Quill's Addition / A Sudden Test

But Mizuki had no such concerns. Having left the material world, he had freed himself from such constraints. Once his daughter was born, he could also allow the Exusiai to receive some nourishment from the Sea of Life, increasing her lifespan by four or five times without any problem.

As for why they didn't simply make Exusiai immortal like Sea Siren, that's another matter. Mizuki vaguely realized that her thoughts had wandered again, and she had inadvertently thought about the future, almost using her computing power and the Brood of stone tablets to calculate the possibilities of the future.

While enabling multi-threaded mode helps mitigate the effects of pollution, it also presents some other minor issues. It easily causes Mizuki's thinking to wander, often straying off course halfway through a thought process. It will take time for her to adapt to this state.

"I didn't expect you two to come here. I was planning to go to Dossoles next summer, but it seems like it's not a good place for tourism in the near future."

Exusiai, fully aware of her status as the main wife, sat to the right of Mizuki and was no longer jealous over the La Pluma. Ernesto, on the other hand, sat opposite Mizuki and became somewhat stiff because of Ernesto's words.

"Dossoles is certainly still a great place to visit."

"The premise is that this Bolivar civil war doesn't destroy it. Even the Black Heart is what Bolivar needs right now."

This surprised not only Ernesto, but even the La Pluma. Pancho had agreed with them that the operation would begin a week after departure, which was only two days ago. Yet Mizuki already knew... How could she have received the news so quickly, given the distance between Lungmen and Bolivar?

"Don't be so surprised. I have my own methods. Even now, I know what's going on in Bolivar. Hmm... sure enough, the Old Dynasty and the Union Government are both gathering troops, completely ignoring the warnings from Columbia and Iberia."

"Fortunately, it's raining in Bolivar right now, so their operation will take much longer than expected. Mr. Pancho has plenty of time, and besides, those two families will be making their move soon."

Mizuki picked up a piece of cake and fed it to Exusiai, then picked up the same piece and handed it to La Pluma to avoid making her jealous, while sharing Bolivar's situation live.

"Although I knew you had many secrets and were very capable from the day I met you... it's truly amazing that you knew all of this."

Ernesto's feelings were beyond surprise; everything Mizuki had done had exceeded his expectations. This was not something that could be achieved simply by saying "you have some skill."

The La Pluma couldn't figure out what was going on, and she didn't need to think about it. She wasn't good at using her brain anyway; she used to rely on her brother, but from now on, she would rely on Mizuki!

"I know far more than you think. This meeting was originally something we intentionally arranged. Strictly speaking, the representative of the Ocean side is not Aegir, but me."

This completely stunned Ernesto. In his memory, Mizuki was still the same free spirit who traveled around, working to earn money and then moving on to the next place to work.

How did he grow to this level in such a short time?

"I'm not saying this to create any rift between us, I just want to put your mind at ease. There won't be any problems with Bolivar; I've been helping him."

Ernesto was very worried about Bolivar's condition and wished he could run back right now. He had come to Penguin Logistics today to entrust Raffaella to Mizuki's care. Now that he heard Mizuki say this, even though he couldn't be sure if it was true or not, he felt a little relieved.

Thank you.

"Meeting Mizuki was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made," Ernesto thought, before he had to face another very important question: whether or not he should leave his sister here.

Initially, Ernesto wanted to entrust the La Pluma to Mizuki's care, firstly because Mizuki was trustworthy and the La Pluma liked her very much, and secondly because Bolivar's situation was uncertain, Ernesto was prepared to die on the battlefield but did not want his sister to take risks.

But now... he's married, so I can't be his brother-in-law anymore.

Chapter 244 The Addition of the La Pluma

"Leave Raffaella behind?"

Although she already had a pretty good idea of what Ernesto and his sister's intentions were, Mizuki was still somewhat surprised to hear him say that.

"As you know, the situation in Bolivar is urgent. I need to go back immediately. My father promised Raffaella's biological father that he would protect her. I can't let her go to the battlefield..."

