Girls' Frontline: My Apocalypse with Dolls

Page 353

Countless people were in a state of anxiety that night, worrying about whether they could keep their jobs. After all, the shooting involved more than just individuals; it touched upon a problem that had plagued the White Eagle for decades. This was not an event that a single state could resolve on its own; it directly shook the very foundations of the federal system.

At this point, not only the Thomson family, but also Gray Biotechnology Corporation will become an entity they cannot ignore, active on the New York stage, doing countless things that they want to stop but cannot do at this critical moment of the biohazard crisis.

Atop the skyscraper, the man stood by the railing, gazing down at the breathtaking view. The howling wind couldn't deter him; more than the chill, the raging fire above the city stirred his heart.

After a roar, police helicopters flew overhead, continuing their search for the perpetrators. But in an instant, almost everyone vanished without a trace. All surveillance and signal receiving equipment was damaged to varying degrees. Almost no information about what happened that night was preserved. Only a few cameras were still functioning and recorded some intermittent footage.

The man's gaze gradually shifted from fierce to satisfied. Despite the chaos it had caused, he had at least achieved his goal in a simple and brutal way.

The battle with the underworld is over; now it's time to face Umbrella and the White Eagle themselves...

He knew very well that White Eagle and Umbrella definitely had some trump cards up their sleeves, but now he had gained considerable initiative, at least forcing them to consider their next move.

"Commander, cleanup complete, finishing touches finished."

The disruptor slung her weapon over her back and walked onto the rooftop with as much composure as possible, though the earlier firefight had left her hair slightly disheveled.

"Disruptor, you're too slow. We finished a long time ago."

Looking up toward the source of the sound, the vandal was sitting on top, swinging his legs, with a "that's it" expression on his face.

"Tch..."

She ignored him and slowly walked toward the man by the railing. It was then that she realized that almost everyone had finished their cleaning work and gathered on the rooftop. She was indeed quite late.

They were all by the railing, admiring their own masterpieces in different poses. In their original world, most of them were responsible for protecting something, but now, they were taking the initiative to participate in destroying something, so of course they wanted to appreciate it.

This was the first choice they had made with their own hands since stepping into the freedom the commander had promised them...

The howling wind whipped their long hair around, but they remained unmoved. After all, the fierce winds of the night were far less powerful than the storms they had stirred up themselves.

"Commander, how are we doing?" The metrology officer finally arrived at Luo Fan's side and asked with a smile.

Ouroboros followed closely: "I'm also curious, what would you say about your first joint operation in this world?"

Unlike the girls from Griffin, the girls from Ironblood Works were participating in this operation for the first time, so they had to be much more careful about it.

"Yeah, say something, Commander of Griffin. You see, it's rare for us to fight alongside Griffin. Isn't it completely different from before?!"

Luo Fan heard the girl's wild questions and the roar of a motorcycle through his earpiece. Looking down, he saw Beak speeding across the top of a building, tearing apart its target with the motorcycle's firepower. Then, it floored the throttle and sped straight towards the top of another, shorter building, repeating the same action.

No one can control her madness; there's no doubt that the turmoil in New York is far from over...

"I imagine this hunt will be a completely different experience compared to the past, right?"

The dreamer had been leaning on the railing in front of Luo Fan for some time, but because she was small, she didn't notice her immediately.

The scarecrow remained noncommittal: "For us, this may be a novel experience, but for some, it may be the beginning of suffering."

Eleanor didn't participate in the questioning; instead, as she spun the scythe back into her hand, the blood on the blade was flung to the ground by inertia, still warm and not yet dried...

This was undoubtedly a masterpiece, their first mark on the world, telling everyone in the White Eagle that a certain entity that could not be ignored had appeared before them, and from now on, panic would accompany the development of this country.

The reshuffling of the business and political spheres marks the end of one game and the beginning of another. After tonight, the battlefield will shift from bustling New York City to the dilapidated Colorado quarantine zone.

