The entire carriage was filled with a tense atmosphere - no one failed to realize the danger of this mission, and for a while they didn't even dare to breathe.
Making jokes? This is usually Jiang Yan's business.
but now……
——It’s best if someone is in the mood to joke.
An irresistible mission, a tense and unclear situation, a powerful opponent...
If they were professional operators, they might be able to perform some small-scale tasks such as protecting important personnel, but most of them were rookies.
——Even the operator uniform he was wearing was temporarily put on.
And from what Connor said, this mission may not be as simple as protecting important personnel.
"Now explain the content of the mission——"
Connor's voice regained its indifference:
“The main content of the mission is the delivery of special cargo.
"The current storage location of the goods is in a private monastery in the southern city of Eloina. It is not yet clear whether it has been attacked or controlled by terrorists, so we need to be prepared to attack the stronghold.
"The cargo body is one of the micro-Originite reactor trial machines under development. It is covered by a metal box and a dust cover. The weight and size can be moved by two people, or it can be transported by one person by pushing it with the help of tools.
"
"——I have questions."
Iron Arm interrupted Connor's explanation.
"Please tell me, Operator Iron Arm."
"This cargo should be classified as severely contaminated dangerous goods. Why is it placed in a private monastery? Shouldn't it be controlled by the military and properly kept?"
There was silence for a while.
"...According to the explanation we received, they said this was due to safety considerations of the weapon - if it was kept by the military, the enemy might quickly learn its use and cause harm. So they did not release it.
Put it under military management."
Franka answered in a cold voice:
"So, Connor - from what you're saying, there's something going on?"
After a brief pause, Connor replied:
"That's right - other intelligence comes from our own intelligence network. Credibility can be guaranteed.
"...It's just that I think it might be better if you don't know."
"According to our intelligence personnel - reports from a year ago, fortunately he is not in Illaina now.
——The main investor of this private monastery is a local Ursus nobleman who cooperates closely with the military. This reactor is likely to be the product he is investing in.
"The establishment of the monastery is probably a cover - according to observations, there are always people entering and leaving it late at night, and at the same time carrying a lot of unknown materials."
Franca, who has experience with similar situations, asserts:
"——There is a research institute inside."
"...I'm afraid so." Connor agreed.
"Did no one notice anything unusual?"
"Their public image is very good - they help the poor, provide free clinics, and have orphanages. There are even rumors that they take in infected people - although only children."
After hearing this, Franka sneered: "This is really..."
"——It's not easy, and it's also very risky." Iron Arm said in a low tone.
As an Ursusian, he naturally knows how stressful it is to take in - even if it's just a rumor - a child who is infected in a country that severely discriminates against infected people.
And with such pressure...
"An Ursus noble actually used this method to build up his image and even please the infected group - just to study the source stone that makes the infected people sick."
Franka sneered and said:
"Disgusting."
The muscles on Tiezhi's face were tense and he had no words.
"...Control your emotions, Operator Franka, Operator Iron Arm. It's during the mission, don't turn it into a personal issue - being emotional is dangerous."
"--yes."
"Then, let's continue."
Connor continued:
"The task process we have arranged is for you to get off the bus at a relatively safe gathering point in the southern suburbs. You can only walk into the city. Someone will pick you up there."
"Those of you in the car do not need special equipment, except for Franka - she has already brought her own weapons. The mission will begin after everyone is fully armed."
"Is Team 7 here?"
All members of the seventh team reported in unison: "Here!"
"Your teammates will meet you at the rendezvous point."
……What?
Jessica asked weakly:
"...Sorry, Instructor Connor, we don't quite understand what you mean..."
"Ai Ruo and the others just got off the plane - we have made contact with them, and they are now on their way to join you."
"I know you're worried about each other's safety, but Jessica, listen up—I'm going to talk about the core of this mission."
Connor paused for a long time and said:
"Everyone - including all trainees and team leaders - voluntarily participate in this mission."
"Although we have a close working relationship with Ursus, there is no reason for us to send live people to dangerous battlefields - under these circumstances."
"So if any of you want to give up, or even all of you give up on participating in the mission, you will be sent back to the camp intact. We can explain to the other party, or even negotiate."
"——Now, the choice is up to you."
Connor's voice stopped suddenly, and the car fell into silence.
"I'm participating." Iron Arm was the first to speak.
"Even if I leave the country, I am still willing to protect my compatriots... they need me."
"I'm participating." Franca flicked the mask hanging around her neck.
"Chemical protection workers will not tolerate leaving hazardous materials in residential areas."
The two team leaders expressed their intentions.
"...I'm participating." Among the trainees, Nate was the first to speak.
"I can guess why Ai Ruo and the others would voluntarily participate - if our professional configuration is unreasonable, there will be no way to act.
"And they are the only heavy equipment, vanguard, and the only full-time warlock in our team.
"If I don't respond to their determination, I can't do it."
He paused and continued:
"...What's more, there may be children from orphanages among the trapped people."
"I will participate." Jiang Yan scratched his face and said:
"Nate says all the coolest lines - but I'm just like him."
"...Me, me too!"
The cat-headed girl gritted her teeth and expressed her determination with a trembling voice.
Anna said with the same trembling voice as Jessica:
"I'm a nurse...I can't leave the injured alone."
"I'll be the second pioneer." Jerry twitched his lips, as if trying to put on a reassuring smile:
"Well, he's more like a scout though."
Archer said coldly: "The gun is useless in this situation - I have to go."
Dan hammered his chest with his fist:
"Hank alone as a heavy operator is not enough."
"...Really?" Connor's voice was not so calm.
"So, kids... no, all Black Steel International operators are participating in this operation. It has been confirmed."
"Remember - live towards death. I wish you good luck in martial arts."
PS: Tomorrow the extra chapter will move to the volume "I am a Doctor in Rhode Island".