84. Temporary Cooperation

And that's the situation...

Huh? That's weird. Have you forgotten what I told you, ''Don't take any sides''? I thought you understood. Was I wrong?

Uh... I'm really sorry.

But in the circumstances, we don't really have a choice...

And you, Stara. Why do you think I sent you? I didn't give you permission to play matchmaker with the Watchtower.

If you thought that's why I sent you on this mission, you're a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

Sorry...

Anyway, this isn't your first rodeo. I'm not going to drag you over the coals.

And the fact you've been able to get intel on Watchtower's motives is an added bonus. Assuming... she is speaking the truth, that is.

Well... at least I don't think Chiraha is lying.

Indeed? I don't know if I should call you stubborn. You're certainly single-minded, when you've got the bit between your teeth. How can I put it...? When you've got an idea in your head, there's no room for anything else...

Lieutenant, I didn't sense any malice in what she said.

As far as I can judge, they would gain no advantage from betraying us. There are so many variables... It is hard to say. But I think joining forces with them is the best course of action.

I see. You also approve of this course of action, Captain. Very well. After all, I'm stuck back here at HQ. Field agents have insights that I lack.

The Luminary Guard already saw you flee with the Watchtower. There's no point in pretending that Teslovik and Watchtower are completely unaligned.

Luckily, the Eastrise government has not adopted an official position yet. I will trust your judgement, on this occasion.

Thank you, Lieutenant!

That's great, Stara.

After all, joining forces with us can only serve to benefit the Watchtower.

It sounds like the one called Yanling might have anticipated this outcome, and that's why she took you to their base.

No wonder they call her the ''Goddess of Strategy''? She's a tactical genius. Chiraha is formidable too. The Watchtower, is clearly not to be trifled with.

As a researcher, I'm also very curious about this Dragon Orchid...

VERY curious, do you understand? I want to know everything about it, no matter how minor you think it is. Join forces with the Watchtower and find out as much as you can.

Yes, ma'am!

Yes, ma'am!

By the way... Snezhana seems very quiet today. Is everything okay?... Ah! Don't tell me she's in LOVE?!

I don't know how you reached that conclusion...

No, I'm fine, Lieutenant. I'm just a bit weary from all the fighting...

Oh... that's dull. Anyway. Stay on your toes and don't do anything rash. I know you can do it!

Hm... Doing paperwork... for the first time since joining Teslovik...

Well, up until now it's been all fighting and investigating.

The Luminary Guard have seen us and could know who we are. Better not to go out underprepared.

We're not very familiar with this environment. We should let our comrades in the Watchtower take care of intelligence gathering.

I prefer field work, that's for sure!

We're back!

Yanling's back!

Welcome back, Yanling. What did you find?

Uh... Hang on. Let me catch my breath, will you? (Panting)... Okay. That's better.

So, where were we?... What was the question? Oh yeah... Absolutely nothing.

Sorry, I didn't really follow that...

Hahaha, sorry! Um, would you do me a favor?

A favor?... Sure, anything, as long as I'm able to do it.

You definitely can. It's just a bit of exercise.

Yeah. Just go a few rounds with me!

WHAT?!! With Taisei?! But why?

You know Taisei. She loves to fight. She joined the Watchtower just for a chance to fight Firentia, the God of War, the greatest warrior in all of Eastrise.

Politics do not interest her in the slightest. All she wants to do is fight. This kind of intelligence gathering is not her cup of tea at all. After a few days she's like a powder keg, ready to explode!

That's, why, I wanna challenge you to a fight! Don't worry. I won't kill you! Haha.

That sounds kinda crazy to me...

But Awakener, you were just saying how boring doing paperwork is. Isn't this the perfect chance?

That's right. Fists are a good way to vent your emotions.

Easy to say, when you're not in my position...

C'mon! You wanna fight or not? Let's get this over with!

What the... FINE!!! Let's do it!

(Panting, out of breath)... She's so fast... and strong... like she's from another dimension... I'm completely spent just blocking her blows...

Ha! Not bad! I was planning to finish you off quickly, but you didn't suck that bad after all. You passed.

I like the look of you, kid. We're going to get along just fine!

Ah... okay. I've got a lot to learn...

I see Taisei has taken a liking to you. Now she'll be wanting to fight you every second day. Anyway, try your best to get along with her.

WHAT?!!

Next up we can see who can eat the most at dinner!

No, I beg you...