Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 46

"I am a sentimental person and I don't want the people around me to leave easily."

Kane certainly thought so. The technology of the previous civilization might have already surpassed the limits of life, and as long as he could retrieve that legacy, he could be with his loved one forever.

Even the best of friends, after a thousand years of getting along, will eventually grow tired of each other.

"That's because you have idiots like Zaro among you. Can you imagine sharing a bed with Zaro?"

Kane didn't think these beast lords had any further relationship; after all, there didn't seem to be any females among them. His situation was different. Ten thousand years later, their relationship would probably become like that of the Doctor and Priscilla—even if their bodies were separated, their souls would still be intertwined.

“(Sound of vomiting)...I admit, you're better at being disgusting.” The Emperor spat out a mouthful of wine.

"Where is Cellina?"

“During working hours. As you know, things haven’t been peaceful in Lungmen lately—we have a partnership with a company called Rhodes Island, which is responsible for protecting their VIPs in Lungmen.”

The Emperor initially intended to explain Rhodes Island, but then, remembering Kane's identity and his subtle relationship with a high-ranking official at Rhodes Island, he skipped the preamble. His gaze behind his sunglasses caught Kane's nonchalant expression.

“I saw them in Wei Yanwu’s reception room yesterday. Just like you said, if I were to spend ten thousand years with certain people, I really wouldn’t want to see their faces.”

"Hahaha--"

Kane then chatted with the Emperor for a while, eventually getting Penguin Logistics' internal communication equipment from him, ostensibly to "visit a family member"—after all, Cellina had "married" him, and he hadn't seen her in so long, wondering how she was doing.

Kane fiddled with the terminal bearing the Penguin Logistics logo and reviewed recent battle plans.

Rhodes Island personnel are cooperating with the Guard Bureau in an operation in a slum outside Lungmen. As outsiders, they are finding it difficult to move freely in the complex slum, so they have entrusted Penguin Logistics to act as guides, responsible for tasks such as personnel protection and route planning.

Kane skipped over Exusiai's activity route and focused his attention directly on Cellina's mission briefing:

[Proceed to the rendezvous point in advance and clear out any hidden enemies in the area.]

He pulled up the map of Lungmen and immediately headed towards her location.

……

Cellina Texas, codenamed Texas. At this moment, she is inside a large building in the abandoned Lungmen Outer Ring. At her feet lie scattered Reunion members—these are her moles, lurking in the shadows. To ensure the security of the VIP route, she must eliminate all threats along this path.

pat-

The erect black wolf ears keenly detected footsteps that didn't belong to them. It seemed there were still some who had slipped through the net.

Texas, already exposed, decided to stop hiding. Her figure moved with lightning speed, darting through the broken window and striking the enemy at an extremely tricky angle!

The orange-yellow lightsaber slashed down fiercely, aiming to subdue the enemy instantly.

However, the opponent reacted incredibly quickly, assuming a defensive stance almost instantly and slamming a punch into the lightsaber! The white substance covering the fist blocked the magical energy, and the enormous impact nearly caused the lightsaber to slip from the hand! After only one exchange, Texas knew she had encountered a master.

She quickly adjusted, drawing another Originium sword hilt from her waist—with two swords in hand, two deadly arcs of light lit up in the dark space, and she adopted the classic starting stance of the Texas killing technique, launching another attack!

Her swordsmanship, like her, was swift, deadly, and devoid of any frills; every strike was aimed at taking a life with maximum efficiency.

But her opponent's punches were heavier, and her unpredictable footwork deftly evaded multiple strikes. Although her punches were less frequent than half as often, each strike landed precisely on the sword, completely overwhelming her!

No, the difference in strength is too great... If this drags on any longer, I'll be the one who loses! I have to stall and wait for Exusiai's support.

Texas intended to switch to hit-and-run tactics to create distance.

