Chapter 146

Simply put, Kusei Maki is a typical extremist, and in some ways, she is very disliked.

It is absolutely impossible for someone like Kusei Maki to offer an "apology."

Masaki Hina was not surprised by Kusei Maki's indifferent reaction, but felt a slight annoyance at it.

"So, what does it feel like to have your subordinates defeated by an 'incompetent' guy?"

Masaki Hina looked at Canary, who stood alone in the middle of the dilapidated training ground, and asked the tall woman in military uniform beside her a question.

Faced with Masaki Hina's pointed sarcasm, Kusei Maki simply snorted.

"So what? It's just that we beat Helur."

Compared to Anelace, Helur's combat ability cannot be described as outstanding.

Of the Agent Squad brought this time, only Anelace has actually participated in several operations against the Erosion Disaster. Compared to the other team members, she has an absolute gap in experience and achievements. Even though Canary is one of the more capable agents currently in Xijing City, she is absolutely no match for Anilas.

Ultimately, Herul lost the battle against Canary, and that is an undeniable fact.

Masaki Hina smiled inexplicably.

"Don't you still think that statement was excessive?"

Are you still struggling with that kind of question?

Kusei Maki looked at Masaki Hina.

"Right and wrong are not for her to determine, but for me, the commander. This has nothing to do with winning or losing. You also come from a military background; do you know how much military discipline affects strategy and results? Do you think it's something a soldier should do to point a knife at his commander?"

"No, I think you've been in the Central Province for too long and have gotten something wrong. You're not suited to be a commander."

You're saying I'm 'not suitable'?

For the first time, Kusei Maki showed a change in expression, while Masaki Hina simply snorted indifferently.

"You wouldn't understand. Where is your battle headed? Is it the Human Federation? Or this city? I think you probably don't even know yourself, do you? Someone whose intentions aren't here has suddenly been entrusted with such a heavy responsibility. The things you want to do conflict with the things you have to do. You feel unbalanced, don't you?"

Faced with Masaki Hina Hinaki's sharp questioning, Kusei Maki did not answer, but instead looked away.

Did my presence upset you?

"Yes, it was very unpleasant."

"I'm here on another mission; you'll still have a chance to return after it's all over."

Don't you think this is a joke?

Masaki Hina's gaze was fixed on Kusei Maki.

"Major General Kusei Maki!"

At that moment, Canary's cold, loud shout rang out from the training ground.

"I need you to take back that statement right now!"

Canary deliberately raised her voice, staring unceremoniously at Kusei Maki, her voice echoing in the empty training ground.

"And apologize to me and the other agents!!"

Looking at Canary, who was staring back at him defiantly, Kusei Maki frowned slightly but remained silent.

Masaki Hina smiled.

"So, given the current situation, how do you plan to resolve it?"

Facing Masaki Hina's faint smile, Kusei Maki glanced noncommittally in the direction of the Agent Squad. At this time Herul had already rejoined the team, and she had also suffered minor injuries under Canary's strong attack.

"Anilas, you're next."

"Sir, are you really going to win by such dishonorable means as a war of attrition?"

At that moment, another voice emerged from the training field.

Kusei Maki turned her gaze to the source of the sound and saw a girl wearing light-colored sunglasses. The girl walked gracefully into the training field, her raven-black hair tied with a light blue headband that slipped down her shoulder.

"Code name Ephnel, one of my agents."

Masaki Hina spoke in a nonchalant manner, which did not cause any ripples in Kusei Maki's ears.

"Senior Efnir? You..."

"Leave the rest to me."

Efnir stood in front of Canary and smiled slightly at Canary.

"But senior, your injury isn't healed yet...?"

"Aren't you the same? Don't worry, I won't force you. Go on your way, Ayse is very worried about you."

Canary looked towards the sidelines, where Ayse was clenching her hands tightly, watching her.

"Senior..."

Go ahead.

"Um!"

Canary retreated to the rest area on the sidelines.

"Naoko! You'd better take him down nicely!"

"Go, Efnir!!"

At the edge of the training field, Ayse and Yukina were shouting loudly for Efnir, making the scene much more lively than the silent Agent Squad.

Efnir stood alone in the center of the field, her gaze shifting towards the direction of Kusei Maki, gazing into the distance.

Kusei Maki was also watching her.

"Anilas."

"Kusei Maki called out."

One of the Agent Squad stepped out and stood opposite Efnir.

