Ark Chess Player.

However, the piles of corpses on the ground symbolize the extraordinary nature of this place.

Lester glanced at the corpses on the ground. The dead were dressed in luxurious and expensive clothes, making them unlikely to be residents of the slums. Combined with the uniformed bodyguards, it was clear that the deceased belonged to the citizens of the Lungmen New Generation Organization.

However... why do the white-robed dead bodies in another place look so much like compatriots from the Reunion Movement?

"who are you?"

Lester stood at the front of the line, dozens of meters away, and asked the man who was leaning against the wall of the house smoking.

The man had a meticulously groomed beard and was smoking a cigarette with menthol leaves, wisps of smoke drifting from his fingers.

"I'm just a middle-aged man passing by, it's fine if you don't remember me."

The conman smiled and lit a thin cigarette, scattering the embers on the ground.

“If you’re looking for someone, they went in this direction, probably a few minutes ago, right? If you run fast enough, you might be able to catch up.” The conman pointed north; he wasn’t lying, Amiya and the others had indeed left from here.

The conman remained here not only to protect the wounded and children at the base, but also to perform an important task: to shift Lungmen's focus to Rhodes Island, thereby diverting the attention of certain individuals within Lungmen and at least leaving a way out for the innocent infected in Lungmen.

"is it?"

Lester stared at the conman suspiciously. Although the man seemed to be full of flaws, he gave off a strong sense of danger.

After much hesitation, Lester removed his hand from the hilt of the knife.

“A wise choice.”

The scammer gave him a thumbs up.

“How can I believe what you’re saying is true? If you’re in cahoots with those people, it’s not impossible for you to point the other way around,” Lester said calmly, his voice coming through the mask, sounding somewhat somber and hoarse.

"Look at what you're saying. The most important thing between people is trust, you know?" The conman flicked his cigarette into the air with a hint of reluctance. "Besides... I don't need to lie to you."

The remaining half-smoked cigarette butt flew into the air, and when it hit the ground, the middle-aged man who had been leaning against the wall of the house disappeared.

Whether it was the unique coolness of the mint or the eerie chill of the underworld, Lester felt a chill wash over him. His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, but he was a step too slow. A black straight blade was pressed against his neck, its sharp edge even causing a stinging sensation on his skin, and a strong sense of fear welled up inside him.

"Even a half-baked conman like me wouldn't want to deceive trash like you."

The conman said calmly, as the minty aroma of cigarettes slowly spread, sending a chill down the spines of the Integrative Movement's infected members.

How many seconds does it take for a cigarette butt to fall from the air to the ground?

How long does it take to get here from forty meters away?

Why couldn't they... notice anything at all?!

"Now you can believe what I'm saying, right?"

The conman put his knife away, and no one knew where he had kept it.

For a con artist, pretending to be harmless is the most basic skill.

“If my boss has any orders, you wouldn’t even be able to get close here, let alone be slaughtered here.” The conman patted Lester on the shoulder, his aura of intense pressure surging forth. He said in a friendly tone, “Why don’t you get lost?”

"……withdraw."

Lester didn't bother arguing with the conman. He was well aware of the difference in their abilities. Based on the trick the conman had just shown... it wouldn't be difficult for him to keep them all here.

"Smart move."

The conman agreed, and he turned around and walked confidently toward the safe house, exposing his back directly to the enemy.

Tap, tap, tap—the sound of footsteps echoed continuously until the swindler returned to his original position, and no one dared to lay a hand on him.

"Looks like he still has some brains."

The swindler may suddenly find himself holding a straight knife; if the other party attacks directly, then he has a legitimate reason to defend himself.

You should know that he's actually in a very bad mood right now.

Lester hesitated for a moment, but still followed the direction the conman pointed. His intuition told him that the other man wasn't lying, so he must have another target.

As for what that goal is, that remains unknown.

Even if there are unknown dangers, they are prepared to sacrifice themselves for them.

However, at least the task must be completed.

"She's really good at enduring..."

The swindler picked up the cigarette box, and after hesitating for a moment, he put it back.

Footsteps drew closer, and the door to the safe house quietly opened. A purple-haired girl named Carter, her body wrapped in bandages, peeked out. She looked around, finally fixing her gaze on the conman.

