Doctor will never die in a hellish situation.

Removing the mask revealed two identical faces, further confirming their status as Rhodes Island clones. Even if their identities weren't so special and sensitive, it would still be necessary to cover their faces.

"Call me Alex, and don't mention that code name again!" The one with slightly more rugged features, clearly a boy, said angrily to Qin Duanyu, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"What, are you ashamed of your chuunibyou past being exposed?" Qin Duanyu shrugged and teased with a smile.

"you……"

"Alright, Alex, we're here to discuss serious matters with the Doctor!" The girl from the twins held him down, asking in a serious tone, "Doctor, is the news that the core city is fully activated true? But the key clearly..."

“It has nothing to do with you. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even if your father is the chief research officer of Chernobog, there’s no reason for him to control something so important all by himself.” Qin Duanyu pressed his hands down to reassure her, while looking at Misha’s chest. “I’m sorry, we might need to use your father’s belongings this time. Could you please entrust them to me for safekeeping for a while?”

“Take it!” Misha didn’t hesitate, reaching behind her neck to take off a strangely shaped pendant.

This was something her father, Sergei, had entrusted to her before the fall of Chernobog. Misha didn't think much of it at the time and simply hung it around her neck, keeping it close to her as the only keepsake her father left her, all the way to Lungmen during her escape.

After being rescued, the siblings revealed everything they knew, but why Talulah insisted on finding Misha remained a mystery. Lungmen only allowed the siblings to come to Rhodes Island after confirming the information repeatedly.

It wasn't that no one suspected the necklace was unusual, but even after disassembly, nothing special could be found. However, the way Yan Kingdom's mobile cities operated was very different from Ursus, so it was overlooked.

Unfortunately, Qin Duanyu spent about half a month with a young lady from a noble family in Ursus. When he observed Chernobog from a distance and found that it was moving extremely slowly, the Great White Bear mocked him, saying that at Chernobog's speed, it would never be able to reach Lungmen in its next life. He also took the opportunity to explain to Qin Duanyu how the mobile city of Ursus operated.

The normal energy-saving cruise mode is the same as before, where you can move at a snail's pace by simply pressing a button in the control room. However, moving at full speed like now would paralyze the city's energy supply. Because the impact is so huge, a key is required.

Upon returning to Rhodes Island, Qin Duanyu immediately summoned Misha. After examining the necklace's design, she deduced that it was the key to control the core city, and that Talulah had sought out Misha to gain control of the key.

"Don't worry, I'll return it to you intact once things are resolved." Qin Duanyu solemnly accepted the necklace. "Alright, go and rest. I still need to arrange the equipment and personnel needed to enter Chernobog, so I won't see you off."

"Wait, don't you need us to fight alongside you?" Alex frowned, asking with some surprise. "If you sincerely beg, it's not impossible to grant your request."

In his view, the siblings' participation in the operation was a foregone conclusion.

After all, one was a former high-ranking officer who was familiar with the enemy's tactics and fighting style, and might even be able to persuade them to surrender. The other was familiar with the environment of Chernobog and was also very strong. Just by looking at her previous actions in suppressing Alex, you could tell that this girl was much stronger than Broken Bones, who had been recuperating for a long time.

Alex thought about the humiliation he had suffered at Qin Duanyu's hands. Although he should have joined the fight both morally and logically, he would feel it would be a shame not to take the opportunity to get revenge.

"Yes, yes, yes, not fighting with the Reunion Movement is a condition for you to join the Operations Department, and of course I don't want to make things difficult for you. But I heard that when the Reunion Movement came to launch a sneak attack, some people picked up sticks and beat them harder than anyone else." Qin Duanyu could tell what the kid was planning just by looking at his eyes, so he said this with feigned consideration.

"That's because they scared Lily... *Ursus curse*, Doctor, you bastard, you tricked me again!" Alex retorted instinctively, but seeing his sister's gossipy and curious eyes, he knew he had been fooled.

He had been hiding his relationship with that nurse from his sister because he was afraid she would find out. Just thinking about her ability to say the most inappropriate things in the most inappropriate situations was enough to make him feel utterly hopeless.

