana must choose another suitable combat method to deal with the possible direct confrontation with the 'Ursus Imperial Blades'.
Nana's original idea was to increase the proportion of spells in her action choices, but the Little Cat gave Nana a specific spell choice - 'Telekinesis'.
To be precise, it's the telekinesis linking Cole and Kate that allows them to use the Telekinesis fed back from the Little Cat... just like how Cole and Kate can interfere with the outside world without consuming Nana's own Originium Arts...
All you need to do is equip them with the same Tactical Unit as the Little Cat, and the two Dead Soul who read Nana will operate the Tactical Unit, instantly turning 'Medic' into an 'annihilation-type operator'... Coincidentally, the Little Cat has spare Tactical Unit.
Vulcan recently handed over Tactical Unit codenamed 05 and 06 to Nana.
Of course, this thing is still kept with the Little Cat normally... The fact that the huge shield surrounding her has changed from four sides to six sides doesn't seem to have affected the Little Cat's daily life or training.
"So, you've ensured you have the raw strength to fight 'Emperor's Blades,' and then concealed yourself using Rosemary's Originium Arts... Indeed, even carrying a large Laterano Gun, Little Cat's presence in your team is overwhelmingly strong... But once the enemy manages to separate you, and then sees the Tactical Unit take flight on its own, the mere speculation that a War Mage might be hiding nearby could create a significant strategic advantage."
Although Kal'tsit had mentioned more than once in casual conversation that she wasn't good at combat, Nana only briefly mentioned the arrangements, and Kal'tsit seemed to have already seen through Nana's purpose in deploying them... pointing out all the tactical changes in her plan.
This gave Nana the inexplicable feeling that her cleverness was utterly useless against Kal'tsit...
She herself thought it was an illusion, after all, Kal'tsit did know almost all of their intelligence, so it was normal for her to realize the key point immediately.
With her mind calmed, Nana handed Kal'tsit an action plan that included the route in and out of Ursus, the supply depots to be opened, the estimated evacuation time, and the Homeland Security Bureau contact information for emergencies.
"The specific action plan is here... We will disguise ourselves as a medical organization unaware of the conflicts within Ursus and directly provide free treatment and Oripathy education to the Infected in the outer villages... just like Rhodes Island did when it rebuilt Ticarondo's District Four."
"... Not entering the Mobile City?"
Seeing Kal'tsit's question, Nana shook her head:
"The emperor's support includes everything except providing basic support... Whether in the city or the countryside, as long as we clash with the Old Nobility, he can achieve his goals..."
"To achieve this, there's no need to risk having our logistics base destroyed by entering the Mobile City... We can achieve the same effect by continuously treating the Infected on the periphery while simultaneously spreading the virus with the Emperor's permission."
Nodding, Kal'tsit took a ballpoint pen from her coat pocket and signed her name on Nana's battle plan:
"... Those nobles will know that the emperor has allowed experts on the Infected to enter the country... and the public opinion against the persecution of the Infected within their country will also soften... Of course, the fear and discrimination against the disease caused by ignorance will not simply disappear... But as soon as people realize that the disease is not the root of their suffering, they will become confused, and then the pressure and dissatisfaction of life will naturally be directed towards the de facto rulers... those nobles who are extremely eager for military merit and hope to expand their power."
As Kal'tsit reread her plan and checked each channel's readiness on the PRTS system, Nana tilted her head:
"I'm not interested in how the people of Ursus survive the winter... My mission is simply to investigate the Snowfield... and I will do my best to complete the Infected relief mission given to me by Rhodes Island."
"... You have already proven your kindness and nobility in Ticarondo... I have never doubted whether you would discriminate against the citizens of Ursus... However, the 'Emperor's Blades' is not just a group of rigorously trained agents... they are also guardians of human civilization..."
"... Agents often refer to themselves this way too..."
Seeing Nana's innocent expression, and whether she was deliberately bringing up the guy who made her angry, Kal'tsit immediately pouted and turned into a dead fish eye.
Just as Kal'tsit was about to say something, a report came through the command center's dedicated line about the current status of the Landship.
Rhodes Island is about to slow down and dock... This 700-meter-long behemoth departed from Rim Billiton, speeding north under the pretext of seaworthiness testing, and is now entering war-torn Kazdel under the guise of picking up pharmaceutical supplies and providing humanitarian aid.
Does everyone really have no idea about the relationship between Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals and the White Emperor, one of the two sides in the Civil War?
Not necessarily... At least the agent once explicitly stated Rhodes Island's unclear political ties with Kazdel.
