Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 39

"Kal'tsit, you need to rest! It started as a simple cold, but you've dragged it out until it's like this! You've already lost Mon3tr, if you keep going like this you'll really die!"

Warfarin demanded that Kal'tsit take a break. This woman hadn't given herself a single day off since the collapse of Babel.

Rhodes Island personnel reorganization, the Kazdel royal court's probing and pursuit, business operations, high-difficulty surgeries in the medical department... In the past, Kal'tsit relied on her superhuman physique to work overtime like crazy; whether it was forming a six-nation alliance or managing an organization—she knew very well that she was not a genius, but only had an advantage accumulated over the years.

To make up for the gap, she could only choose to work hard to compensate for her shortcomings.

But after losing Mon3tr, she became an ordinary film, easily overwhelmed by fatigue and illness. Now, she has finally succumbed.

Rhodes Island still needs me.

"It's precisely because we need you that you should cherish yourself even more. Well, I didn't want to do this, but it's the only way left."

Warfarin, in a fit of desperation, swiftly pulled a syringe from her pocket and plunged it into Kal'tsit's neck.

"..."

Kal'tsit tried to struggle, but her exhausted body accepted the long-awaited rest—she fell asleep, or rather, became unconscious.

"Wow, you're really daring... The first thing she did when she woke up was to drag you up to the bridge."

"It doesn't matter. I'll call a meeting with all the elite operators when she wakes up. We have to find the Doctor. I hope she makes a sensible decision then."

Warfarin was clear-headed—she knew Rhode Island had no future if things continued this way; the Oripathy inhibitor, which had initially held great promise, was no longer unique. She had bought an inhibitor from Columbia Pictures to try…

It can only be said that they are evenly matched, but the other party's product line is clearly differentiated. The lowest-end product is not only cheap, but also has a huge sales volume—even the poorest infected person can buy it with a day's work.

The next day, after Kal'tsit had rested well, although she was not fully recovered, she was at least much more lucid.

Warfarin convened a meeting of elite operators, where she proposed the "Awaken the Doctor" plan to Kal'tsit; Kal'tsit was initially reluctant to approve it—Ascalon exhausted all her knowledge to investigate the assassination of Inthereia, ultimately arriving at a terrible conclusion.

This conclusion made Kal'tsit no longer dare to trust the Doctor.

But other elite operators disagreed—half of them approved the proposal.

Kal'tsit ultimately chose to abstain, and Rhodes Island then began to meticulously plan how to infiltrate Chernobog to rescue the Doctor.

Chapter 95 Chernobog

Chernobog, as a border city of Ursus, naturally possesses the characteristics of Ursus—such as the Originium mines scattered across the snow-covered plains, and the numerous industrial blocks and military production lines throughout the city. The vigorous promotion of Originium mining has led to a continuous increase in the number of infected people in this country, and their final fate is often to be captured and exploited to the point of exhaustion in the mines.

The enormous profits from the flesh mill sustained Ursus's superficial prosperity, but this prosperity was merely a fading glory. Ursus is now gradually corrupting from the inside out.

But what impact would this have on Colombia, which is far away? It would naturally be eager for Ursus to collapse as soon as possible, at which point it might even have the opportunity to intervene and develop an exclave.

Rhine Lab's approach to the corruption in Ursus was tailored to the specific problem—a substantial bribe directly cleared all the checkpoints in Chernobog. The convoy smoothly entered the city, ostensibly invited to test Oripathy inhibitors and make investments. But a moment's thought revealed the obvious: from Columbia to Ursus, countless infected people had lurked along the way; why bother coming all the way to this icy wasteland?

The real cargo was hidden inside the land vehicle's compartment—the Rhine Lab exoskeleton mechs, which had not yet been activated, were waiting in a standby state for orders. This would be their trump card for survival in the impending chaos.

"I reiterate the mission: Chernobog will inevitably descend into chaos within the next two weeks; at that time... ultimately, we will have only one objective—to seize an underground facility somewhere in the city, which holds the hope of curing Oripathy. We will no longer be facing corporate spies or malicious troublemakers, but true outlaws—every attack from them could be fatal. I hope you are all prepared."

Looking at the crowd before him, Kane felt a slight pang of emotion. These were people he had rescued one by one from the chaotic infected quarantine zone; their reverence and affection for Kane had long transcended the ordinary superior-subordinate relationship, becoming an almost religious loyalty. And now, they were about to die on his orders. If possible, Kane also hoped to achieve his goal without bloodshed.

But the Unity Movement, and the forces behind it, will not easily back down. Therefore—only war remains!