Luo Fan was always clear about his plan. He did not become complacent. On the contrary, the next step of the plan had already begun to take shape. Even though Rosalia had reminded him to control his emotions, it didn't matter. Since someone was blocking their way, they had to be eliminated, even if the methods were too extreme.

The White Eagle government certainly wouldn't stand idly by while Umbrella was dealt with. After this conflict, holding Umbrella accountable would be inevitable. In the end, they would become the dominant party, and the balance of power would shift. Now, the situation has changed.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

The surveillance cameras, the searchlights, the officers' eyes, and MonItor's surveillance all failed to detect the man standing there, mocking their incompetence.

Tonight, it's a complete victory for them...

“Girls, well done. This will be a very good first move in our rise in New York.”

......

"What? That's it?"

He said disdainfully.

The executioner pressed on, "Yes, that kind of evaluation is indeed a bit lacking; it's too formal."

"hehe......"

Luo Fan chuckled twice, then pulled a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth.

He lit it with a lighter, and before the flame could go out, the man raised his hand and threw the still-burning lighter away.

Sparks danced wildly in the wind, reflecting the chaos on every inch of New York City. While everyone ignored the tiny flames, they fell to the ground, exploded, and ignited, sparking new fires.

They hadn't considered how much lighter fluid was left inside the lighter...

"Okay, girls, well done!"

He still praised her with a smile, but this time, in addition to his gratitude to the girls, there was also a ruthless intent towards the entire White Eagle organization.

With a wave of his hand, he took over the entire city of New York; his plans were far from over.

This is just the prelude to yet another performance...

This isn't over yet...

P.S.: My favorite musician released a new album, and I happened to hear this song while writing this, so I thought I could indulge in a bit of chuunibyou (a Japanese term for someone who acts like a teenager with delusions of grandeur).

506 Yearning for the Truth

As the last wave disappeared over the ocean, Lofan and the girls split up to carry out the final cleanup work. Lofan went to contact Dandley to establish an anti-interference frequency band, the Ironblood Factory went to liquidate the family businesses, and the girls integrated the families that had already submitted and elevated Williams' status, making him an agent under the Thomson family. When Lofan was not around, Thomson could have Williams handle some of the work that was inconvenient for him to do in person.

Lovan has cleared all possible obstacles on the business route within his capabilities. The rest is up to Mrs. Gray and the others, while he prepares to head to the quarantine zone to complete the other part of the mission.

The streets of New York at night were far more treacherous and dark than they had imagined, yet they made it through unscathed. Now, the families that had stood in their way had been wiped out, and their next challenge was Umbrella, the largest pharmaceutical giant in the White Eagle, and the national power of the White Eagle.

This will be the hardest step, but a single misstep could lead to utter ruin and complete defeat. Therefore, Luo Fan's pressure has not eased in the slightest. Compared to before, he will only become more and more tired, and he will have to face and bear more and more burdens.

While Lovan and Dandre were establishing their frequency bands, the girls found Williams and informed him of the current situation. Williams was astonished. He hadn't expected, and no one had expected, that a rising family active in New York would suddenly rise to become the head of the Mafia Commission, crushing the two top families and other defiances underfoot.

He was also glad that he had made the right choice and had not gone against the Thomson family. However, the situation at the time did not allow him the opportunity to object. In any case, at least this shuffle had dealt him some good cards, and he would do his best to play the game well and deliver a satisfactory result.

A day later, the finishing touches were largely completed. Before leaving, Lovan called Rosalia.

"Hey?"

The voice on the other end was slightly low and tired, as if it had expected the call to happen and had been waiting for it.

“It’s me,” Luo Fan sighed. “I’m about to head to other states and probably won’t be back for quite a while. Is there anything else you need for me, like medicine or something?”

Rosalia clicked her tongue, followed by the sound of the bed frame shaking: "Yes, shall we meet at your bar?"