Ernesto spoke very softly. In fact, both he and Pancho had lied to the La Pluma. The girl was very naive and innocent. She really believed that the situation on Bolivar's side was very good. In addition, what Mizuki had said earlier had really calmed her down. The girl was still very relaxed.

"I agree, that's no problem. Hmm... but we can't let her join Penguin Logistics, so let's take her to Rhodes Island then."

Considering Raffaella's personality, joining Rhodes Island is the best idea. Joining Penguin Logistics is out of the question. Mizuki doesn't want to lead the young girl astray; that would be difficult to explain to Ernesto.

"Alright, good brother, I'm entrusting my sister to your care. I was originally thinking of setting you two up, you know Raffaella likes you. She's a good girl but a bit absent-minded, and I don't trust anyone but you."

The day after tomorrow is the last day of the conference, Ernesto will return to Bolivar. He will stand with his father and fight for Bolivar's future, but his sister should not be involved in this.

"It's a pity I can't call you brother-in-law... but, my good brother, I wish you a happy marriage." Ernesto took a deep breath. "If I have the chance again, I think I'll attend your wedding."

"I'll take good care of Raffaella. As for the wedding, I'll reserve a best man position for you."

Mizuki gently patted Ernesto on the shoulder, then followed him downstairs, the two of them carrying some snacks.

"Raffaella, from today onwards you will be working with Mizuki. I'll have someone bring your luggage over later."

"Really?"

The La Pluma's eyes lit up immediately. For this girl, being able to follow Mizuki was definitely a great thing. The only pity was that Mizuki had already registered her marriage with Exusiai. After searching for more than a year, it was impossible not to feel disappointed upon hearing this news.

At least being with Mizuki was alright; it kept her from getting too bored. She was still a little unwilling to accept it.

"Of course, come with me."

Ernesto waved to the La Pluma, then took his sister to the kitchen.

After confirming that they couldn't hear anything from the living room, Ernesto rubbed his sister's head.

"Listen, Raffaella, you stay with Mizuki for a year or two. I'll come and get you once things settle down in Bolivar."

"Okay... but, brother..."

"Alright, I know what you want to say."

Although they weren't blood-related siblings, Ernesto understood what his sister was thinking after spending many years together. La Pluma's thoughts were always simple; she simply liked Mizuki as a person, ever since he saved her. She even took the initiative to teach Mizuki how to mix, brew, and taste drinks. Although Mizuki didn't like drinking, the time they spent mixing drinks together still made them very happy.

"Listen to me, Raffaella, there's no rule that says you can't get divorced once you're married. As long as you're persistent, there's no wall you can't dig up. Believe in yourself, I'm looking forward to attending your and Mizuki's wedding someday, and I'll be your best man!"

"Pfft!" Mizuki couldn't help but spit out the juice in her mouth, almost getting it on Texas's face. "Cough cough cough, sorry, I choked."

Mizuki never expected to hear this. It wasn't that he intentionally wanted to hear it; it's just that his hearing is now sharp enough that he can hear even the buzzing of a mosquito within a hundred meters.

"Are we really going to keep that Liberi girl and have her join us?"

"I'm afraid she'll lead me astray. It's better to have her join Rhodes Island. Things are starting to get chaotic on Bolivar's side, and it's not good for her to get involved."

Raffaella is quite skilled, but that's all she is. She's not quite at the level to dominate the battlefield yet. Putting her on the battlefield would indeed be very dangerous. The key is that this girl is not only naturally naive but also stubborn. If she knew that Ernesto deliberately left her here to be taken care of by Mizuki, she would definitely fight to go home.

Take her back to Rhodes Island, then tell the Doctor and Kal'tsit to take care of her, and have La Pluma do some simple or less dangerous field missions.

As for Bolivar, Mizuki can only offer some assistance. In any case, it's generally accepted by all parties that the Bolivar Local Self-Defense Army should manage the overall situation. Let's get it sorted out as soon as possible.

"Look at what you're saying, making Penguin Logistics sound like some kind of criminal organization."

"Are we some kind of well-behaved citizens?" Kong blinked. "Don't forget how we ended up hanging out with Mizuki."

