Doctor will never die in a hellish situation.

“Lies! If you dared to do something like this, he would have taken care of you himself without me even lifting a finger!” Qin Duanyu snapped his fingers, signaling Lappland to stop.

Among the large number of cadres in the Integration Movement's directly subordinate units, it's hard to say who is number one in terms of combat effectiveness, but when it comes to military discipline, the best are undoubtedly Patriot and White Rabbit's subordinates.

Patriots who were once soldiers themselves explicitly forbade the act of allowing soldiers to plunder and massacre civilians.

He might have believed it if they said he was one of Mephistopheles' men.

“Doctor, since this guy is unwilling to tell the truth, I can recommend some interrogation techniques used by the Syracuse mafia.” Lappland looked at Keith with ill intent, muttering to himself, “Plucking nails? Forget it, it’s not easy to clean if dirty blood splatters on his tail. Waterboarding? This guy’s size, his lung capacity should be pretty good…”

"It's not that complicated. Just sprinkle honey or sugar on his wound, and soon ants and flies will crawl up." Qin Duanyu said calmly, taking out a bag of Little Black Rabbit milk candies from her pocket.

This is what I had left over from coaxing Amiya yesterday; I never expected it to come in handy now.

"Wow, my brain is trembling! Doctor, you're a genius for coming up with such a method!" Lappland clapped her hands, looking like she had found a kindred spirit. "I heard that Yan Kingdom has a kind of insect torture, which involves putting people into jars filled with poisonous insects, and then letting them itch and suffer until they die alive."

"My method doesn't require poisonous insects, just ordinary insects will do. They will not only gnaw on flesh and blood, but also lay eggs on the wound. Just imagine how painful it must be when those insects hatch."

The operators present felt their scalps tingle and stared at Qin Duanyu and Lappland as if they were monsters.

Are those two devils?

But considering what Keith and the others had done in the town, it seems that punishing him like this isn't wrong at all; on the contrary, it feels somewhat satisfying.

"No, no, no, I, I'll tell you... We escaped under the guise of reconnaissance because we couldn't stand that kind of life..." Keith was covered in cold sweat, and even felt a faint itch on his wounds, as if insects were crawling on them. He dared not hide anything any longer.

It turns out that this group of people really were soldiers under the Patriots' command. However, unlike most of the infected who lived in the lower class of Ursus and suffered oppression, Keith and his gang were bandits before joining the Reunion Movement.

Although they deliberately avoided targeting caravans belonging to major powers and only attacked some lone merchants and small caravans, the Ursus forces could not withstand the pressure of public opinion due to their cruel methods and lack of survivors, and thus dispatched troops to encircle and annihilate them.

Keith wasn't stupid. He knew that his ragtag group couldn't compete with the Ursus army, so he gritted his teeth and joined the Reunion Movement. With his outstanding combat skills, he rose through the ranks and became Patriot's subordinate, controlling several times more followers than before.

But old habits die hard. Having grown accustomed to the life of a mountain king, Keith could hardly tolerate the Patriots' military-style management.

The contradictions reached their peak after the Reunion Movement captured Chernobog.

While Mephisto's men were looting and destroying everywhere, the Patriots ordered them to protect civilians, and any member who laid a hand on civilians would be hanged, regardless of whether they were members of the Patriots.

This was utterly incomprehensible to Keith.

Back when I was a bandit, I had to think twice before encountering a caravan of more than ten people. Now that they've conquered a mobile city, how can I not rob and kill to my heart's content?

But his hanged colleagues reminded him not to court death.

Since that's the case, let's run away!

He stayed with Reunion only to evade capture by the military, and now that this behemoth has attracted Ursus's attention, he can enjoy a long period of freedom with his brothers.

So Keith took the initiative to go out and scout. After leaving the city, he immediately killed the overseer sent by the Patriots and fled in a direction away from Chernobog. This small town of Ursus was just unlucky, as it happened to be on the route that the mob was taking to escape.

It would be a shame not to eat the fatty meat that's already in your mouth.

Since we're still wearing Reunion Movement clothes, let's use their name to pull off a heist!

"My lord, I've told you everything I know. Please spare me, considering we're all infected," Keith pleaded. If he hadn't been bound tightly with ropes, he probably would have kowtowed to Qin Duanyu.

“I recognize your insignia. You are Rhodes Island, the organization that treats the infected. You can’t lay a hand on your own people!”

"Exactly, exactly. All Ursus people are responsible for how we infected have ended up like this. This is just a matter of settling scores."

