Ark Chess Player

This was the first time Hoshiguma had ever been captured and felt so happy.

Rhodes Island...

Hoshiguma covered her burning nose, her face flushed. She took a deep breath and said in a slightly off-key voice, "Old Chen, you can trust Rhodes Island. If it's Amiya, she can definitely do it."

"...You mean I can't do it?"

Chen Huijie's eyes instantly turned dangerous, gleaming red.

That was the look in her eyes, sharp and menacing, when she discovered her boyfriend praising another woman.

"I didn't say that, it's just that, that, right...?" Hoshiguma's survival instincts prompted her to immediately deny it. She rubbed her red nose and answered with her Oni instincts, "I think Amiya is a very responsible person, just like you. If it's her, I'm willing to believe her. She won't give up on Misha, just like you won't give up on Lungmen. She'll definitely be able to come up with a good solution."

"...You just spout nonsense."

Chen Huijie rolled her eyes at Hoshiguma, her anger subsiding slightly.

She gazed at the backs of Rhodes Island and the others as they resolutely plunged into the battlefield, a sight that would move even the Iron Lady of Lungmen.

When will the Guard Bureau ever work together like these people to accomplish something? For some reason, this absurd thought popped into Chen's head. She shook her head, trying to shake it off. But the more she tried to avoid thinking about it, the clearer it became. The current state of the Lungmen Guard Bureau was like a giant beast riddled with apoplexy; it still appeared majestic and imposing, but beneath its wrinkled skin lay writhing parasites.

In contrast, Rhodes Island is like a dragon, dominating wherever it goes.

Chen Huijie sighed softly and made a decision: "Hoshiguma, you stay and help Rhodes Island."

"Huh?" Hoshiguma was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding, and nodded blankly, "Okay."

“I’ll take the Guard Bureau squad to a different location; we don’t need that many people here. If this stalemate continues, the Reunion Movement’s course of action may very well slip out of our control. Since Rhodes Island wants to take the lead, let them. We’ll prepare remedial measures in advance,” Superintendent Chen said calmly. Her implication was that she temporarily agreed with Rhodes Island’s actions, but she wouldn’t push all the burden onto them.

The safety of Lungmen is protected by Lungmen, and the Guard Bureau will always be Lungmen's shield.

"I understand. Be careful yourself."

Hoshiguma nodded, a look of approval on her face, and a smile spread across her lips.

Before leaving, Chen said, "Hoshiguma, after this mission, let's go to that newly opened bar on the corner of the city."

"Okay, I promise you."

Chapter 338 Black Steel CP, Number One Under Heaven (Third Update)

"Franka, how are your injuries? Are you alright?"

On the battlefield, Razer maintained the advance of its troops while asking Franka a question.

“Absolutely no problem! Dr. Gavial’s healing magic is amazing. Although I lost the memory of receiving the treatment, I’m completely unharmed now. Gavial must be a remarkable doctor. I must thank her after this mission.”

Franka looked at her clothes, which bore numerous wounds, revealing skin as white as snow, completely unmarked—a testament to her top-tier skincare. If it weren't for the persistent tingling sensation in her chest, she wouldn't have known she was injured.

"really."

Razer recalled the image of Gavial wielding the Originium staff, which resembled a warhammer, and swinging it down at Franka, and nodded silently: "She is indeed a very remarkable... well, a doctor."

Franka didn't understand why Razer showed fear when doctors were mentioned. Could it be that Razer was afraid of needles at his age? That shouldn't be the case. If it were that fun, she would have played doctor-patient games with Razer long ago.

If there's a chance later, I'll take Razer to Dr. Gavial for treatment.

Franka thought to herself, then picked up the bundle of twelve standard rapiers tied together in her backpack.

Her thermite sword reached zero durability and shattered into pieces during her battle with the three parasites, Irie. Now she can only make do with this common weapon, or she'll have to consider using the Flame Fist.

Considering Franka's extremely fierce fighting style and the lack of suitable weapons for her, Razer had no choice but to prioritize quantity over quality. At worst, they could emulate a certain Grim Reaper wielding dual shotguns, making the logistics department curse them out for their meddling.

Franka whispered, "You're so charming. Although you're usually so obedient and timid, the way you confronted that Commander Chen just now was really cool. I'm infatuated with you again, really."

