Léon: The Cat Killer

"So, you mean we should take the initiative to clean up the pollution... But, although the old stubborn man said I would have to face those things sooner or later, how should we deal with them? The pollution can even be transmitted through images; they are not even physical entities."

People can be killed, machines can be destroyed, but you can't harm an invisible enemy... Everyone's first reaction was that there was nothing wrong with it, but Medic didn't think there was anything difficult to handle.

As Rhodes Island's black cat swished its tail and clapped its hands, everyone's attention, which had been wandering, was drawn back to them:

"Although I am not a professional explorer or environmental researcher... my work as a doctor or a messenger of natural disasters has made me somewhat results-oriented... In short, we have only two goals: first, to prevent the pollution from spreading, and second, to prevent those who have been contaminated from harming others again."

"Our next steps will focus on these two points... We need to determine if the unfortunate people affected by the contamination can recover. Although, for research purposes, capturing them and studying their potential recovery would be the right thing for a socially responsible company to do... unfortunately, we don't have that luxury, and I personally am not a professional investigator." Qi

"Given the transmissible nature of 'contamination,' I will prioritize the safety of Rhodes Island employees and partners. If the target is found to be unable to communicate or cease their harmful actions, Rhodes Island will prioritize their complete elimination. Medic will take full responsibility for this decision… However, as a comrade of those subdued individuals, I request your permission, Frostnova, as a Reunion cadre." II

Blinking, Frostnova glanced at the combat recorder hanging on Medic's ear, its activation light on, and immediately realized: Umbrella

"...No problem. For the sake of more people, if they've become unruly, I'll personally take care of them." (Phosphorus)

"Considering your condition, please leave the part about the physical body to us... and then, regarding the handling of the pollution itself... although we don't yet know the extent of the pollution's harm, how to control it, or how to remove it... presumably, as long as the medium is completely cut off and they are described with as little information as possible, this is the currently known 'safe contact' method... yes, just like when 'Nana' communicated with His Excellency Patriot."

"Therefore, I issued the order with Medic's authority, designating this operation as 'the subjugation and sealing of something unspeakable,' and PRTS will handle all the compilation, packaging, and reporting of the operation records automatically."

"Dulin, while the system and your own mind are still relatively clean, change the PRTS file to read-only mode... Then I will lock it with Medic permissions. After processing the report, PRTS will completely delete the 'contaminated' local information. In this way, the most terrifying and insidious information isolation will be completed."

"Then came the issue of isolating and treating physical pollution... Tangible pollution is ultimately embodied in a physical form, and what I need to do is to transform that tangible pollution into something intangible." —Qi

Medic sighed, and seeing the Rhodes Island's black cat draw its weapon, the Rhodes Island members reacted, rising one after another and simultaneously donning their outdoor gear.

"May our bullets extinguish their suffering."

"...May the curse of the Eight Forms of No Billion (One) Qi Si (Five) Cu Shi Jiu Xing be completely eradicated... Is this the Bible of Gunfire?"

As Medic loaded the silenced pistol, and Mary and Frostleaf looked at the incredibly familiar silver pistol with puzzled expressions, Rhodes Island's black cat held one eye and gestured 'shh' to the two of them.

"Leave it to us next."

PS: Waaaaaah, kitty

4th Crimson Warm Winter: 116 All demons and monsters will be defeated by absolute firepower.

"From what the captain is saying, it's a devastating operation... First, the elite action team will assess the enemy's situation. If things are beyond saving, then the goal is to annihilate them completely... 'Contamination' is truly terrifying, and I understand the logic behind this kind of operation... But, is it really necessary for me and Captain Yato to join the battle?"

"The Ranger also has the important task of protecting our 'base,' and it's not just A4 team that should be involved. The Yetis and Shield Guards should also refrain from taking action... The fewer members who are contaminated, the better... And how to explain it, Frostnova, is up to you."

Seeing Medic's smile return to its gentle state, the white rabbit wriggled its ears unhappily:

"Let's get this straight, standing by and watching isn't our style... The Shield Guards are a unit personally trained by the old fogies, and they themselves have experience in combating 'contamination'... Or rather, aren't you Rhodes Island members the ones who should avoid contact with contamination the most?"

"If minimizing harm is the priority, perhaps I should take your advice... but investigating the source of the 'contamination' is also one of our goals in coming here."

"Compared to you who are fighting on home soil but have no support, Rhodes Island is the one that should know the most... or rather, the 'contaminated' members. After all, the reports we send to the international community can indeed make it impossible for the Ursus government itself to remain uninvolved."

"When a real disaster strikes, the only thing that must be done is to fulfill one's responsibilities."

