4-1 Consolation

Welcome back.

...Mm.

...

I already heard what happened from the recon squad.

Amiya, let me check your hands.

There's no need for that, Dr. Kal'tsit...

Amiya.

I, I...

...All right.

...

It looks fine. The rings haven't cracked or discolored.

But it might be different next time.

Listen closely, Amiya...

Be a little more careful.

Dr. Kal'tsit, I...

...I need some rest.

Go ahead.

Mm...

...

Never put Amiya in this much risk again.

You are also responsible for what happened.

When you first came back to Rhodes Island, she looked a bit like this.

These emotions never really left Amiya.

This has to change.

...Dr. Doctor, you should stay with her.

Don't mess up.

It's open.

...

Dr. Doctor...?

Worried? I am?

...You saw right through me, hehe...

I thought I did a good job hiding it.

Yes, I'm a bit worried... just a little, though.

I'm already used to doing this.

After all, I can't drag down everyone else any more.

Right, Doctor?

...

...I don't understand.

Doctor... I don't understand.

No, I... I know what we're trying to do. I also know... that some sacrifices are inevitable.

But I... what I don't know is...

Why must I watch people disappear before my eyes one by one... even though they can be saved?

We were so close... Maybe just a little bit more...

I know that I have a duty... and I will continue to move forward...

But right now... I just feel so tired.

...

Please let me have some time alone, Dr. Doctor.

Thank you.

Good morning, Dr. Doctor.

Oh, Dr. Kal'tsit, you're here as well?

Amiya.

I have a rather urgent mission here, and need some people to help out.

An abandoned city was discovered not far from Lungmen.

I surmise that it's one of the cities that formed in the aftermath of the Chernobog incident.

We'll have to explore that city, uncover more information, and search for any survivors.

If the situation is particularly serious, for example, if Reunion is hiding there, then there may be serious ramifications on our future operations.

Here's the specific proposal that I have in mind. Look over it when you have time.

Understood.

Oh, one more thing.

Franka submitted a report to me mentioning that they had to return to Blacksteel.

As for the situation in the Lungmen slums, Penguin Logistics requested for you to meet them there to discuss some information.

There are some more sensitive details, so it'd be best for you to go in person.

I know. I'll head over right now.

Doctor, let's go--

I still have some things to discuss with Dr. Doctor.

...

May I listen in?

You may not.

I can cover my ears...

You cannot. You should get going.

Aww...

Dr. Kal'tsit, you're not allowed to bully Dr. Doctor.

I won't.

...You...

You couldn't even do something so basic.

Forget it, I had a feeling this would happen.

Amiya is an incredibly resilient kid.

But, if she has to force herself to be strong, there will come a day when the pressure breaks her.

Do not let this happen.

If there is a next time, you'd better be a little more useful.

--?

What's with that face?

It's related to the state of her health.

If Amiya is involved in an intense battle...

...You must check her rings immediately afterwards.

No matter what changes you see, you must report them to me.

For the time being, that's all you're allowed to know.

Oh, right. You have to go down to the medical center in two days to have a physical done. Don't forget it.

...You can go. Liskarm is waiting outside to escort you.

...I've reached the destination.

No other abnormalities found.

Report complete.

Frostleaf, why were you frowning the whole way here?

I'm just a little concerned about Amiya's group.

They've already safely returned to Rhodes Island.

Nearl and Dobermann already left Lungmen a week ago for their next assignment.

It must be a pretty tough mission if it required sending those two together.

Blacksteel and Penguin Logistics both have their own matters to attend to.

Oh, Liskarm and Franka...

I'm... I'm glad that they're safe...

You've got to work hard as well, just like them.

When Franka sent you over to me, she spoke very highly of you.

R-really...?

If only you weren't so timid, she said.

Uuu....

...Hey, don't act like you're about to start crying!

Aren't you also a member of Blacksteel...?

I, I'm not... crying...

...

...In any case, let's continue our mission.

Our next task is to work with the other recon teams to scout out this entire city.

Other than searching for survivors, we also need to assess the situation.

If we encounter hostile Infected, we'll have to deal with the threat quickly.

Even though our mission isn't particularly dangerous, it's still best to proceed with caution.

In the event that Reunion is involved in this, we'll retreat immediately and report back to Dr. Kal'tsit.

Mmhm, mmhm!

Understood.

All that's left for us to do... is to focus on our job.

Ah... You made it, Doctor.

Good timing, Dr. Doctor.

Our job here is about done. You probably won't see us for a while~

We'll see you soon enough.

It won't be long before we're back on standby in Rhodes Island.

Don't miss me too much.

Well, unfortunately, we don't have such an official-sounding reason. Right, Texas?

Hold on a second...

Penguin Logistics... is about to go on vacation!

It's only going to one precious day... But still--

...Apologies. This isn't the best time to talk about it.

Don't worry... Everyone needs to get some rest.

...I should be the one saying that to you.

Huh...?

That's right, that's right. Amiya, girl, you really need a bit of R&R!

There are many things in Rhodes Island that must be taken care of...

I can understand that, but make sure not to give yourself too much pressure, Amiya.

No matter how strong your will is, your body won't be able to keep up if you get exhausted.

You'd better not get sick. Everyone's counting on you!

I... Everyone has always been looking after me.

We were also inspired by the way you fight.

Just that much is enough.

Since I'm already here, I'll take this opportunity to get a free check-up before heading back.

Our work here is about done anyway. Next up is...

Amiya, Dr. Doctor.

I'm listening.

...

Keep up the good work~! Cheer up!

Wha... huh?

After we finish our report, we'll be right back.

No matter what, life must move forward.

Amiya, take care.

Everyone... I...

...I will. You all take care as well.

See you next time.

...

Doctor,

I have to visit the slums in outer Lungmen again. I should be of assistance.

Don't worry, Doctor.

Another member of Rhodes Island, Projekt Red, will be joining me in Lungmen.

She's really good!

With her there, you don't have to worry about me.