Mostima was extremely diligent, arriving at Chernobog almost immediately after receiving orders. He rested for only half a day upon arrival before immediately beginning intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

She meticulously documented the city's detailed map, entrances and exits, clandestine smuggling routes, local organized crime groups, and military and police outposts. She also found some clues about the "research institute that was urgently sealed off about twenty years ago," which Kane had highlighted.

This intelligence was extremely comprehensive; the security personnel hadn't even arrived yet, but they already knew most of the city's details.

"Dear Director Kane, this is the company premises we have prepared for you—please take a look."

The Ursus man before him was tall and burly, yet dressed in a stiff suit and wearing a fawning smile, obsequiously introducing the building to Kane—Kane had brought Rhine Lab here, claiming he wanted to invest and establish a branch in Ursus. For Ursus, this company was quite well-known—after all, it was one of the few companies on Terra capable of producing Oripathy inhibitors.

As a businessman, he knew the immense profits this meant in Ursus—don't assume that just because Ursus doesn't treat the infected as human beings, they won't introduce inhibitors. There are countless unfortunate people in the world; many wealthy families have been accidentally infected with Oripathy and ultimately crushed and devoured by the Ursus system. If he could obtain the distribution rights to an inhibitor—who knows how many people would spend a fortune to buy it? This stuff might save them from being devoured.

"Hmm... The location and office space are both excellent. Very good! However, this type of business cooperation is not my responsibility. I will have my colleagues from the Construction Department and Business Department contact you. They are the departments that can decide the direction of Rhine Life. The contract details will be negotiated by you—I believe my colleagues will offer satisfactory terms. But right now, we urgently need a place to stay, I wonder..."

“Of course, no problem! Rhine Lab’s arrival will inject unimaginable vitality into Chernobog. It is our honor, how could we turn it away? You can move in now – we can discuss the contract later.”

Clearly, this wealthy Ursus businessman didn't believe that a giant like Rhine Life would default on a mere office building; that would be far too stingy.

But Kane felt it was unnecessary to pay for a branch office that was about to collapse—he'd cheat if he could, since the person might not have time to pursue the matter afterward.

On the very first night after Rhine Labs moved in, an accident occurred in Chernobog—a loud bang ripped through the night sky, disturbing the sleep of countless residents. People got up and looked towards the source of the sound, muttering indistinct Ursus curses.

An hour later, the city radio station released a message stating that due to a technician's error, some of the city's power equipment had been damaged, and that officials had begun repairs.

The ignorant public simply cursed the "unlucky technicians" after hearing this, but the well-prepared defense department could not possibly fail to see through the hidden story.

What kind of technical malfunction could destroy the power module of a mobile city?

"It would probably take a whole truckload of high-explosive Originium to fill the boiler to do that."

A mobile city is not just a simple land vehicle. How could a small mistake cause an explosion? This was clearly a man-made accident, and the truth has been deliberately covered up.

Over the next two weeks, masked marches appeared in the streets of Chernobog—they called themselves the "Reunion Movement" and aimed to fight for the rights of the infected and oppose the harsh policies that Ursus used to treat them.

Similar situations have occurred in Colombia as well—but behind them often lies a power struggle among interest groups, and the events usually end with the participants being dispersed by prohibiting those who disrupt traffic.

In Ursus, this behavior was tantamount to rebellion—military and police quickly assembled, batons and elbows were used in turn, and the speed was so fast that they left afterimages.

Faced with Reunion members who were beaten bloody, the surrounding crowd showed no sympathy, and even applauded and cheered. This is the current situation in Ursus—ordinary people can arbitrarily oppress the infected, so arbitrarily that they even forget that the infected were also transformed from humans; and they, with just a small wound, can also become one of the infected.

"I don't know why, but it made me feel sad."

“I understand…we almost ended up like that too. Columbia and Ursus are no different, except the former is tried by judges and the latter is managed by the military and police—if the boss hadn’t pulled us out, we probably would have ended up like this.”

"Charlie, Holden, put away your sympathy—we are not saviors, and interfering will only get you burned."

"I know."

"..."

At the window of the high-rise building, several members of the security department silently watched everything happening on the street below, all pondering the current situation of the infected. But in the end, they all chose to continue to observe and prioritize the mission of ensuring Rhine's life—because if this mission succeeds, there is hope that Oripathy can be cured; at that time, the identity of the infected will no longer exist. Although equality may not necessarily come... at least, people will no longer lose their human rights because of a disease.

Kane also took in everything that had happened recently. He clearly sensed that a significant number of people in Chernobog were becoming restless because of the Reunion Movement's predicament. They were obviously either local infiltrators or recently arrived infected individuals.

The integration movement is inciting these hesitant people with actions and realities, igniting a fire in an already high-pressure environment.

Finally, when dark clouds gathered overhead and orange-yellow lightning surged through the clouds, the people of Chernobog realized that a natural disaster was about to strike.

