Léon: The Cat Killer

"You're alright...that's great..."

PS: Waaaaaah, kitty

PS2: Because Ansuo wore a positive pressure protective mask as required, he was spared the fatal nerve damage from the arrow by using Nana's uniform to block it... Although he was paralyzed and unable to move, the group of onlookers were so frightened that they thought they were going to be killed by that 'Black Knight' to vent their anger.

Of course, even if he really died, Nana wouldn't use it to vent her anger.

She would simply wipe out the entire Lungmen on an equal footing... This is kind of a small "what if" scenario in this chapter...

Speaking of which, it's about time we found a solution for Nana's PTSD.

Generally speaking... Big DO, Special DO?

9th Dragon Gate Seafood: 352 Deep into the Nest

As the bustling midnight gave way to dawn, the black knight vanished silently from the crowd's sight.

Unfortunately, Nana's second work uniform became temporarily unwearable due to the high concentration of nerve-damaging agent, so she could only entrust Aya to take Ansuo, who had regained his mobility, back to the affiliated specialist hospital of the front-line command headquarters... On the one hand, to take samples of the new agent for testing, and on the other hand, to allow Ansuo to return and receive proper follow-up treatment.

While Jiu and Reid were using the excuse of 'the old town's supporting structure being aging' to appease the local residents, Nana and her companions who had come to reinforce them were able to reunite.

The cordon set up by the Royal Guard and the fire department could dispel most people's curiosity, and Nana, dressed in combat gear, nodded to everyone after the others in the team arrived... Compared to yesterday's skirmish in the building, today's battle lasted from midnight until daytime.

As the main artery of the entire spreading pipeline system, Nana has been monitoring the condition of the opening that has been 'welded shut' by the mica giant sword for the past few hours:

"In short, apart from the Hai Si that is suspected of having high-temperature resistance, which initially crawled out and damaged some buildings and caused some pollution to other waterways, no Hai Si individuals have been found to have a clear tendency to attack."

"...Isn't this considered aggressive behavior?"

The female superintendent, codenamed Swire, peered cautiously at the giant sword emitting blue smoke, trying to avoid looking at the conversation between Old Chen and the red-haired Feria behind her, instead focusing her attention on the pedestrian street that looked like it had been wrecked by seven large trucks:

"The scene has become like this..."

"This is the consequence of insufficient firepower, leading to a stalemate in the battle... If the Guard Bureau could obtain the permit for the use of firepower in the annihilation operation as soon as possible..."

Having said all that, Nana didn't dwell on the matter further. After Chen and Hoshiguma returned from the 'former Integrator' group, Nana, wearing a strapless bodysuit, turned her attention to Chen and the others:

"According to normal procedure, we should now begin to confirm the details of last night's operation... but right now the clearing of this pipeline is not yet complete, so please come and work overtime together."

"Yes, the Guard Bureau and the Fire Department have confirmed the status of the gates, and the sweep of the Kowloon Walled City pipes can begin at any time."

Clearly, Superintendent Chen had no intention of revealing the details of his conversation with Jiu over those several tens of minutes. However, judging from the fact that Red and the others were only watching from a distance, the local gangs obviously had no intention of getting involved in Lungmen's anti-Hai Si operation.

Let's just assume that they had a good discussion and reached a certain consensus.

As Nana and Chen talked, everyone realized that they were about to fight again. The Lightning and Starlight Squad, who had some battle marks on their bodies, immediately began a pre-operation check.

Influenced by them, Exusiai, who was usually very easygoing, and her Penguin squad became more efficient in their actions. Meanwhile, Texas, who was changing the air tanks and filters on her breathing masks, seized the opportunity to ask:

"Captain, what did you mean when you said that Hai Si lacks aggressive tendencies?"

"You mean there was definitely more than one of those monsters... but in the captain's battle last night, they only managed to catalyze three 'flowers' for a sneak attack in the end. And speaking of sneak attacks, who were those three crossbow bolts meant for?"

Hearing about Exusiai jumping, Nana tilted her head in confusion:

"What is it for, and who is it prepared for?"

"Target, target, Hai Si's flower's long-range power is obviously positively correlated with size... I found it strange when I first heard it. Were Hai Si really going to use those three flowers against you, Captain? They couldn't even penetrate your uniform..."

If it had pierced through, then Ansuo would definitely be dead... But regarding Exusiai's prediction that Haizi's three crossbow bolts were not very effective in a sneak attack, Nana shook her head:

"The expansion of the Sea Si is to go wherever they can, as long as there are Nethermarks. Not to mention catalysis in the water tank, they could turn the artificial river in Lungmen into a monster's lair... As for those three crossbow bolts, it's certain they were aimed at me, after all, they pierced through my armor-reinforced uniform."

