Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 26

They saw a cloud of smoke—a gray mist that quickly spread out and rushed toward them!

"Watch out for their spells! Don't touch the smoke!"

Although the specific effects of this spell are unclear, the Originium energy emanating from the fog is unusually dense, and encountering it would definitely not be a good thing.

"What is this!? Water?"

The agents tried to retreat, but were horrified to find their feet unable to move. Looking down, they saw a thin layer of water on the ground, which now seemed like the living waters of the Styx, binding their steps tightly!

"Don't underestimate me! If you dare lay a hand on my friend, you'll be rotting in jail!"

Muirsey's tone was full of support for Kane, and she was also activating her spells more intensely.

Seeing Muirsey make her move, Kane smiled and then activated his Originium Arts—a gray mist suddenly engulfed everyone. Then, his figure appeared beside them like a ghost.

Some tried to resist, others wanted to coordinate with their teammates to encircle him, but all their attacks failed to reach Kane in the fog. And whenever Kane materialized and appeared, he never gave them any chance.

One punch shattered a man's jaw; another blow crushed another's chest.

The fog carried the sickening cracking of bones and piercing screams. The two sorcerers not shrouded in the fog trembled with fear, utterly bewildered by this bizarre Originium Arts.

All they knew was that their own men were rapidly collapsing, and at this rate, it would soon be their turn.

"Let's go for it! Use that one!"

"Are you crazy?! If we use that, the official team will never let us off the hook!"

The two sorcerers clearly had a backup plan, but judging from their reactions, the cost of using such methods was likely extremely high.

"So do you think... this guy will let us go!?"

The warlock, having lost his mind, pulled a device from his backpack, quickly manipulated it a few times, and then shouted to his teammates:

"Someone come back! Don't move, grit your teeth and bear it... This is our only hope of turning the tide!"

The group finally got a clear look at the object—it was a simple military exoskeleton. Although it didn't completely cover the human body, attaching it to the main torso significantly enhanced physical abilities.

This was an early experimental project by the Colombian military, and it should absolutely not have leaked to outsiders. The fact that these agents possessed such equipment explains why the authorities will not let them off the hook afterward.

"We can't worry about that now! Let's take care of the enemy first, then we'll retreat immediately!"

The remaining agents quickly retreated, while the guy equipped with the military exoskeleton suddenly felt a surge of confidence—even though the thing put a huge strain on his body, the overwhelming sense of power was real.

I'm going to crush you!

Watching the exoskeleton agent pounce on him, Kane remained calm, instead carefully examining the design of the equipment. He had already seen most of Terra's technology and wasn't surprised; aside from mobile cities and various staffs, the others weren't really "science fiction." But what boy hadn't fantasized about exoskeletons?

As expected, the lower levels still rely on Originium for energy.

In Kane's view, the exoskeleton, which consisted of only a few supporting frames, quickly became transparent—its interior was engraved with a large number of complex Originium circuits that worked together to ultimately enhance strength and speed.

If we want to emulate the Victorian steam knights and create a wraparound exoskeleton in the future, we still need to solve many problems such as load-bearing capacity and protection... It is a promising direction for development.

"Damn it... why can't I hit him!?"

During the confrontation, the agent equipped with the exoskeleton discovered that no matter how he attacked, Kane could easily dodge his attacks, as if his opponent could predict all his movements. He was unaware that Kane originally relied solely on visual reflexes and experience to observe his opponents.

But now, the flow of Originium circuit energy on the opponent's exoskeleton is almost completely visible to him.

"That's enough. The data has been recorded. It's time for you to leave."

Kane activated his control over the Originium. The Originium circuits inside the exoskeleton instantly overloaded, twisting and deforming! The built-in protection system immediately intervened, attempting to forcibly stop the exoskeleton's operation.

But it was all in vain. The unfortunate agent suddenly raised his hands and then slammed his fist into his own head! The enhanced power was irresistible, and his skull was easily smashed like a watermelon.

"Ugh!"

Oh no, I forgot Muirsey is still behind us. This match is too much of a shock for her.

Kane looked back and saw that Muirsey was indeed terrified, but she was still forcing herself not to close her eyes. She knew she was Kane's weakness, and if someone attacked her, she had to be able to react, not just surrender.

Chapter 69 Muirsey Found Love (4k)

"what--!"

Another chilling scream pierced the night sky, accompanied by the crisp sound of bones being crushed. Without any anesthesia or painkillers, this excruciating pain was enough to penetrate the soul, becoming an eternal memory that would haunt one's recollection.

“Tell me, who sent you?”

"..."