The "divine will" completely emboldened the Unity Movement, leading to the proposal of one crazy plan after another, and igniting countless evil thoughts.

As the natural disaster drew ever closer, the people of Ursus were horrified to discover that the city beneath their feet remained completely still!

Some questioned why the Disaster Monitoring Bureau hadn't issued a warning; others questioned why the city's leadership hadn't completed the mobile city project... but all the questions went unanswered. Many high-ranking officials and noble residences were already deserted, and only then did the lower-level employees realize that their leaders had all been absent from their posts recently—although they were usually just sitting idly by, this time it seemed all too orderly and coincidental.

As the catastrophe loomed, everyone realized with a start—they had been abandoned! Chernobog was left to suffer the catastrophe.

Panic, chaos, congestion—all order crumbled in an instant. Countless land vehicles lined up and surged toward the city's exits, all trying to escape before the catastrophe struck.

Those without means of transportation began to act with malice—smashing windows, snatching keys, hijacking vehicles… One act of violence after another was taking place. Although no one had been killed yet, chaos was already spreading.

"Hey, you swearing Ursus, get out of the way! What kind of time is this to be doing this? You infected should all go to hell with the Scourge!"

In a certain neighborhood, a well-dressed Ursus white-collar worker was hurling insults. His target was a large group of Reunion Movement members blocking his way to the parking lot. Recognizing them as the recently influential Reunion Movement and knowing they were damned infected, he launched into a tirade.

Upon hearing the insults, all the people dressed in white and wearing masks looked at each other in bewilderment. Eventually, their anger was ignited and spiraled out of control.

Sizzle—Pfft!

The blade pierced the chest and was pulled out, the spurting blood instantly staining the clothes of the Reunion member.

But he didn’t feel guilty or scared. Instead, he felt a surge of excitement—the joy of getting revenge!

"Make those damned Ursus people pay the price! Let them all perish in the Scourge, and turn everyone into infected!"

"Kill them!"

"kill!"

"..."

The Reunion movement emerged from all directions—some were "their own team," others were infected who temporarily donned white coats and armbands to join. But whoever they were, at this moment they had only one thought: revenge—to return all the suffering they had endured to the people of Ursus. Regardless of gender, age, or whether they discriminated against the infected, all they wanted was revenge.

Gazing out the window at the world gradually descending into chaos—the fire spreading, the smoke billowing—Kane remained indifferent. He was waiting for news.

"Boss, we've found them! The Rhodes Island people—look!"

As photos were sent to Kane's terminal, he opened them to view: the black uniforms with blue stripes were rather inconspicuous, but the armbands, the weapons in their hands, and their skilled infiltration tactics indicated that they were no ordinary passersby. In several photos, their eyes even met the camera lens directly—they had noticed the drone's surveillance.

“Calculate their route—find their final destination.”

At Kane's command, Rhine Lab members quickly mobilized. They were already fully equipped, and the exoskeleton pilots were in position.

"Remember: our objective is to find the Rhodes Island team. After I complete my critical mission, the next objective is to break out—support each other and avoid prolonged battles. The Cataclysm is imminent, and we must evacuate before then."

"Yes, sir!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In an underground facility somewhere in Chernobog, a riot has just taken place. The crazed infected have killed almost everyone in sight and are now venting their anger by smashing and destroying equipment.

Ultimately, the empty and complex building made them lose interest—after all, how could these thugs possibly see anything special about the research institute?

Guided by the map provided by Kal'tsit, Amiya and two Rhodes Island operators successfully arrived at the "sarcophagus." As the key was entered and unlocked, the sarcophagus slowly opened, revealing its interior.

"PhD!"

"Amiya, don't rush, I need to restore his physical functions."

"Okay... I'll stay calm."

After the medical staff used their expertise to alleviate the aftereffects of the sarcophagus, the doctor's body recovered to the point where he could move around again—though he was still not used to being in the coffin for so long.

"Doctor, do you remember me? I'm Amiya... It's been a long time. I've come to take you home."

Gazing at the familiar face from her memories, Amiya almost burst into tears of joy. But before the reunion could begin, a combat operator beside her interrupted her.

"Amiya, I can't get in touch with Captain Dobermann. Our plan may have been exposed. We can't stay here any longer; we must leave immediately."

"Okay... Doctor, please come with us."

Due to a shortage of manpower, the doctor could only be helped by the frail Amiya.

Compared to Rhine Labs, which operates with impunity and without any worries, Rhodes Island faces obstacles at every turn. Although the members of the Security Department are also infected, this fact is not widely known, and Rhine Labs' public image is still primarily that of non-infected individuals. On the other hand, Rhodes Island is already well-known as an infected company, and this infiltration is even considered illegal entry.

