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1:35 P.M. \ Clear

Rhodes Island Landship, Cabin No. 3, Medical Bay

Ok, turn around.

Please try to hold still. Don't move your tail either.

61.3... Hmm, your tail has grown longer again.

Alright, that's all.

Is the checkup complete?

Ahh, that tickled so bad! To be honest, I'm really not used to having my tail measured like this every time. It's really hard to keep it from moving.

Your reaction is still manageable, you tend to just twitch a little. The ones that are really hard to handle are those operators who suddenly try to attack you.

Yeah, there are some spots that are more sensitive after all. I've heard there are some races that you can't touch at all.

It's true.

Ah, time's up. Here, breathe into this.

(Huff——)

Done!

Yep, no issues.

The results for the blood test will only be out the day after tomorrow, but I'll have the preliminary diagnostic report ready in a moment.

Here, please drink this dissolving agent.

Alright.

I'm so sorry for always taking up your time. I feel really bad that you have to do so many examinations.

I know my own body after all, there's really no problem...

Provence!

Ehh, y-yes?

Please don't say such things again. Just look at the examination data from this check-up, all the indicators have fluctuated!

You also stayed outside longer than planned this time!

Rhodes Island is currently deep in the wilderness and there are barely any known nomadic city routes nearby. Who knows how dangerous it is out there?!

If we don't take proper precautions, it's extremely dangerous to stay in such a place!

My bad, my bad. Please don't get angry at me, okay?

There are a few small villages near our route, and I'm a little worried about them...

You may be a professional Catastrophe Messenger, but you still have to look out for your own safety!

I promise! I guarantee I'll be safe!

Look, I covered myself up all the way, just like how you taught me. Don't worry, I won't take any chances with my health!

Hmm...

Save your worries. The Catastrophe Messengers have their own ways of looking after themselves.

Especially for Messengers independent of any state, the lone wanderers of the wilderness...

I haven't seen many Catastrophe Messengers who could avoid getting infected, but a normal person would have died many times over if thrown into such environments.

On the contrary, these Messengers are still as lively as ever.

Um, was that a compliment?

No.

Sorry, what was that?

Well, you're not wrong. The environments we work in wouldn't be kind to the normal people. But, as long as you get the right training and avoid taking risks, it's actually not so bad.

A lot of my colleagues work for a single city-state a big company. Keeps them away from the riskiest work and guarantees a nice salary.

Catastrophe Messengers get paid well, with a high bar to entry. The assessment tests are extremely tough.

I see...

Speaking of which, the two new operators who've just arrived recently seem to have been recommended here by the Catastrophe Messenger platform. Are they your peers as well, Provence?

Ah, are you talking about Leonhardt and Tsukinogi?

Those two are very well-known, actually...

I met the both of them before coming for the check-up. I'm glad that Leonhardt seems to be adjusting well.

Oh? You know that long-eared brat?

He worked this little one over so badly she burst into tears. Just ask her about it.

Dr. Warfarin!

Fine, fine. I've said enough.

Ahahahahaha.

Was it really that funny?

Oh, right. That brat and that heiress from Higashi haven't yet completed their check-ups. Since you know them, do help to call them over.

Haha, sure, no problem!

I'll be going then~

I'm done eating. Here's my plate, babe.

Skinny? What? Everyone my age is like this. I probably look a little skinner since I'm still growing.

Yup, I'm getting enough to eat. I'm always here eating your food, aren't I?

The fried rice cake today was delicious! And the egg rolls yesterday were really good too! Ah, I have to go. I have training next, so I'll see you later~

Phew.

The people here are more vivacious than I expected.

*Sigh* If I keep eating like this, I'll get fat sooner or later.

That doesn't sound too bad. The lady in the cafeteria seems to really like you.

Good afternoon, Leonhardt. Looks like you're doing well.

I figured you'd be at the cafeteria around this time, luckily you hadn't gone far. I was looking for you.

Good afternoon, Provence. Please don't make fun of me, I've really started to put on weight since I came here. Some of my clothes don't even fit anymore!

Why were you looking for me though?

Dr. Warfarin wants you for a follow-up examination. Not just you, Tsukinogi too.

I went to the dance room earlier, but there was no one there. I don't know where Tsukinogi might be...

Ah, I know where she is.

Besides dancing her religious stuff, Tsukinogi also enjoys finding a quiet spot and looking at the scenery. I saw her near the outer layer just now, she might still be there.

Ehh... You haven't been at Rhodes Island for long, but you already know so much.

Hehe, I'm always paying attention to what people like, or don't like.

Follow me!

Accumulating clouds, a light breeze and dissipating fog...

Looks like the weather is turning.

Ah, how lucky. Tsukinogi's still here.

Hello~ Tsukinogi.

Good afternoon, Tsukinogi!

Oh? Good afternoon, to the both of you.

What's going on? Were you looking for me?

Ah, yes. Dr. Warfarin told me to ask you to head to Medical, for a follow-up examination.

Is that so? Alright, I shall head over now.

Oh, it's not that urgent. I think the medics should be off for lunch now. If you take your time you'll still make it.

That's right! The ladies of the Medical Department need their break. Let's take the chance to relax as well.

Have you had lunch yet, Tsukinogi? The cafeteria here is really good. I highly recommend the fried rice cakes and North Sadleir vegetable stew.

Hehe, I've already eaten.

However, I will have to try out those dishes next time, since you recommended them so highly.

They will definitely live up to your expectations!

Hmm... The scenery here is really nice. I've never really paid attention to this spot before. Didn't expect there was such a place on the landship.

Tsukinogi is really amazing, the same Catastrophe Patrol of Higashi I've heard about.

You flatter me. I was just looking for a quiet spot.

Dancing together with everyone is enjoyable, of course, but sitting here quietly and looking at the scenery is also quite pleasant.

As Catastrophe Messengers ourselves, we also carry the duty of monitoring the environment while we are stationed on the landship. As such, this wouldn't be considered slacking off.

How dedicated. I really have a lot to learn from my more experienced colleagues.

It's our job after all. Ahh, I always end up unconsciously relaxing whenever I'm on the landship...

...Hm?

(What's going on? It feels like the weather's changed.)

(Why would the tops of the clouds look like that...? They were fine when I came back this morning...)