Terra Tinkers Construct is fine.

Milan, under the gaze of the patriots, pondered for a moment and then let out a long sigh.

"But slogans alone are far from enough; slogans are pale, only actions have power."

"If I understand correctly, what you are seeking is change."

Froststar paused for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by his abrupt transformation from "a highly skilled craftsman" to "an intellectual with clear thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to quickly understand and summarize"; Patriot, however, quickly grasped the situation. He paused, then said in a hoarse voice:

"Soldiers must be aware, obey discipline, and fight for the infected."

"Becoming a soldier means having a different status from that of a civilian."

"You are infected?"

"I am not sure."

Facing the Patriot's gaze, Milan shook her head and said frankly, "Miss Froststar knows that I was picked up from the Cataclysm by Kannot and then casually brought here; at first, for some reason, my memory was a bit off, but it has gradually recovered recently with rest... Although it is not complete yet, at least my common sense has recovered quickly."

“I have some understanding of Oripathy, and I have also done my own examination. Considering the innate skill influence of the symbiotic Originium and the early symptoms of Oripathy... I am more inclined to believe that I am not infected.”

Oripathy, also known as multiple Originium infection syndrome, is often caused by the ingestion of activated Originium into the body's environment. In the early stages of Oripathy, patients may only have a small amount of non-existent Originium crystals on their skin and present with symptoms similar to ordinary fever, which is considered to be a reaction of the immune system trying to expel the influence of Originium.

Modern medicine often uses imaging and tissue sampling for more accurate diagnosis, but it is also common knowledge that active Originium can affect the awakening of Originium Arts.

This event is also recorded in the Arknights setting book, "The Journey of the Earth".

"..."

Patriot and Frostnova fell silent for a moment: after all, asking a non-infected person to join an infected organization and fight to the death seemed a bit unreasonable in terms of the most basic principles—according to Patriot's character, if someone is a soldier, they should be prepared to obey orders, and any change of mind would be desertion, which would be punishable by military law.

Milan's temporary stay with the Yeti team is unique: he has never expressed his willingness or formally joined, and his well-established reputation for being disciplined has also played a role—he was brought from the wilderness by Kannot, and his help to the Yeti team far outweighs his value, something Frostnova had even mentioned to him before.

"Even without the Yeti team, he could probably survive independently in this wasteland on his own."

In addition to the exceptional skills he has already demonstrated... he is currently seen more as a "partner who is willing to help the infected community and exchange technical services for value," rather than a "forced member of the Yeti Squad"; at least that's how Patriot sees it.

They exchanged a glance—Milan, for one, couldn't discern what kind of "meaning" Bozocas could read in those demonic eyes—it seemed as if they were preparing for a silent exchange about another plan; but Milan didn't remain silent. He pondered for a moment, and this time he spoke first:

"I have a few questions."

Standing on a higher ground than the script, Milan, who genuinely looked down on the old Reunion Movement and also looked down on the current one, spoke up: "Miss Frostnova, I want to know, you just said you would take back what belongs to us and speak out for all the Infected... As an organization that can act as a guerrilla force and the superior of the Yetis, what specific actions have you taken with such a slogan?"

"Or rather, what exactly does the Reunion Movement plan to do? How will it change this world...this land?"

"By establishing homes for those infected? Pushing for legislation? Fighting for their rights? Or something else?"

"?"

Froststar was taken aback.

Patriot also raised his head, his crimson gaze steady, revealing nothing of his thoughts; but Frostnova seemed somewhat confused. After a moment's thought, she said, "We...of course we must fight for our rights! We must let the oppressors know our strength! Talulah said that only by demonstrating sufficient strength can we gain the respect of the outside world! As for the means..."

"Sometimes, a necessary firmness is unavoidable."

As she spoke, her voice trailed off as she thought of her Yeti squad and the Infected guerrillas, and of another group of people who also belonged to the "Reunion Movement."

“In many places and at many times, non-infected people are accomplices. They condone or even participate in the persecution of their infected compatriots. Someone must pay for their crimes. Those who have hurt us must pay the price.”

"Is that so? Is that what the Reunion Movement thinks?"

Milan's voice was calm: "So, is it simply drawing a circle around oneself, identifying oneself as an infected person and categorizing all non-infected people as murderers and accomplices, pushing them to the opposite side, and unilaterally identifying only as an infected person...?"

"Originality is a deadly disease with malignant contagion, and no one can change that; the theories I once studied tell me that most of the root problems stem from institutional discrimination, from hatred incited by the upper class to divert attention from other problems, and from problems arising from the uneven distribution of resources."

"You have arbitrarily turned your attention to the larger group, completely ignoring the fact that you are only a small part. Your unilateral use of violence will only push the forces that could have been united to the opposite side, and in turn, completely isolate yourselves... Not to mention, since the Reunion Movement has a team, where does its logistics come from?"