But her opponent seemed to be able to read her mind, and his already fierce punches suddenly accelerated, and his movements became like a ghost!

Texas could only rely on her honed instincts to barely parry, unleashing her two most exquisite sword strikes—only to be met with two crisp cracks! A tremendous force struck, her hands trembled violently, and she could no longer hold onto the lightsaber, which flew out of her grasp!

Is it over...?

A surge of intense resentment welled up within Texas. She had imagined her fate, perhaps to perish in some family feud in Syracuse… It seemed that a life of ease had indeed dulled her claws…

The expected excruciating pain did not come. Instead, her chin was gently lifted by a weak but irresistible force, forcing her to meet the gaze of the person who had come.

"You've grown even more beautiful and graceful over the years, Cellina."

Because the windows were boarded up, the light was dim, and Cellina initially couldn't see the "enemy" clearly, only noticing the animal ears and tail that resembled her own. During her years in Lungmen, she had clashed with countless Lupo, mostly members of the Syracuse family who were trying to expand their territory, ultimately becoming stepping stones for the rise to fame of "Texas" or "The Grey Forest."

However, the familiar voice, and the face that finally became clear when she got closer, made Cellina instantly recognize the person in front of her.

"Kaiyue-*Yilin Yi Sanqiu Ba~*Hmm!?"

Chapter 106 Taking a Stroll

Kane easily infiltrated the abandoned building. Along the way, he casually took down several Reunion members. Unsure of Cherlinina's exact location, he could only proceed in the direction the enemies were gathered, making him appear more like a Reunion ally coming to provide support.

At the moment Cherlinina launched her surprise attack, he had a chance to explain, but the intrigued Kane was more interested in seeing how much she had improved over the years. The two had never sparred before, but he had roughly estimated Cherlinina's level at that time based on Lappland's strength. Now it seemed that her comfortable life hadn't dulled her claws; it was simply that Kane's strength far surpassed hers, making this contest a foregone conclusion.

"Sorry, did I scare you?"

“There’s one thing… I still think this is where I’ll be buried.”

Cellina's emotions were always stable. After the brief shock, she had regained her composure—now that she had survived, she would continue to live well. Her life now was full of hope and laughter, far better than the mindless days she had lived in the past.

"There are indeed experts in the Reunion Movement, but they are all at the cadre level. With your current strength, these grunts on the Lungmen battlefield can't hold you back. As for what happens afterward... you probably won't be involved anymore, right?"

"We can't do that either. Have you ever fought them?"

Kane briefly mentioned Rhine Lab's experience in Chernobog. Cellina listened expressionlessly. After catching up, the two began to discuss their experiences over the years.

“Thanks to the Texas family’s funding, my plans were able to proceed. Your boss should have mentioned it—Rhine Lab, that company was incubated by the Texas family. Now in Columbia, I can be considered a big shot. Miss Cellina, if you want to see me in the future, you’ll probably have to make an appointment.”

"Can't friends even make an exception for each other?"

Cellina shook her head slightly and then began to talk about her recent situation.

"My situation is quite simple... Boss took me from Columbia to Lungmen. At first, there was a language barrier and different customs, but it took some time to adjust. Now, I'm quite used to it. Life at Penguin Logistics is very interesting, and my colleagues... are all very welcoming. And this city is never quiet."

After all, compared to the long-numbed Syracuse, the people of Lungmen clearly still possessed their own spirit and backbone. Faced with the rampant gangsters, their neighbors united, using rolling pins, benches—what wasn't a weapon? Moreover, Lungmen had order—unlike the corrupt order of the Twelve Families, Lungmen's order preserved a glimmer of hope.

For some reason, the two tacitly avoided discussing the absurd "contract"—in Colombian records, they were legally married. But clearly, the above conversation lacked any of the familiarity expected of a married couple.

pat- pat-

New footsteps echoed in the hallway. The two immediately fell silent, silently disappearing into the shadows, preparing to meet the enemy.

