Nikke, something’s seriously wrong with this evacuation point! Chapter 100 100: Oswald

A torrential rain poured down.

This was the second day after Charon left Abe.

He was still in the city, but now he was in what was commonly called the "lower district."

This area was not part of the city from the beginning. It was ford by poor refugees fleeing from other cities. Rather than a proper part of the city, it was more like scraps and garbage piled up against its edges, a settlent clinging to survival.

Living badly is still better than dying. Even if it's just scraps, it is still resources. So despite the hardship, people managed to survive here, and it had gradually developed into sothing more stable.

There was no choice–if they didn't develop quickly enough, not only Raptures, but even the winter cold could kill them.

As for why Charon was here, it's a long story, so let's keep it short.

In simple terms, the upper authorities suddenly ordered strict border inspections. The kind of entry operation Charon had previously used was now completely impossible. Every corner of every vehicle at the checkpoints was being thoroughly searched–so strict that not even a mouse could get through.

Charon had no choice but to send a ssage to Rose and the others, telling them to reduce activity for now and wait until he returned before making further decisions.

This didn't an he intended to wait obediently until the blockade was lifted. Of course he would look for another route.

At least he was glad he hadn't brought any Nikkes with him. Even if he had one waiting outside the city, they would have been caught for sure. As for Charon himself–well, as the saying goes, the boat finds its way under the bridge.

Then he ran straight into a freezing winter rain.

Damn, it really was cold.

Even so, the lower district was still busy with people struggling to survive. Surprisingly, it was quite lively.

He was dressed like an ordinary civilian. If he were still in military uniform, he definitely wouldn't be welcod here.

After walking around a bit, Charon finally sat down at a ran stall with a few occupied tables. The stall owner looked to be in his fifties, wearing a professional smile, while a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl in plain clothes was wiping the tables.

Wiping his hair with a towel, Charon thought: he wouldn't freeze to death, but the cold still felt awful. Might as well eat sothing hot.

One of the rules of survival in the lower district is this: don't eat alone by the roadside–you'll likely be targeted. But eating at a roadside stall is fine. These places usually pay protection fees to local gangs.

Charon wasn't afraid of trouble, but he preferred to avoid it. After all, escaping might require help from those sa gangs.

"Welco. What would you like?"

"One bowl of your signature hot soup noodles. Sothing to warm up."

He paid imdiately. Here, prepaynt was also part of the rules.

"Coming right up!" The owner's smile beca more genuine after seeing the money and quickly began cooking.

Soon, steaming noodles were served. The girl brought them over to Charon.

The aroma was comforting. Canned food was fine, but in this weather, nothing beat freshly made soup noodles.

As Charon ate, feeling warmth return to his body, the sound of leather shoes suddenly ca from behind him.

In the lower district, leather shoes were out of place. They had no practical use here.

Soon, the newcor closed a black umbrella and sat down across from him.

It was a young man–about Charon's age. Slim face, sharp eyes. As soon as he sat down, his gaze fixed on Charon.

Charon slowed his eating, took a sip of soup, and just as he set the bowl down, the man handed him a clean napkin.

"Thanks," Charon said casually and wiped his mouth.

"You're welco." The man's tone had no fluctuation, only quiet scrutiny. Then he glanced back slightly and said:

"Boss, one bowl of char siu noodles. And add an extra portion of char siu–for this gentleman… Lieutenant Ron."

"I don't eat that much," Charon said.

"I know. It's on . You can pack it for your family."

"…Fine."

"I already have a takeout container," Charon replied, continuing to eat. "And you are?"

"Oswald. I serve the Central Governnt." He handed over a business card politely. "Lieutenant Ron, I've long heard of you."

"I don't think I've done anything worth being rembered for."

Oswald smiled without comnt. Clearly, he already had considerable information about "Ron."

The char siu noodles arrived, along with a packed portion. The girl curiously glanced at the two n before happily skipping away.

"Colonel Andersen has been promoted quickly. His character and abilities are well regarded by the governnt. He is expected to gain even more authority," Oswald said calmly. "However… it seems so of his subordinates are not very disciplined."

He did not explicitly call out Charon's real na. This ant he only knew information related to "Ron." And ntioning Andersen here suggested that this identity officially fell under Andersen's command.

Damn it. If I ever get the chance, I'll break that bastard's head.

But for now, just keep acting.

"I was just visiting an old acquaintance. Since when does the governnt control a soldier's social circle?"

Oswald sighed, taking a bite of char siu with refined manners.

"Under current circumstances, everything is under scrutiny. For the frontline Goddess Squad to fight without worries, the rear must function as a unified block."

"So talking to an old friend makes an instability factor?"

"Not any friend. Only that Professor Abe."

Even sitting at a roadside stall, Oswald's posture remained impeccable.

"The VTC faction still regards her as the one who will open the future. Her transfer–or rather, exile–is also a form of protection."

Charon fell silent.

His understanding of Abe had been incomplete.

He had thought that even if she was extraordinary, VTC could still function without her. But now he realized she was actually their irreplaceable top scientific talent.

He had misjudged.

Even getting her out was not simple. Every interaction she had was already under governnt surveillance.

"So all unstable factors–rumors, private deals, or secret contacts–must be eliminated."