"Do you have a comprehensive base? Do you have at least a guaranteed source of production resources, if not perfect? ​​The ultimate problem for those infected lies in the harm of Oripathy. As an organization that fights for the legitimate rights of those infected, do you have a plan and preparation to counteract Oripathy?"

"Or is it simply a matter of robbing? And what we're robbing are only the food of the working people themselves?"

"I do not comment on the necessity and legitimacy of resistance and revenge, but without a correct ideological program to guide us, resistance and revenge can only lead to destruction and ruin, and nothing can be built—perhaps my vision is too narrow to see the higher-level plans, so Miss Frostnova."

"Even if you don't tell me, it's fine. Just think back to how your Reunion Movement has always acted and what you've done, and what plans you're about to implement behind the march that I've only seen so far."

"..."

Froststar remained silent.

She truly fell silent, even her usually upright rabbit ears drooped; she was indeed deeply affected by Oripathy, the pain and coldness constantly surrounding her, making her appear aloof and withdrawn, but in reality, she harbored a contrast between idealism and passion.

She had been observing Milan's actions all this time, and she understood the suggestions of Petrova and the other Yetis—she herself had come to agree that Milan was a friend of the Yetis, which was why she had asked Patriot to invite Milan.

Shouldn't it be a happy thing to turn friends into family?

However, when pure and simple friendship progresses further and inevitably leads to contact in terms of cognition and ideas—the closer they get, the easier it is for friction to occur, and disagreements inevitably arise.

With her knowledge, she may not be able to summarize that "the essence of revolution is a fundamental reconstruction process of the old social form," but she can at least understand the principle that "revolution is not embroidery, nor is it a dinner party; it requires bloodshed and sacrifice, but not bloodshed and sacrifice in vain."

That's why she couldn't convince herself to bypass Milan's argument: because lies don't hurt, but the truth is the sharpest knife.

Milan pointed out points that cannot be avoided.

As for rebuttal... what can she use to refute it? Slogans? Milan had already blocked any possible rebuttals from the very beginning.

Slogans are meaningless; only actions have power.

What are their next steps?

She could easily imagine what it would be like just by thinking about it.

"I……"

Milan didn't continue. Frostnova hesitated before speaking, no longer as excited as before, and he didn't urge her. To be honest, it wasn't a skill to argue and defeat Frostnova. He was a player who had gone through the entire storyline from beginning to end. If he couldn't even say a few words about the flaws of the Reunion Movement, then he probably had wasted his nine years of compulsory education.

But he also knew that both Frostnova and Patriot were already on the verge of being fired; if he could have traveled earlier, if he were willing to unleash the miraculous productivity of Minecraft now, if the leader of Reunion was still that idiot Tower instead of the current Black Serpent, if he had enough self-defense capabilities even with a full set of Tinker's Construct original endgame gear...

No, if there were so many possibilities, he could single-handedly pull the Reunion Movement back on its own, and even if he started a religion based on his own beliefs, it wouldn't be impossible... How about Steve's superpowers?

But reality doesn't allow for "what ifs," and the objective conditions are beyond question.

So he already had a sense of what he would face next.

They were even prepared in advance.

"Yelena."

Froststar looked up and saw Patriot's hoarse voice slowly shaking his head: "Forcing things will be useless. If our ideologies clash, we will eventually turn against each other."

"But……!"

"artisan."

He didn't look at his adopted daughter again, but turned to Milan and said slowly but firmly, "Your craftsmanship is precious; your ideas are clear."

"But the integration movement will move forward... I will march on."

Even in the face of war.

"...Well, I'm sorry, sir."

Milan sighed, his shoulders slumped, and a helpless smile appeared on his face: "I personally admire your courage in resisting oppression, and I am grateful for the Yeti's initial help to me; I am willing to provide support to the Yeti and the guerrillas, but, if we're talking about your so-called Reunion Movement, and issues of stance..."

"Different road non-phase plan."

"understand."

Patriot nodded. His expression was hidden behind the alien's skull mask, but his voice was deep and heavy, as if it would never change.

"We will rest for three days. After three days, merchants will come."

"You may leave on your own."

Froststar suddenly raised her head, looking at Patriot and then at Milan, her eyes filled with complex emotions; perhaps disappointment, perhaps relief, perhaps even expectation... but in the end she said nothing, only nodded silently.

"..."

Milan didn't speak again. He stood up, clasped his hands in a salute, and then turned and left the tent, leaving behind only a heavy silence. Patriot's gaze followed his back thoughtfully. Froststar looked at the leaping torches, and the memories from many years ago and the memories from recent years mixed together, making her feel more confused and lost the more she compared the two.

"Father."

Frostnova suddenly spoke up: "Is this really a good idea? I mean, we... Talulah, is this decision really alright?"

"No, no orders, no problem."