"...Anyway, remember this: I'm not working for Rhodes Island, I'm only doing this to atone for my sins, to take revenge on Talulah for deceiving everyone!" Alex continued to be stubborn while answering his sister's questions.

The office was instantly filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

……

"Qin Duanyu from the Operations Department, accompanied by two senior operators, codenamed Katyusha and Prima, are here to collect combat support supplies!"

"Medical Department Kal'tsit, Senior Operator, codename Rosemary, collect combat support supplies!"

After teasing the arrogant young man enough, Qin Duanyu led the two to the logistics department to collect the auxiliary equipment needed for their operation. However, they happened to run into Kal'tsit and Rosemary, who was suspected to be the two's illegitimate daughter.

"Are you... also operators involved in the operation? You're unfamiliar faces. Sorry, my memory isn't very good." Rosemary tilted her head in confusion and asked the two of them.

"Hello, I'm Katyusha, and this is my younger brother, Prema," Misha greeted him warmly. "Let me tell you, don't let his appearance fool you, he already has a girlfriend named Lily..."

"Sis, there's no need to go into such detail at a time like this!"

"Yes, it's already recorded on the terminal: Katyusha, her brother Prima, and Prima's girlfriend Lily..."

"Don't waste memory recording such pointless things!"

While the children were making a fuss, the two unscrupulous human traffickers walked to the other side.

Although she really wanted to tease the heartless foreman for sending such young children to war, Qin Duanyu resolutely shut her mouth when she saw Misha and Alex behind her, who were only fourteen or fifteen years old.

"No need to say anything more. Just like you took those two children, Rosemary's abilities and condition are more than enough for this mission," Kal'tsit said calmly. "By the way, I suggest you go see Doctor Shining. As one of the participants in the operation, her condition is somewhat unstable!"

For information about Broken Bones' girlfriend, please refer to Chapter 30 of this volume.

Chapter 81, Section 366: How about I stab you next time?

Although I really wanted to put all the power I had cultivated during this period into action, just for insurance and peace of mind, the situation was beyond my control. Rhodes Island was far from strong enough to attack a city-state on its own, even though it was currently occupied by the Reunion Movement.

Moreover, if the entire family were to flee in one fell swoop, Ursus would definitely not stand by and watch. Therefore, they could only send out a few of their most elite squads, just like they did when they fled Chernobog, to keep the scale of the conflict to a minimum.

Five teams.

This is the optimal conclusion reached after discussion between Kal'tsit and Qin Duanyu.

There is no doubt that SCOUT and ACE's teams will be brought along. SCOUT will serve as a reconnaissance and long-range fire support team, while ACE and his team will be a combat team. There will also be a special operations team arranged by Kal'tsit, responsible for communications and information warfare.

The remaining two team slots were filled by drawing on various elite operators, including Misha and her brother, and Rosemary. As for the accompanying medical operators, Qin Duanyu did not hesitate to specifically request Saria, Shining, and Gavial.

Unexpectedly, the one with the most unstable mentality before setting off was not the most waaaaagh-loving Crocodile Chieftain on the island, nor the steely straight woman Rhine Fist Queen with a family, but the seemingly most indifferent Apostle Sword Saint.

When Qin Duanyu arrived at Shanling's office, the sword saint was holding something in his hands, lost in thought. He didn't even answer when she knocked on the door. It wasn't until she forced him to answer that he hurriedly put the piece of black cloth into the drawer.

"Um... I knocked on the door, but you didn't answer."

"Oh, Doctor... I'm sorry, I was thinking about something and didn't notice you came in."

"Hey, isn't this the swimsuit she wore in Siesta?" Qin Duanyu raised an eyebrow, but seeing her slightly embarrassed expression and considering some of her past words, she had already guessed what was going on, so she wisely didn't ask any more questions.

"What, is the operation so significant that even you're feeling nervous?" He sat down next to Shining and casually removed his mask. "I heard from the operators that a group of Reunion members ran over here, only to be wiped out by a flash of light?"

