"..." Raven fell into silence upon hearing Irene's question. She didn't care about inconvenient traffic or the difficulty of transporting supplies; if push came to shove, she could just haul supplies in boatload by boatload.
But... that was limited to herself. What if it involved the children? Could they accept the isolated environment of a small island? If it was just the Honkai, at worst she could get some security robots or something from Gray Serpent.
The Guardians of Arc City could handle small-scale Honkai outbreaks and the accompanying Honkai Beasts without any issues. Then, if she built a safehouse or something similar, the children's safety in the face of the Honkai would still be guaranteed.
But just as Irene said, a sea island's ability to resist risk was indeed poor. If they really encountered a disaster, having the house demolished was a minor issue, but what if something happened to the children?
She would definitely be outside for the vast majority of the time. If an accident were to happen, she wouldn't even have the chance to go back and save them.
As for asking colleagues for help... to be honest, she begged to differ. In this regard, finding a Valkyrie would be more reliable than finding her colleagues. Raven highly doubted whether the moral bottom lines of Gray Serpent and Jackal in this aspect could be relied upon at all.
"Then what does Miss Irene think?" Raven calmed down slightly. It seemed she had indeed taken things for granted; she really needed to discuss this more.
Fortunately, she hadn't bought it yet.
"What recommendation could I have?" Irene shrugged. Seeing Raven's appearance, she had likely successfully persuaded her. "I just think that as long as it satisfies the conditions of convenient traffic, simple supply transport, and a high safety coefficient, any place is fine."
"And reasonably speaking, it's almost impossible to avoid people in today's society. Humans have even planted flags in Antarctica. Besides, humans are social animals; they always need to communicate."
"...That is true." Raven nodded. Although the children's physical conditions were indeed unsuitable for contact with people, the necessary communication still had to exist.
It seemed the original island was a no-go. Luckily, she hadn't paid yet, otherwise she would have had to bite the bullet and proceed. Forget it, since there was nothing to do right now, she might as well look around some more.
Raven turned on her phone and began searching for places that better met the requirements.
Mountain forests were out of the question. Just as Irene said, humans had even planted flags in Antarctica; mere mountain forests had long since failed to stop them.
And more importantly... most mountain forests nowadays did not allow private trading. However, sea islands were still okay, though she certainly couldn't just pick one at random like before.
It would be best to pick one with Schicksal nearby. If there was a Schicksal station in the vicinity, even if an unexpected situation occurred, as long as she built a good safehouse, she wouldn't have to worry too much about the children's safety.
In this aspect, Raven had to admire Schicksal's dispatch and emergency handling capabilities.
However, for now, Raven could only drop Irene off first. After muttering in her heart for a while, Raven seemed to remember something. She took a document from the storage rack and threw it to Irene.
"This is?"
"Your various tickets. And in that bag behind you, there are some local specialties." Raven glanced backward. "These are all the various records Gray Serpent forged for you."
"Enough to support your travel story for these past few weeks."
"Then many thanks." Irene turned back to look at the bag behind her. "Are there any souvenirs or the like inside?"
"I don't know, Gray Serpent gave it to me." Raven shook her head. As for why it was prepared so quickly, there was nothing special about it; Gray Serpent likely had a huge pile of these things serving as disguise props.
Just like how Raven had prepared similar things before, although naturally, she didn't need them much now.
"Then I'll look at it myself later." Irene reached out and hugged the bag to her chest. "Tell me, where is our destination this time? You wouldn't go so far as to send me directly to St. Freya, right?"
"If you want to be exposed, just say so." Raven shot a glance at Irene. "This time, I will indeed send you directly to the Far East. As for how you get back, you'll have to come up with your own ideas."
"No problem."
"Right here. Let's part ways; figure out the rest yourself." Raven looked at Irene, who had opened the aircraft hatch. "See you next time. Preferably, the next time we meet, we are companions."
"That might be a bit difficult." Irene smiled, then jumped directly down. Below was a stretch of mountain forest, and since it was currently night, no one would notice them.
Even if someone did notice, Gray Serpent would make preparations to settle the matter.