As the Rhodes Island crew switched operators, including the big cat guarding the corridor who picked up a chainsaw to leave, Frostnova frowned and then borrowed Blackhorn's terminal.

After the white rabbit stumbled and bumped along while leaving messages for the shield guard and the yeti using PRTS, Frostnova, taking advantage of her long legs, quickly caught up with Rhodes Island's black cat heading towards the elevator.

"Wait, I'm going too!"

"...Your body..."

"You were the one who said you'd stay with me to ensure treatment, right? And without me, how are you going to talk to those Reunion members? Or are you just trying to fool me with your idea of ​​confirming whether the other person is still salvageable? You never actually intended to confirm; you just wanted to kill them all without asking any questions!"

Unexpectedly, the white rabbit would think that way. Although he might have subconsciously left open the possibility of such an action, Medic quickly shook his head after realizing what was happening.

"Of course not. Alright, since you insist, then follow along... But let's make it clear first, you can't use Originium Arts... Right now you can still run, but if your condition worsens, I'm afraid that even walking and moving around will affect the Originium fusion in your body, and that feeling... you'll have to amplify the pain you've already experienced several times over."

Seeing the black cat from Rhodes Island give her these instructions, Frostnova nodded to the yeti who always checked with her, then drew an ice spike-shaped staff from her waist:

"It's okay~ I'll definitely follow your instructions. If things really get too difficult, you're here for me. Look, my temperature has returned to normal after just one treatment..."

Seeing Frostnova grasping his hand and explaining, Medic wanted to say something more, but it all turned into a sigh:

"Treatment is a long-term process... Never mind, I hope you really listened to what I said."

By keeping Frostnova, who was unfamiliar with Rhodes Island's formation, at bay to prevent her from interfering with the others, Medic slowly moved into the center of the group. The three members of the Black Steel team led the way, with Jessica, wielding an assault rifle, acting as the vanguard. Behind them, Blaze and Aya, carrying a bow, protected Sussurro, who wielded a large medical staff. Their role was to protect the crucial medical personnel who needed to assess the enemy's situation, while also serving as rearguard for the team if necessary.

As the massive exploration vehicle entered deceleration mode, the onboard broadcast began announcing the cause and effect of the impending battle ahead.

Medic leaves these kinds of things to Yato; the A4 team is experienced and reliable, so they handle all the family matters. As everyone boarded Rhodes Island's eight-wheeled jeep, marked with ambulance and Originium contamination prevention signs, the tailgate of the base opened amidst a flashing yellow warning light.

"Before departure, everyone should double-check their equipment. A4 Action Group, please coordinate with Sister Mary. Compared to yourselves, the opinions of Mary and Frostleaf, who have experienced 'contamination,' are also worth considering. Welfare staff, please take shelter according to the wartime regulations in the staff handbook. Disciplinary staff, please await orders in the second state of combat readiness... If those who have been contaminated can be saved, then we will place them in the Originium Contamination Disposal Room on the first floor... All staff, please familiarize yourselves with the routes and equipment operation methods in advance."

Nana made a ready gesture to the PRTS camera, patted Huang in the driver's seat, and as the big cat, who hadn't cooperated with Medic in a long time and was itching to do so, excitedly stepped on the gas, the Rhodes Island vehicle rushed into the snowfield.

As a multi-purpose vehicle widely deployed by the Colombian fleet, it is clear that even if the additional armor is removed and it is painted with Rhodes Island paint, it will not change the fact that it is a Colombian military vehicle.

As one of the many items that Puff transferred to Nana along with TDD, this vehicle, which is wide enough to accommodate three large seats in a row in the cab, has a three-person driver's cab, a six-person combat compartment with a top-opening hatch, and its rear compartment can now hold six simple first aid stretchers for Terrans of normal size by means of the perforated panel latches after the removal of the partitions and armor.

Of course, from the description, one can understand that only a corpse would not mind being stuffed into six stretchers like cargo, with its nose pressed against the buttocks of the upper bunk.

If it's for carrying living people, considering the need to leave room for doctors to step and for emergency treatment in the tail compartment, without using the combat compartment space, the tail compartment can only fit about two stretchers for wounded soldiers.

Medic is now sitting in the center of the cockpit... the seat of the equipment operator who would probably be the first to die if attacked, with Blaze driving the vehicle to his left and Frostnova occupying his right.

While Medic was operating the vehicle's onboard system, Froststar looked around for a while, even trying to look at the sky from inside the car:

"By the way, Medic, didn't your team still have one person...? Where's that little cat that scared the Shield Guard? Is it in the sky?"

