So, she stood up, walked behind Liskarm, and diligently massaged her shoulders, her eyes fixated on the blue Dragon tail wagging back and forth.
"I went there because I saw a little girl, a Feline, and just followed her—I'm telling you, I don't trust a laboratory like Loken Tank. There are restricted areas everywhere here, so there must be many unspeakable secrets."
However, Liskarm merely sighed helplessly at her wild conjectures.
"Heh, you'd better not let the employer hear that. Although these companies are just research institutions, we can't afford a defamation lawsuit."
Hearing Liskarm respond, Franka knew she had finally opened a conversation and contentedly flicked her brown fox tail behind her.
"Hey, hey, you still don't believe me—Loken Tank aside, Rhine Lab on the other side of the high-tech development zone must be a den of crazy scientists. Look, it's even on TV."
Saying this, she pointed to the content on the television. On the screen, at the dozens of stories high Rhine Lab building, a thick metal anti-theft wall seemed to have been melted directly by some intense high temperature, solidifying on the exterior wall, still retaining some fluid state.
"If you believe Columbia's media, you might as well believe you're Blacksteel's boss's illegitimate daughter—you should read less tabloid news and conspiracy theories, and more proper books. And stop watching those sci-fi movies."
As for Franka's fanciful ideas, Liskarm didn't know how to dissuade her—this Feline girl's thought process was completely incompatible with her own.
"Hmph, Liskarm, you stick-in-the-mud who only knows how to train and maintain equipment, how could you know my methods—socializing and gathering information are also essential skills for security personnel."
This time, however, Franka showed a confident smile and patted Liskarm's shoulder.
"Just a few months ago, didn't our Blacksteel have a rare failed security operation? You should remember, it even alarmed the big boss."
Hearing this, Liskarm paused, then turned her head to look at her partner.
"You mean, Sargon that time—Team Seven, Group Two, and Rhine Lab?"
Blacksteel's security escort work had an excellent reputation, and many companies sought them for armed transport. However, the last time Rhine Lab hired Blacksteel International's professional security team, it resulted in the death of a Director-level VIP.
This incident had a huge impact. If it hadn't been for Rhine Lab's Director not pursuing the matter, and Blacksteel spending a large sum on public relations, Blacksteel's security projects would have suffered a major blow.
"Yes, that Rhine Lab escort mission. That was absolutely not some 'attack by local mercenaries'!"
Sitting next to Liskarm, Franka opened her phone and showed a video to her partner.
"It was that Rhine Lab Director who, despite warnings, insisted on excavating ancient ruins there, and as a result, released this monstrosity."
The footage was extremely blurry, and the cameraman's hand wasn't very steady, but it was clear that a massive Flame Giant was wantonly destroying everything in the Rainforest.
"This is a special effect, no, it's too real… How did you get this?"
Looking at the shocking scene, Liskarm's eyes widened as she looked at her grinning partner.
"Walls have ears. I went to Team Seven, Group Two, and asked around. I treated that Cattus Caster Senior—and guess what, three beers and she told me everything."
A triumphant smile appeared on her face, Franka was very pleased with Liskarm's astonished expression.
"She said that at that time, she almost died underground, but a Hunter she was with saved her, and he and his companion, as Mortals, defeated this Flame Giant."
In the blurry, shaky footage, a black figure stood atop the Flame Giant's head, under the pale moonlight, pinning another small monster to the ground.
"You wouldn't believe that rabbit's infatuated expression. In her eyes, that Hunter was simply the most handsome man in the world, with unbeatable combat power—it almost made me feel a little moved."
Although she knew this was likely due to the suspension bridge effect, Franka was indeed intrigued by the so-called "Hunter."
"Hmph… The truth is hard to discern, but this person's strength is genuine—however, perhaps Rhine Lab does have some issues, but you can't then say Loken Tank has issues. Everything needs evidence."
Just as the two were chatting, suddenly, their walkie-talkies crackled with an urgent and noisy sound.
"Franka, Liskarm! Hurry to the core lab, we need support! We've encountered intruders in the corridor—block them, use special bullets! Don't go head-to-head with that woman, that man can use Spells, counter him! Ah!"
"Captain? Captain!"
Franka and Liskarm, who had been quite relaxed just moments ago, instantly became alert, gripping their shields and thermite swords.
"Wait, we have the Captain's location. Let's check the surveillance first."
Liskarm was calmer and more composed, knowing that they shouldn't rush in. Instead, she turned to look at the surveillance screen and found the corridor in front of the core lab.
"Okay, Liskarm, we should probably call headquarters for backup first—huh?"
And upon seeing the figure in that corridor, the two Blacksteel International security personnel's eyes widened.
A black trench coat, tall stature, and that strange weapon in her hand… they seemed to have just seen her.
"Hey… Liskarm, that wouldn't be—"
"It is, it's her!"
The man wearing a triangular Hunter hat and a trench coat was the Hunter they had just been discussing a minute ago.
And the next second, the two realized that the Hunter had turned her head, and her black eyes, on a face covered by a black mask, captured the camera.
Even that murderous gaze penetrated the electronic circuits, projecting onto Liskarm and Franka, making them involuntarily shiver.
The next second, she raised a large firearm-grade pistol in her hand, aiming the dark muzzle directly at the camera.
"Boom!"
The second before the screen turned to static, Franka and Skadi seemed to see the thick alloy wall next to them being directly smashed open by another white-haired girl.
"At least this proves I was telling the truth… So, uh, should we go?"
The two girls exchanged glances. Even the duty-bound Liskarm hesitated at this moment.
"We have to go, but… it's best not to get too close."
They knew that the entire Loken Tank had now become… the Hunter's hunting ground!
----------------------------------
I've already posted 70 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Kazenova223]
Thank you very much!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"