Watching Irene leave, Raven simply engaged the autopilot, letting the aircraft fly wherever it should. Sigh, since she was already here, she might as well go back and take a look at those children.
While the plane was on autopilot, Raven was also observing the island sale information she had opened on her hand.
These places are all so expensive. Raven looked at the various quotes on her phone. She admitted, she was scared by Irene. As Irene said, her previous thoughts had indeed lacked comprehensive consideration.
She could do without social interaction, but those children couldn't. Moreover, if she really used that sea island, what would happen to the children if a problem arose?
She couldn't be there all the time. Since she wanted to help, she definitely had to help to the end. But taking into account convenient traffic, a certain amount of social interaction, and preferably a Schicksal garrison nearby...
If all these conditions were met simultaneously, the value of those sea islands would more than just double.
Most didn't accept down payments and required full payment. After all, safety was indeed guaranteed. For some wealthy people who knew about the reverse side of the world, this wasn't an issue at all, and there was no worry about selling them.
But this led to a problem: where would she get that much money?
Truly a bunch of damned rich people.
Looking at the various price lists, Raven sighed. It was at this moment, as she was scrolling, that she slid to a plot of land that seemed quite suitable.
'Coral Island?'
Raven clicked open the entry she saw. After reading it carefully, she nodded. Wanting to build a commercial tourism area, so they are raising funds?
Raven carefully read the relevant situation regarding the surrounding islands. She had to say, the conditions were indeed very superior. The children should also like a lively environment. Therefore, she didn't need to buy such a big one; buying a small one enough to build a villa should also be fine.
In that case, the price was also acceptable. Raven carefully read the entry and various precautions, as well as the small islands currently listed for sale, and nodded.
She had already set her sights on a small island. The area of that small island was only about half the size of the original one. Although the price was nearly double, the geographical location and such were indeed superior enough.
Accepting down payments... In that case, she could start negotiating the contract now and begin construction. As for whether she could pay it back? She wasn't worried; there was still plenty of work.
To make money, she had opened two smurf accounts, occupying the top rankings to earn cash. If she didn't lack the ability to be in two places at once, Raven would have had the heart to open three accounts.
Moreover, only she could use the Seven Thunders of Retribution right now. Gray Serpent couldn't possibly watch her eat dirt, right? Let it be expensive then. For the children... she would go all out.
On the other side, Irene briefly read through the various tourism projects Gray Serpent had arranged for her. She had to say, Gray Serpent's efficiency was truly high.
Not only were there tickets, but there were even photos of her taking pictures at various scenic spots. They were likely Photoshopped, but Irene couldn't find the edit points. As expected of an old intelligence peddler.
This forgery technology really wasn't just for show.
Anyway, it was definitely enough to fool people. Irene stowed the bag in her hand properly. She also glanced at the items in the backpack; they were basically small handicrafts from various places, proving she had indeed gone out for a spin.
As for whether anything was hidden inside, Gray Serpent had been very honest. Little Corruption scanned it once and found no problems. Taking them as small gifts to give to others was also a good choice.
As for the communicator Gray Serpent gave her... Irene took the communicator out from her inner pocket, then took Little Corruption's card from her bosom and placed it on the communicator.
The communicator immediately flashed with the light of the Corruption virus. Subsequently, Little Corruption's voice rang out in Irene's mind.
[Done.]
[Thanks for the trouble, Little Corruption.]
Irene put away the communicator and the card. With the escort of Little Corruption's Corruption virus, Irene wasn't afraid of Gray Serpent. She was ready to use this communicator to stir up some big commotion.
As for Rin, she was currently having a blast playing with her sister. Regarding the Gem of Corruption Rin still had stored with Theresa, she would just contact them when the time came. The group chat album Little Corruption set up...
Rin, being of the same origin, could also use it. When the time came, Rin could also transport directly through that. Anyway, essentially, they were just viruses.
They could transport directly through data connections. There was no rush to bring Rin over; let her stay with her sister nicely for a while. A reunion after 50,000 years apart—one should always let them have fun, right?
According to Little Corruption, she and Elysia had joined hands to create a small spatial amusement park inside the Realm. The two of them should be playing happily right now.
Irene hitched her backpack higher, then walked into the mountain forest beside her.
