Although everyone was reluctant for Kanna to leave again so soon after returning, they knew it couldn't be helped. After all, she had given others cause for criticism, and now it was time to make amends.
What Kanna was thinking about was the sea, seafood, flower fanatics, and Kinder Surprise eggs... The first few should be fine, but she didn't know if she'd be lucky enough to see the latter two.
Then, Kal'tsit arranged the operation of Rhodes Island after her departure and the preparations for the upcoming investigation.
"Regarding Kanna's existence, if they ask, there's no need to hide it. After all, Kanna has been on Rhodes Island for so long; it's impossible to conceal her. However, if they ask where she went afterward, tell them that Rhodes Island discovered Kanna had disappeared after receiving the news, and we haven't found any trace of her."
Hearing Kal'tsit's words, everyone nodded in understanding.
"Red will take you through the secret passage to the exit. We'll meet at the exit afterward. The situation in Iberia is very complex; we must depart quickly, or we'll miss the opportunity! The future work of Rhodes Island will depend on everyone helping Amiya."
After making the final annotations on the report in her hand, Kal'tsit stood up and said to everyone.
After Kal'tsit left, Kanna stroked Popukar's head, who looked a bit sad.
"Mwah! Don't be sad. I'm not really leaving. I hear Iberia has many interesting local products. I'll bring you back some fun things then."
Popukar wiped away her tears and said, "Then let's pinky swear! You have to promise you'll come back!"
"Alright, alright, pinky swear, a hundred years no changing, whoever changes is a little dummy." Kanna and Popukar hooked their little fingers together, and the crisp childish voices made Amiya, who had been annoyed by Kal'tsit's sudden departure, feel much more relaxed.
"Don't forget about me and Rosmontis!" Just as Kanna was about to leave, Amiya said with a smile.
"No problem, I'll bring you gifts back!" Kanna waved her hand and, with Red, jumped into the ventilation shaft.
"Oh no!" After seeing Kanna leave, Popukar seemed to remember something, shouted, and ran out in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Kanna followed Red through many twists and turns, finally arriving at the bottom exit from the Control Room.
At this moment, Kal'tsit was already waiting by the car.
"Due to the urgency of the situation, only the two of us will be traveling together this time. Please take good care of me along the way, Operator Kanna!" Kal'tsit leaned against the car door, waiting for Kroos to perform the final check on the vehicle.
A moment later, Kroos emerged from the car and gave an OK gesture.
"The vehicle is in perfect condition, with ample energy. The trunk is stocked with about half a month's worth of rations for you two, enough to cross this desert and find a town."
Kal'tsit nodded, then got into the driver's seat. Kanna also climbed into the car. After bidding farewell to Red and Kroos, the vehicle quietly drove out of Rhodes Island.
As she was leaving, Kanna touched her horn, feeling as if she had forgotten something.
"Beep beep beep! This is Amiya, can you hear me, Doctor Kal'tsit, Kanna-chan!" Suddenly, Amiya's voice came from the communicator in front of the car after two crackles.
Kal'tsit reached out and turned on the communicator, asking with a strange tone, "This is Kal'tsit, Amiya, is something wrong?"
"Oh, it's about Kanna-chan. Look up at the bridge." Hearing Kal'tsit's question, Amiya sounded a bit nervous.
Kanna poked her head out the window and saw Amiya and Popukar standing by the bridge. When Popukar saw Kanna look up, she excitedly waved the large object in her hand.
Seeing what was in Popukar's hand, Kanna slapped her forehead. She knew she had felt like she'd forgotten something—it was her greatsword, left behind on Rhodes Island.
Upon seeing Kanna wave at her, Popukar aimed at the car's location and threw Kanna's greatsword down from the bridge.
Seeing Popukar's action, Kanna slammed the car window, climbed out of the passenger seat, and after landing, pushed off forcefully. Amidst the rising dust, she easily caught the falling greatsword.
After landing again, she exerted force anew, jumping onto the car roof in one swift motion. Then, she quickly tied the weapon to the top and climbed back into the car through the window.
Seeing Kanna successfully catch the weapon, Popukar felt very satisfied. She wiped a thin layer of sweat from her forehead and sat on the ground, breathing heavily.
Running from the Control Room to Kanna's room to retrieve this heavy weapon, then contacting Amiya, who led her to the bridge to successfully locate Kanna's departing position, and finally exerting all her strength to throw the weapon to a spot where Kanna could easily catch it—this series of actions had almost completely exhausted her. Now, sitting on the ground, Popukar could only gasp for breath, unable to muster any strength.
Discovering Popukar couldn't move, Amiya was wondering how to carry her back. Fortunately, she encountered Warfarin, who was "air-drying" on the bridge.
After taking her down, Warfarin, who learned of Kal'tsit's departure, uncharacteristically grandly picked up Popukar and followed Amiya inside.
On the way, Amiya heard Warfarin occasionally chuckling, "Hehehe," and with her sidelong glance, it looked quite unsettling.
"Ahem! By the way, Amiya, with Kal'tsit gone, who is currently in charge of Rhodes Island's Medical Department?" Though she said this, with Kal'tsit gone, and with her reputation as 'Mr. Blood,' how many Operators would dare to challenge her?
"It's Doctor Silence," Amiya replied honestly.
Warfarin was even happier after hearing this. She knew Silence; she was a medical talent who had fled from Rhine Lab. She indeed had high attainments in Infected treatment and protection. It was normal for Kal'tsit to put her in charge of the Medical Department after her departure. However, most of her attention was on that Sarkaz, and since she hadn't been here long, she definitely wouldn't bother with an old-timer like herself. So, some of her ideas could now be implemented while Kal'tsit was away.
She only regretted that Skadi was not on Rhodes Island. She had always been curious about the Aegir race, but unfortunately, others were unwilling to be examined, and Kal'tsit's interference meant she had never obtained samples from her. If Skadi were here, then hehehe... On the other side, Kal'tsit handed Kanna a stack of documents in the car.
"Iberia's immigration control has become very strict since 'The Great Silence.' This is your identity for when you are in Iberia later. Your task for the next few days is to memorize all the information about your identity. Afterward, if anyone asks, answer according to the information. If it's not in the documents, tell them you don't know. If they continue to press, tell them to come find me."
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