Chapter 32 Chapter 32: I Wish to Join Babel
Chapter 32: I Wish to Join Babel
The Doctor looked up and glanced at these two... um... "uninvited guests"?
She remembered now. She had run into these two when she went to report to Theresa this morning. Particularly, the man's gaze had left a very deep impression on the Doctor.
"Is this seat taken?"
Faced with Pozëmka's question, the Doctor gently shook her head. Not many operators dared to sit and eat with her, and even fewer could strike up a conversation.
The two sat down. Pozëmka elegantly, yet without losing speed, worked through the food on her plate.
Kevin, however, clearly wasn't focusing on eating. He stared fixedly at the Doctor before him, pondering how to begin.
The Doctor had short white hair, pale gray eyes full of placidity, and a somewhat androgynous yet delicate face.
"You... are 'human'?"
Kevin slowly spoke. The term "human" seemed to stir a ripple in the Doctor's eyes, no longer so placid.
But it seemed more like a reflexive neurological reaction. She was slightly taken aback.
"Human?"
"Correct, human. I am as well. Or rather, are there still many people like you on this land?"
Kevin was somewhat puzzled. He began to consider if it was because he hadn't traveled enough yet.
"No, I haven't encountered any. If you mean people like me, without the racial characteristics of other operators... oh wait... there is one."
It was unprecedented for the Doctor to say such a long string of words in casual conversation. If other operators heard it, they would surely exclaim in shock, calling it a miracle.
"Who?"
"You."
Kevin fell into a rare silence. But from the Doctor's eyes, it was completely clear she obviously wasn't joking.
"Your eyes are off. Do you... know my past?"
The Doctor had no memories from before the sarcophagus was opened. Her memories only began after being dug out by Kal'tsit.
Perhaps from this strange man before her, the Doctor could learn about her own past?
"No, we have never had any acquaintance in the past, until today."
The Doctor's state was strange. Was it due to missing memories?
But regardless, now, a living, pure human stood before the 【Newborn】. Without a doubt, this was a temptation he could not refuse.
"I'm finished eating."
The Doctor pulled her hood back up, nodded to the two, and then left.
Kevin sank into contemplation. As the Doctor said, it was very likely that the remaining "humans" in this world were already an extreme minority. As for whether there were deeper secrets behind this?
None of that concerned Kevin, and he wasn't the slightest bit interested. What interested him now was only the Doctor as a "person."
Perhaps he needed more opportunities to understand, rather than through chance encounters in the cafeteria...
And, he hadn't failed to think of a way.
——————
"...Haa~ Mr. Kevin, please allow me to ask again. Do you truly wish to join Babel?"
Theresa originally intended to find Kevin to apologize for Dr. Warfarin's offense, but she didn't expect him to take the initiative to come to her and make such a somewhat sudden request.
"Mm. I believe my statement was not ambiguous."
Kevin had always been the type to act on his thoughts. However, this move wasn't without careful consideration.
"Moreover, you should have that relatively free cooperative-type contract."
"Yes, Babel certainly has such contracts. But... please don't misunderstand. Your strength is naturally beyond doubt, given that you fought alongside Mr. Bolshakov. However, every operator needs to undergo some tests before joining. What do you think?"
Theresa maintained her gentle smile as always, even expressing the relatively less pleasant notion of "testing strength" in more tactful language.
Whether one refused or not, it was truly impossible to feel any ill will towards her.
"As it should be."
Kevin nodded. Demonstrating "value" was often the prerequisite for a transaction. He could completely understand.
......
"Why did they suddenly call us over? They haven't been recruiting new operators on a large scale recently."
Anton was puzzled.
"What's the use asking me? I don't know either."
Touch couldn't help but roll her eyes, though Anton couldn't see it through her visor anyway.
Just moments ago, Kal'tsit suddenly called them over, instructing them to activate the testing room in advance and clear out a training room beforehand. Who knows what madness she's up to again?
What? You say it's Her Highness Theresa's order? Then Her Highness Theresa must have some special consideration.
"Is there a new recruit joining?"
Coincidentally, Ace, Scout, and Sharp had just finished their day's training, so their training room was naturally requisitioned for convenience.
The three didn't leave immediately but stopped to see how this "new colleague" would perform.
"Hmm, that's the only possibility I can think of too."
Tap - tap -
Accompanied by light footsteps, Theresa's figure appeared at the doorway. Unlike usual, today she was followed by a man with an upright posture and handsome features. His placid eyes were like two pieces of ice.
"I'm very sorry for taking up everyone's time so late."
"No, no, no! Your Highness mustn't say that! It's our honor to serve Your Highness~"
Anton said while rubbing his hands together. That fawning look made Touch roll her eyes even more.
"Your Highness, the testing room and training room have been cleared. The test can begin at any time."
Touch spoke up, gesturing towards the testing room behind her specifically designed for evaluating operator abilities.
"Mm. Then, Mr. Kevin, you may enter. I wish you good results."
At this moment, Theresa inexplicably gave off the vibe of a homeroom teacher.
Kevin nodded without further ado and walked straight through that door. Only after the door closed did a green-clad Feline arrive belatedly.
"Yo, Kal'tsit! Just got here? You're late."
Anton teased.
"On this land, the meaning of 'late' is quite broad. In terms of the ultimate goal of this matter and its current progress, my situation is not as you described."
Kal'tsit refuted with reason and evidence, giving Anton quite a headache. But he managed to grasp some of it:
"The test hasn't started yet. I am not late."
Tsk!
"Alright, Kal'tsit. Can't you see Anton already has a headache? Let's watch Mr. Kevin's performance instead. There might be a pleasant surprise."
Theresa chuckled softly and persuaded them, drawing everyone's attention back to the glass window of the testing room.
——————
Kevin looked around. It was a very large place resembling a laboratory, filled with various equipment and large rooms with partitions. At least at first glance, its professionalism was beyond doubt.
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