"...Let's go somewhere else. It's not convenient for me to go back right now."

On the street, Lovan gazed at Valhalla not far away for a few seconds, then turned and walked to the other side of the alley.

“Let’s go to the theater then,” Rosalia said casually. “You should be able to come and go as you please now. We’ll go there to finish the necessary preparations, and then you can set off.”

"......Row."

A cold wind, carrying scraps of paper, swept through the damp alleyway, blowing the stray hairs on the man's forehead. His body, drenched in sweat from intense exercise, suddenly shivered from the cold.

He turned around, but could no longer see the warm lights of Valhalla; all that remained was the narrow, dim tube effect of the alleyway.

He was aware that his current actions were deviating from his original intentions, but he had no other choice but to become ruthless in order to achieve his ultimate goal. The balance of victory was not based on whose reasons were more legitimate, but on whose methods were more "creative".

Therefore, even if he knew he would fall into hell because of this, it didn't matter.

He gave her his last paradise...

"It seems like it's almost July; the lilies on the rooftop should be blooming soon..."

He smiled, then silently disappeared around the next corner...

.......

With the VIP status granted by Nekitiya, entering and leaving the theater was as easy as leaving one's own backyard. Since Nekitiya and the other two key figures of the theater moved into Lofan's bar, the bar has only held a few banquets and simple performances from time to time. However, there was no banquet scheduled for tonight, so apart from the cleaning and security personnel, there was basically no one else in the theater. It was very quiet, and with the exquisite decorations, Lofan liked this atmosphere very much.

Following the instructions on the wall, Luo Fan wandered around for more than ten minutes before finally navigating the intricate corridors and arriving at the room Rosalia had mentioned.

The guest room was brand new and spotless, as if no one had ever lived there. Perhaps the cleaning staff were too dedicated, because the air was even filled with the smell of cotton quilts.

Rosalia sat on the bed, repeatedly examining a test tube. Beside her were four sealed suitcases, which appeared to contain medicine prepared for Luo Fan.

Noticing Luo Fan's arrival, she didn't look up, her tone somewhat indifferent: "You've arrived?"

"Ah."

Luo Fan didn't find anything wrong and sat down beside her.

After Rosalia finished examining the test tubes in her hand, she put them in her suitcase and handed them, along with the ones on the bed, to Lovan.

"Here, this should be enough for you to drink for quite a while. I've slightly adjusted the proportions, so the effect won't be as strong and it shouldn't interfere with your activities."

She was very focused, giving instructions while also checking on Luo Fan to make sure he was healthy.

Luo Fan looked at her silently, listening to her instructions while also feeling curious about why she could go to such lengths for him.

"How much...do you actually know?"

The girl was taken aback by the sudden question. She hadn't expected him to interrupt her and ask this question that he had asked more than once.

She thought for a moment, then said, "I know most of the details about tonight's shooting, your and Yingque's illnesses, and the young girls around you."

Now that things have come to this, Luo Fan is no longer shocked by this answer. Rather, he has gotten used to it and will not find it strange that the other party knows more.

"So you could have used this information to extort money from me, why did you choose to help me, and go to such lengths?"

Luo Fan's gaze, which had been wandering due to deep thought, finally sharpened at this moment. Facing the girl before him, he no longer doubted her friend or foe; he wanted to know more about why she had done this...

"...I've said it before, the reverse Kabbalah factor."

507 Motivation

Rosalia seemed tired of the question as well and gave her a reply.

"You must have felt this more than once, a sense of familiarity with me. Even though you've never seen me before, you feel a sense of familiarity with my existence. This is the effect of the reverse Kabbalah factor, the reverse Kabbalah factor of Asmodeus. This factor flows in both of our bodies, but yours is more ancient and purer than mine. That's why you feel pain, since this thing will contaminate all living beings that come into contact with it."

This explanation only deepened Luo Fan's confusion: "Pollution? You've also been injected with such drugs before?"