"I'm just stating the facts—what are you talking about?!"

Razer stumbled forward, nearly falling due to her slow reaction time.

"It's nothing~ The wind's too strong, I can't hear you~"

"Stop! Don't run so far ahead, it's dangerous up there, you idiot!"

"It's no big deal, I'm here. Look, the Reunion Movement has spotted us... Alright, first line of defense breached!"

In peak condition, Franka broke through the encirclement with ease, charging directly into the chaotic Reunion Movement and shattering their encirclement. Her speed continued to increase, and even though the terrain was a high platform that was easy to defend, she used extreme speed and power to break through the walls.

"We've been ambushed from the rear! Sorcerer, come back quickly! The enemy's vanguard is here; we've fallen into a trap! This is a diversionary tactic!"

The Reunion Movement member shouted, appearing quite panicked. Judging from his words, he was probably being attacked elsewhere as well.

Without a commander, the squad is unable to relay effective orders, significantly reducing its operational capabilities. Before it even begins, its fighting strength is already halved, resembling a disorganized rabble.

This is the fatal flaw unique to disorganized groups: they cannot build a victorious army with iron discipline like a regular army. If the division commander falls, there's the brigade commander; if the brigade commander falls, there's the regimental commander; if the regimental commander falls, there's the battalion commander; if the battalion commander falls, there's the company commander. Therefore, orders can always be issued accurately and effectively. Even when faced with a stronghold that must be captured, there will always be someone at the forefront, guiding the soldiers in a fearless charge.

"Block her! Block her! Sorcerer, where is the sorcerer? What are you looking at?! There's clearly only one enemy vanguard, why are you just standing there motionless?! Have you really betrayed us?! Aren't you and I comrades?! Sorcerer! Quick, quick! Attack her!"

"It's not good for your friends to argue."

Franka offered a friendly reminder, and with a flash of sword light, blood gushed forth as she easily beheaded her opponent.

This is a bloody battlefield, not a game of make-believe. Since there is no way out, only one of us can survive.

At this moment, the Reunion Movement mage in the distance finally erupted. He wasn't seeking revenge for his comrade, but rather because he was too slow to run. Rather than be caught and killed, he figured he might as well fight to the death; perhaps there was still a chance of survival.

This is a classic example of being timid when you should be timid, but incredibly stubborn when you shouldn't be reckless.

Upon seeing this, Razer immediately shouted, "Franka! Watch out at four o'clock! You...you've moved out of safe distance! I can't cover you anymore!"

"I don't seem like the type to do things without a plan, do I? Watch my ultimate move—Defense Descent!" Franka smiled confidently, then turned and ran, pointing her index finger at Liskarm. "I choose you, Electric! Attack!"

"Don't use coded language at a time like this!"

Razer blushed slightly. Her idol, the legendary mercenary BIG BOSS, was known for his quirky remarks, and his classic quotes had become a sensation in the mercenary world, inspiring countless imitators. These words were usually incomprehensible, but they were undeniably catchy.

Everyone speaks the Qin language, and everyone is a Qin person.

Fireballs rose into the night sky—a basic, simple spell that even infected individuals without Originium Arts training could cast. The fireballs, trailing long plumes of flame, hurtled through the air like a meteor shower. However, Liskarm and Franka were still some distance apart; her heavy armor was simply too cumbersome! Not to mention the bulky communication device she was carrying, which slowed her down.

If Franka were wielding a thermite sword, she wouldn't need to retreat at all; she could simply stand still and stab it to pieces. However, her current equipment is rather pathetic; no matter how skilled she is in combat, it's all for naught if her equipment isn't up to par.

At the critical moment, a dark figure brushed past Franka, raising a black shield to block the fireball mixed with mud and rocks.

One fireball after another was successfully blocked, and burning fragments slid down the battle-scarred triangular shield. The shield-bearer breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank goodness we made it in time. To stubbornly resist such a spell was simply audacious."

"Thanks, I owe you a favor, big officer from Lungmen."

Franka stopped and looked at the good-natured Inspector Hoshiguma with a grin. She felt a certain warmth emanating from him. How to put it? It was that kind of feeling that made you want to tease him—yes, just like Razer!