"Rhodes Island always talks about humanitarianism, are you guys just lying to us?"

Keith's men echoed his sentiments, begging the man in black to spare their lives.

“Doctor…no…” Jessica couldn’t help but exclaim.

When they first entered the town, the residents warmly welcomed them. Their simple and friendly nature was something they couldn't experience in big cities. Yet, this beautiful town was destroyed by these thugs in just a few hours.

“That’s right, Rhodes Island does follow the spirit of humanitarianism; we will not kill surrendered enemies.” Qin Duanyu turned around, but secretly initiated a telepathic communication with Lappland.

“Thank you for your great kindness…” Keith was speaking when he suddenly felt a chill in his throat.

"You're welcome." Lappland deftly flicked the blood off her sword and gave Keith a bright smile.

Qin Duanyu looked at the burly man whose eyes were wide open in death and said, word by word:

"But all of this is predicated on the premise that you have to be a human being!"

I'm sorry, I still haven't finished dealing with that previous issue. I still owe everyone one chapter, but I'll definitely make it up to you this week.

Chapter 28, Section 28: Jessica's Inhumanity

A few days later, in the operations department office on the top deck of the land-based ship.

"Miss Jessica, how have you been settling into Rhodes Island?" Qin Duanyu asked gently, looking at the cat-headed girl who was so nervous she looked like she was about to cry.

The Blacksteel International operators have been officially incorporated into the combat force. Fat Fox and Power Bank need no introduction; they were originally senior employees of Blacksteel, and after a simple adjustment period, they can be used as combat troops.

In contrast, Jessica seemed to lack presence. Due to her lack of confidence, she exuded an aura of weakness in her every move. Despite being a full-time employee of Blacksteel, she didn't seem as reliable as the intern, Vanilla.

Qin Duanyu knew very well that Jessica was actually very capable, and besides, as long as she could appease this tearful cat, she wouldn't have to worry about money anymore.

“It’s great. Instructor Dobermann taught me a lot of useful things, but unfortunately I’m too stupid and often get scolded.” Jessica lowered her head somewhat dejectedly, then hurriedly tried to explain, “Please don’t misunderstand, I didn’t mean to say anything bad about Instructor Dobermann…”

"It's okay, no one will think that way." The cat-headed man's helpless look made Qin Duanyu sigh. "By the way, you came to see me specifically, there must be something important, right?"

Self-confidence is something that cannot be cultivated with just a few words of comfort. If you really want to help Jessica, you have to subtly change her in her daily life.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I… I heard you have a sweet tooth. These little treats are a thank you gift for saving me and Vanilla and avenging the townspeople.” Jessica took out a gilded gift box and carefully placed it on the table.

Zai? Can I borrow some money?

Qin Duanyu's eyes widened. Although she knew that the snacks the cat-headed cat ate were not cheap, and that she could save up a little to buy expensive etched ammunition, this specification was just too high.

This box, which looks like a work of art, could fetch a lot of money. He couldn't even imagine what kind of snacks were inside; one bite of them would probably be worth more than a high-difficulty mission that ACE and his team had to complete.

"Doctor...do you not like it?" Cat Head noticed Qin Duanyu's body suddenly trembling and thought he was angry. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, such cheap snacks are indeed beneath my dignity. I'm not very talented at giving gifts..."

"No, I'm very happy with your gift. I was just too excited." Qin Duanyu reached out and patted Jessica's head, her hand trembling.

You really don't have a talent for giving gifts. If there's a next time, please don't send snacks, just give me cash instead!

"I'm glad you like it, Doctor. I came here for something else." Feeling the warmth above her head, Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. "I'd like to furnish my dorm room. Could you give me some suggestions, Doctor?"

For the timid and shy Jessica, there were only a handful of people she could ask for help. The first was her three colleagues at Blacksteel International. However, Franka and Razer were entrusted with the task of teaching Rhodes Island operators, while Vanilla's injuries had not yet healed and she had to go to the medical department for a check-up every night.

In this way, only Qin Duanyu, who had always been gentle and kind to her, remained.

"No problem!" Qin Duanyu patted his chest and agreed repeatedly.

"He who eats another's food is bound to him; he who takes another's money is bound to him." We can't let her be swindled by that unscrupulous businessman.

……

A few minutes later, Rhode Island Purchasing Department.

"Is the boss in? Big business! Come out and greet the customer!" Qin Duanyu kicked open the office door and found another vampire on the island holding a brush, painting a pile of white boxes.

