Terra Tinkers Construct is fine.

But understanding doesn't mean they aren't anxious: Chernobog is not at peace right now, it concerns that important doctor, and every risk is too great for them to ignore—but the rules on the surface are like a shackle.

"Doctor Kelsey."

The girl's eyes flickered, and after some deliberation, she couldn't help but hesitate as she looked at the woman beside her and said, "Judging from SWEEP's feedback, Chernobog's defensive line is unexpectedly weak. If it's just temporary, could we consider..."

"No."

Kal'tsit interrupted her, her voice flat yet carrying a seriousness that made the little rabbit's ears droop: "Amiya, you are the public leader of Rhodes Island. Without official permission, our unauthorized entry could become a pretext for Ursus's legitimate hostility, turning us from a neutral company into an object of expulsion and putting Rhodes Island in danger."

Sending a few subordinates to "test the waters" is still within the scope of turning a blind eye; but if you do it too obviously—if you don't follow the rules on the surface, don't expect others to follow the rules with you.

These are the official rules of the game.

Therefore, when the advance team returned successfully, bringing back the good news of the initial cooperation with the Azazel Clinic, the atmosphere inside Rhodes Island naturally became more relaxed.

It wasn't just because they collected local infected data and learned about unexpected Oripathy control methods "without unexpected conflict"—even the clandestine missions outside the medical department, which were handled by the Extremis:

[Obtain urban geography and planning information for Chernobog]

The mission was completed to an unbelievable degree; even Kal'tsit was somewhat surprised by the intelligence she submitted when she returned to the team to report the mission results.

—Did you rob the Chernobog Land Planning Office, Operator?

However, when Exusiai restrained her usual carefree attitude and, in front of two of Rhodes Island's top decision-makers and several elite operators, presented the intelligence report that specifically requested "it be submitted to Amiya or Kal'tsit"...

That's how this breathtaking scene came about.

"…Doctor Kelsey?"

Amiya's face was filled with disbelief. She looked at Kal'tsit, her clear eyes filled with confusion and shock: she knew that the Doctor was sleeping in Chernobog, about two years ago. Although she did not know the details, she was clear that it was Kal'tsit who sent the "Doctor" to this place.

But shouldn't this be one of Rhodes Island's top secrets?

Why would a local gang leader in Chernobog know this?

Was this a contingency plan left by Dr. Kal'tsit? If so, why would you say that?

What is a "home physiotherapy device"?

The little rabbit's mind was full of questions.

--clatter.

She saw Kal'tsit's green lynx ears tucked back, and although her expression remained reserved, her fingertips unconsciously began tapping on the table.

Only those who know her well enough can perceive the shock beneath her calm expression.

"Dr. Kal'tsit? What does that mean?"

Amiya's voice trembled slightly: "That so-called 'home therapy device,' could it be referring to the sarcophagus where the Doctor is located...?"

"Amiya."

Kal'tsit was naturally shocked as well: the placement of the Doctor was a covert operation she carried out on her own, and the decision to "unseal the Doctor" made at the Rhodes Island elite operator meeting not long ago was an even more secret operation within Rhodes Island.

Why would a stranger know this?

Especially since everyone only knows that the object sealed by the doctor is codenamed "Stone Coffin"—the term "home therapy device" is not entirely accurate, but it's not far off. In Terra, no one should know the true nature of that thing.

Who could it be...? Could it be that a sarcophagus buried somewhere else leaked out, letting out some old ice pop that's been hibernating for who knows how long?

—Why does it sound like they've already made it to the door?

But Amiya's voice pulled her back to reality from her subconscious mental turmoil. Looking at Amiya's uneasy expression, the solemnity of several elite operators, and the operator Exusiai's embarrassed look of "should I not have stayed so long?"... she quickly calmed down.

"Amiya, now is not the time to delve into the details."

Her voice drew everyone's attention, and she continued, "The key is that the person who communicated with us using this information not only knew of the doctor's existence, but also knew his exact location."

"Chernobyl's environment is unstable and there are signs of natural disasters. Could the city's destruction refer to this? If so, then the other party is implying that they've opened the treasure chest before us..."

"What is he trying to do? Steal the doctorate?"

The bearded man wearing sunglasses asked, indoors.

"Uncertainty is too ambiguous and unclear."

Kal'tsit shook her head: "It can be interpreted as robbery, but in terms of unsealing alone, it can also be interpreted as securing... Considering his attitude towards Azazel and the content of his warning to us, perhaps we can rule out the possibility of hostility."

The elite operators all understood immediately: Eliminate?

One thing cannot be ruled out.

The other party may genuinely have no hostility, but they can never truly believe that the other party has no hostility.

But at least this explanation worked for the still immature Amiya. The little rabbit's ears twitched, and the unease on her face was somewhat dispelled—in any case, since things had already unfolded this way, at least it wasn't the worst-case scenario.

"Secondly... the other party raised a point that we must admit we haven't paid enough attention to."

