Story Reader / Interlude / Like Shadow / Story
—!
Whew... It's over, eh?
After taking out all the attackers, the group blanks out for a moment, collectively forgetting what they had been doing before the battle began.
What are you people doing? Start collecting our things!
Camu's squad is sent on a new mission to transport some packages for Kurono.
Like their supplies, the items are sent to them via airdrop. The packages are heavily bundled up and come with small filters, perhaps for secrecy or other reasons.
While receiving their shipment, Camu's squad is attacked by a Corrupted horde.
Oh, yeah... Come help, everyone...
As the other members come back to their senses and are about to help with the supplies, a scream rings out right next to Camu.
Ahhhhhhhh!
Hey! What's wrong?
The screams increase in volume. The soldier is lying face-down on the ground, scratching at his own arms and neck.
His face turns purple. As if suffocating, he starts struggling to pull off his protective gear in attempt to breathe better.
Stop! Taking off your gear here? Are you off your rocker?
Ahhhhh! It hurts... And so itchy...
Aaaaaaaahhhh!
The squad members surround the screamer, trying to figure out what is going on, while Camu keeps shaking him in hopes of keeping him calm.
Where are you hurting? Were you injured in the battle? Or are you sick?
Aaaahhhh! I don't know... don't know, Camu!
His whole body is in pain and drastically weakened. It is as if lava is churning in his brain.
The man manages to spit out a few words as he writhes on the ground. Camu touches his body and senses a strong heat radiating from his skin.
Oh, right... the serum! Someone fetch the serum!
Got it! Give him a shot now!
Some other members had already gone off to fetch the serum before Camu's shout, as this is not the first time something like this has happened.
Though they have no idea what the reason is, squad members would sometimes suddenly fall down in excruciating pain and lose all control over their limbs.
Kurono's response to situations like this is always: "More serum."
But the official solution did not seem to work this time. They give the soldier the shot, but things do not take a turn for the better.
Camu... Camu...
What?
Ugh... we... we're real unlucky, huh...
Hey, what do you mean? His vitals are—Hey! Hey! Wake up!
Dammit!
—
According to the contract they signed, all bodies of squad members must be returned to Kurono. Along with the delivery, Camu brings his dead squadmate there.
I'm here to make a delivery... yet you won't even let me into the city?
It's part of the contract. Don't try to force your way in, or we'll shoot.
Camu is held up at the gate while his "packages" are brought into the city right away.
Yeah, I know you'll shoot. Anyway, what's happened to this dude? If you guys want the body, it means you'll give him an autopsy, right?
I said don't move!
What's happening?
Camu notices that the guards are on high alert—not because of the contractual obligations, but a sort of instinctive reaction.
With every step Camu takes towards the guard, he takes one step back and clutches his weapon tighter.
It was the same when they took in the body. Those people seemed disproportionately nervous, as if Camu was handing over an explosive.
Tell me what you know.
Clenching his fist, Camu marches towards the guards, who immediately open fire without bothering to issue a warning according to the rules.
Dammit! Told you to stay back!
Tch...
Camu knows better than to cause a scene here, so he gives up his questioning attempt and backs up, finally fleeing the city amidst gunfire.
What happened to his squadmate? And what do the Kurono guards know?
What will happen to him and the other squad members?
The questions still plague Camu's mind.
Meanwhile, a man stands on the city's lookout platform. He watches the retreating figure and presses a button on his communications device.
Mao Zhen speaking. The "monsters" have left the city.
...
It's only been a short time since these models have been employed in operations before the "accidental" deaths began. I'm truly regretful.
And the deaths have become increasingly frequent. Our "monsters" might not have much time left.
So we should just go ahead without any ado, huh? Got it. How about we send them to "that place", then?
...
Yes. As a member of the Special Security Department, I'll handle this.
