Chapter Fifteen: The Operation

Standing dazed outside the tent, Eluca had no idea how to process the situation before her. To be honest, when she first saw that their visitor was a young and handsome man, Eluca had almost given up hope entirely. She knew all too well what fate awaited women on the wasteland; if she and her three sisters hadn’t awakened their authority abilities, they would already have become someone else’s playthings. But this time, not only had their Black Dog Squad suffered a devastating blow, their eldest sister—who had always led them—had died to cover their escape. All of this left Eluca deeply uneasy. So when she saw Farren’s arrival, her first thought was that she and her sisters were finally about to become someone else’s possessions.

It was true that those who awakened authority were extremely rare, but she had only awakened a second-level ability, and even “Narcissus” had just reached third level. The only reason their small squad had survived this long was because of the two third-level authority holders, “Narcissus” and “Rose.” But now, “Rose” was dead, and “Narcissus” gravely wounded. In these circumstances, what good outcome could possibly await the two of them?

Moreover, Farren’s attire was utterly different from anyone else they’d seen on the wasteland—more like a member of the upper echelons of society. This only solidified Eluca’s suspicions, which was why she’d deliberately adopted a hostile stance when they first met. In her view, Farren was surely some pampered scion of the Blackstone Group, here to add them to his harem.

What Eluca hadn’t expected, however, was that although this young man was firm in his attitude and appeared very young, he seemed to command an extraordinary degree of respect. The two battlefield doctors—both second-tier healers, and thus quite influential figures in their own right—became abjectly submissive in his presence, barely daring to utter a word. At his command, they vacated the surgical tent without protest. Even the Blackstone Group’s warriors, who hurried over at the commotion, didn’t dare say a thing, only standing awkwardly outside.

Was the young man truly so fearsome?

Eluca simply couldn’t wrap her head around it. As “Hounds,” they were never allowed back into the Ninth District and knew very little about its affairs—an intentional measure, to prevent any captured operatives from leaking sensitive information. After all, in this world there were methods far more effective than torture for extracting secrets from someone’s mind.

Because of this, Eluca had no idea who Farren really was. At first, she’d thought he was just some high-ranking pretty boy from the Blackstone Group. But she quickly abandoned that notion when she saw the head of the Blackstone security detail—whom she knew to be a surly, highly competent veteran—standing before Farren, sweating and nervous, obeying his every instruction. This was not normal. While the upper brass theoretically held authority, the grizzled veterans of the wasteland generally looked down on such soft-skinned leaders. Yet even this famously ill-tempered captain looked deeply unsettled in Farren’s presence... Could it be that this young man was more than just an important figure in the Blackstone Group?

But right now, a more pressing question loomed: could he really save her sister?

While the girl’s mind spun with worry, a very different scene was unfolding inside the field medical tent.

“Excellent. Everything’s ready.”

Farren smiled, nodding as he looked at the girl lying quietly on the table, so still she might as well have been dead. Then he turned to his companion, Delin.

“All right, let’s begin the ‘operation.’ Delin, help me keep thorough records—this data may prove invaluable.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good.”

As he spoke, Farren extended his hand, and in an instant, a scalpel flashed into existence between his fingers.

“Let’s begin.”

The girl known as “Narcissus” was in dire condition; in fact, she had slipped into shock soon after being brought in. For Farren, however, this was an ideal opportunity—at least he didn’t have to worry about other complications...

“Still white hair... Is this hereditary? The whole family has white hair, even down below... Albinism? Doesn’t seem quite right... Of course, it could be a genetic mutation. All right, let’s continue... Hm, this is fascinating... No trace of mutated organs in either the thoracic or abdominal cavity, everything is perfectly normal. Clean as a newborn—how interesting, she could be a model specimen...”

“Master? The patient’s heartbeat is gradually weakening. Shouldn’t we begin treatment?”

“I’ll leave that to you—just keep her alive for now. If she’s going to die, she can do it after my examination. Next, the digestive system... Hm... what on earth has she been eating? Ah, these bones feel remarkable... Almost like a girl’s skin...”

“That’s her ribcage, Master. I can maintain her condition for another three minutes and fifty seconds.”

“A moment longer—let me check the reproductive organs. There must be something interesting... Let’s see, the uterus...”

“Master, a minute and thirty seconds left.”

“No help for it... Start closing up. Such a fine subject can’t be allowed to die here. Begin, Delin.”

“Yes, Master.”

The remainder of the operation didn’t take Farren long. “Narcissus” had suffered fractured ribs and internal bleeding from blunt force trauma. Even in the world before the Cataclysm, such injuries could be survived with prompt care. The wasteland lacked advanced equipment, but the emergence of mysterious authority abilities changed the odds. Even a first-tier healing power could close wounds, so this sort of serious trauma was hardly insurmountable. In the end, Farren dealt with the matter effortlessly in just over half an hour.

For Eluca and Corona, waiting outside, the minutes passed like years. At last, when Farren and Delin emerged, Eluca hurried forward, her face taut with anxiety.

“Commander, how is my sister?”

“She’s fine. She’ll sleep it off and be as good as new by morning.”

Having answered, Farren turned and walked away. Eluca and Corona rushed into the tent, finding “Narcissus” in a deep, peaceful sleep. Her breathing was long and steady; though bloodstains still marred her surroundings, the sense of impending death had vanished. Even the pallor of her skin had given way to a faint, healthy flush.

“Whew...”

At this sight, Eluca finally let out a breath, collapsing onto the ground. Corona hurried to “Narcissus’s” side, staring intently at her. After a moment, she turned and smiled at Eluca.

“Eluca, big sister Chris is all right now!”

“Yes, she’s all right...”

Hearing her sister's words, the twin-tailed girl managed a tired smile. She was about to speak further when suddenly, a voice sounded behind them.

“Sorry to disturb you, but Miss Narcissus needs rest. I must ask you both to leave for now.”

At the sound, “Tulip” looked up hurriedly. Delin was standing quietly behind them, a gentle smile on her lips as she regarded the pair. Noticing Delin’s gaze, Eluca blushed and quickly stood.

“S-sorry, we didn’t mean—”

“There’s no need to apologize to me. I’m only here to convey my Master’s instructions. I assure you, Miss Narcissus will be well cared for here. Now, if you would, please come with me.”

With that, Delin turned and left the tent, and Eluca and Corona exchanged a glance before hurrying to follow.

“Um... Miss...”

“Just call me Delin.”

“Then... Miss Delin, may I ask where you’re taking us?”

“According to my Master’s orders, you are to bathe first, and then join him for dinner.”

“Dinner?”

At this, Eluca suddenly became aware of the loud rumbling in her stomach.