In Milan's absence, those present were no longer the Patriots of Reunion and Frostnova, but only the old stubborn Bochokasti and his daughter Yelena; the tall Wendigo lowered his head, his scarlet eyes flickered a few times, and finally spoke with a heavy yet gentle tone:

“I am a soldier, Talulah, and still, a leader.”

"To fight for the infected is my duty."

"All I know is how to fight."

"So, Milan, he..."

"If you don't have the awareness, you shouldn't step onto the battlefield."

"Let him go. Hopefully, we'll never meet again."

Chapter 31 - Before Departure (4/5)

Ursus Shield Guard Heavy Armor

-Related equipment blueprint [Embedded Armor], related module [Soul Cherry Craftsman]

- Armor plating + Armor plating + Armor base

[Guerrilla Team 6 ( ) One) Enterprise 1 Two Thoughts is Dad "Sarkaz Claws"

-Related equipment blueprint [Claws], related module [Craftsman's Innovation]

- Small blade + Small blade + Small blade + Tool handle

[Wendigo Legendary Heavy Armor]

-Related equipment blueprint [Layered Armor], related module [Artisan's Miscellaneous Items]

- Armor plating + armor plating + shield base + leather + leather

Patriot Halberd

-Related equipment blueprint [Halberd], related module [Craftsman's Miscellaneous Items]

- Battle axe blade + small blade + tough handle + tough handle

- Associated equipment blueprint [Javelin], associated module [Artisan's Miscellaneous Items]

- Broad blade + adze + craftsman's handle + tough handle

(A ben, shaped like a hoe with an axe blade at the top, moves in a different direction than a vertical axe and is used to straighten large pieces of wood in woodworking.)

The news that Milan was leaving did not spread.

No one revealed what Patriot and Frostnova discussed with Milan that day, and no one was curious about it afterward; only Milan continued to do his work diligently, methodically continuing the conversation that had been interrupted that day.

It's hard to say what he might gain from taking inventory.

However, in the subsequent equipment analysis, the equipment of the guerrillas, especially the Patriots, still brought him quite a few surprises.

And he wasn't idle either.

For a hamster stranded in another world, preparation is never too much. Having always followed the Yetis on marches without ever stopping, Milan, who was particularly skilled at digging, finally had the chance to showcase the terrifying productivity of Minecraft. Amidst the Yetis' indifferent attitude, Milan quickly dug a basement with the efficiency that shocked the veteran guerrillas. The depth of the basement was even greater than the size he usually used to.

After being persuaded by the Yetis, the guerrilla fighters, out of politeness, didn't bother him—so no one knew what was really going on in the basement.

Potatoes ripen in two days, and planted trees mature in three days. The felled wood is burned into charcoal, and the saplings are collected, the leaves are gathered and stuffed into compost bins, generating resources to accelerate the next round of growth.

In a short time, MC's production efficiency began to show.

Milan himself wasn't always focused on the basement: physical strength was no longer a limitation for him, and apart from underground work, his schedule on the surface these days was concentrated on the maintenance of military equipment; the Yeti and the guerrillas' weapons and equipment flowed quickly in his hands, and with the help of several work blocks, he was able to handle simple problems more and more efficiently.

Practice makes perfect.

The Yeti was rather ignorant, but the veteran guerrillas knew the true value of "one person repairing equipment for an entire unit." More and more people gathered around Milan's workbench every day, and the veterans' initial curiosity gradually turned into awe. Later, they even discovered that Milan had taken the time to hand-carve out a number of stone spare parts for the Shield Guards!

"Come, come, Uncle Repin, and a few other uncles."

They didn't know when it started, but they all saw this astonishing and absurd scene: floating on the workbench was a standard heavy shield, which had been disassembled into different structures; and Milan was explaining the structure of the heavy shield piece by piece, like giving a public lecture, as if he were teaching how to repair a bicycle.

"This part is the linkage, this part is the start-up, this part is the transmission. Basically, once force is applied from the outside, the corresponding change inside is from here to here, and the change in force."

"So this is how you disassemble this part of the mesh, and then you can easily remove this part; here is the support, there is the tension structure, and these are all parts that are prone to failure... If there is a problem, it is usually these parts. I have made a lot of them, and I have labeled them with model numbers."

—The more I listen to this lesson, the more something seems off.

The veterans of the Shield Guard were initially quite excited to attend the lecture. After all, they had been without logistics for a long time, and over the years they had tried to tinker with their equipment themselves—some of their makeshift methods worked, but most of the time they were helpless. However, this course wasn't because Milan's explanations weren't detailed enough, nor because there were no spare parts; rather…

"Captain, something doesn't taste right to me."

While the young Yeti still occasionally went to bother Petrova, asking, "Is there any progress on Big Sister's side? Is Master Milan considered one of us now? Why are there so many refined charcoal pieces entering the warehouse these past two days?"—several perceptive members of the old Shield Guards had already noticed.