With Rhine Lab's rear secure and Columbia's support and its own strength allowing Kane to calmly plan this expedition, Rhodes Island's Sarkaz court's spying never ceased. Half of its elite operators had to remain to guard the ship, resulting in an already insufficient number of personnel for this operation. Furthermore, it was necessary to divide the operation into multiple teams to open up evacuation routes.

But the situation could have gotten even worse—Amiya and her group had barely left the research institute when they were harassed by the Reunion Movement. Had it not been for the two Rhodes Island task forces noticing the communication disruption and providing timely support, they would likely have perished there.

Chapter 96 Amiya and Kane

"Damn it, these guys are never going to stop!"

A composed woman named Pello was frantically wielding a long whip. The whip, infused with a special material, was incredibly hard; it could even shatter bricks when struck against the cobblestones. However, compared to the situation before her, this weapon seemed utterly powerless—as far as the eye could see, Reunion Movement members surged forth like a relentless tide. White masks and uniforms stretched like an endless wave, layer upon layer, with no end in sight.

Looking back at their own side, the team numbered less than twenty. Although Ace, this experienced elite operator, possessed the strength to take on a hundred men single-handedly, who could guarantee that the Reunion Movement didn't have equally skilled members in command? If they delayed any longer, and the enemy's reinforcements arrived, everyone would likely perish here.

"Ace, we have to break through."

“Margaret’s team is not far ahead. I will break through first, and you will follow closely behind. As for the Doctor, we cannot decide for him; we can only leave it to Dr. Kal'tsit to decide.”

During the Tower of Babel era, even with such a vast disparity in strength, they might have dared to fight desperately, for the Doctor was right behind them—that commander always managed to turn the tide and save them from seemingly hopeless situations. But unfortunately, when Amiya tried to seek the Doctor's help just now, he only replied, "I can't remember," and "I have no memories in my mind." This wise man seems to have suffered severe damage, losing a large amount of his memories, completely forgetting who he is and what abilities he possesses.

buzzing-

The sound of spinning wings came from the air as several controlled drones pointed their cameras at the Rhodes Island crew on the ground.

Just as Dobermann clicked his tongue in amazement, the drones began attacking each other. Armament modules activated one after another, and pure energy shocks shot towards each other—in the end, the more dilapidated and mixed-up side was completely defeated, and the silver-gray painted drones were still hovering in the air.

Is this...internal strife? Or two opposing forces?

As a retired soldier, Dobermann had extensive combat experience. At that moment, her intuition told her that things might not have gotten to the worst point yet, and that they still had room to maneuver.

As Ace charged into the Reunion crowd like a humanoid land machine, any thugs who dared to stand in his way were either knocked away or crushed. The Rhodes Island team resumed their maneuvering, advancing steadily and gradually distancing themselves from the upper city of Chernobog—the roads ahead would be much easier, as the outer city was vast and difficult for even the Reunion to fully control; the various unguarded roads were enough for them to leave.

Before they could reach the exit of the lower city, a special team blocked their way.

"Wow, look at this—a bunch of rats running away. I don't remember sending you any invitations."

A youthful voice, utterly out of place in the atmosphere of the battlefield, reached the ears of the Rhodes Island members. Appearing alongside the voice were a group of Reunion members, even larger and more bloated than their previous enemies. They moved swiftly, but their movements were stiff and unnatural, appearing incredibly bizarre and strange.

Looking around, a handsome young man, staff in hand, stepped onto the battlefield. He resembled a young master from an Ursus noble family, but his manic tone and demeanor betrayed his inner decay and twisted nature. This newcomer was Mephisto, a cadre of the Reunion Movement. He was quite interested in Rhodes Island's infiltration—especially the Doctor rescued from the sarcophagus. Because Talulah, the leader of Reunion, had instructed her subordinates to pay close attention to them, and Mephisto held a near-fanatic faith in that leader—he harbored malicious intentions towards Rhodes Island, which had captured her attention.

Negotiating with a madman was out of the question, and a fierce battle immediately ensued. However, Rhodes Island's primary objective was still evacuation, so they chose to fight and retreat. But Mephisto's Originium Arts were quite unique; he could manipulate the Originium within infected individuals to possess their bodies, thereby enhancing their strength and making them fight according to his will.

The Rhodes Island operators were gradually losing ground and were on the verge of being surrounded and annihilated.

Just then, the "reinforcements" finally arrived.

White with orange and black stripes—this is Rhine Lab's high-energy combat suit, incorporating a wealth of cutting-edge technology and far more advanced than Rhodes Island's standard equipment. Large numbers of personnel wearing these suits began pouring into the battlefield, operating in groups of three, scattered in multiple directions, yet their coordination was impeccable, providing firepower, shield protection, and magical support.