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment. The relationship between the three people other than Exusiai Mizuki was a bit far-fetched, the kind that would be ridiculous even if written into a novel. Upon closer inspection, it was all about them sabotaging each other.

"It's only been less than a year, and Mizuki has already hooked up with quite a few people."

"Who says otherwise? I've heard that most of these things are inextricably linked to a certain person."

"..."

Facing Exusiai's gaze, Texas, still chewing on her chocolate bar, turned her head away slightly and muttered, "It's all Ho'olheyak's fault."

Anyway, Ho'olheyak, one of the parties involved, isn't here, so you can say whatever you want. It's just that it's really rare to see Texas so shy. Sora and Croissant couldn't help but want to poke her a few times. They always felt that this girl only gets shy when it comes to things related to Mizuki.

Mizuki simply rested his chin on his hand, watching the girls chatting and laughing in front of him. It was as if he had returned to the time when he first joined Penguin Logistics. Back then, he didn't have the troubles he had now, nor did he need to worry about being corrupted and losing himself. He didn't know anything back then, and all he needed to do was stay with Exusiai.

Unfortunately, he can't relax at any time now. Seaborn is ready and is heading towards Bolivar. The battle in Sami has reached a stalemate. Although the shadow in the Warp is not yet sure of its location, it is gradually approaching this direction.

(Please give me a little more time, just a little more time, let me do more preparation, don't rush it...)

Mizuki leaned back gently on the sofa with her eyes closed, her thoughts connecting with the Sea of Life, and then constantly exchanging data.

Terra truly brought Mizuki many surprises. The rain from the Sea of Life seeped into every part of this land, Mizuki discovered many interesting things, such as some Feranmut that had fallen into a deep sleep, and some that were almost dying. Recalling some legends that the Doctor had told him, he couldn't help but admire how ruthless the Great Yan was in doing things.

With the help of those colossal Feranmut that wield extraordinary powers, Terra could likely alleviate some of the pressure. However, based on the information currently available to Mizuki, this would probably be very difficult. The struggle between Feranmut and humans has a long history. For example, the Feranmut of Yel are naturally willing to protect humans, but some harbor hatred and resentment towards them.

The conflict between the Terra civilization, which rose to prominence later in life, and the native species cannot be explained by words alone, nor can it be explained by language. Both sides have their own reasons and their bottom lines that cannot be compromised. If those sleeping Feranmut are awakened, it would be fine if they behaved themselves, but if they were hot-tempered and caused some conflict, it would be bad if unnecessary internal strife occurred. Mizuki did not want to waste her time beating them up.

"Mizuki, I've made a deal with Raffaella. She'll be going with you from now on. Please take care of her."

"Good."

Mizuki's smile was as flawless as ever, and Ernesto could finally put an end to his most important concern.

We'll be heading back to Rhodes Island the day after tomorrow morning.

He originally came back to deliver goods, and stayed a few more days because Mizuki wanted to see how the meeting was going. Now that the meeting has basically come to a close, he should go back.

After that, his focus will likely be entirely on two things: "Sami" and "finding Priestess." The former is what he needs to be most wary of right now, while the latter is the key to solving the current problem.

"Okay." Exusiai didn't ask why we were going back so early. "Then let's make some preparations tomorrow. Although there's no shortage of food in the wilderness now, we can't live on fruit alone."

La Pluma sat down next to Mizuki, and Ernesto gave her an encouraging look before turning to Mizuki.

"Then I'll be going now, Raffaella. Have a good time with your friends from now on."

Even if they were rivals, Ernesto didn't think La Pluma would be ostracized here. Penguin Logistics gave off a very casual vibe, and besides, he knew what kind of person Mizuki was.

Goodbye, brother.

La Pluma waved to Ernesto, then sat closer to Mizuki. After Ernesto left, Mizuki was the only person she could rely on.

Exusiai gave Mizuki an OK sign, but Mizuki shook her head, indicating that a warm welcome wasn't necessary. Besides, the La Pluma wasn't part of Penguin Logistics, and this girl always preferred to be quiet and didn't talk to people often.

