Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Talulah
Chapter 15 Talulah
Another five days later,
Kevin was walking towards Patriot's tent, but upon reaching his destination, he was surprised to find it empty.
A plain, thick Ursus felt rug was spread on the ground, and several marked-up tactical maps were pinned to a temporary wooden board. No one was there.
According to his usual habits, he should have been inside the tent at this time, formulating combat objectives for the upcoming period.
"Mr. Kevin, are you looking for the Captain?"
A passing Shieldguard asked in a deep, respectful tone.
But this was only natural. During Kevin's stay at the camp, he had helped them quite a bit.
In his own words, it was "rent" he paid them.
Moreover, anyone who saw Kevin's seemingly invincible back on the battlefield couldn't help but feel admiration.
"Hmm."
Kevin crossed his arms, waiting for the Shieldguard to continue.
"Well, you've come at an unlucky time. The Captain left early this morning with some people. It's said that a few days ago, when the Snowsquad was on a mission, someone helped them. The Amiya of that group requested a meeting with the Captain to discuss cooperation."
The Shieldguard scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly; he himself had only heard a rough account from his comrades.
"Cooperation? Do you know where they are?"
Cooperation.
Kevin showed no particular reaction to this word. Even the guerrilla force's situation on the tundra wasn't exactly good, let alone other forces of a similar nature. It was a normal phenomenon for them to huddle together for warmth.
"Probably in the direction of that cedar forest to the east."
"Hmm, thank you."
After receiving the Shieldguard's answer, Kevin thanked him softly, which actually flustered the other man, who hurriedly said it was nothing.
——
Under the cedar forest, many people had gathered here.
Their races varied: Caprinae (goat), Elafia (deer), Amiya, as well as Ursus people and Wendigos.
Beside a large rock, a beautiful Draco woman in a black-and-white military dress was speaking forcefully and clearly, her voice ringing out, appearing quite powerful.
Sharp dragon horns added a touch of heroic spirit to her appearance. Her white hair fluttered slightly with her words, as if cheering her on.
She was the Amiya of the Reunion Movement, Talulah.
"...Your Excellency Patriot, you must understand that our living space—no, the Infected's living space—has reached a desperate point. We must integrate all forces that can be mobilized on the Northern Tundra—the Infected, even the common people of the tundra..."
The seemingly powerful and promising speech did not move the mountain-like, steady Wendigo.
After Talulah finished speaking, Patriot remained silently standing there like a black monolith.
After a long while, he turned his head and inquired towards the forest behind him:
"What do you... think... of what she said?"
There are others?! Talulah was startled, then saw a figure slowly emerge from behind the trees.
It was a man. His combat uniform, primarily black and white with hints of blue, revealed his efficient and sharp temperament. His upright posture alone was reassuring just to look at.
"She can distinguish friend from foe and knows what she needs to unite... But as a Amiya, her thinking still seems overly idealistic and naive. She lacks a clear understanding of human nature and her personality is too extreme. This is not qualified."
Kevin's answer carried no emotion; he merely stated his opinion as an observer.
Hoping that everyone, or most people, are inherently kind is just as extreme as believing human nature is inherently evil. The world has never been simply black and white; binary theories do not apply to all people.
Patriot nodded silently. The views of the two old-timers reached an unprecedented agreement at this moment.
They had both seen too many storms. Although Kevin hadn't lived on this land for long, as someone who originally observed and guided humanity's enlightenment, his insight far surpassed ordinary people. He had seen too much of humanity's inherent flaws, but this did not affect the path he walked.
Patriot was the same. Having marched for over a hundred years, the essence of this man-eating land had never changed. Though not eloquent, he understood everything clearly in his heart.
"And you are?"
Talulah frowned slightly. Although being rebutted made her somewhat unhappy, she suppressed her temper and asked politely.
"Kevin."
He answered briefly, then showed no further intention of engaging with Talulah. Instead, he turned his head back to look at Patriot.
He had seen far too many people like her.
Her ideas were too naive. Rather than being an ideology, her theories were more like playthings born from a child's defiance, existing solely to oppose something.
Defiance—
Establishing an "ideal" that goes against the norm—
Continuously adding weight to this so-called "ideal"—
Unable to give up, forced to persist—
Ultimately drowning under the heavy "ideal."
A future so simple it could be seen at a glance. Kevin had no obligation to save her. Moreover, his purpose in coming to find Patriot this time was precisely to bid farewell.
"Bolshakov."
"You... are leaving?"
Patriot saw the look in Kevin's eyes and instantly understood his meaning.
"Hmm."
"Now?"
"Now."
Kevin had already asked Pozëmka to pack their luggage in advance—some simple clothes and rations.
He always acted swiftly and decisively; once a decision was made, he wouldn't delay for a moment.
"What? Teacher!"
FrostNova blinked her eyes in disbelief; this news was simply too sudden!
These past few days, she had been leading her self-formed Snowsquad in operations following Patriot, clearly having become a capable captain in her own right—code name: FrostNova.
Kevin shifted his gaze to his only student, his eyes finally softening slightly.
"I planned to leave as early as two months ago."
This was indeed the truth. If he hadn't taken FrostNova as a student back then, after completing his "transaction" with Patriot, he would have already left with Pozëmka and the tactical maps.
"Then... Teacher, where are you going?"
"Kazdel."
Kevin had no intention of hiding it from FrostNova.
"Then... Teacher, could you leave tonight?"
As she spoke, FrostNova first lowered her head. When she looked up again, her eyes were already red-rimmed, with obvious signs of rubbing. Her pitiful expression was probably enough to make even a piece of wood unable to refuse her request.
But Kevin was different; he was a block of ice frozen solid.
"No."
The flat refusal shattered FrostNova's little scheme.
But he knew that if he stayed until nightfall, setting off would likely have to wait until tomorrow.
FrostNova couldn't help but feel somewhat downcast, but then a large hand gently rested on her smooth hair.
The large hand wasn't warm; it was even a bit cold. Yet it made hope reignite in FrostNova's eyes.
"We'll depart in the afternoon. Just this once."
"Yes!"
Meeting Kevin's helpless gaze, FrostNova's two rabbit ears perked up happily with joy. Her pleasant mood made the corners of her mouth lift slightly into a smile like winter snow beginning to melt.
——————
Collectible:
【Stigmata - Favor of the Newborn】(Operator: FrostNova Exclusive)
Effect: When skill is activated: For 8 seconds, damage dealt is multiplied by 2.1x; applies "Cold" status to five enemy targets within attack range per second.
Description: A graduation gift from the Newborn to his only student Yelena. An improved version of Stigmata incorporating characteristics of Sigils, creatively integrating the power of Taboo within.
Successfully sealed all Honkai energy within without affecting the user's ability to invoke it. Essentially just an "artifact" driven by Originium energy rather than a part fused with the body. No risk of direct contact with Honkai energy while also isolating Originium dust from invading the bearer.
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