However, none of these things concern Nana... She doesn't want to, and cannot, show any sign of participating in the Sarkaz Civil War.
Rhodes Island, on the other hand, with its experience of simultaneously rescuing both sides of the conflict, and its willingness to provide Sarkaz want to leave the battlefield with transportation options to escape the war... it's hard to say that the Sarkaz of Kazdel harbor any ill will towards this reputable company.
The fact that the Rhodes Island could so openly dock at this Sarkaz wounded soldiers' camp, which was flying the Red Cross flag, speaks volumes.
Nana originally thought that what she was going to do next was to secretly leave Rhodes Island with Kal'tsit and then go to see the mysterious Doctor who had been running a department in Kazdel that Nana was unaware of.
But before Nana could meet her savior, as the landing deck of Rhodes Island slammed into the ground, the smell of gunpowder made Nana raise her tail.
Although it was an oppressive feeling that made the Kitty Killer's fur stand on end, the scene in front of them wasn't actually that chaotic.
A white-haired Sarkaz, accompanied by fewer than ten people, landed on Rhodes Island in complete silence. As they passed each other, Nana saw the white-haired woman smile and nod at her.
Who is she?
Nana didn't know... the Originium Arts aura emanating from her felt very familiar... she should have definitely seen it somewhere before.
However, the other party didn't give Nana much time to reminisce, especially Kal'tsit, whose face seemed to darken several shades upon seeing the other party... Then, the bonsai-colored big cat took Nana's hand and walked towards the stairs constructed from the landing board.
"... Kal'tsit..."
"... We'll talk about it later. I'll take this child to see the Doctor first... she has some questions to ask him."
"Okay, I understand... However, we need to talk..."
"What's there to talk about...? Since you and that person have already made up your minds, what's there left for us to discuss..."
Surprisingly, Kal'tsit, who had always been incredibly powerful and seemed to know everything, appeared to be in a vulnerable position when facing this white-haired Sarkaz.
This situation piqued Nana's curiosity, especially regarding the identity of that Sarkaz... Although, based on the other party's entourage and appearance, Nana could only place one character in her mind who could fit the bill...
But how could that be?
One of the main protagonists of the Sarkaz Civil War, the 'White Emperor,' brazenly set foot on Rhodes Island?
Kal'tsit shouldn't allow this to happen.
Just as Nana hesitated, Kal'tsit tightened her grip... The emerald cat took two steps forward, then stopped and hesitated for a few seconds before continuing without turning her head:
"Amiya is in the library on the third floor. You can wait for me there..."
After saying that, Kal'tsit immediately dragged Nana away from the scene.
When Nana turned around, the white-haired Sarkaz woman Nana, who resembled the 'White Emperor,' showed no displeasure at Kal'tsit's attitude. She even smiled and gave Nana a fist bump after they made eye contact... as if to say "good luck."
To this, Nana could only say it was baffling.
The only thing the Kitty Killer could confirm was that the other party meant him absolutely no harm... This made Nana very uneasy.
After all... malicious words only make someone an enemy... depending on the situation, they might become an enemy that needs to be killed or an enemy that needs to be ignored.
But... if it's well-intentioned... then how she views herself is completely unknown.
PS: Waaaaaaah!
PS2: Meeting the Doctor soon... Preparing to start the Halo customization project.
PS3: Sarkaz Civil War... I really don't want to touch it... What if I get betrayed again...?
3rd This land: 077 It's on fire
From vehicles to wilderness, from civilization to savagery... the homeland of the Sarkaz, the land bearing the name Kazdel, is undoubtedly in chaos.
Stepping outside the iron curtain of civilization, Nana saw an endless expanse of blood and numb, pleading eyes. Desolation and bloodshed, like their tents, stretched along the cordon erected by Rhodes Island towards the distant wilderness...
Nana had initially thought that Kazdel was at least a 'city', but all she saw were scattered ruins and seemingly endless tents... The only buildings that looked like structures were a few red brick houses scattered not far away.
Rhodes Island's logo is clearly visible on the walls of the red brick building, and factory slogans such as 'Safety First' and 'Planned Production' are painted on it in Victoria.
A few checkpoints were marked out by a sparse barbed wire fence, where ragged Sarkaz men underwent searches before lining up to enter the factory for work... Rhodes Island's pharmaceutical factory provided meals, that was the rule, but the canteen only accepted factory workers... Pharmaceutical workers or construction laborers were both acceptable.
