Crossover: Monthly Character Templates in the Multiverse Chat Group — Chapter 87

Chapter 87: Kiana’s New Clothes

Setting up a branch for Rhine Lab was no small matter.

But the fact that the location was set in Kazdel made it an absolute earthquake.

Everyone on Terra knew Kazdel was a chaotic wasteland, and with half of Siracusa recently conquered, the sudden, explosive resurgence of the Sarkaz had caught the entire world off guard. Rumors bled through the borders that even the Laterano Guard’s elite offensive had been violently repelled by Sarkaz forces. The surviving soldiers who dragged themselves back babbled frantically about devils and nightmares.

Naturally, the researchers at Rhine Lab assumed anyone sent to such a place was being exiled for offending the Control.

Nasti Lunnorei, the Director of the Engineering Section, was slated to head to Kazdel next. Although she was indeed a Sarkaz, the timing gave everyone the distinct feeling that she had somehow crossed the higher-ups.

“You are letting Nasti return to Kazdel to establish a branch? Kirsten, what exactly are you thinking?”

Saria, the Director of the Defense Section and one of the founding pillars of Rhine Lab, pushed open the door to Kirsten’s office and demanded answers without preamble.

“It is merely establishing a branch, Saria. The Sarkaz possess a history far longer and deeper than we ever imagined.” Kirsten Wright sat behind her desk, completely unbothered as she answered her old friend. “And this is also Nasti’s own wish. She will go as the branch director and take a select group of researchers with her. Of course, these researchers will receive hazard pay and premium benefits; after all, the environment there is indeed less than ideal.”

Saria narrowed her eyes, her posture rigid. “And besides that? You are not someone who does meaningless things.”

Whether in terms of environmental safety or research potential, Kazdel was a terrible choice. It was a barren warzone populated solely by Sarkaz. Saria did not know the complex details of their culture, but the universal impression of the Sarkaz across Terra was that they were barbaric, crude, and dangerous.

Especially since they had ignited a massive war not long ago. Going to Kazdel now was simply asking for trouble; it did not resemble a normal business investment in the slightest.

“I have glimpsed new knowledge, Saria. Our true future is the sea of stars. It is utterly wretched to remain bound to the dirt of this earth. That Demon King will make an excellent collaborator.” Kirsten leaned forward, a visionary gleam in her eyes. “I have already reached a cooperation agreement with His Highness. Besides, Nasti is a local and will not be affected much by the terrain. I will also head there myself when the time comes.”

“You are going too?” Saria frowned, her protective instincts immediately flaring. She refused to let Kirsten put herself in danger. “Then I will go with you.”

“That works perfectly.”

“What are you two talking about? I heard Nasti is heading to Kazdel. Tell me the rumors aren’t true—she didn’t actually offend you guys, did she?”

The office door swung open again, revealing an elegant, water-manipulating elf.

“Hello! Hi everyone,” Muelsyse greeted with a bright wave.

Saria glanced at her. “Muelsyse, are you here for Nasti as well?”

“Not really. I just came to see you guys. Running experiments all day gets incredibly boring.” Muelsyse dropped onto the sofa, crossing her legs with a graceful sigh. “So, what is actually going on?”

Kirsten gave a brief rundown of the Kazdel alliance. The two Rhine Lab founders reacted differently to the revelation. Saria crossed her arms, calmly digesting the heavy news. “I never expected the history of the Sarkaz to run so deep.”

“They are actually that ancient? I just wonder if they know anything about my kin.” Muelsyse rubbed her temples, her shoulders slumping in distress. “The environment in Kazdel is simply too hostile for me.”

As an elf heavily reliant on her aquatic arts, she could not afford prolonged exposure to Originium. Kazdel was practically built on the stuff. A high-concentration Originium environment would guarantee she contracted Oripathy, and with her delicate constitution, she would simply drop dead.

“Then do not go,” Kirsten said smoothly. “I can ask on your behalf. Perhaps some among the ancient Sarkaz know of your existence.”

Muelsyse nodded gratefully, and Kirsten shifted the topic to discuss their next operational steps.

