Red Lining (An Arknights Fanfiction)

Chapter 7

"Lungmen is also searching for the Infected. If Lungmen found you first, it most likely might been too late." She said.

"We wanted to divert the Rioters from those kids by drawing their attention to you...looking at it from other perspective, we'd also be able to keep you safe from harm." Amiya said.

"...Do you know why they're aftering me? What reason do you have...to do all this for me?" Misha ask.

"We actually don't know why there are Infected targeting you...But we do actually care about the safety of innocents, including you. At least, this is the best course of action for the time being. I hope that you'll be able to trust us." Amiya reply.

"Would you allow us to take you from here first?" She ask.

"...Fine...Let's go. After all I don't really have a choice, do I?" Misha said.

"I wouldn't say that...But at least, thank you...Miss Misha!" Amiya said thanking her.

Timeskip

"-That concluded the report, Madam Ch'en." Amiya said.

"Copy. The L.G.D. will secure the meeting point and wait for you to escort the target." Ch'en reply over the phone.

"Understood. Franka bring me the map drawn by the recon squad..." as Franka hand her the map.

"Okay, this will do. We will leave the slums using the shortest route." She said as she analyze the map.

"Any other orders, Madam Ch'en?" She ask.

"Just hurry up. We don't have much time." Ch'en said.

"Formation! Don't drag your feet!!" Ch'en yelled, and is overheard by the phone, then hung up afterwards.

"...Phew, she hung up..." Amiya said a little relief.

"In other words, we have to run errands for her now?" Franka ask.

"We're the one who found the target after all..." Amiya said.

"The L.G.D. never gave us any detailed information about the target. We were supposed to be collaborating, but they suddenly told us that the individual we found had an important to use to them." Liskarm said.

"There's a ton of critical information that we haven't been given." She continue.

"...I'm not surprised that the L.G.D. is keeping secret from us though..." Amiya said.

"Why's that?" Liskarm ask.

"Aren't you supposed to be smart? What good would come out of Rhodes Island knowing too much?" Franka said a little annoyed.

"All I know is that knowing too little is bad for mission." Liskarm reply.

"Then, we should go escort Misha to the L.G.D now." Ashley said.

"Hmm...which route to take..." Amiya muttered looking at the map.

"We'll have to ask for another favor from them." She continue.

"Who?" Liskarm ask.

"Penguin Logistics." Amiya reply.

A little timeskip

"Yo, Rhodes Island~" Exusiai greet.

"Are you almost done with your mission? What'd you think about our services?" She ask.

"I knew it..." Franka sigh.

"Hey, don't be like that~ did something bad happen? Or, did you meet someone you don't like?" Exusiai said, teasing her.

"Yeah, you." Franka reply annoyed.

"There's no need for that. Without Penguin Logistics intel, we wouldn't have been able to narrow down to our research...Nor would we been able to get information about Lungmen's Infected population so easily." Liskarm said.

"Why, thank you for your praise, Miss! You clearly have a discerning taste." Exusiai said happily.

"Ah, Exusiai! Long time no see, how's it going?" Ashley ask walking towards her.

"It's been good! Want to hang out sometime?" Exusiai said happily.

"I guess so, after we cleared our mission, hope I didn't get any long mission afterwards." Ashley said grinning.

"Anyways, Exusiai, we'll need you to find a relatively safe route for us." Amiya said.

"In that case, I'll get straight to the point." Exusiai said.

"Hmm...none of these routes are particularly good." She said while looking at the map.

"Ah, let's go with this one! Err, look at this map here. Starting from the center of the slums, head three blocks north, then follow this road back south until you reach the exit." She said explaining the route.

"This should probably be the safest route. Even then, there are probably enough enemies along the way to throw a few karaoke parties." She said.

"The enemy?" Amiya ask.

"It would appear that Reunion has already infiltrated Lungmen." Liskarm said.

"Miss Exusiai, can I assume that you've already gotten a hold of the enemies distribution?" She ask.

"Mhm!" Exusiai nod.

"Then, what are their movement like?" Liskarm ask.

"They're coming right towards you!" Exusiai said.

"..." silence covered the area.

"We've been surrounded." Liskarm said noticing the enemies.

"Our top priority is to get Misha out safely." Amiya said.

"Franka, I'm counting on you to stop the enemy ambush." She ordered.

"Easy." Franka reply.

"Liskarm, split the defender squad and cover both sides. You'll be in charge of protecting Misha." Amiya said.

"No problem." Liskarm reply.

"Ashley, don't explode too much here, just prepare for any enemy that approach." Amiya said.

"Alright, I'll try." Ashley said as she pulled out the sword that's on her back.

"Oh right, did you know there are also some enemy casters?" Exusiai ask.

"...Ngghhh..." Amiya groan a little frustrated.

"Doctor, please stay close to me. Please continue to command the squads. I will relay your orders." She said, as Nicolas nod in reply.

"...Let's try following this safest route then." Amiya said.