Clearly, the expanding factory area still adheres to simple and brutal rules, which have shaped this rudimentary slum. The Sarkaz's tents seem to have become part of Rhodes Island's sphere of influence, and the people driven by war have created a world around this area that doesn't quite resemble 'Kazdel'.
Kal'tsit said... "The way to avoid war is the way to coexistence, and the way to coexistence is the way to kill hatred."
The Sarkaz crave survival, Sarkaz also crave revenge.
All they wanted was one outcome: a bowl of rice, a peaceful city, a spark of hope, and a target for their struggle.
Nana's assessment of this was utter nonsense... she couldn't understand it at all.
To Kazdel, to the Sarkaz of this land, Nana saw only lifelessness.
It's like the dry, necrotic birch forest north of the Rhodes Island pharmaceutical factory. The grayish-white trunks cast long, overlapping shadows under the sun, lifeless and sparse.
However, not all Sarkaz were like that, not wanting to move even when faced with Catastrophes. Apart from those naked Sarkaz cubs banging stones, using forks and pot lids to fight each other—whether playing or trying to kill each other, they were incredibly energetic... the scattered Sarkaz Mercenaries would always observe and judge Nana and Kal'tsit in front of her with the same scrutinizing gaze one might give a hunter to a hunter.
Rhodes Island's uniforms seemed designed for this kind of situation. Although Nana and Kal'tsit weren't particularly intimidating in appearance, the fact that they could traverse this 'slum' without any trouble, without any action team present... was quite a magical thing in itself...
Kal'tsit seemed to take this for granted, as if she hadn't noticed at all that Nana's hands were constantly in her pockets... and that she actually hadn't taken her hands off the thigh holster attached to that fake pocket, showing signs of nervousness.
Honestly, if Nana really knew that Kal'tsit was planning to take her through this dangerous area, Nana would definitely have preferred to find out the address herself and go to meet her... Our lovely Kitty Killer didn't know that Kal'tsit was somewhat knowledgeable in combat...
As Kal'tsit walked along the road, the number of people around her dwindled until Nana finally saw an unassuming two-story concrete building.
"This is... Rhodes Island's research facility in Kazdel?" Qi
"... You can think of it that way... Besides, your attending physician is inside... Go up there yourself."
Seeing Kal'tsit, who had left with such a fierce air but had suddenly become subdued, Nana pointed to the building in confusion, then pointed to herself with a bewildered look... but Kal'tsit didn't seem to have changed her mind: umbrella
"Well, you go yourself... I... I have other things to do... Right now, I don't really want to deal with that guy..."
Seeing this behavior, which looked exactly like Little Cat throwing a tantrum, Nana, if she didn't find it impolite, would have at least asked Kal'tsit how old she was... This uniquely Feline tsundere aura was truly... astounding.
To paraphrase the Little Cat, it was as if Dr. Kal'tsit, who always seemed so aloof, was actually displaying... the kind of physical and emotional reactions only a young girl Feline have... This wasn't just surprising; it was... Nana almost stood there, her tail bristling, and took three steps back.
For a fleeting moment, she did consider the possibility that Kal'tsit had been switched with someone else without her noticing.
Of course, Kal'tsit seemed to realize the inappropriateness of her actions, and then quietly changed to a more mature and composed posture, exuding the calm demeanor befitting a senior... but clearly, it was too late, wasn't it?
Nana went upstairs with an expression that said, "My manager is shocked!"
As for this brick building, which seemed both hidden and completely exposed, situated not far from Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, Nana initially assumed it would be a place like a prison or a secret transit point.
But in reality, things weren't that complicated. Led by Sarkaz Mercenaries who called himself Scout—a name typical of Rhodes Island — Nana went straight into the building... Despite being a heavily guarded area, there wasn't even a body search, which made the Kitty Killer a little uneasy.
But considering the relationship between Kal'tsit, Rhodes Island... and this mysterious organization, Nana nodded, seemingly agreeing that it made sense.
It seems that I... have indeed become a relatively important member of the Rhodes Island system.
After waiting for a while, Nana was allowed to enter one of the rooms inside... Looking around at the research lab, which was exactly the same style as Kal'tsit's office, Nana saw a strange person wearing a white lab coat under a hooded jacket.
"Welcome... Your name is... Nana, right... Kal'tsit said you weren't feeling well... Come, let me take a look."
A woman who was about 1.7 meters tall... or about 1.65 meters without shoes, greeted me in a hoarse voice. Her messy white hair was casually tied into braids and draped over her shoulders, and her dark eyes were as striking as Kal'tsit's.