Has anyone been here just now?

An Suo's face was still somewhat pale, and she gripped the hook tightly, her posture still a little unsteady.

“No, there’s nothing there.” The swindler lied quite naturally, placing his hands on An Suo’s shoulders and gently pushing her back. “The patient should stay in bed and recover. There’s no need to worry about anything else. Go back now.”

"Hmph, it's all because you weren't there! Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten beaten up so badly." An Su muttered under his breath, "You always let me down at crucial moments! If it weren't for me, these kids would have been in big trouble."

"……yes."

The swindler did not deny that this was his duty, but it was precisely because he was absent that the enemy was able to take advantage of the situation.

After a moment's thought, the swindler said seriously, "I've decided. Once you've rested, I'll double the reward we agreed on."

"Really?! Yay—wait, it's because you owe me wages that I'm here to collect! No way, I demand triple the amount! Triple the amount!!"

"Okay, then three times it."

"Damn, why are you being so agreeable today? Fine, I've changed my mind, I want ten times the amount—"

"Hey, if you're too greedy, you won't get a single penny!"

"Fine then, three times it is."

An Suo tactfully changed the subject. She was a perceptive girl and knew that someone had indeed come by, but had been scared away by the older man. Since the older man didn't want her to worry, she would simply accept his kindness.

But... after this incident, the slums will surely undergo earth-shattering changes, right?

I hope that by then I will still have a place to stay.

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.

"Have these infected people gone mad?!"

Huang Laogou, the leader of the new generation of Longmen, cursed inwardly.

Now he's like a dog with a collar, his hands bound by ropes, forced to follow behind these infected people.

If he tries to feign illness and slow down, no problem, the heavy-armored operator Rock will simply drag him along the ground. With his arm strength, this is obviously much easier for him; he doesn't even need to slow down and can run at will.

Along the way, many new students from Lungmen saw him being dragged along, and some even took pictures in surprise, as if he were being paraded through the streets.

The thought of these photos spreading and ending his prestige at Lungmen's new school was too much for Huang Laogou to bear. Even shouting to cover it up wouldn't help. Rock had made its stance clear: any sign of resistance would be met with immediate execution. Even Huang Laogou's use of Lungmen as a backdrop for his demonstration wouldn't change Rhodes Island's resolve. Amiya was already mentally prepared to break with Lungmen.

As the doctor said, she should just do what she wants.

Whatever the outcome, he will face it together with her.

This is an expectation, a blessing, and an endorsement.

"you……"

Old Huang was about to speak when he noticed that the people around him tensed up, exuding a strong fighting spirit.

"No way? I haven't even said anything yet, and we're already fighting?!" Old Huang cried, his hands aching as Rock dragged him along. It wasn't just him; the other prisoners who were originally intended for the Guard Bureau were also pulled into cover in an instant.

Immediately following was a violent roar, flames scattered, and a bright light illuminated the surrounding dilapidated houses.

Old Huang was dumbfounded. He knew what this was. It was a weapon illegally modified by the new students of Longmen!

How dare these people open fire on me?

They've gone mad, they've all gone mad!!

“Amiya, we’ve discovered an infected squad from the Reunion Movement! They—are actually using contraband weapons from the Lungmen New Generation Organization! The Reunion Movement’s hospitality is truly impeccable. I request permission to launch an attack!” Franka’s voice echoed through the communication headset.

“Permission granted,” Amiya said calmly. “Franka, Kingslayer, these people are yours to handle.”

"Okay! By the way, Amiya, the Kingslayer isn't wearing headphones," Franka kindly reminded her.

"..."

Amiya patted her forehead helplessly and sighed, "Could you please pass on my order, Franka?"

"Got it~" Franka's cheerful voice came through the headset.

At the same time, Razer's report came in quick succession: "Amiya, we need to speed up. We have successfully drawn the attention of Reunion and the new Lungmen organization. Reunion is chasing us from behind, and if we don't speed up, we will be surrounded by the enemy in six minutes and twenty-one seconds."

"Understood." Amiya switched the communication channel to all channels and called out, "Everyone, Phase One is complete. Now we can speed up our departure and lure all these people out."

