Chapter 50: Reunion

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The quality of the force-feedback armor Amilia wears is clearly far superior to the previous standard version. More intricate decorative carvings are, of course, a given, but the most striking feature is the two small angelic figures trailing behind her.

These winged, infant-like entities... they appear to be the legendary cherubs, but in essence, they are akin to servitors, and in a certain sense, can be considered variants of servo-skulls.

As for the manufacturing process, there's no need to elaborate; let's just assume it's as the Ecclesiarchy proclaims.

Moreover, upon closer inspection, one can spot the jump pack on her back. This expensive piece of equipment allows the user to plummet from the sky at high speed into enemy ranks, typically utilized by the Raven Guard of the Space Marines or the Seraphim Squad of the Sisters of Battle.

None of this is particularly surprising.

At this critical juncture, it's inconceivable that the local Ecclesiarchy and the Sisters of Battle would not promote Amilia, blessed by the Emperor, and even bestowed with a relic. Such an honor would rank highly even within the grand convents of Ophelia VII.

Looking into the golden eyes that lowered to meet his gaze, Zhang Ge asked:

"Amilia, you're back so soon. Is there something going on?"

"I've already handled my matters, but yes, there is something—a proposal from the Sisterhood."

As Amilia answered, Zhang Ge noticed Yolanda behind her making a pouting expression, her mechanical arm retrieving a Throne coin from her backpack and handing it to the nearby guard captain. He wondered what kind of bet the two had made.

"Go on."

"So far, only twenty-one battle sisters have returned alive from outside the hive city. Even including the novices and penitent sisters, the number only reaches twenty-eight. They are from the Order of the Martyred Saint and the Order of the Valiant Heart. Moreover, none of the stationed high-ranking sisters survived, so I've been appointed as their temporary commander."

Zhang Ge sensed something amiss from her tone:

"You're not thinking of having them merge under my command, are you?"

Amilia nodded and added:

"It's not a merger, but a coordinated action, just like the previous assignments."

Coordinated action, what difference does that make to me?

His extraordinary wisdom quickly kicked into gear, and a reason came to his lips:

"Although I have no objections, is the Ecclesiarchy aware of this matter?"

This statement was actually a tactful refusal. The Ecclesiarchy's remaining armed forces were so limited; would they be willing to send them to the front lines?

But Amilia showed a hint of hesitation at these words. She took Zhang Ge's hand and led him aside. Seeing this, Zhang Ge naturally waved his hand to signal the guards not to follow.

After the two arrived at a distant location, Amilia whispered:

"Since the shame of the Age of Apostasy, the Sisters of Battle have been retained and directly under the Ecclesiarchy, but they do not follow its commands. Instead, they act more like overseers of the Ecclesiarchy. Bishops can certainly offer suggestions, but in reality, they don't have much control over our actions."

Zhang Ge only remembered this fact when she brought it up. This past event holds a historical significance for the entire Sisters of Battle equivalent to the Horus Heresy for the Space Marines.

This is also why most of the Ecclesiarchy's overt armed forces were completely disbanded, leaving only the Sisters of Battle. He had some recollection of this, but the description of the relationship between the Sisters of Battle and the Ecclesiarchy thereafter was too brief, so he couldn't recall it immediately.

After some thought, she continued:

"However, if you don't agree with the joint operation, I will transfer command to someone else and stay with you."

Hearing this, Zhang Ge was left speechless. It's just an Ascalon, isn't it? Is it really worth all this... Well, it seems it really is. Damn it, these fanatical believers.

Since things have come to this, what reason does he have to refuse?

After all, Zhang Ge is determined to die alone, not to drag the entire regiment down with him. Since Amilia insists on staying by his side, what difference does it make to have an additional twenty or so Battle Sisters scattered within the troops to enhance combat effectiveness? It has little to no additional impact on his personal safety.

"Since there's no resistance, I have no objections either."

After speaking, Zhang Ge suddenly remembered something and asked:

"What about Dominica?"

Hearing this, Amilia extended her left hand, and a small angel gracefully floated to her palm.

Huh? Is this Dominica? Does that mean she's been reduced to just a brain?

In Zhang Ge's eyes, Amilia spoke:

"Communicate with 028 Dominica."

Shortly after, an image projected from the little angel's eyes—it was Dominica, though now she wore a metal collar around her neck.

"Officer Amilia? What brings you here? Ah, Colonel Zhang... Colonel, hello!"

"You weren't turned into a servitor that just beeps, were you?"

Dominica shook her head, her silver hair swaying slightly:

"The Canoness agreed with Officer Amilia's view, believing we are short-handed. So, after assigning me as a Penitent Sister, she ordered me not to seek death intentionally but to cleanse my shame with the blood of heretics in battle."

As she spoke, she hooked her finger around the collar on her neck, lifting it slightly to show the details. However, after tugging for a while, it barely moved forward, even to the point where the flesh on the back of her neck was visibly pressed.

But then, she suddenly had an epiphany and reached out to grab the "camera"—probably another little angel—bringing the view closer to the collar.

"If I try to escape again, this collar will be detonated by the sister holding the controller. Additionally, it amplifies the guilt deep within me. During non-combat times, I have to endure whippings and perform penitent prayers every day under the amplified sense of guilt."

Before Zhang Ge could even open his mouth to stop her, he saw one of her fingers enter the frame, rapidly approaching the collar as her voice sounded again.

"The button is here, ugh... ugh... it's... ugh... can't... be interrupted... ugh..."

Zhang Ge said expressionlessly, "Alright, cut the communication."

Amilia closed the communication, her expression as impassive as Zhang Ge's, yet there was an unmistakable chill in the details.

It seemed someone was about to be in trouble.

After the two finished their conversation and returned to the side door, Amilia was the first to speak to the other two:

"My name is Amilia, and I will be traveling with you from now on."

First to respond was Yolanda:

"Yolanda, low-level Enginseer, attached to the Tech-Priest."

However, the squad leader later stated:

"I'm only temporarily in charge of the escort mission, after which we won't be operating together."

He had no intention of revealing his name, as being remembered by the higher-ups wasn't necessarily a good thing. If during a battle someone suddenly thought, "Hey, doesn't so-and-so have a unit under them? Let's call them in to hold the line," that would be the end of him.

Death is not to be feared, but the real issue is that on such a battlefield, one might encounter fates far worse than death. He would not act recklessly in the heat of the moment.

Fortunately, Amilia didn't press him further. She nodded to acknowledge his words, then turned her gaze toward Zhang Ge.

It was clear she was asking where they should go next.

I have something I want to look into.

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