Long-term salvation

"However, the Commander previously mentioned his intention to deal with the Heikemedia Group. I'm currently collaborating with Director Plessy's logistics company to see if we can seize shipping in the Pacific and even the Indian Ocean regions. Creating a vacuum without filling it won't be beneficial for our future operations."

"Yang seems to be even busier than us. It would be nice if there were two more people to help share the pressure."

"That depends on the Commander..."

Listening to the conversation of his companions, Asuka Jingmuji's thoughts gradually drifted away, landing on a small open space near the edge of Arkham Forest.

The girl had nothing to do recently, so she decided to weed the vacant lot, loosen the soil, and fertilize it, thinking it was exercise. But when she finished this task, she found that she seemed to have not yet decided what to plant there.

Vegetables? Flowers? Or maybe some decorative items?

There was nothing special about the open space, it was just what the girl could see every morning when she opened the window.

“…What should I plant?”

Mu Ji murmured to herself with an indescribable melancholy. She didn't know how to make a decision - the miserable girl had been drifting with the tide all her life and rarely had the chance to make her own decisions.

At this moment, the girls who were eating in the restaurant had finished their meal. After washing their porcelain plates and bowls, they went back to their rooms, either to continue working or to take a nap. Only Mika and Shiroko, who had nothing to do, planned to go to the supermarket in the town to buy some more food.

After everyone had quietly left for a long time, Asukai Muji came back to her senses. She pushed away the plate in front of her and lay on the table, counting the crumbs that had fallen on the table... Gradually, the girl fell asleep.

She planned to seek answers in her dreams.

The dream world as gorgeous as flowers has always been accompanied by deadly dangers, but for Asuka Jing Muji, these are nothing.

Jumping from one dream to another, the girl sometimes transformed into a wild hunter riding a lizard, and sometimes transformed into a falcon with flapping wings - connecting the silk threads, connecting that person's dream with her own dream - when all this is completed, she will change back to her original appearance.

Tiptoeing, the girl gently walked to the figure lying on the sofa. She reached out to push aside the drooping silver hair and slowly leaned her face closer... But before she touched, the emerald and the azure reflected each other's colors.

"It seems I've reached enough North America," Rhode said with a smile. He reached out and took Asuka Ikeji into his arms, his palm moving upwards from the latter's waist and back, pausing briefly before continuing to caress. "Or perhaps, your abilities have become a little stronger?"

"Maybe both."

Mu Ji buried her face in Rhode's chest, and the teasing of Bai Zi while cooking came to her mind, causing her face to turn red. But then, the girl took a few deep breaths, put this little memory behind her, and whispered:

"Mr. Rhodes, I have a question that I need your help with... What should I plant in the open space outside my window?"

"Do you have any backup options?"

"You can plant vegetables like carrots, or you can create a sea of ​​flowers. I remember there were roses in the garden, but I'd like to plant some other things."

The girl breathed, and she suddenly felt a little cold. The coldness started from her shoulders and moved up her spine. When the pure white fabric fell to the ground with a dull sound, the coldness turned into a completely opposite temperature.

"No matter what you're planting, it looks like you need my help," Rhode said. To the girl, the man's voice seemed to come from a distant horizon, sliding through her ear canal and into her mind. "Perhaps we can talk about it after we return to Hill Villa."

"……OK."

The girl whispered back, trying to keep her voice steady.

Suddenly, Asuka Jingmuji realized something——

She wasn't bothered about what to plant.

Chapter 375 Daily Life: Weihua's Tea Party

in the afternoon.

The sun shone obliquely through the perennial mist in Arkham Forest. The slight heat that had risen in the forest slowly moved the moist vapor, covering millions of green leaves, making the newly sprouted leaves of the maple and oak trees reflect a faint golden light.

Spring seemed to come too early and go too fast, so that when Shengyuan Weihua came to her senses, she was about to miss the season.

"It's all Sensei's fault."

The girl was absolutely certain of this - since his last return, Rhodes had been staying at Hill Manor, constantly holding video conferences with certain people, or going to the camp in Arkham Town to meet with General Hammer... Although they had long known that he had become lazy and inactive, the girls at Hill Manor still welcomed it.