Looking at Exusiai, whose eyes had turned into little beans, Nana smiled and tilted her head:

"A-Neng, you don't think my uniform has poor defense, do you... In fact, in terms of pure physical strength, it has stronger defense than my combat suit."

"Huh?! Captain, your combat uniform is..."

Is it armor? But that's just the surface... Nana's knight armor serves more as a vehicle for tactical functions than traditional armor that only provides defense.

Due to the physical properties of liquid fabric, it can only provide some defensive capabilities in armor mode, and most of its defensive performance relies on SHD's 'Survivor Protocol'.

In terms of physical properties from a materials science perspective, it is inferior to Nana's bulletproof uniform in most situations.

Hai Si's sneak attack undoubtedly nearly penetrated the bulletproof layer. This power exceeded that of most small and medium caliber armor-piercing bullets and penetrating spells, reaching the level of a high-performance large armor-piercing crossbow.

To achieve similar power, human weapons would have to be half the size of Typhon's Greatbow.

Most importantly, the penetrating nerve-damaging toxin even paralyzed Ansuo, who was wearing protective gear... If he had been hit by that thing, and the airtightness of his tactical armor had been compromised, the outcome of the battle with the sea monster would likely have been uncertain.

Although last night's battle seemed like Nana's solo performance, the thrilling ending still made Rhodes Island's Black Cat secretly tremble with fear.

If the Sea Siren weren't focused on their own battle, if they were using venom sprayers instead of crossbow bolters as catalysts, and instead focused their attention on the crowds drawn by the battle... the entire Kowloon Walled City would be engulfed in panic if even a small number of onlookers were thrown into disarray.

Not only did the secret help Nana in her battle, but the little rabbit's reminder also prompted Red's companions to intentionally direct the crowd to avoid the water pipes... Although in hindsight, she could say that she had only given a reminder, even Nana didn't want to imagine what would have happened without it.

"Alright, Neng, the captain's equipment is kept highly confidential, so don't ask about it unless necessary... Also, if we go down there, the captain will have to take back that sword, right?"

Following Texas's gaze, one could see the greatsword that was occasionally emitting a dark red glow. Beside it were numerous fire trucks and Lungmen firefighters spraying water to ensure there were no fire hazards.

"No... Although it looks like it's just stuck in the ground, the underground part of this sword has already mixed with a lot of molten building materials. If it is pulled out, and if the obstruction is not cleared along with the materials before they cool down, then once the other parts cool down... the mobile city structure of Kowloon Walled City may be permanently damaged."

After all, given that Nana had participated in the construction of mobile cities for certain missions, if she encountered a situation where pipelines from several floors had melted into a mess, she would only suggest abandoning the entire block and building a new one... but that's not part of Rhodes Island's service for this mission.

It can only be said that avoiding excessive collateral damage during a mission is a basic skill for combat personnel. The assassin is at most killing one person, not a terrorist coming to destroy the mobile city.

Nana took out her terminal and brought up the underground structure blueprints provided by the Guard Bureau in the team channel. She tapped the mark where she had inserted her greatsword. On the blueprints, there was an eight-directional old shunting yard circular track-changing node underground... Although the shunting yard of the Lungmen New City light rail system had been in use for a long time, this node had been closed for a long time.

However, since it is connected to the Longmen rail system, and it is unknown whether the blockade gate will prevent Haisi from entering the regional pipeline, blocking the entire node directly is obviously the right choice.

As a passageway to different underground areas, although some entrances were damaged to varying degrees in yesterday's battle, Old Chen brought good news.

Thanks to the efforts of the Lungmen Fire Department, Nana's trauma team will soon be able to see the road leading to the location of the sea monster.

"...In general, there will be bad news in this situation."

As Ah Neng posed with his submachine gun, Old Chen, who was checking breathing masks, tilted his head and gestured with his thumb to the dark opening where firefighters were checking the gas flow and safety of the components:

"The bad news is that we have to go down there in our physical bodies, into the dark, damp, and possibly long-unopened support layer of the mobile city, and fight the monsters using only the light from our flashlights... And Exusiai, your aura is also a form of illumination... It's incredibly conspicuous."

"...Please stop talking, my head is starting to ache."

Ignoring A-Neng's treasure hunting, Texas's worried gaze remained fixed on Nana:

"So you're saying you're not taking your weapons with you... Then, if you encounter a similar heavy sea monster again..."

"Well, everyone's here this time... and I'm not coming empty-handed."

Faced with Texas's questioning gaze, Nana raised the bow case in her hand... Texas, who was holding a Poki in her mouth, narrowed her eyes slightly. She remembered this thing; it seemed to have been in the hands of that Sarkaz girl from the Shining Light Squad before.

As Nana opened the weapon box, the originally jet-black giant bow visibly shrank rapidly, becoming a seemingly ordinary composite bow... leaving everyone except Typhon completely bewildered.