It was Anilas, the leader of the Agent Squad.

Efnir faced her.

Is it any wonder she's called "Captain"? Anilas exudes a sharp aura just by standing there. Her stance, like a cheetah poised for battle, and her seemingly casual hand gestures inadvertently reveal her Combat Instinct.

Anilas is different from Herul; she is someone born from the battlefield, someone whose resolve has been tempered by blood.

Agents are typically selected based on those who "have an absolute hatred for the Erosion Disaster," in order to exploit the Eligible' indelible hatred of the Erosion Disaster.

But hatred alone is not enough.

Only those who have truly experienced battle, survived, and continued to fight can be called truly powerful warriors.

Clearly, Anilas is that kind of person.

However, Efnir noticed a subtle unease in Anilas's gaze; it seemed to contain something else beyond mere fighting spirit.

Efnir faced Anilas.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Anilas."

Efnir's voice was soft but clear, and she spoke slowly and politely.

"From now on, we're comrades-in-arms. Let's consider this duel as a trial run to get us together. Please give me your guidance."

"Um... Miss Efnir, I have a favor to ask... may I?"

"Say it freely, if it's something I can do."

"I see..."

Anilas, her face showing joy.

"Well... regardless of the outcome of our duel, Miss Efnir, could you please sign your name for me?"

"Um...??"

Actually... I'm your fan~

215. A single blow decides the outcome.

Efnir had heard from Shinomiyami Nami that she had fans in other cities as well.

But this was the first time I'd actually seen it.

The network technology of this era is limited by Erosion Disaster, making it impossible to establish network connections between cities. Even fiber optic cables buried deep underground can be destroyed by Erosion Entity as resembling sand scorpions.

In the vast, white-covered Fallen Zone, the Boundary Stele System could not withstand such a large output power and could not provide protection.

But this does not mean that cities are completely isolated from each other.

Due to certain needs, there may be very limited exchanges between cities from time to time.

Compared to equipment, food, and essential raw materials that require a lot of space, electronic data takes up very little physical volume, making the transmission of electronic audio and video much more convenient and faster.

As a very famous representative of the Orderkeepers in Xijing City and a national idol, Efnir also has a certain degree of fame in the cities surrounding Xijing City.

However, the Central Province is very far from Xijing City.

Efnir was astonished that her name had spread so far.

You know me?

"Yes! I'm your fan! I've always loved your work and admire you greatly!"

Anilas's eyes brimmed with excitement and joy. After confirming that the girl in front of her was the idol of her dreams, her attitude changed drastically, as if stars were shining in her eyes.

Efnir was very familiar with that kind of gaze.

"Although you look quite different now, I've always dreamed of meeting you... so Shinomiyami Nami about you..."

"Is that so...? I'm glad you have such expectations of me."

"Miss Efnir's transformation before and after is truly astonishing... but she's beautiful both times..."

In fact, it is well known that an agent's appearance changes to varying degrees before and after entering a state of Synchronization, but such a dramatic change as that of Efnir is extremely rare.

"As expected, you are unlike any other agent I've ever met."

The two women in the room weren't speaking loudly, but many people present were agents and naturally understood the content of their conversation.

For some reason, Efnir's first thought was of Yukina.

Efnir looked in the direction of Yukina, and sure enough, Yukina's earlier cheering and encouragement had vanished, replaced by a sour look in her eyes as she stared at Efnir.

Anilas also noticed that Efnir's gaze had shifted and was looking in the direction of Yukina.

She blinked.

"Miss Efnir, you... must be very popular with girls, right?"

"Cough cough..."

When Yukina stared at her with those eyes, Efnir felt a little conflicted about the compliments coming her way.

She changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, weren't you from the Central Province? How do you know me?"

"You're very famous! I only learned about you from a friend..."

"Friend..."

"Yes, my best friend. She likes you a lot, she... has always wanted to meet you."

"They were probably... very close friends," Efnir noticed the longing and tenderness in Anilas's eyes as she said this.

That pure gaze moved Efnir smiled and said softly, "If I had the chance to meet her, I think I would be very happy to become friends with her."

Upon hearing Efnir's words, Anilas paused slightly, lowered her eyelashes, and spoke in a voice as soft as a feather.

"Miss Efnir is indeed a very gentle person..."

Anilas lowered her eyes, tilted her head, and smiled faintly, but her eyes were filled with sadness.