"Rosemary can use her special Originium Arts to levitate and scout for extended periods, and she can also launch attacks from the sky when necessary. Whether we ultimately attack or retreat with the wounded, Rosemary is the backbone of Rhodes Island's personnel operations team... Right now, she's still monitoring those corrupted Reunion groups... Look, I've connected to her combat recorder."

Listening to Medic and Frostnova's incessant chatter beside him, and glancing at the screen while driving, Huang, who couldn't make heads or tails of it, found Frostnova's constant barrage of questions to be incredibly annoying.

"Medic, we'll be able to visually identify the target in ten minutes. Should we start planning the operation, like we did in Tikkarendo?"

"That's a nostalgic way to put it... but this time our operation isn't like the one in Tikkarendo, which had the support of hundreds of companies and the backing of the government... Anyway, I've connected all of your communicators through the vehicle system. With the vehicle's signal relay, you should be able to conduct real-time multi-party communication, including with the exploration vehicle... To make sure I haven't missed anyone or anyone has equipment problems, everyone please type '1' in the channel now so I can check?"

After counting the number of people on the screen and confirming that only Huang and Frostnova were not responding, Medic calmly instructed Frostnova to open the communicator's text input page. Frostnova then entered the channel as a 'guest' and helped Huang confirm her device status. Only then did Medic continue:

"Okay, the signal and equipment are all fine, and we've been working together for a long time. This operation requires us to have heavy defensive equipment to observe the target up close because we need to confirm the target's status at close range."

"Razer, this job is perfect for you. Lead your squad and inspect the target as if it were a heavily contaminated environment... Because of the effects of contamination on consciousness, no one is allowed to use lethal force without my permission... Especially Jessica, your Laterano rifle is key to close-quarters combat. Once we reach the destination, you will guard the vehicle. You can start familiarizing yourself with the firing positions in the combat compartment beforehand."

"The rest of you will be the support team. Ya Ye, even though you're carrying a bow, don't forget your duty. Huang, you're responsible for protecting Sussuro. You can't leave the doctor who has a large medical spell unit; she's our last line of defense."

"If the target can still be saved, Sussuro and Yaye will need to immediately use the rescue equipment in the tail compartment to rescue the target... We have already made an agreement with Froststar."

Finally, confirm the process—

"First, upon arrival at the target location, Jessica will establish battlefield control, while Razer and Franka will go forward to assess the situation. If the other party is willing to communicate, they will be kept in check while Frostnova and I will advance together to conduct the conversation. The medical team will prepare to provide assistance... If it is found that the other party's aggression exceeds our control, the Blacksteel team must immediately evacuate. I will grant permission for the use of lethal force as appropriate."

"Regardless of the ground conditions, once I enter the combat zone, Rosemary's task will be to take charge of controlling the outer battlefield. I need your clear mind to help me judge the degree of contamination on the other side... And if necessary, I will notify Rosemary to prepare annihilation spells."

"Alright, we'll discuss the details once we encounter the situation... Does anyone have any questions about items, weapons, or tactics?"

As everyone in the headphones responded loudly and confidently in unison, Medic unplugged his terminal tablet, which had been charging continuously.

"Enter within visual range!"

"Prepare to evade maneuvering..."

Even so, after confirming the situation using the Rosemary spell unit and the telescope in the car's glove compartment, Medic patted Blaze beside him... This was a sign that everything was normal.

"Jessica, what distance do you usually use for your training targets?"

"...two...two hundred and fifty meters?"

“Then let’s stop at a distance of 100 meters. Although we haven’t observed anything that looks like a siege crossbow, it would be impolite to get any closer… Huang, don’t try anything fancy, just slow down and stop normally.”

Perhaps Medic's words had an effect; her excessive enthusiasm made people worry that she might drift and swerve to stop next to the target. This time, Huang obediently slowed down and stopped.

As Jessica quickly installed the optical sights on the rifle, the Jessica who had previously given the impression that she was about to cry at any moment, once she got into the zone, her voice and tone were surprisingly similar to Nana's.

"Jessica in position. Number of targets detected... thirty-seven. No ambush, no heavy armor, mages, medium bows and crossbows, mostly using mageblades... no powered equipment detected... they look dejected, but no apparent aggression detected."

【Very good, then, Razer, begin the operation.】

As the heavy, obviously modified side door suddenly opened, Razer and Franka, wearing ventilators and protective masks, walked away into the distance one after the other.

"Blacksteel Group, advance."

"...Well, Medic, I think even normal people would find us suspicious and aggressive if they saw us dressed like this getting close, right? At least take off the mask and show a pretty girl's smile. After all... even a ventilator can't protect against pollution that seems to be transmitted through sight."