In the bright but not fierce sunshine, a girl with pure white wings on her back was humming the Ave Maria. She picked up a bamboo basket and walked along the paved brick road towards the Covenant Church not far from Hill Villa.

Tea party, a long-awaited tea party, and only students from Trinity Comprehensive Academy will participate!

When they just walked to the pure white sea of ​​flowers not far from the church, Weihua saw that Yiluomali, Cangsen Miya and Gu Guanyou had already sat down at the small round table. The table was also set with exquisite gilded tea sets, piles of cookies and some washed fruits.

The three girls were whispering about recent events - mainly Mary introducing Hill Manor, Arkham Town and various religious situations to Meiya, while You was leaning back in a chair and flipping through the pages of a book. The mirror of her glasses reflected the light red light of the black tea, making the girl's face seem to be covered with a layer of light red.

After noticing the footsteps, the girls looked in the direction they came from, with gentle smiles on their faces.

"Hmm?! How rude! I was the one who organized the tea party," Mika quickly walked over to her companions and sat down, then took out various desserts and Swiss rolls from the basket. "Sorry, I think I made too many Swiss rolls, so I'm late."

"Eh?" Mary's lips curled up into a faint smile. She picked up the black tea and sipped it gently. "I thought Lady Mika was tired of Swiss rolls."

"Don't call me sir... Ahem, maybe it's because I ate too much that I'm overly familiar with this thing."

Weihua shyly reached up to curl her long pink hair and scratched her cheek with the ends. After a brief greeting, she took a deep breath and coughed a few times, then said calmly and seriously:

"Actually, I called you all together to discuss something important:

We're already way behind on practical matters—that damn demon that often takes up Sensei's time—especially with the four of us! While the atmosphere at Hill Manor is great, we still need more time with Sensei... In short, more time together!

"..." x3

Mary and Gu Guanyou looked at each other, but Cang Sen Meiya, who had just arrived, had a look of confusion on her face. She was not familiar with Hill Villa and had not even met the girls who were on business trips outside.

The little nun, with her head bowed in deep thought, did not respond immediately. Her fingers were unconsciously stroking the raised patterns on the rim of the pure white porcelain cup, causing the ripples on the surface of the black tea to reflect the girl's slightly trembling eyelashes.

"Well... Sensei doesn't want us to get too involved in religious and political affairs."

Gu Guanyou whispered, a little uncomfortable with such a bright environment, causing the literary girl to shrink like a hamster. "Even the Vatican's Great Library rarely lets me go. Even if I do, Father Merlin or Father Gabriel will accompany me. The two grandfathers will help me block people from getting too close."

"Eh? Ah... well, then surely we can... surely we can find something to do besides politics?"

Weihua's smile was a little forced, as she had never thought about this issue in her little head.

Of course, this is not to say that she is not smart enough - but every time the girl starts to think, her super brain tells her that she should use her super power - over time, her ability to think deeply is thrown into the abyss.

In fact, when faced with a problem that he couldn't think of a solution to, Weihua's first choice was to ask Rhodes, but now:

Sensei, we want to compete with other girls for your favor, so could you please give us some advice... How can I possibly say this?!

Furthermore, even if you ask, there is a high probability that you will not get any serious answer, and you will be hugged and ridiculed.

"I can help Sensei organize the ancient books," Gu Guanyou said, shrinking her head. But then she remembered Rhode's previous promise, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. "And Sensei said he would go to the Vatican Library with me. There will definitely be many books that require my help in interpreting them in the future."

Weihua: “…”

"I've also been working in the Army Without Borders' hospital lately, treating the wounded with Rapunzel."

Aomori Miya nodded, her face flushed with embarrassment, as if she felt ashamed to say such words that were meant to be a tribute:

"Sensei said that these wounded soldiers need our help, and it would be even better if we could get them back on the battlefield before the next battle begins. Anyway, I'm still working hard, and he also said he would go to the hospital to see how I work."

Weihua: “…”

"...I've recently been helping Father Merlin and Father Gabriel of the Arkham Town Church to recruit civilian exorcists, or those who have experienced religious demonic events."