Kroos is in charge of Rhodes Island's procurement, infrastructure, and engineering tasks. She is the head of the entire logistics system. Apart from the cost of recruiting operators, almost all of the Operations Department's funds go into her pocket.

"Hey, Doctor, long time no see. This was commissioned by a friend of mine and it's going to be shipped out to sea tomorrow." Kroos noticed Qin Duanyu staring at the pile of boxes behind her and tried to change the subject, "What are you looking for? The purchasing department just received a new batch last week..."

"Stop! This isn't about me buying anything. Quickly bring out all the best furniture in your store so this young lady can take a look!" Qin Duanyu waved his hand, making way for Jessica behind him.

A shrewd businessman's friend is definitely a shrewd businessman. Although he always felt that those white boxes painted with gold paint were hiding a conspiracy, he couldn't be bothered to care.

Fat sheep!

The moment Kroos saw Jessica, her breathing became noticeably heavier.

They carried expensive firearms at their waists, only a very few of which had left Sakota and were in short supply; the Colombian special forces combat uniforms used the latest textile technology; and their bone conduction tactical headsets could resist most communication jamming methods…

This isn't just a Filin girl, she's a walking gold mine!

"This way, boss! Take a look at this Sami country villa suite first. It was designed by the renowned artist Wozki Bender and handcrafted by skilled artisans. We guarantee that you will feel the fresh air of a country villa."

She led Jessica to a model house used for demonstration purposes, and with a few light taps on the screen, the room, which was originally filled with boxes and iron frames, was transformed into a small villa full of exotic charm.

“…No…No…” Jessica was clearly unable to keep up with the merchant’s enthusiasm, and she began to stammer.

“Change it. They don’t like this style at all. Who are you trying to fool with this fake bonfire made with an LED screen? Do you think Miss Jessica is a nouveau riche?” Qin Duanyu knew it was time for him to step in and began to point out all the shortcomings.

"How about this one? The Columbia Modern Hotel Suite, which imitates the standard style of hotels in the modern era, allows you to experience the life of the Colombian upper class in the past without leaving the hotel!"

"……No……"

“What a picky guest, but that also shows your excellent taste.” Kroos didn’t seem to mind, continuing to rearrange the furniture in the room. “Then take a look at my most prized possession: a collection of fantastical creatures! Designed by Dr. Kal’tsit in a surrealist style dormitory, staying in it is like living in a museum. A distinguished guest like you will surely appreciate this unique decor!”

“…No…yes, I’ll buy them all!” Jessica finally managed to finish her sentence.

"As expected, I knew the customer had excellent taste. This set of furniture was immediately... What? You bought it all?" Kroos stopped what she was doing and stared blankly at Jessica.

Not only her, but Qin Duanyu also stared intently at the cat's head.

“Yes, I’ll take all of these sets. Prices on Rhodes Island are really cheap. I was worried I wouldn’t have enough money.” Jessica said, taking out a black bank card from her wallet.

I'm sorry, it's this damn poverty that's limiting my imagination!

It turns out that in the adult world, the idea of ​​"I want it all" really does exist.

Chapter 29, Section 29: The Iron-Willed Straight Woman, Saria

To tie or not to tie, that is the question.

Watching Jessica swipe her card to pay, Qin Duanyu was torn between her own thoughts and her own mind.

In Rhodes Island's archives, there is an encrypted document called "Operator Combat Strength Enhancement Plan." Because the content involves a large number of active operators, only Kal'tsit, who has higher access, is qualified to view it, apart from Qin Duanyu.

Equipping Ansel with Originium explosive grenades, giving Winter a chainsaw axe, and letting Melantha use an thermite sword... Just hearing about it tells you how much Rhodes Island's combat power will be enhanced if the plan is completed.

However, even disregarding the challenges of research and development time, compatibility with Originium Arts, and the difficulty of operating the weapons, a very real problem remains.

poverty!

Weapons like firearms and thermite swords are only available to senior operators even for well-funded companies like Blacksteel International. Most full-time employees, as well as interns like Vanilla, primarily use melee weapons.

As for why Jessica, who is just a regular employee, has a gun... don't ask, it's just for snack money.

"Doctor, thank you for your hard work." Cat Head, completely unaware of the danger they were in, pulled out a can of soda and stuffed it into Qin Duanyu's hand.

"It's okay, I didn't really help you much anyway." Coming back to her senses, Qin Duanyu took the drink and said helplessly.