"No...no, it must be that other operators misread it...I'm sorry, for some reason, I don't want to use force unless absolutely necessary." Shining subconsciously wanted to deny it, but seeing Qin Duanyu's teasing eyes, she sighed and admitted it.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I was so focused on the battle that I neglected your feelings." Qin Duanyu shook her head, putting on a guilty expression. "It was indeed wrong of me to force the operators to do things they didn't want to do."

“If it were you… I… I wouldn’t mind using my own power, but…” The naive little lamb had no idea that she had fallen into a trap, and said hesitantly.

If it were anyone else, the Sword Saint who had been traveling for several years wouldn't be so easily dragged into someone else's rhythm. He would probably immediately realize the problem and call for Nearl to smash the opponent's head.

But Qin Duanyu was an exception.

Even with Kal'tsit's reminder and even after spending a long time with Qin Duanyu, she still couldn't overcome her inner hurdle, stubbornly believing that her behavior was unforgivable and that Qin Duanyu was only showing her gentle side because of temporary amnesia.

"So, what exactly are you worried about? Can you tell me?" He moved closer, asking knowingly.

Knowing the whole story, yet taking advantage of the girl's complex feelings of guilt and unease to relentlessly pursue and break down her defenses is indeed despicable, but it is undoubtedly the easiest and simplest way to resolve Shining's inner conflict.

"But do I really deserve to be your guardian again? I did something unforgivable before..." Shining lowered her head sadly, not daring to look Qin Duanyu in the eye.

"You mean this?" Qin Duanyu pointed to her chest and said calmly.

Both of them knew very well that beneath the uniform was a shocking scar, and the attacker had no intention of showing any mercy; he genuinely wanted to kill Qin Duanyu.

"It seems you've already guessed it. Yes, it was me." Shining smiled sadly and slowly nodded in acknowledgment.

Although Dr. Kal'tsit repeatedly emphasized that the Doctor should not be told too much about his past, especially things related to his previous work, so as not to awaken his memories and cause any irreversible consequences.

But Shining is not a heartless woman who hurts others and then laughs it off, nor is she a politician with superb acting skills. After spending so much time with Qin Duanyu, her slightly unnatural and reserved words and actions inevitably reveal her true colors.

Finally, it had come to this point; the Doctor was about to lay his cards on the table. Shining gritted her teeth, preparing to face Qin Duanyu's challenge head-on.

"I thought it was something serious. It's okay, I forgive you." To her surprise, a hand covered her head and gently stroked it. The warm touch made her heart flutter.

A few years ago, she was assigned by the prince to be a guard by the doctor's side. She originally planned to make a good impression, but on the first day, she broke the doctor's favorite vase. But at that time, the doctor was stroking her head gently.

"Why... even though I made a mistake... I should be punished..." In a daze, Shining asked the exact same question as before.

"There will always be some preferential treatment for pretty, cute, and kind girls," Qin Duanyu replied calmly.

Given Shining's character, it's absolutely impossible for him to attack him without a reason. He must have been extremely heartbroken and indignant to be so ruthless as to want to take his life. Therefore, he strongly suspects that his past self went too far, juggling multiple relationships and turning it into a chaotic mess.

But things are different now. Shining already knew about his relationship with the other girls, and even took him for a motorcycle ride and had a verbal fight with him at the stairwell. There's no way he'd end up with a relationship that turned out to be love turned to hate and he ended up on a better ship.

Moreover, he had no recollection of being stabbed; all that remained was a scar that no one else could see. After all that, Shining's favorability rating was off the charts, and getting to home base was just a matter of a casual remark.

In summary, this is a classic case of forgetting the pain once the wound has healed, and prioritizing women over life itself.

“The same answer as before…” Shining murmured, as if asking Qin Duanyu, but also as if asking herself, “But do I really deserve your trust again?”

"Well, I don't really understand girls' feelings. But think about it carefully, if I really minded, would I have specifically asked you to join my team?" Qin Duanyu held Shanling's shoulder, so close they could feel each other's breath. "Whatever happened in the past, let it be in the past. People have to face the future eventually, and I hope to be with you in that future!"