Faced with Kane's interrogation, the two warlocks, still conscious, remained silent, their lips pressed tightly together. As professionally trained agents, their professionalism was indeed extremely high; even in such a predicament, they upheld the contractual spirit of not revealing their employer's information. This surprised Kane, because even in Kazdel, the bottom line mercenaries held fast to was the information of their employers—if they betrayed even this, the Sarkaz would truly have no place to stand.

But under extreme pain, even a Sarkaz's jaw can be pried open.

If he could, Kane would love to get some Originium and stab it into their bodies right away, then use the acute outbreak of Oripathy to torture them severely, but considering that Muirsey is still watching, this plan won't work.

“Very good, I admire your courage and will—but it’s okay, this perseverance will eventually run out.”

Kane did not continue with the interrogation. He immediately dialed the police. Soon after, officers from the Tremont Police Department arrived at the scene and quickly took the attackers away. Kane's actions were deemed self-defense, and he only needed to cooperate with the police to recount the events. Muirsay, as the other party involved, naturally remained with Kane to cooperate with the investigation.

Kane remembered the conversation these guys had before using the exoskeleton—it was clearly highly sensitive military equipment. The Colombian military would definitely intervene quickly once they received the news. At that point, it would be a matter of whether these unfortunate men could maintain their "professional ethics" under expert interrogation, drugs, and torture. As for how to obtain information about the mastermind behind it all... as long as the benefits were sufficient, the Colombian police never minded chatting a bit more about "unrelated topics."

"Sorry, my precious day off has been ruined."

“Actually… it’s alright,” Muirsey said softly.

“I told my advisor about it. She was very concerned about whether I was injured, and even offered to vouch for me... But we were fine, so she gave me a week off to rest.”

Clearly, Muirsey felt an invisible distance from Kane—though she tried to hide it, her evasive gaze betrayed her true feelings: she was afraid of the coldness and cruelty Kane had just displayed.

Self-defense itself is not wrong, and Muirsey knew Kane was innocent. But the way he killed his enemy and crushed bones with such ease and even nonchalance deeply shocked this girl who had grown up in a peaceful environment.

"I'm sorry to have dragged you into this."

Kane understood how impactful this would be for ordinary people—perhaps of the three classmates, only Saria could remain unmoved. Not because she was cold-blooded, but because she was calm, rational, and composed enough.

"I've messed up," Kane thought. His friendship with Muirsay was probably coming to an end—not because anyone had done anything wrong, but simply because "their worlds are different." The blood Kane had stained had finally soaked the paper wrapped in flames; faced with a "madman" like him, a normal person would naturally choose to stay away.

"...Kane, aren't you going to explain this to me... about this matter..."

Unexpectedly, Muirsey did not choose to escape Kane's world. Instead, she immediately made up for the step she had taken back. She even took two more steps and stepped into Kane's world.

“Muirsayth, this is not a gory movie, it’s a real assassination.”

"Of course I know! That's precisely why you should tell me, shouldn't you? Do you want me to wake up one day and suddenly receive news of your death? That's too terrible... I absolutely cannot accept it!"

The water sprite's beautiful face suddenly loomed close to Kane's, her large, watery eyes filled with worry. Yes, Muirsey was terrified, but she had already prepared herself mentally—after all, as a child who grew up in an orphanage, she had experienced much over the years and knew the cruelty of the world all too well. However, this was only the first time she had experienced it firsthand.

That's why she couldn't let her "friend" bear all of this alone. Even though there was little she could do now, she would plead with her mentor, hoping to leverage his social standing to provide Kane with some security.

"Ha ha…"

"Hey! What kind of time is this to still be laughing?! You almost got killed just now!"

Seeing Kane burst out laughing, Muirsay was both anxious and angry. Did this guy even realize how dangerous his situation was? Please, be serious for once!

"They didn't even touch the hem of my clothes... Anyway, thank you for your help. I'll let you know..."

Several hours later, the necessary statements and information were finally recorded. The attackers and their "weapons" will be taken into custody by the police. Kane can contact them again if there are any further developments in the case, or if he needs to file charges.

Because it was late and transportation was inconvenient, the police kindly sent a car to take the two "victims" home.

When the police vehicle pulled up in front of the student apartments, many curious students crowded around the windows or balconies to peek inside. Muirsay, however, got out of the vehicle with an air of nonchalance.

"Then go to Heng—"

Just as Kane was about to give his home address, Muirsey immediately grabbed his hand, gesturing for him to get out of the car with her.

“(Whistle)!”

The driver was a young Filipino police officer, who looked fresh out of police academy and had a somewhat frivolous air about him, unlike the more serious veteran officers. Seeing Muirsey holding Kane's hand, he immediately started whistling and jeering.

Kane had no choice but to get out of the car. Watching the police car launch itself and speed away, he secretly resolved to file a complaint against the guy later.

"follow me."