"Well, after all, he's Master Cat."

Nana knew that this was due to the compression phenomenon caused by the interference of her tactical equipment with the subspace entity... Typhon might not know the theory of transformation, but anything related to evil would have its activity reduced if it got close to Nana, not to mention that her 'natural enemy' was in the hands of her cat master this time.

In comparison, Typhon, who had always been using Nana's weapons, now had the chance to use his own weapons to help his master... This was the only thing Typhon was thinking about in his empty mind as he was about to switch to Sarkaz mode.

"Everyone, are you all ready? The firefighters have checked the condition of all the pipes, and we can enter the target area at any time... Nana, would you like to switch to a bow and arrow? Do you need a supply of arrows?"

"...If possible, please give me some arrows from a large armor-piercing crossbow."

Nodding, Old Chen gestured to the guards next to him to bring three bags of crossbow bolts and toss them to Nana... The reason for emphasizing crossbow bolts rather than arrows was mainly because, although the black bow had become smaller, its output was still at the level of a siege crossbow in Nana's hands.

If arrows are still made primarily of fiberglass or carbon fiber, there is a high chance they will explode upon firing... All-metal crossbow bolts are more reliable. Although the resentful look in the eyes of the Guardian operative whose ammunition was taken away was palpable even through his helmet, it was hard for Nana to bear. Without ammunition, he might only be able to do things like maintaining order.

As everyone signaled to Old Chen that they were ready, the dragon girl nodded to the firefighters who were prepared for the final demolition... With the roar of the hydraulic demolition equipment, an octagonal incision appeared in the ground:

"The trauma team begins its assault, in the order of me, Starlight, and Thunder. Once Penguin Squad confirms safety, they will proceed to assisted navigation. The rearguard and... the safety of the support personnel will be entrusted to the Guard Bureau members."

After speaking, Nana jumped into the ground with her crossbow gear on her back as everyone confirmed that they had received the message. The firefighters had already used the fluorescent sticks for temporary lighting to mark the distances on the ground.

As blue magical light exploded in mid-air, red light flowed from the black-armored knight's eyes. Because he had used Typhon's black bow, a non-entropy application system resembling a bright red light band drifted from the knight's left shoulder like a burning flame...

As the archer stepped onto the ground marked with heavy dark marks, he slowly rose to his feet. Then, the Starlight Squad, except for Takina's halo, landed together. Next came the Lightning Squad, who arrived using a rappelling rope, and the rest of the team.

Mika: "Ew... such thick Netherworld marks..."

Takina: "The waterways in this area are practically unusable... So, given the current situation, why haven't they given us permission for an annihilation operation yet...?"

Franka: "You'll have to ask those officials at the Lungmen Planning Bureau... I heard they're the ones who've been jumping up and down in the meetings."

Razer: "This is none of our business... Franka, you should make sure your isolation gear is working properly, and don't forget how you became infected..."

They can flirt and banter anywhere with just a few words; that's the inherent ability of Nana's Black Steel Squad.

Amidst Franka's teasing, "Eh? ~Top student, are you worried about me?", only Jessica diligently continued her report:

"Confirmed arrival of the Penguin Squad... as well as Miss Nian, Commander Chen, Commander Hoshiguma, and Miss Jingzhe... Nana."

"Okay, full power ready."

Listening to the increasingly noisy roar of running in the distance, Nana glanced at the arrow rest, which had become unusually large and had strange markings after the composite bow was resized to a normal size. After finding that it did not affect its use, she slowly pushed the bow and nocked an arrow.

This bow requires power mode to draw fully... Is this the kind of thing Typhon wanted to use before?

Maintaining her bow-drawing stance, Nana glanced at Typhon, who had set up a sniper rifle and transformed the horns on his head into a halo... Perhaps, this child is starting to get obsessed with firearms.

As the distant rumbling grew louder, the group waited silently. Then, as the starlight and the gun lights of the Thunder Squad illuminated the reflection of the chitinous carapace, Nanasa released her grip. As the arrow left the bowstring, the massive rectangular arquebus produced a streak of blue lightning.

Hmm, that's a normal reaction... Nana remembers that Typhon also had a black subspace discharge effect when he used it.

Looking at the effect of the sea monster's head shell being completely pierced through, Nana nodded in satisfaction:

"All units, fire freely."

PS: Waaaaaah, kitty

Kittens are so cute~↑

PSS: I want to say something but I don't know what to say. Anyway, I feel like my thoughts are back to normal. Next, I can try to resume daily updates of 5k or even more... So good morning, good afternoon, and good night everyone.

9th Dragon Gate Seafood: 353 Progressing

Compared to various investigations and visits that raise concerns about social impact, combat operations are often the final stage of an operation.

