"Outcast taught you that?" The procedure for such temporary reassignment notifications was generally only known to Elite Operators. As someone serving as a team leader for the first time, the only source for Kanna knowing this so clearly could be Outcast.
"Yeah, Grandma and Uncle ACE made me memorize a lot of things back then, saying that this was all knowledge a team commander needed to understand when fighting in the field."
"Alright then, as long as Miss Nian is willing, we'll set off once things here in Wolumonde are concluded."
Just as the Rhodes Island group was discussing matters, at Sephyrin's home in Wolumonde.
"Father, do you think those people from Rhodes Island will..." After the rescue, Thorwald and the hunting team had retreated into the city. Now, ordered to stay in the house, he was letting his imagination run wild, fearing that Rhodes Island would make an issue out of what happened before.
Once this matter was exposed, even without evidence, everyone in Wolumonde would become wary of him, and all his efforts over the years in Wolumonde would vanish into thin air.
"Smack!" A resounding slap landed on Thorwald's face.
"Cough, cough, cough, you still have the nerve to bring it up... Rhodes Island traveled thousands of miles, bringing their own equipment and supplies to Wolumonde. They saved almost half the city, and you—think about what you did! If they hadn't had a contingency plan, you would have become a sinner of Wolumonde, do you know that! I let you go out and join the hunting team so you could reflect on your mistakes, but it seems you haven't understood at all. Now that they haven't said a word, you're still doubting them. Forget it, after this is all over, you should quit the militia yourself... Leave some dignity for yourself, for me, and for Wolumonde... Cough, cough, cough... Ugh..."
Recalling Rhodes Island's lack of resentment during this period, Sephyrin felt an agonizing sense of guilt. Coupled with the fact that his own condition had worsened during this time of working day and night, he couldn't hold it back and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Watching Sephyrin collapse in front of him, Thorwald was stunned. Looking at his father, who was barely breathing, he couldn't help but recall bits and pieces of the past.
The door was suddenly opened. Tatyana stood at the entrance with a sorrowful expression. She had originally come to find Sephyrin to listen to the plans for what was next, but hadn't expected to overhear the father and son arguing.
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, she could tell from their words that Thorwald had clearly taken actions detrimental to Rhodes Island, and even to Wolumonde, which had just been neutralized by Rhodes Island.
Yet Thorwald was worried that Rhodes Island would settle old scores after everything was over.
She had initially just felt disappointment, but then she suddenly heard a dull thud, like someone falling. When she rushed through the door, she only saw a dazed Thorwald and Sephyrin lying unconscious on the ground.
For the first time, she felt that her fiancé was so like a stranger to her. However, this was clearly not the moment to argue with him. She used all her strength to pick up Sephyrin and ran outside.
Upon arriving at Swing Plaza, Sephyrin was quickly transferred to the intensive care unit. Anto and Folinic went to check on him after hearing that Sephyrin had collapsed. When they came out, they shook their heads at everyone: "According to the examination, the Originium crystals on Sephyrin's lungs have far exceeded the minimum threshold for activity. Every breath he takes is like cutting his own internal organs with a knife. Never mind the situation in Wolumonde right now, even on the Rhodes Island main ship, I'm afraid we would be powerless..."
Upon hearing Anto's words, Tatyana, who was nearby, couldn't help but squat on the ground and weep silently. Not far away, Thorwald plopped down onto the ground. His mind was a blank, and for a moment, he didn't know how to face the current situation.
Kanna walked up to Thorwald: "To be honest, I don't like you. I didn't intend to let you off the hook; the day we left was supposed to be your end. But you are lucky enough because you have a good father. Although he still harbored countless petty schemes during this incident, he has done right by Wolumonde and deserves to be called a hero. His choices during this time have brought us enough prestige. For his sake, I won't take action against you, but from now on, we are even..."
After saying this, Kanna turned and returned to the room to prepare her luggage for departure.
"What's going on?" Misery was very curious about what had happened here and asked Anto quietly.
Anto whispered to Misery, recounting what had happened from the time their group arrived in Wolumonde until the others arrived. After listening, Misery was silent for a moment and then shook his head.
"It's a pity. He had the mind of a politician but lacked the power to match it. If not for Rhodes Island, his actions, while somewhat extreme, could indeed be considered the best choice when facing a desperate situation."
The next morning, Sephyrin passed away in Swing Plaza after resuscitation efforts failed, reaching the end of his life under the gaze of everyone. Wolumonde, which had been immersed in joy due to the arrival of the rescue, fell into silence for him on this day.
Although he had always hidden the fact that he was an Infected, in the face of the catastrophe, his hard work day and night had contributed indelibly to the successful rescue of Wolumonde. Upon hearing the news of his death, everyone came to Swing Plaza to mourn. The nobles who had returned to Wolumonde, after consultation, announced that they would report to the Empress to posthumously confer upon him the title of Viscount and give him a grand funeral with the honors of a Viscount.
The Rhodes Island group did not attend Sephyrin's funeral. After saying goodbye to Tatyana, Rhodes Island split into two teams. Kanna, Nian, and Misery drove an off-road vehicle toward Victoria, while the others served as an escort squad responsible for accompanying the Rhodes Island aid convoy back to Rhodes Island.
Before leaving, Tatyana told Kanna that Thorwald had not chosen to inherit the title Sephyrin left behind, but had quietly left Wolumonde alone on the day Sephyrin passed away.
Kanna didn't say much about his choice; after all, people always have to pay for the mistakes they make. However, before leaving, she invited Tatyana to visit Rhodes Island if she had the time, and Tatyana happily agreed.
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