Mary reached out and picked up a biscuit, gently biting it in her mouth. The sweetness and burnt aroma that filled her mouth made the little nun squint her eyes in satisfaction. After swallowing the biscuit completely, she continued:

"I've recently contacted a pair of Winchester brothers (from the American TV series 'Supernatural') and a psychic named Elise Rainier (from 'Insidious'). I'm also observing the more famous Warren couple (from 'The Conjuring', etc.). I'm currently drafting a plan on how to use the Vatican's identity to make contact, and I plan to find time to discuss this with Sensei in detail."

Weihua: “…”

What's going on? How can I be so worried about everyone else working so hard and me being the only one slacking off?!

Just like a fool!

Caught off guard by guilt, shame and anger, Weihua's face flushed red, her ears felt hot and she subconsciously crushed the teacup in her hand, causing the three people next to her to look at her in surprise and concern.

"...Nothing, I just thought I saw a little bug," Mika forced a smile. She took the handkerchief from Mary and tried to wipe off the tea stains on her pure white dress. "Let's continue."

What's there to continue?! Weihua complained in her heart, lowering her head to wipe the hem of her skirt, trying her best not to let the other girls see her expression clearly.

Silence. Silence was quietly spreading here, jumping onto the table, passing through the fingers of the girl picking up the teacup fragments, crawling down from the pile of cookies, and finally sitting on the chocolate Swiss roll, gazing at the cute angel opposite, who was so embarrassed that he didn't know what to say.

Weihua's toes subconsciously pressed against the grass, and she almost used her toes to dig a gap to crawl into!

At this moment, even the most clumsy girl could sense the strangeness of the atmosphere, and precisely because of this, the newcomer, Aomori Miya, decided to be the villain. The upright leader of the Rescue Knights took a deep breath, forced an awkward yet polite smile, and asked:

"Mika-sama, what do you and your companions usually do when you're alone with Sensei? Would it be better to think about it from this perspective?"

Hearing this, Mary and Gu Guanyou silently turned away their blushing faces and studied the patterns on the branches and leaves of the flowers next to them. Weihua lowered her head even more, her lovely face flushed so red it looked like blood was dripping out.

Meiya: "...?"

Unlike Miya, who was still a little confused, Mika put her hand on her chest to stop her heart from pounding. But now that she thought about it, besides being Sensei's sharp blade against demons, this was all she had left... Although it wasn't impossible, she still felt a little unwilling:

She also wanted to wear handsome "adult clothes", stand next to Sensei with documents in hand, and discuss with him in a low voice every change in the future, instead of just talking about ordinary and boring daily trivialities like now.

"I can't be lazy anymore!" Weihua stood up suddenly. She mustered up her courage, looked at Mary, and said seriously, "Mary, please let me participate in your work, especially when you are out on the field."

"...Um, I don't have any objections," Mary nodded, the shyness and embarrassment on her face fading a little. "But you have to be careful not to kill or purify the enemy directly."

After all, just herself (Mary Magdalene) is enough to crush most demons and evil spirits. If an archangel (Michael) is added, the scene... There is more pity in Mary's eyes, but a sneer appears at the corner of her mouth.

"Well! It's settled then!"

Hearing this, a bright smile bloomed on Weihua's face, and even the little wings behind her waist trembled.

"..."

Watching Mary and Mika's heated discussion, Miya blinked, feeling a little relieved. She took a sip of her tea and suddenly began to look forward to her time alone with Rhode.

Maybe by then, I'll know what my companions are doing.

Chapter 376 The Wounded Soldiers in the Hospital

Early in the morning, the day after the tea party.

Not long after Miya Aomori got up, she and Rapunzel were captured by Rhodes. The latter stuffed the girls into a Hummer and drove all the way to the military hospital in the town of Arkham - this place is exclusively for the Army Without Borders and their families, to distinguish it from the town's original town hospital.

The military hospital looked like a regular hospital, and most of its departments were similar. Of course, there were departments within the hospital specifically dealing with otherworldly contamination, such as "Flesh Transfiguration," "Spell Curse - Damage," and "Flesh Contamination"... except for those dealing with mental and possession issues, which were the responsibility of Arkham Asylum.