“It’s nothing. But Franka, your aggression is too strong. If you go so deep into enemy territory, you’re likely to be cut off from your lifeline, and your teammates won’t be able to keep up. Besides, you’ve killed so many enemies, and the Reunion Movement’s attention is all on you… Are you really sure you’re okay?” Hoshiguma asked from a tactical perspective. She didn’t mean to belittle Franka; she was just worried that she might get carried away.

"It's okay. At times like this, we have to trust our reliable partners."

Franka patted her chest in assurance, her breasts surging, the tattered fabric of her clothes gleaming with a milky sheen.

"Ha, ha... Franka! You're way too far ahead!" Razer's angry shouts came from behind.

"Look, she's caught up with us now."

Franka stood with her hands on her hips, looking proud, like a lucky person showing off their gacha pulls or a jerk colleague showing off his wife's lunchbox.

Immediately afterwards, Razer mercilessly slammed her head down, causing her to crouch down and clutch her head, whimpering and faintly wisps of white smoke rising from it.

It's clear that Razer showed no mercy; she even unintentionally unleashed a burst of electricity due to her emotional outburst.

"Why did you rush into the enemy so recklessly? I really don't understand you! Have you forgotten the pain as soon as the wound heals?"

"Of course it's because... if we don't fight, we can't survive!"

"I already said, don't use coded language at times like this!"

Razer immediately delivered another powerful dunk, smashing it onto Franka's head.

The sight of them looking like an old married couple touched Hoshiguma slightly, making her a little envious.

So that's how it is. You can confidently entrust your back to the other person, believing they will be able to catch up?

But does such a person really exist...? Hoshiguma wondered, and a figure gradually emerged in her mind. A slender back, a black hooded coat, cobalt blue eyes, and a tone of voice that was as unquestionable as an emperor's, exuding confidence and an indescribable charm. It was as if just having him standing in front of you could make you feel at ease and give you invincible courage.

Why did I think of that person?

Hoshiguma slowly opened her eyes, somewhat flustered, unsure of what this feeling was.

"Huh? Commander Hoshiguma? What happened to you? Did you get burned on your face by the fireball? Why is it so red!"

"Iron-willed Razer asked, even in the dark countryside, she could clearly see the other person's face by the light of the fire."

Hoshiguma was stunned. She touched her cheek and realized how hot it was.

With Prajna's defense, it's naturally not as Razer described.

"Hey~ I get it, are you thinking of that Commander Chen?"

The foxy fox revealed a strange expression, half-crying and half-laughing. She really wanted to tease and bully this tall officer, but her head was throbbing, it hurt so much... Sometimes, Razer couldn't control his abilities and would unintentionally discharge electricity. Those two critical hits just now were like that, which made Franka's legs go weak.

"Ah, umm, yes! I was thinking of Old Chen, right, that's right."

Hoshiguma first shook her head, then hurriedly nodded, and finally mumbled something to herself indistinctly.

Even though it was said that I could entrust the person behind it with peace of mind, why is the first person I think of not Old Chen, but... the Doctor from Rhodes Island? Hoshiguma was deeply confused. Her face was flushed an unhealthy red, so much so that Liskarm wanted to call a medic to help her.

Only Franka, being a sensible person, gradually came to understand everything, having seen it all through countless battles.

She deduced from the other person's reaction that Hoshiguma was definitely not thinking about that Iron Lady of Lungmen.

Commander Chen is in a terrible state.

I wonder who was so stupid as to steal the heart of this tall police officer.

I really look forward to that person running into the aggressive Officer Chen; just thinking about it makes me excited.

Franka genuinely wanted to watch the drama unfold.

"The enemy is charging straight at us!" Razer warned.

"Rhodes Island and the Guard Bureau have conspired together! These traitors among the Infected are actually working with Lungmen to persecute the Infected! At this rate, we can't hold this place. Everyone, it's too late, we have to fight to the death! Charge together! That enemy shield can block magic, but it can't stop us!!"

"Oh!!!"

The scattered forces of the Reunion Movement gathered together and launched an attack on Inspector Hoshiguma, who was caught up in the innocent feelings of a young girl.

"It's so noisy and it's in the way."

Before Razer and Franka could offer any assistance, Hoshiguma raised her hand, grabbed one of the Reunion soldiers, and tossed him into the air. He became a streak of light, and even after ten seconds, he showed no sign of falling.

Razer was dumbfounded.