[Permission... I apologize to you, Lin Danwu Lingjiu. Your equipment is designed for places like Originium contamination... For this kind of intangible 'contamination'... I suggest you use your personal feelings as the primary criterion for judgment.]

"Hmm~ So, that means it depends on how well we perform on the day?"

As she spoke, Franka unfastened her mask, her usual radiant smile gracing her face. She then removed her helmet and waved to the Reunion members who were rising in the distance.

"Hello everyone in the Icefield, good afternoon! Would you like to have a tea party? Of course, you can use our tea leaves and hot water."

Seeing Franka's reaction, Razer sighed and slightly lowered his shield to avoid appearing aggressive. He then removed the helmet from his protective suit, which was connected to a breathing mask, revealing his pretty face.

"Hello, we have something we'd like to ask you, may we talk about it?"

During their first attempt at communication, Razer kept a close eye out for anything unusual.

The white snowfield, the emerald green coniferous forest, the infected person who wasn't dressed particularly well but wore many layers of clothing to keep warm... seemed to be fine?

The hooded group behaved normally; the leader gestured for them to wait, and then they headed deeper into the camp near Luca. Razer's gaze followed them to the camp.

A campfire, makeshift camping benches made of logs, a cooking rack hanging above the campfire, and several large tents further away.

Were they even prepared to maintain a long-term presence at the checkpoint? The nearest water source is 1.5 kilometers away... and that's 1.5 kilometers across a snowy plain! Without a vehicle, just carrying water on foot every day would be quite a task.

Thinking this, Razer frowned and looked around, but she didn't see any vehicles.

Okay, most Oripathy patients are poor and it's normal for them not to have vehicles, but why would they set up a roadblock on this main road when they don't have vehicles?

Looking at the details with some doubt, there were tableware in front of the logs that served as stools. The cups, which showed signs of repair, were dark and it was impossible to tell what people were drinking from. The campfire was set up rather casually, and the logs were simply broken up and thrown into the fire without much concern about whether they caught fire or not.

And what's left on the barbecue grill...

"...Franka, can you tell what kind of meat they're grilling?"

"It looks like the steak of some medium-sized creature... Cut like that, no one can tell what kind of meat it is. As for the taste, it doesn't seem to be seasoned much... It just tastes like charcoal."

With a bright smile, Franka addressed the Reunion Movement members who had stayed behind to watch over the two of them:

"Hey, your rations got burnt? Are you alright?"

"It's okay, we don't need that."

……

"Frostnova, you Reunion...aren't you short of supplies? I see you guys seem pretty happy with the MREs and stuff..."

Frostnova was taken aback for a moment before realizing what Medic, who was wearing large headphones with both main in-ear and full ear coverage, had asked her.

"How could there not be a shortage... The snowfields are a cruel place where people would kill one another for the sake of one person's rations! Why are you suddenly asking this?"

Without giving Frostnova time to explain, Medic pressed the team communication button:

“Jessica, take off the safety. If the forward is in trouble, fire a warning shot… If I give an order, listen carefully to whether I mean a warning shot, a wound, or a kill… Razer, Franka, go ask them why they set up the roadblock.”

……

"Food, not lacking...every now and then...there will always be some."

I spoke briefly with the people here, but these integration movements always seem to be reacting too slowly.

Razer couldn't find anything unusual, but the biggest anomaly was the comparison between these people and the aerial photos of Rosemary. However, she still needed to confirm whether these people could be saved… Just when the two forwards were at a loss, Nana's reminder brought them to their senses: Two

"Speaking of which, you've set up a checkpoint here? Can we pass through?"

Franka's enthusiastic question unexpectedly energized the usually slow-paced Reunion Movement, and his reply was very timely: 彡

"You need to transfer cards? Of course, that's possible..." Ling

"What do we have to pay? Tolls?"

"No need, no need. Just don't turn back... We'll just stay here and guard the area, preventing anyone from advancing eastward."

"Why are people not allowed to go to the east?"

"I don't know, anyway, that's the order from above."

……chess

"Froststar, are you aware of this order?"

Seeing the white rabbit shaking its head frantically, Medic thought for a moment and started the call again: Master

"Razer, Franka, are you sure you haven't experienced any similar 'contamination' mental state?"

No, we are perfectly alert, and we haven't found any pollutants like 'black snow' here.

[Franka is the same~ If I had to judge these people, they'd probably be similar to the Shield Guards and us...the type who know about 'contamination' but aren't too severely affected...after all, they can still communicate.]