Muirsey's hand hadn't let go of Kane's since she grabbed his. The two walked hand-in-hand to the third floor, under the watchful, curious gazes of the many students, and entered her room.

"Muir Seth?"

"You still haven't explained to me what exactly happened."

"..."

Why is this girl so serious... Helpless, Kane had no choice but to tell Muirsey about his "experience" of fighting his way through Syracuse and finally seizing the right to inherit the Texas family.

“Those guys were probably instigated by Syracuse to get rid of me and then seize the Texas family’s assets.”

"Then aren't you in great danger now?! The gang won't give up. They'll definitely come back to assassinate you again!"

"Don't worry, I have my own ways of retaliating—this is the last time."

Looking at Muirsey, who was anxiously watching over him, Kane felt a pang of guilt—because he had concealed the truth.

"I've told you everything you wanted to know. It's time for me to go back."

Kane prepared to leave the apartment. At this hour, he could only take a taxi home…

“Don’t go…” Muirsey grabbed Kane’s hand again, and it seemed that after the first experience, she was no longer resistant to this action.

"I...I'm a little scared. Could you stay here...and keep me company?"

Kane thought about it again and realized that was indeed the case. Muirsey was just an ordinary girl, and it was normal for her to be scared after being involved in such a dangerous incident.

"Then give me a blanket?" Kane pointed to the beanbag chair next to him, intending to wrap himself in the blanket and make do there for the night.

"No problem. Thank you, Kane."

"It's alright, after all, it was because of me. Go to sleep early, I'll stay here with you."

Kane lay down on the beanbag chair, took out his communicator, and sent a message to Lappland—explaining the attack that night and revealing the location where the prisoners were being held.

Although I have a rough idea of ​​who it is—I'll still find out. Afterwards, I'll deliver the most devastating revenge. I'll act with you.

Kane is no man of good temper; vengeance is his style. These gang families overestimated themselves and will naturally pay the price for their foolishness.

As his thoughts gradually calmed down, Kane quickly fell asleep.

Muirsey was exhausted and fell asleep quickly. She thought a night's rest would calm her down, but the turmoil in her heart did not subside.

In the dead of night, Muirsey was jolted awake from a nightmare—she dreamt that all the assassins had fallen to the ground, while Kane remained standing. But as she approached, she was horrified to discover that Kane's chest was covered in bright red blood and his body was riddled with wounds.

"Kane!?"

Waking up from a nightmare is never pleasant. Even though Muirsey was a water sprite, and even though this wasn't her "true form," she still felt thirsty—a thirst stemming from anxiety and unease.

Why Kane...?

Muirsey had thought that even if she had a nightmare tonight, it would be about her being murdered... but she dreamed of Kane instead.

What is the cause of this unease?

Muirsey felt uneasy. The mere thought of Kane possibly meeting with misfortune sent a pang of pain through her.

Even though she had a wide circle of friends—Muirsay knew that her nature wasn't so pure and passionate as to sacrifice everything for them. She also had her own interests and goals. When truly faced with a life-or-death choice, with friendship on one side and her own life on the other, she would definitely choose the latter. She would feel guilt, regret, and apology for her departed friends, but she would still make this choice.

Why not Kane? He clearly stated that he was powerful and fearless. He even survived the chaos in Syracuse… Muirsay, don't worry about him, he'll be alright.

　 The doctor's wife pulled up her skirt and warmed it. Muirsey tried to convince herself, but the more she did, the stronger and even more painful her inner unease became—until she couldn't help but look in Kane's direction and saw him still lying peacefully on the sofa, and that lingering fear slowly dissipated.

Ah... I see... Oh no.

Muirsey's thoughts drifted back to her childhood. She remembered that the orphanage outside Tremont was struggling, and the children had very little entertainment. The headmistress—the kind and gentle Grandma Liberi—bought many secondhand fairy tale books to read to the children so they wouldn't be bored.

Grandma, the prince fell in love with the princess the first time he saw her. What is love?

Love... is the most wondrous thing in the world. It makes bright children dull and obstinate children rebellious. Some say love is poison, some say love is salvation. You are too young. When you grow up, you will understand what love is for yourselves.

Grandma, I know! Last time we went to move some things, we passed by a cake shop and saw their strawberry cake. I still can't forget it. I must have fallen in love with it!

Hahaha…

Danny, that's called being greedy!

Haha, child, that is indeed a kind of love.

Muirsey remembers that she remained silent and didn't participate in the older children's jokes and play. After hearing the story, she only felt that "love is foolish"—because the prince in the story was about to realize his dream, but he gave it up for love.

But now, Muirsayth suspects that she herself is becoming stupid.

"Müllseth? What's wrong?"

Muirsey's intense gaze startled Kane awake. He wondered what had happened—but it turned out the elf was just staring at him in the middle of the night.