"receive."

Amidst the chorus of responses, Amiya silently switched back to Channel 3.

The Catherines have extremely sensitive hearing, which made her feel quite uncomfortable, as if countless people were making sounds in her ears.

"Misha, can you keep up?" Amiya asked.

"I... ha... ha... I'm alright..."

Misha, who wasn't good at sports, was covered in sweat and panting heavily, looking like she was about to cry. But she didn't complain of being tired once throughout the entire process; it was her own decision, even though her legs felt like they were about to give way.

Amiya watched all this and silently clenched her fists.

She realized that she hadn't thought things through properly and had overlooked Misha's physical condition.

The plan needs to be adjusted; we can't spend more time on the road, not only for Misha's sake, but also for the safety of others.

Amiya pondered the matter and decided to leverage the power of Penguin Logistics.

In Lungmen, Penguin Logistics' intelligence is more convenient and effective.

"Exusiai, I need the fastest route out of the slums. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Yes, there is... but I'm not sure yet," Exusiai replied. "How about this, I'll go scout it out first and keep in touch! By the way, I've already contacted another specialist from Penguin Logistics for backup! Don't worry, she's incredibly capable!"

"So reliable, Miss Exusiai."

"Little things, little things~"

Exusiai waved to Amiya with a dashing air, then deftly traversed the obstacles with remarkable parkour skills, dashing off in another direction. It was as if nothing in the world could restrain her; even though the faint, transparent wings behind her couldn't carry her, she wouldn't yield.

"Amiya, the Reunion Movement's infected squad has been suppressed."

Franka gave the report, somewhat surprised, because most of them had been defeated by the Kingslayer.

The Kingslayer's attack methods were completely different from her performance in the safe house; she was as still as a virgin and as swift as a rabbit, a perfect description of her.

Franka had thought that the weapons newly created by Lungmen would have a different effect when combined with the infected soldiers of the Reunion Movement, but in front of the Kingslayer, no matter how sophisticated the weapon was, it was no different from not existing if there was no chance to use it.

"well done."

Amiya's relief didn't last long. As the team advanced, they encountered more and more Reunion Movement members. These Reunion Movement infected hadn't intended to disguise themselves from the start; they attacked directly at their location. It was clear... their target was indeed Misha!

Misha was somewhat bewildered. She followed Amiya the whole way, her eyes taking in one infected corpse after another.

She didn't understand why the infected wanted to kill each other. Since arriving in the slums, everyone she knew had supported, relied on, and helped each other. Although they weren't related by blood, they were like family.

Why... is this happening?

Misha looked up at Amiya, knowing this was a critical moment of life and death, but she couldn't help asking, "They are... the Reunion Movement, right? I don't know what the Reunion Movement does, but why... would they do this?"

As they were talking, Misha took a step and stepped over a mangled corpse.

Amiya seemed surprised that Misha would ask that question, but she had considered it before.

“We have different philosophies from the Reunion Movement.”

"idea?"

"Rhodes Island is committed to creating a society where infected and non-infected can coexist peacefully, and to resolving the various incidents caused by infected individuals. For example, if we secretly took you away, we wouldn't encounter so much danger, and we could leave here immediately."

Amiya deftly flipped over a collapsed telephone pole and reached out to Misha to help her climb over.

"But if we leave like this, the innocent infected people living here will be implicated."

"The Reunion Movement's protest methods are too extreme. They chose to slaughter all the citizens of Lungmen, which may have been satisfying in the moment, but what about afterwards? Once the fact that the Infected are killing Lungmen citizens is exposed, Lungmen's attitude towards the Infected will be one of relentless annihilation. Perhaps in the near future, Lungmen will carry out a large-scale purge of the slums, and countless people will sacrifice themselves for it. I know that all of this started because of the persecution of the Infected by the new citizens of Lungmen, but... I know even more that these people will not let this go so easily."

Amiya ran hand in hand with Misha. Compared to Misha, Amiya had undergone rigorous training and was in much better physical condition. Even while constantly talking during the run, she didn't get out of breath.

Rather, it's more accurate to say that during her conversations with Misha, she gradually gained a deeper understanding of the choices she had made.

"Why... Ah... Why would those people do this!"