Qin Duanyu's response was a kiss so long it took her breath away.

"Doctor, thank you. Although I still cannot forgive my past actions, I will not doubt myself again until you recall them." Shining subtly licked her lips and said solemnly, "Until then, my sword is willing to be wielded to protect you!"

Why is this girl so stubborn? Qin Duanyu sighed helplessly, then tentatively asked:

"If you really feel bad about it, how about I stab you next time?"

Chapter 82, Section 367: What a coincidence! Someone taught me the same tactics!

While Qin Duanyu was busy comforting the operators and making final preparations for infiltrating Chernobog, Talulah, who was on the top floor of the core control tower, was leaning back in her seat with her legs crossed, looking at the holographic map with one hand supporting her chin.

The blue model symbolizing Chernobog has discarded all its modules, leaving only the core city area with the strongest power. It is approaching Lungmen at full speed, and even if Wei Yanwu reacts to her intentions in time, there is absolutely no possibility of escaping the collision.

In this way, Lungmen only has one path left: to send its elite forces to raid the core tower. Rhodes Island certainly won't stand idly by... Thinking of this, Talulah's lips curled into a strange smile.

Ring ring—

A shrill ringing of the doorbell interrupted Talulah's thoughts. She slowly strolled to the reception hall on the lower floor of the core tower and found a Sarkaz girl in a red dress and black clothes sitting casually at the large table.

"Oh, I thought you were too busy commanding the battle against Lungmen to come see me, Chief!" Seeing that the person he was waiting for had finally arrived, W stood up lazily and said without any apology, "I hope I haven't disturbed you. If this has caused any loss, I would be eternally sorry."

“W, you didn’t report your visit to anyone. This is not in accordance with our rules. You should know the importance of the Core Tower,” Talulah said seemingly calmly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

The intention was obvious: if W did not explain his purpose, he might be executed as an intruder.

"Well, forgive me a little. As a mercenary who's used to being a wild one, I can't be as good as Reunion." W said with a hint of sarcasm, as if he hadn't seen Talulah's actions. "Tsk tsk tsk, what Reunion did in Chernobog is something even the people in my team are ashamed of. They're experts."

“Meaningless words are just a waste of everyone’s time, unless you have ulterior motives.” Talulah shook her head, showing no sign of anger. “To strike the enemy and instill fear, and to protect our teammates and show them kindness, is the mission of Reunion.”

"Oh, so even though you knew there were multiple keys to control the core city, sending Bonebreaker to die in Lungmen was out of goodwill? Are you sure you didn't mix up your teammates and your opponents?" W pretended to be surprised and covered his mouth, adding, "And I remember the old man saying that your old slogan was to unite all forces that can be united and bring hope to all the oppressed."

“If you have doubts about my previous decisions, then I can provide a reasonable explanation.” Talulah looked directly at W, her eyes revealing sincerity. “The way the core city is controlled is of great importance and must be ensured to be completely controlled by the Reunion Movement. In addition, I also hope that Shattered Bones and his sister can be reunited.”

“I see. It seems I was overthinking it. How could a leader who is so considerate of his subordinates be a schemer?” W nodded, feigning emotion. “Then, if I may ask, how many keys are there? Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to swear.”

“Two keys. Sergei, the chief research officer of Chernobog, holds one, and he gave that key to Misha. The other key is held by the former mayor, who escaped by taking a piece of the city-state's land when we conquered the city,” Talulah said, holding up two fingers.

"So that's why you sent the old man to the ruined city? Then I congratulate you, Leader, on having the only key in your hand. I doubt anyone can get it before they kill you. Even if they manage to succeed, you can destroy the key first." W looked enlightened. "But a trip to the ruined city should only take a week round trip, so why did the old man take so long..."

Before she could finish speaking, the sense of crisis she had developed over the years of fighting overwhelmed her, and she threw out the scare box she had prepared beforehand.

boom!