"We need to hurry, the entire city is about to be destroyed, and the current situation is more complicated than we anticipated..."

"Extreme, besides these words, has this Mr. Jung you contacted exhibited any other unusual behavior? For example, has he revealed anything about Chernobog's current situation?"

"hiss……"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Extreme tried hard to recall every detail and said, "If I had to say, this person seemed to be very knowledgeable about the unofficial situation in Chernobog. When the radio broadcasted news of the riots by infected people throughout the city and the victories of the military and police in suppressing them, he showed considerable disdain and had exchanged views with Director Herag on the Reunion Movement, and his attitude was not optimistic."

"The other thing is the information he provided."

Extreme frowned: "I don't know if the execution department has noticed, but when I got the map information from him, I looked through it and the map information he provided was exceptionally detailed, unlike what an ordinary gang leader would pay attention to... It's more like he had been preparing for a long time, just waiting for people like us to need it."

"Oh yeah, one more thing!"

He clasped his hands together abruptly and said, “I actually wrote it in the report, but it should be fine to say it now—he specifically marked it in the map information he submitted, and told me that he now has four smuggling routes of the Rust Gang, three of which he indirectly controls and one of which he directly controls, so they are basically reliable.”

"This is so thoughtful."

One of the elite operators remarked something.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Kal'tsit took a deep breath and said, "Amiya, the plan has changed. Be prepared to act ahead of schedule."

Amiya's spirits lifted, and even the ears on her head perked up.

“Going through the procedures has already wasted too much of our time. Regardless of whether the other party’s information is true or false, the current risk level has risen to a point that we cannot ignore. We cannot continue to treat the doctor’s safety as it was before.”

“Ace, take your squad and Amiya’s squad and make direct contact with Mr. Jung; we need to know who he is, what he knows, and what he wants to do.”

"clear."

The bearded man wearing sunglasses answered calmly.

"Scout, take your squad and the Third Special Operations Team with you. Mantra will assist you in your work."

"learn."

The tall Sarkaz man, wearing a fisherman's hat with horns sticking out from under the brim, nodded.

"Amiya, be careful."

Kal'tsit looked at Amiya: "I thought this wouldn't be an adventure, but it seems plans are subject to change. Perhaps there are indeed unpredictable changes that often occur on this land. Making contact with them and paving the way for the subsequent rescue operation is your important responsibility."

"But if I'm not mistaken... no, I hope it's just my imagination; in any case, don't rely too much on your emotional sensitivity."

"I see."

Amiya nodded, then quickly added, "And Dr. Kal'tsit, regarding the official procedures..."

"Continue negotiating; use that as a pretext to stall them."

Kal'tsit said, "The Doctor's safety is above Ursus's procedures. The previous caution was to avoid giving others a handle against us, but now we need to act quickly and keep things simple."

"Plan changed, priorities adjusted."

Addressing the assembled attendees, Kal'tsit raised her voice.

"Rescue the doctor, make contact with unknown forces, operate covertly, and guard against natural disasters; we must act now, before an irreversible accident occurs."

Transfer to a Wilderness Merchant vehicle, circle around to reach the Chernobog Power Level from the side, and then follow the path indicated on the map to find the corresponding route features.

The Rhodes Island group certainly didn't know that the "safe smuggling route directly controlled by the canned goods" they chose was none other than the very route Milan had taken when she was initially double-crossed.

Naturally, they followed in Milan's footsteps and arrived at the checkpoint that was a necessary stop on the smuggling route—only this time, unlike in Milan, they were not met by a group of thugs.

Instead, it was a canned fighting team.

"Stop! Who goes there?"

A soft sound came from the pipe, followed by six figures in dark white armor accompanied by heavy footsteps; they were fully armed and looked like armor from a classical era, with square and tight lines, clearly different from modern combat uniforms and protective gear.

The sound of their footsteps alone was enough to prove the considerable weight of their equipment—it was definitely not just for show.

Meanwhile, Ace emerged from the shadows first, followed closely by his squad members, who maintained formation with Amiya's squad during the operation.

Scout's team landed in the city via a different route, and testing the reliability of the "Canned Food" group was also part of their mission.

Ace, who was at the very front, raised his hand to signal the team to stop. He stepped forward, not adopting an attack stance, but calmly said, "The iconic white heavy armor, you're the brother of [Canned Food], right?"

"We are from Rhodes Island, invited by Mr. Jung's Yueyi (Lin Qiba VUIIIV Wu Liu)."

As he spoke, his eyes behind his sunglasses were also sizing up the few canned soldiers: although there were only six of them here, which looked a bit ridiculous in front of their two squads, but... with his eyesight, he could tell that these people were not ordinary people who were temporarily pulled out to make up the numbers, but rather warriors who had indeed experienced real combat and seen blood.

—These few people are enough to guard the smuggling routes; and if we run into a shortage, we'll probably end up with people like ourselves, right?

