Глава 4

(Things aren't looking good. I really dislike this kind of feeling.)

(Though we're supposed to be the hunters, it feels like all we've been cornered into hiding by bigger prey.)

(Wait, they seem to be communicating with someone...)

(I can't hear what they're saying from here. I'm going to get closer.)

(Don't. It's too risky right now.)

(It's too quiet. We don't know what kinds of Infected we're facing yet...)

(If any of them have enhanced hearing, we'll be in trouble.)

(...What are they waiting for?)

(Something feels... off about this.)

(Could it be...)

(Jessica, are you feeling it too...?)

(Y-yeah... I'm also...)

(The temperature is dropping again...)

(So... cold...)

(Could they be behind this...?!)

(...! Jessica, why are you biting your fingers--)

(So that her teeth don't chatter and make noise.)

(I don't think that's necessary yet, but what a diligent kid.)

(To me, you're just a kid too.)

(...Hah.)

(As if.)

(...It's warming back up again. Those three Reunion members left as well.)

Are they testing the functionality of something...?

...They appeared without making a sound, only leaving a trail of shivering cold in their wake.

They really are like those 'yetis' from legend.

Maybe my guess was right.

They might just be yetis.

...Found it.

Here's another wall that's been affected by the ice. But, look at this...

There's a chunk of black Originium lodged in the corner?

No wonder. The cold wave must have emanated from here.

There are distinct patterns on the wall.

This chunk of Originium is the epicenter of all this.

...When I was a mercenary, there was a rumor circulating around.

In the northwest, the Infected were carrying out guerilla warfare against Ursus.

Among them was a towering monster.

As the rumor went, nothing could hold off its advance.

Shields would be crumpled, weapons would be snapped.

Everywhere the monster went, only a barren tundra, devoid of life, would remain.

And within that guerilla force, there was this one squad...

They were like the chill of winter itself.

The land was said to freeze underneath their feet.

Buildings would collapse, turned into nothing more than grains of snow drifting across an empty battlefield.

The trenches where the Ursus soldiers were stationed became their icy grave.

Are you saying that...

Yes. I think this is that very legend...

...the 'Yeti Squadron.'

Let's keep going. I have a feeling that we're going to find the Reunion base soon.

Ugh...

What's wrong?

Do you smell that as well...

...the smell of something burning?

第三十二关（前）

Hope I didn't keep you waiting. The L.G.D. meeting took a little longer than expected.

Don't worry about it, Madam Ch'en.

(She looks like nothing ever happened...)

How's the situation?

Our scout team has already sent back some information.

I went through it and picked out a few things that might interest you.

Ah, Inspector Hoshiguma...

Don't worry about me. I'm just going to listen in.

Continue, Amiya. It's fine.

Very well. We managed to get a lead from some Infected...

The scout team has already confirmed that there are several Reunion hideouts in Lungmen's residential district.

And?

A number of Reunion squads are already planning to launch an attack against Lungmen's defenses.

We even found an infiltration channel that Reunion had been using.

Hah. Such arrogance.

They seem to be underestimating the L.G.D.

What about the ruins of Chernobog?

Rhodes Island dispatched multiple recon squads there.

While most of the residents were gone, we did find many Reunion members still active there.

One team even had more than three encounters with Reunion forces.

However, based upon the intel we have, we are unable to conclusively link the movements in the city to any broader Reunion operations...

But I would recommend choosing this city as one of our important operation targets in the future.

...I see.

Hoshiguma, help bring me my forms. Third drawer on the left side of my desk.

Right now? Sure thing.

Continue.

Mm, to summarize...

Rhodes Island suggests a joint operation to completely eliminate the remaining Reunion forces in Lungmen.

No good.

The L.G.D. will not permit it.

...What? Madam Ch'en...?

I said, no.

You... are an Infected.

If you carry out any more missions in the slums, you'll only cause greater disorder.

This is our decision.

But--

Ah, excuse me, I need to take this call...

This is Amiya.

Is, is this Amiya?

...! Jessica?

Yes, Jessica here...

Are you on a stealth mission? I can barely hear you...

We found them in the city ruins...

Reunion's leaders...

There are... two of them.

What?!

So, you fled back here with your tail between your legs?