*
St. Freya Academy
"Ah, so annoying." Kiana lay prone on the sofa, a look of boredom on her face.
"If you're bored, come study with me." Himeko, holding two cans of beer, sat down heavily on the sofa. Although she didn't know why, she felt her body had been feeling much better recently, but the drinking habit probably couldn't be changed.
Moreover, Himeko was also worried about the reason why her body had improved so much recently. Although the check-up at the hospital didn't show any issues, she knew very well why her body had been so uncomfortable before.
The Honkai wouldn't let her off that easily. She was afraid her current physical condition was a state similar to terminal lucidity, yet the hospital check-up showed no problems in that regard.
Since she couldn't figure it out, she wouldn't try to. She would just take it as a special treat from the heavens.
"No way." Kiana immediately shook her head. Having Himeko tutor her? She'd rather be killed. Himeko would genuinely tie her up with rope and press her head onto the chair to study.
She would rather let Irene help with tutoring than let Himeko help. Irene would at least let Kiana rest depending on her condition, and sometimes Kiana could even mooch a lap pillow from Irene.
Although she was single-mindedly devoted to Mei, sometimes one needed to rest, right? As for Irene... in those moments, who was the prey was truly hard to say.
Kiana felt she was the one enjoying it, while Irene actually also felt she was the one enjoying it.
"When will Teacher Irene be able to come back?"
"Irene? She just asked for a month of leave, saying she planned to stroll around outside. I estimate it'll be another two weeks before she comes back."
Himeko looked at Kiana and rolled her eyes. She didn't want to study, yet she was yelling about being bored here. "By the way, don't you usually play games with Bronya at this time? Where is Bronya?"
"She's reading comics and doesn't plan to pay attention to me." Kiana propped up her chin. Usually, she was indeed playing games with Bronya at this time, but today happened to be an exceptional situation.
According to Bronya, the Homu comics had released a new volume recently. She was going to savor it properly tonight, so she wouldn't play games with her. That was why Kiana had a face full of boredom.
"Oh, right. Today is the release date for that comic or whatever." Himeko seemed to recall as well. She wasn't a fan of that comic, but regrettably, Theresa was.
So every time this happened, Theresa also couldn't be found—or rather, she didn't plan on doing any work. Over time, Himeko had also remembered this moment.
Speaking of that fellow, she probably planned to stay in her office today and wouldn't come back, right?
Pop. Himeko pulled the tab and poured a mouthful of beer into her mouth. After her body improved, even the wine felt a bit more fragrant.
Meanwhile, in the Principal's office, Theresa was not reading comics at the usual time. Instead, she was on a phone call with Einstein's side.
"So Irene really did give those reagents to you guys." Theresa looked at Einstein. "But seeing you like this, has the research not produced results?"
"I wouldn't say that." Einstein shook her head. Logically speaking, they should have contacted Irene, but regrettably, even they couldn't get through to Irene's phone, nor could they find where she was. They could only come to contact Theresa.
At least to them, it seemed Theresa and Irene had a pretty good relationship. After Irene returned, Theresa could inform her, or it would be the same if Irene contacted them again.
"So you mean there are results?!" Theresa immediately slammed the table and stood up, looking at Einstein with excitement. As the Branch Head of the Far East Branch and an S-Rank Valkyrie, Theresa knew very well exactly what function that reagent had.
How many Valkyries were currently suffering from the Honkai corruption caused by artificial stigmata? Even if it only provided a little Honkai Resistance, this reagent could save countless Valkyries.
"Probably, but it is still in the trial production phase." Einstein didn't speak in absolutes. The chemical composition of that reagent was indeed quite complex, but they were top-tier scientists after all.
Coupled with that scientist named Dr. Magi whom Irene had sent over previously—who was also quite capable—they had finally created a similar compound by copying the model.
As long as they could prove through experiments that this thing was indeed effective, they could enter the next stage.
"Oh, it seems asking you guys was indeed the right choice." Just then, Irene's voice suddenly rang out in the quiet office. Theresa immediately looked behind her.
Irene was currently sitting on the windowsill behind her, waving at them.
"Hi, did you miss me?"
________________________________________
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