Sure enough, just as he was thinking this, a crossbowman, also dressed in white armor, leaned out, looked them over, and nodded.

“It looks like a minor named Carter… The leader has already given instructions, please follow me.”

Chapter 87 - First Contact (2/80)

There were no extra questions or additional identity verifications; it was as if everything had been expected.

After picking up their people, Team B2 seemed to have completed their mission and had no intention of wasting any more time here. Instead, they led them directly inside. The Rhodes Island group followed silently. The passages were intricate and maze-like, but the white-armored guards leading the way were clearly very familiar with the place.

The further you go in, the louder the roar of the machinery becomes, and the warmer the air gets—even when it's stationary, there are always many pieces of equipment that never stop operating in the moving plots of a mobile city.

In an unusual silence, someone from Rhodes Island pulled out a map. They could use the map to determine their location and route, and were surprised to find that there was nothing unusual about these people leading the way. Finally, at the entrance to an exceptionally tall passageway and before a rock wall that seemed out of place with the surrounding steel environment, the guide stopped.

There was an inconspicuous iron door, its metallic color different from the surrounding equipment; when the canned food team knocked on the door, they saw darkness behind it, and then it sprang open.

The sight behind the door left even the most experienced Rhodes Island operators bewildered and astonished.

Unlike the rugged and dim underground environment outside the door, the interior is a scene that has been transformed in a way that is not beyond imagination, but is indeed somewhat surreal: the dome is very high, and the cold Originium lamps and warm torches together constitute the lighting of this space, making the light bright but not cruel; on one side of the space is a striking farmland, with thick soil that has been transported up there and spread out in layers, on which several crops grow in a way that is abnormal—even out of season.

There are even tall trees and bamboo growing right next to the farmland!

In the middle area, you can see several strange devices, some with blazing flames, and others with a strangely colored liquid in a semi-transparent state; you can't tell what they are, and you can only wonder why they all look square.

As for the other side... the other side stretched into a dark, unlit depth, and no one knew what lay inside.

However, here, the Rhodes Island group could see more white-armored guards, who seemed to be doing some kind of training; when they saw them enter led by their colleagues, these guards stopped their training and looked over one by one.

Further behind them, from behind a stack of boxes, came a clanging sound that was only easily noticed at this moment, sounding like continuous metal clashing—and at this moment, the clanging sound suddenly stopped, replaced by a voice that was not so distinctive, but which made the members of the canned food group present subconsciously respectful.

"Oh? Everyone's here?"

When Milan came out from behind, this was the scene he saw: Ace, whose appearance was so distinctive that he could recognize him even if he changed his clothes; Amiya, who was perhaps disguised but was still wearing the Rhodes Island uniform. Well, Milan couldn't recognize the others, since he didn't really have any impression of either Ace's team or Amiya's team in the game.

Or rather, even if he was curious about the agents who died in the Chernobog incident before they even appeared on screen, he really didn't have the chance.

Including Amiya, who was being protected by Ace, it was obvious that the Rhodes Island group was somewhat surprised by his sudden appearance. It wasn't entirely incomprehensible; after all, it was puzzling to see a young-looking person from Yan Kingdom appear among a group of Ursus people.

But Milan is not.

Milan's gaze swept over the group of newcomers, lingered on Ace for a moment, and finally landed on Amiya, revealing a complex and inscrutable expression.

"...It's good that you've arrived; it's faster than I expected."

Was the journey relatively smooth?

His tone was relaxed, as if he were not a stranger at all, and as the "leader," he seemed less threatening than his heavily armored soldiers.

This unexpectedly easygoing attitude put Rhodes Island at ease—Amiya took a deep breath, preparing to step forward as the leader of Rhodes Island to introduce herself and negotiate; however, as her attention focused on Milan, an indescribable sense of unease welled up in her heart.

Few people know that this seemingly ordinary-looking girl from Carter's possesses a special mental ability called "Emotion Absorption." Even without conscious effort, the emotions of the creatures around her naturally emanate from her mental realm, flowing into her senses like background music.

When she first gained this ability, just controlling herself to "not be passively influenced by others" caused her a lot of trouble for a long time.

However, she did not sense the usual malice, fear, anger, or greed in this young man who called himself "Jung," nor even curiosity or warm kindness; she felt as if she were observing a vast and quiet existence through a thick fog, indistinct yet vaguely sensing an almost inhuman calm and profundity.

And an indescribable sense of alienation, as if from a place too far away.

It wasn't that there was any suffocating hostility or horror, but it was just too extraordinary, making her forget her prepared opening remarks.

"Thanks to your help, things went relatively smoothly, Mr. Jung."

Ace, who was keeping a close eye on Amiya, immediately noticed her unusual behavior. He took a half step forward without making a sound, blocking Amiya's path while simultaneously taking over the conversation, saying, "I am Ace, a Rhodes Island Heavy Armored Operator. This is our leader, Amiya. We have come based on the information we received earlier, hoping to have a more in-depth discussion with you."