“No,” Rosalia said coldly, staring intently at the man before her. “I am the embodiment of this factor, or rather, I am the concentrated manifestation of its will.”

.......

"So?" Luo Fan took a few centimeters back, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Rosalia remained unmoved: "Don't worry, although we are different, the Reverse Kabbalah Factor is making you a being close to me, which is one of Umbrella's ultimate goals..."

As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of fire suddenly erupted from Rosalia's hand, but it only lasted for a moment. Not only was there fire, but there were also many black parts, as if it had been charred.

Luo Fan was greatly shocked, but he didn't show it: "What was that... just now...?"

"The devil's gift causes you pain, but it also makes you stronger. Where you end up depends on your heart, but before that, you have already begun to deviate from the realm of humanity to some extent."

Rosalia put her hands back on the bed, kicked off her shoes, and lay down on the bed.

"Although you still look like a human being, if the machines used for internal medicine testing were more advanced, they might be able to find many abnormalities in your body. This is the effect of that factor, and it is also the main reason for your pain."

This explanation made Luo Fan feel even more that, rather than a drug with side effects, it was more like some kind of potent poison...

"You mean I'm not human anymore?"

"Yes, but it's a different concept. You are much more advanced than a simple 'person' now."

The girl on the bed raised her hand and waved it twice at Luo Fan, signaling him to lie down.

"The reverse Kabbalah factor in your body is purer and more ancient. That's why I chose to approach you and offer you help, without telling you all the facts immediately. Instead, I let you experience the process slowly and make you believe."

She opened her eyes, and the reliefs on the ceiling seemed to be telling her another story.

"The Alicia Band and Ethel, including Morse who is already in your bar, all came to your side for this reason. Although our goals are different, we can agree on the methods. Therefore, we chose to cooperate to cultivate you, at least to help you get through this difficult period. As for Jiaen, Chris, and a successor president from the ESPR Society at Ethel's place, they are all potential talents we have found for you. In the future, they will provide you with great help. The robots around you alone are not enough."

Sure enough, she already knew that the girls were in human form, but she hadn't revealed it until now. The reason she chose to say it now was probably because she had received enough information and it was time for her to explain.

Regardless of whether it was true or false, Luo Fan chose to listen to the whole story first...

“At first, we planned to just slowly support you and help you when you needed it,” Rosalia suddenly turned her head and looked into Luo Fan’s eyes, which seemed to contain a different kind of thought: “In our understanding, people who have power and authority should be incompetent and reckless, always sinking into a cocoon of self-satisfaction. But you have behaved... very differently. We have never seen anyone like you who can still smile and tell the people around him that he is fine after experiencing such pain. Including the use of power, with your little girls, I think with your intelligence, you could have done things more directly and in a more beneficial way for yourself. But you didn’t. You chose to live in a secluded corner with your little girls, carved out a small nest and settled down, and you are happy to do so.”

For some reason, Rosalia laughed, no longer with the sarcasm she had shown before: "Even the three in the band are enjoying this special time. It's so different from their past experiences, especially Nekitia. As someone who has been blind since birth and has never experienced love, your presence brings her the novel experience she has longed for. She enjoys it, defends it, and has even argued with us more than once." The girl raised her hand, pointing her index finger at the man's eyes: "She doesn't want you to become a 'big shot' and stop cherishing this family."

......

Luo Fan's eyes were unfocused and unpredictable. He was not only shocked, but also found it difficult to accept so much information. He was also surprised that those close to him, including the Alicia Band, knew about this and had been in cahoots all along.

He did sense the change in Nekitia's emotions, but he hadn't expected it to be this extreme. It seemed that none of them had a pleasant past...

Could it be said that his easygoing and unassuming personality saved him? It led those who approached him to choose to be more sincere in their interactions with him, rather than acting as a two-faced ruler and subject?

Unbeknownst to them, he had unintentionally brought about so many changes, causing many situations to deviate from their plans.