"Let me remind you one more time — Lungmen is going to be the next Chernobog!"
Everyone froze at the sound of Kal'tsit's voice as they stepped through the door. Normally composed and reserved, it was rare — almost unimaginable — to hear such fury from her.
Chen had just gone in to announce their arrival. It was said to be a traditional Yan protocol, where in the homeland, one would even bring along a formal "visiting letter."But Lungmen wasn't the Yan mainland — and Rhodes Island didn't have to jump through those hoops.
"I've never met Chief Wei Yenwu before," Amiya said hesitantly. "Revy, when you were working as a Catastrophe Messenger, didn't you have contact with him? What kind of person is he?"
"Old Wei, huh... tricky man to deal with."Revy clicked his tongue.
"When negotiating, don't even think about pulling one over on him — or you'll end up in trouble."
"Why's that?"
"Let's just say — sometimes you think you broke even, but he came out way ahead. And when he's not taking a loss… you're probably paying the price."
Amiya seemed to be deep in thought. The Doctor remained silent — their expression unreadable behind layers of protective gear.
"Everyone, Chief Wei will see you now."
Chen returned with a solemn expression and gestured for them to enter.
"Please, have a seat. Kal'tsit was just bringing me up to speed on the situation."
It had to be said: Wei Yenwu carried himself with a kind of effortless authority. As Lungmen's leader, his outfit reflected the essence of a Yan noble — yet fused with Victorian and Columbian touches, blending East and West with understated refinement.
"Let me continue, then."Kal'tsit sighed.
"Lungmen's intelligence network gathers extensive data on the Reunion Movement daily. I assume you've been keeping a close eye on the events in Chernobog — but to be frank, you're still missing critical intelligence."
"Reunion won't be stopped by basic quarantine protocols — and they're certainly not going to line up for inspection. Without Rhodes Island's help, Lungmen is going to suffer major losses in the coming conflict."
"Allow me to interject."Chen's voice was sharp, clearly displeased by Kal'tsit's critique of the Guard Department under her command.
"Lungmen has implemented countermeasures against Reunion infiltration — and we have no obligation to share our defense intel with Rhodes Island."
Chen wasn't thrilled about this alliance in the first place. She knew exactly why Wei Yenwu was willing to make economic concessions to bring Rhodes Island in — and that made it even harder for her to accept.
"Lungmen has no experience dealing with a militarized infected faction."Kal'tsit stated flatly."Experience shows that only the Infected… can suppress the Infected."
"That's an exaggeration. The Lungmen Guard has just as much experience handling Infected threats as Rhodes Island does."
"Then allow me to speak."Revy interrupted, turning his attention to Chen."Yes, Lungmen knows how to use force against unarmed infected civilians. But with all due respect — that doesn't mean you'll fare well in a real fight."
Chen frowned.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what I said. Civilians don't resist. At most, they'll struggle a little during arrest. But the Reunion Movement? They're a completely different breed."
"They're desperate — many won't live through the next battle. Some will die mid-charge from advanced Originium infection, becoming fresh contamination zones."
"They might be fugitives, prisoners, or slaves. But now, they're all the same thing — terrorists. They'll come at you with Originium-based weapons, or even just their teeth, claws, or bones. Imagine your Guard squads — wanting to fight, but terrified of infection, paralyzed by fear."
Revy's tone turned cold."I'm very curious whether the Guard Department can still fight when half your people are infected."
"You—!"
"Enough, Officer Chen," Wei Yenwu cut in, voice calm, exhaling a ribbon of smoke."They're here to negotiate cooperation. And to be fair, Revy isn't entirely wrong."
"There are rumors Rhodes Island was involved in the Chernobog incident. I trust that means you've accumulated both combat experience and intel on Reunion."
"We hope you'll share it — otherwise, Lungmen has no way of gauging your real capabilities."
"Mr. Wei, perhaps I wasn't clear."Kal'tsit met his gaze directly."The information we've gathered was earned with blood and fire. It is a direct product of our strength."
"I don't care. I still don't trust Rhodes Island — a bunch of Infected."Chen snapped. Her words sent a sharp tension rippling through the room.
Kal'tsit's reply was cold, emotionless:"If, Officer Chen, you believe punishing the Infected matters more than Lungmen's survival — then go ahead. Arrest me under your laws, and I'll watch from a prison cell as Reunion burns your city to ashes."
"Forgive me," Revy said, narrowing his eyes, "I'm just a bodyguard. But if it comes to that — I'll do whatever it takes to protect Rhodes Island's interests."
Wei Yenwu's hand tightened around his pipe.
Revy's words carried dual meanings:— As long as their safety wasn't threatened, he'd remain passive.— But if it was, Lungmen would feel the full brunt of his wrath.
Chen didn't know what Revy was capable of. But Wei Yenwu did.
"Calm yourself, Officer Chen. They are guests — my guests."
If Revy went berserk, it might mean the end of Lungmen. Wei moved quickly to defuse the mounting tension.
"...Understood."
Seeing her superior stand down, Chen had no choice but to comply. She gave Revy a fierce glare.
"As long as they don't break Lungmen's laws, I'll tolerate them."
Wei Yenwu smiled faintly — a smile both deep and unreadable.
"Now then, Doctor Kal'tsit. Let me be blunt: there's only one thing I care about — strength."
"So tell me — just how strong is Rhodes Island's military?"