However, when a bright, conspicuous light gradually illuminated the dimly lit corridor, Cellina breathed a sigh of relief.

“She’s one of ours, a Sakota. She’s… a bit lively, so please bear with her if she gets too attached to you later.”

If they were just ordinary friends, Exusiai would know her limits, and Cellina wouldn't need to say anything. But Kane is different. Given their relationship, Exusiai would naturally want to join in. However, Kane's status and strength are undeniable; what if Exusiai's words or actions went too far…

Just thinking about it made Celinina cover her face with a headache.

Just then, the door was kicked open with a bang! Exusiai, armed with a gun, rushed into the room in a tactical stance, but upon seeing Texas standing with her sword, she immediately lowered her gun.

Wow, Texas, you've taken care of everything?

"You're just too slow."

The brief conversation signified the completion of the task handover. Exusiai's attention was immediately drawn to the "stranger" in the room.

"Who is this handsome young man, Rupert?"

“Your boss’s friend. Also an acquaintance of Cellina,” Kane answered on her behalf.

"Yes, I can see that. After all, you're all Rupert."

Exusiai struck up a conversation while discreetly observing Texas's reaction. Based on experience, if she showed impatience, it meant this person was merely a "friend" she had to deal with out of politeness; if she remained expressionless, then she was a true friend.

But the expression on Texas's face at that moment stunned Exusiai—it was an expression of appreciation and nostalgia.

No way! This is the cold beauty Texas! Could it be that she actually likes handsome men of her own race?

Wait a minute... those young masters Luper we encountered before, she almost chopped them up with a knife.

Exusiai was filled with curiosity and speculation about Kane's identity. Could he really be Texas's sweetheart?

However, all questions must be put aside for now, as Penguin Logistics' mission is not yet over.

"Miss Exusiai? May I ask what time it is...?"

"Oh! No problem! It's Texas, she cleared all the obstacles."

At Exusiai's call, the group appeared one after another from the back corridor: a Vayvan Shield Guard, a Volper Guard, a Katarus Warlock, and two targets who needed to be escorted.

It was Amiya, the Doctor, two Blacksteel International employees who were with them, and a ragged Ursus girl.

"It's you!?"

Amiya stepped into the room and, the moment she saw Kane, immediately went on high alert. She had already learned of his stance from Kal'tsit—an enemy who posed a significant threat to Rhodes Island, and especially to the Doctor.

Without hesitation, the little rabbit assumed a fighting stance, even prepared to sacrifice itself to buy the doctor a chance to escape.

"Miss Razer! Miss Franka! Take the Doctor and get out of here quickly!"

Although Blacksteel International and Penguin Logistics were old acquaintances, at this moment they prioritized their employer's orders. Razer and Franka immediately pointed their weapons at the Penguin Logistics group.

"Huh!? Wait a minute!" Exusiai was momentarily confused, but rationally she didn't raise her gun to aim. Instead, she raised the assault rifle with one hand and aimed it at the ceiling.

However, Texas's instincts acted before her thoughts—she drew the twin swords she had already retrieved, stepped forward, and stood protectively in front of Kane.

"..."

The scene froze instantly.

Rhodes Island was on high alert, and Blacksteel International was ordered to enter combat readiness. However, those familiar with Penguin Logistics suspected there was a misunderstanding and were ready to mediate at any time.

Exusiai's attitude was not surprising; it seems there was indeed a misunderstanding.

But Texas's confrontation tipped the scales in everyone's hearts.

"Eh? Then I'll..." Seeing Texas draw her weapon, Exusiai, who had originally planned to negotiate, immediately made her choice—if she had to rank all her friends, she would naturally stand on Texas's side. The muzzle of her assault rifle instantly lowered, aiming at the Rhodes Island group.

Tensions are high between the two sides, and any spark could ignite a conflict.

"Hahaha—ah, this is hilarious. I'm starting to understand that Emperor a little better now." Kane's laughter broke the silence.