Meanwhile…

Across Trimounts, Frez sat in a dimly lit bar, nursing a drink across from Tin Man. The mechanical informant was downing glass after glass of hard liquor like it was tap water. Frez matched his pace effortlessly; this level of alcohol was barely a tickle to his enhanced system.

“Tin Man,” Frez said, setting his glass down. “Kazdel is currently bleeding for technical talent. Can you find some people to send over?”

“Your Highness, I will certainly keep an eye out for that, but as you well know, the reputation of the Sarkaz…”

Tin Man adjusted his metallic jaw. He was certainly willing to help, but the Sarkaz name was poison on Terra. Even if the old ghosts of the underworld knew the truth of those ancient years, the general public would never buy it. Coupled with long-standing prejudice, trying to recruit openly would just lead people to accuse them of whitewashing a nation of warmongers. Add in the fact that Kazdel was a poverty-stricken wasteland lacking basic resources, and volunteers were practically nonexistent.

“As long as they can hold a wrench and follow orders, it is fine,” Frez replied dismissively. “Oh, right. I also need to recruit a few specific individuals myself.”

“I actually have a rather interesting little fellow in mind. A Feathered Serpent. If you do not consider her eccentric personality, she can actually accomplish many things.”

A Feathered Serpent?

Frez raised an eyebrow. He immediately thought of the infamous ‘fat snake’—Ho’olheyak.

“Sure, recommend her to me. What are her skills?”

“She knows a bit of everything and has extremely strong operational abilities.” Tin Man struck a match and lit his pipe, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke. “That little girl constantly claims she inherited several hundred years of her Family’s history, but she is actually quite young. She was supposed to have a lifespan of centuries, but due to her Family’s genetic distortion, she carries their whispers in her mind. It is a bit like the voices of a multitude, except they never stop chattering in her ear all day. She is quite an unlucky little girl, and a total lone wolf.”

Tin Man took another long drag. “Carrying so-called glory, memories, and history… but in reality, both people and history must move forward. Things that cannot be returned to simply cannot be. Reaching the same height is not the same as returning to the past.”

Frez nodded, pouring himself another shot. “That will do then. Let her be a consultant.”

“I will have her come see you tomorrow.”

The two clinked glasses, the sharp ring of glass cutting through the low hum of the bar.

After finishing his drinks, Frez took a stroll through the bustling commercial districts of Trimounts to buy some clothes and supplies. The city boasted quite a few high-end boutiques, featuring premium Terra brands like Life-of-Terra and the Raythean Trailblazer series.

He picked out two sleek, functional sets for himself and two stylish outfits for Wiš’adel. Pulling out his device, he opened the multiversal chat group and sent a message asking if anyone else wanted anything from this world.

Kiana immediately spammed the chat, demanding Frez buy out the entire store and send it all to her. Frez flatly refused. Even if he bought them, the idiot tuna probably wouldn’t even wear them properly. It would be a complete waste of funds.

【Kiana: I don’t care, I don’t care! I want them, I want them!】

【Handsome Big Liar: Kiana, actually Frez already bought them for you and sent them to the group. Didn’t you see the red packets?】

【Kiana: Where?】

【Dump Truck Hater: I sent the Emperor’s New Clothes. They are special garments that only smart people can see. Seele, Furina, Wiš’adel, did you guys see them?】

【Furina: Yes, we indeed saw the red packets. Frez, you have excellent taste. Come to Fontaine some other day and pick out some nice clothes; I’ll pay for everything.】

【Wiš’adel: They’re okay, just not very convenient for fighting.】

【Quantum Beheading Barbarian: They’re definitely there. Could it be that you, Kiana…】

【Kiana: Of course I saw them! Fine, since you sent them to me, I won’t hold a grudge. Clothes that only smart people can see… as expected, I am very smart.】

A moment later, an image popped into the chat. It was a picture of a messy sofa, completely buried under crumpled snack bags, empty soda cans, and scattered food crumbs.

【Kiana: See? This guy Frez indeed has good taste. They look great on the sofa.】

Frez chuckled, pocketing his device. Master Yixuan teasing Kiana had practically become a daily routine in the group.

It really was very interesting.