After parking the car in the parking lot, Rhode walked to the main building of the hospital without delay and asked the two girls:

"How many people can return to training now? We will start the operation in about one to two weeks."

"A lot of people will be able to be discharged today," Rapunzel whispered, her eyes filled with pity and sadness. "But some of the damage to the mind and soul is difficult to eliminate. Paranormal investigators conducting preliminary reconnaissance often suffer such injuries, while the combat troops of the Army Without Borders are more prone to physical injuries. Two people have to be kept alive in the ICU due to an unknown toxin."

"I see."

Rhode nodded slightly and walked into the main hospital building, walking up the steps that were still slightly damp from the morning mist. After stopping the soldiers and nurses from saluting, he glanced at the sign and continued walking towards the inpatient building.

The corridors in the hospital were a little deserted, as if the smell of disinfectant had formed a transparent spider web in the air, trapping everyone who came here.

Now, only nurses who have received military training are busy walking around here. They push carts by, and the IV bottles and other metal instruments in the trays bump into each other due to inertia, making small tinkling sounds.

"The doctor hasn't started his ward rounds yet," Aomori Miya explained to Rhodes in a low voice, "We came too early... Ah, Head Nurse Alison (Chapter 21, from "The Void")!"

"I didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Rhodes. I have to say, these two new girls are really amazing. They have saved many patients from pain."

Head Nurse Alison smiled and said that this strong woman who escaped from the Salem Town Hospital incident long ago had already remarried her ex-husband, and the latter was now working diligently as a police officer in the town of Arkham... and even planned to obtain a qualification certificate as a paranormal investigation agent.

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to do it (Proverbs 3:27)" — It doesn't look like you were affected by that incident, Ms. Alison.

Rhodes smiled gently and tilted his head to glance at a soldier from the Army Without Borders who came out of the ward. The soldier, who was about to go to the smoking room, immediately opened his eyes wide and carefully hid the cigarettes and lighter in his hand - if the boss saw that he didn't smoke Red Apple cigarettes, he would definitely nag him endlessly.

However, Rhode, who had finally run into an acquaintance, clearly wouldn't let him go:

"Hey, isn't this Caschel Phillips (Chapters 126 and 127)? I'm from Mobile Task Force Epsilon-11, 'Nine-Tailed Fox'. I often see your action reports, and they're excellent! Here, don't smoke such a boring cigarette, take this box of Red Apple cigarettes."

Rod said this with a smile, replaced the Marlboro in the other person's hand with a red apple, and put his arm around the shoulders of Cashel, who was about to cry but had no tears.

After raising his hand to signal Head Nurse Alison to do her thing, Rhodes brought Miya and Rapunzel into the ward where the soldiers were staying. Two men in hospital gowns lay on the beds inside. They were also members of the [Mobile Task Force Nine-Tailed Fox]. These soldiers were all from the former Horned Eagle Squad, and they were lucky enough to have not lost any members in many missions.

Because of this, after more professional training, the Harpy Eagle Squad was upgraded to a [Mobile Task Force] based on its tactical qualities and combat experience, and this is also the source of most Mobile Task Force members.

"BOSS!" x2

"Huh? I remember there were five of you." Rhodes looked around and saw only two smirking soldiers. "Where are your captain and medic?"

"The captain's back home in Kansas on leave. Our medic, Milton, attends classes at Miskatonic University when he's free. The other day, he complained to me that the professor wanted him to write a paper on something like 'The Level of Mental Pollution After Encountering an Unspeakable God'... I suggested he write an application for a match against Miss Nyako, but he refused."

Cashel shrugged and dragged out a few folding chairs from under the bed for Rhodes and the other two to sit on. He himself sat beside his companion's bed and continued:

"Boss, and the two ladies, you want apples... No, no, no, I don't want cigarettes... Ahem, I have nothing to do and I'm not married, so I came here to accompany these two guys."

"I remember your actions," Rhode said, his eyes sweeping over the wounds of the two injured soldiers. The bandages had long been removed, leaving only the ugly healed scars. "The lizardmen held captive in the Scap'o Swamp broke through the blockade, and you were urgently dispatched there—but I'm a little surprised that their physical strength is even higher than before they were held captive."