"Let Raffaella sleep in my room tonight. Texas and I will sleep together."

Thanks to Mizuki, Skadi, and the others, Penguin Logistics' base has been expanded to accommodate more people; one person per room is no problem at all. For the sake of La Pluma's physical and mental health, Exusiai has decided to go sleep with her older sister tonight.

Just call me La Pluma.

Most of the people at Penguin Logistics use code names, and the names Mizuki and Texas also sound like code names. Raffaella felt that it would be better for her to blend in.

La Pluma —it's a very elegant nickname, and it suits Raffaella's temperament perfectly. Mizuki still remembers that she was the one who gave it to her. At that time, he said... oh right, yes, he said he liked writing with La Pluma. Although it wears out a lot, it really feels good, and most importantly, it looks cool.

Mizuki no longer cared about these things, but through the code name "La Pluma," he suddenly remembered the letters that Angelina had given him, from his past self... yet they were so fresh, the smell of ink hadn't even faded.

He actually overlooked this problem; that's really unacceptable. It's because the pollution was already affecting him back then... No, no, no, he must have thought about it and reached a conclusion, but why doesn't he remember?

"Mizuki?"

Seeing that Mizuki wasn't in a good state, Exusiai pinched his waist.

You're daydreaming again.

"Sorry, I just remembered something important. I'm going to take a shower first, and then..."

The words seemed to get stuck like rusty gears, and Mizuki's eyes were filled with surprise as she suddenly looked north.

"What have those Sea Siren done to me this time?"

"What's wrong?"

"Yeah, it's nothing, it's just that there was a sudden loud noise from the north, like something exploded."

"It's Sami again?"

Mizuki shook her head slightly in denial, confirming the direction in her mind.

"Northern Columbia."

Is there anything over there?

"A pit, a really, really big pit." Mizuki gestured with her hands. "It's probably a pit much, much bigger than Lungmen. I don't know what's inside, but Kal'tsit told me it was best not to go there rashly. I didn't expect these guys to make such a commotion."

Mizuki's expression was very strange, as if she didn't know how to describe it.

"In any case, this commotion is quite significant; it should reach here in a little while."

Seeing Mizuki's distressed expression, Exusiai thought about the personalities of those Sea Siren and realized that this was indeed something those Sea Siren were capable of doing.

The Doctor and Exusiai's thought processes combined meant that the Sea Siren hadn't completely destroyed Terra, which was only thanks to Mizuki's effective management. These girls treated everything with the attitude of "if they can't die, then go all out to kill them," and they were all practically immortal, the kind that could be tormented at will.

"I'll go take a shower first, and while I'm at it, ask them what happened. Could you please take Raffaella to her room?"

Mizuki waved and walked towards the bathroom. La Pluma glanced at him but said nothing more. Only Exusiai watched his retreating figure, her eyes lowered involuntarily.

"Idiot... I'm not stupid."

Things couldn't be as simple as Mizuki said. Something unexpected must have happened, and something terrible at that, otherwise, there would be no way to explain the surprise and... fear in his eyes. Exusiai had thought that Mizuki didn't experience fear or dread; she still didn't know enough about Mizuki.

But what could possibly frighten Mizuki? Exusiai couldn't figure it out, and Mizuki wouldn't tell her the answer. It was driving her crazy!

(Sorry, Xiao Le, I know I can't hide it from you, but please, please don't ask me why.)

Within the entire Penguin Logistics, Mizuki is the one who knows best that he can't fool Exusiai. Lemuen and Mostima are sometimes fooled by him.

"He's getting desperate..."

Mizuki lay directly into the bathtub, closed her eyes, and connected with the entire Sea of Life.

Chapter 245 The Sudden Test

"Quick, quick! Don't stay here!"

Siren No. 666 shouted loudly, her thoughts resonating with the Sea of Life and reaching everyone present, even the Sami and Columbia warriors.

"What happened?"

Typhon ran to Sea Siren #233's side. The sound traveled in a very limited range, but the Sea Siren's mental resonance could effectively help the warriors grasp first-hand intelligence on the battlefield and better coordinate the battlefield situation.