Once the gates of the dark, mobile city's support layer are locked, the main entrances and exits transform into clearly oriented arenas. Unlike the Netherworld Marks on the surface, which are painstakingly concealed and only spread through water pipes, the Netherworld Marks beneath everyone's feet are now as thick as a carpet, proof that the sea monster has made this place its lair.

The Sea Si's treatment of intruders was even more extreme than that of the most xenophobic infected gangs. The moment they sensed the group stepping onto the Nether Mark, they immediately swarmed together and began their surging advance.

In the dark passage, hordes of black monsters, blending seamlessly into their surroundings, charged forward. Even as the black knight's longbow pierced through the monsters' marching ranks with thunderous force, the Sea Kings continued to close the distance rapidly.

Following Nana's command, the black-haired girl, Si, stepped forward. As the muzzle flash of the machine gun illuminated a corner of the support layer passage, the Sea Siren showed no mercy... they charged forward one after another. But within the limited width of the battlefield, they were simply charging forward, one after another.

The heavy but continuous gunshots stirred the emotions of everyone present. The hot shell casings fell into the Netherworld with a hissing sound as they evaporated... But soon, the hissing sound turned into the crisp sound of shell casings hitting the ground and colliding with each other.

As the primary damage dealer at this moment, Takina had no time to examine the dark red gun barrel closely. The instant she realized what it was, she reminded Nana:

"They're using up ammunition..."

“It’s okay, we are also consuming their biomass, it’s the same for us.”

As she soothed the black-haired girl, Nana didn't know if this approach was effective, but in any case, Takina changed the rapid-fire of her machine gun into rhythmic bursts.

Because maintaining the armored mode would take up too much space due to the mimicry muscles, Nana simply removed the armor to allow gunners like Jessica and Typhon to better maneuver their weapons and point them.

Even excluding Takina, who was the main damage dealer at the moment, they couldn't fire indiscriminately... because Mika, who was holding a shotgun, happily took advantage of the opportunity when Takina stopped firing and rushed forward with a spiked club that she had somehow pulled out.

"May the Lord have mercy on your souls... Hey, speaking of which, do sea monsters have souls?"

While thinking, she fired, the club she swung sending Hai Zi flying through the air. Nana ignored the pink-haired angel's erratic, jumping thoughts; at that moment, Exusiai's suggestion behind her caught her attention:

"Speaking of which, the reason we were attacked by sea monsters before was because of those bio-mechanical devices that grew along the Nether Marks, right? These Nether Marks are so thick, if we leave them unattended, won't something grow out of them and attack us from behind?"

"It's very likely... So, Penguin Group and Superintendent Chen... could you please take care of Minghen first?"

Hearing Nana's request, the group glanced at yet another shelled monster with a lobster head being pierced by an arrow carrying lightning, and at the pink operator at the front line who, for some reason, possessed a childlike innocence, cheerfulness, and gentleness, yet was covered in blood, attacked with extremely violent methods, and still emitted a childlike smile. They nodded with mixed feelings.

While the girl in the tight-fitting combat suit holding the bow and her two combat teams were consolidating the battle line, Old Chen took the lead in gripping the crimson longsword at his waist. The fierce sword energy burst forth, and Jingzhe, who was beside him, took the opportunity to raise her staff and release thunder. The Netherworld Mark in half of the passage was instantly shattered and carbonized in mid-air, turning into ashes that stuck to everyone's clothes and masks.

"So, on our side..."

"let me help you."

Seeing the significant results achieved by the police superintendents and the official casters of the Great Flame, Texas also began to take action. However, it was clear that Texas's partner, Exusiai, as a gunner operator, was not well-suited to this kind of task with her weapon. Therefore, Hoshiguma, wielding her triangular shield, volunteered to take on the physically demanding work.

All they saw was Lupo, with her long, straight black hair, unfurl her canvas gear, and fling a bag full of Originium swords into the air. A dozen or so Originium lightsabers were activated mid-air. But instead of swinging aimlessly, they were guided by Lupo's magic and swiftly plunged towards the ground.

Beams rained down, and a whole block of Nether Mark was cut into several long pieces. Hoshiguma immediately wielded her shield, which spun like a meat grinder, and steadily moved forward... The thick layer of Nether Mark on the ground quickly shrank under the attack of the group.

However, Nian, standing at the very end, watched as the Netherworld Mark was shattered, struck by lightning, and carbonized... constantly adding new wounds, while countless 'tentacles', like patches, kept trying to connect the pieces of flesh that had turned into fragments...

The white-haired dragon girl, carrying a camera, was oblivious to Jingzhe in the distance and spat a small fireball onto Minghen. The ground hissed and then quickly returned to its original state. The dragon girl frowned, disbelieving, and even rubbed it with her shoe, but found that even the holes she burned herself when she was slightly more serious were filled in almost instantly. So she frowned and called for a stop.