"Alright, put down your weapons. I'm not here for you. The Chernobog feud is over—of course, if you insist on fighting, I wouldn't mind eliminating two of Rhodes Island's pillars right here."

Hearing Kane's words, Amiya forced herself to calm down. She quickly observed: Kane had no followers and was unarmed; all the casualties at the scene were from the Reunion Movement. Add to that Penguin Logistics' attitude…

Kal'tsit couldn't tell Amiya Kane's combat strength directly, but she instructed Amiya that, under any circumstances, avoiding combat and escaping to save her life should be her primary objective.

Amiya was the first to suppress her hostility, the red and black energy she had gathered in her hand slowly dissipating, but the vigilance in her eyes remained undiminished, practically telling Kane that she would be keeping a close eye on him.

The Doctor remained silent, calmly observing Kane's every expression and movement, attempting to construct a personality model in his mind. As one of the few who knew about his past, the Doctor had no reason to avoid him. Moreover, from their first meeting, the Doctor had a vague feeling that Kane didn't truly intend to kill when he issued threats. After several encounters with the Reunion Movement, the Doctor had become acutely aware of the malice and emotions of others.

"Phew...that really startled me. Fighting amongst ourselves in a place like this isn't a wise move." The Black Steel duo breathed a sigh of relief. Both sides put away their weapons and began to regroup.

"So, this gentleman has grudges against Rhodes Island and Reunion, but is also a friend of Penguin Logistics, right?"

"Actually, I'm also a VIP client of Black Steel International. What are your employee numbers?"

"Huh? You're not thinking of filing a complaint against us, are you?"

"How could that be? In the future, I plan to appoint the two of you to be in charge of security. After all, what just happened has fully demonstrated your professionalism."

Kane, who has the entire defense department, naturally doesn't need extra security. This statement was purely meant to annoy Rhodes Island—just like looting, an employment relationship is itself a kind of "relationship," isn't it?

"In short, given the choice between a hateful enemy and an enemy you want to get rid of as soon as possible, the former doesn't seem unacceptable."

Under Kane's leadership, Amiya could only temporarily accept the status quo, but she firmly positioned herself between the two, preventing Kane from directly confronting the Doctor.

"Found them! They're up there! Quick! Quick!"

The sound of hurried footsteps and the commander's orders rang out together—the Reunion Movement's pursuers had arrived.

"This place is no place to linger! What exactly is the route planned by Penguin Logistics?"

Franka had been wanting to ask this for a long time: why did the evacuation route lead into the building? This was tantamount to suicide; they wanted to disengage, not fight a positional war.

"Hehe, follow me!" Exusiai swept away the gloom and took the lead, charging towards the higher level with everyone.

Once everyone reached the rooftop, Exusiai revealed her so-called "brilliant route"—a suspended wooden bridge extending outwards from the edge of the roof. A running start and a jump would indeed get you to the opposite building. But a slight misstep… and you'd be standing ten stories below.

"I will never trust Penguin Logistics' routes again!"

"Any route is worth trying as long as we get to our destination! That's our motto at Penguin Logistics!"

Left with no other choice, the group had to bite the bullet and proceed. At that moment, the lock on the stairwell door had been kicked off, and the Reunion Movement's pursuers surged onto the roof.

"Go for it, friends!" Exusiai took the lead, leaping nimbly and landing steadily on the opposite rooftop.

The remaining people proceeded in order of combat strength: Amiya protected the Doctor as they leaped over, followed closely by Franka with the Ursus girl. Texas, Liskarm, and Kane covered the rear.

“Miss Texas, you go ahead. I’m a Shield Guard, so it’s better for me to cover the rear.”

"Okay." Texas didn't hesitate and quickly turned to leave.

"Mr. Kane, it's your turn."

"It's not gentlemanly to let a lady cover your retreat. Please go first."