Chapter 130
Chapter 130
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 130
Chapter Title: Sealing the Deal
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Well, it wasn't forced.
War with the aliens consumes enormous resources.
That's why the Human Alliance needs to properly replenish its manpower and manage public sentiment, and the most effective way to do that is through propaganda.
Superhumans make for incredibly useful propaganda tools.
Among civilians, the image of superhumans exceeds expectations, and some even treat them like idols.
The fact that volunteers enlisting as soldiers or officers cite admiration for superhumans as their second biggest motivation after love for humanity proves it. 'But there's a limit, right?'
I figured I needed a moderate level of fame myself.
Public opinion had to be considered to expand and maintain the Independent Unit's size.
But the current level of attention felt a bit abnormal.
Even with our achievements, we're just a small Independent Unit of under 300 people, yet the interest is overwhelming.
It worried me that expectations might backfire and turn opinion against us.
"Leonard, sir. How should we handle the expenses?"
"Expenses? Oh, right. We burned through a lot this time."
Hearing Sia, I finally recalled the costs of this operation.
Frankly, from an economic standpoint, this op was a failure.
The resources consumed in a single raid were staggering.
All the combat mechs we brought were lost, and the armaments we introduced to boost survival rates were depleted too.
We achieved twice the survival rate of the Crusader League side thanks to that, but any normal Independent Unit would have gone bankrupt already.
"Just process it through my account for now."
"Leonard, sir."
Sia called my name in a low voice.
It was her way of saying she didn't like me covering costs out of pocket again.
As the unit's quartermaster, she'd advocated for financial separation from the start.
My goals were too idealistic; without my funding, we couldn't operate. But after initial investments, the loot we acquired grew enough to sustain us on our own revenue.
"It's fine this time. We've got plenty to recoup."
"Can I trust you?"
I nodded.
My focus right now was on the core of that 6th-stage hatchery.
A 6th-stage hatchery isn't something you see often, even across the entire battlefield.
Plus, this core had been influenced by the Infection Monarch, giving it research value.
The higher-ups would covet it too, but I saw a way to claim it this time.
Normally, 50-70% of an Independent Unit's loot goes upstairs.
What I keep is less than half.
Why?
Because the Independent Unit's achievements aren't purely mine.
Superhumans are key to raids, and strictly speaking, they're the Alliance's.
If the warships and crews weren't fully under my control, the loot I'd get would be even more pitiful.
On top of that, we had two Central Superhuman Unit members this time, so I could guess how much they'd take.
But there was one reason I could still aim for a share.
'The Crusader League's stake is about half...?'
The Cardinal viewed this Independent Unit's support as crucial to slaying the Infection Monarch.
And he rated my role the highest.
'Facts are facts.' No matter how dangerous, who would volunteer for something likely to leave lasting damage just by participating?
The results speak for themselves.
Just yesterday, I spent two days treating the superhumans and crew for contamination.
Shepin was in such critical condition that without me, she'd still be on life support.
The other superhumans were much the same.
The Crusaders who joined this op wouldn't be any different.
I only agreed after calculating the risks and deciding it was safe, but the Cardinal probably saw it differently.
"Oof."
I stood up.
Sia, who thought I'd rest here all day, looked surprised.
"Where are you going?"
"Time to drive the nail home. Want to come?"
Sia looked puzzled.
I grinned at her.
*
"Cardinal."
"Oh! To think you'd come in person. Please, come in."
When we arrived at the Crusader League's flagship, the Cardinal came to greet us at the hangar himself.
He welcomed me like he wanted to hug me right then.
Quite a few people had come with him.
It seemed like most of the ship's key personnel were there.
"This welcome feels a bit excessive. It's overwhelming."
"Excessive for the hero who saved Paradeisos? If I weren't mindful of appearances, I'd carry you on my back myself."
The Cardinal led me inside.
Even without prior notice of my visit, he acted like it was no issue at all.
"We're not the only heroes, are we? How are the Crusaders?"
"...Ah, them." The Cardinal's face suddenly darkened.
I could guess the Crusaders' condition.
They'd advanced to the same points as the superhumans during the raid.
Even with their armor suits inferior to core weapons' contamination barriers, the aftereffects wouldn't be minor.
'Most of them probably can't return to active Crusader duty.'
The final push had been too much.
Fighting intensely amid that insane contamination density—no way they'd emerge unscathed.
"Are they in bad shape?"
"Yes. Saving Paradeisos is joyous, but they're the ones meant to lead the League's future. It's truly regrettable." The Cardinal lamented.
Then, as if remembering something, his expression turned deeply worried.
"Oh, right. How are your unit's superhumans?"
"Ours weren't great either."
"...Pardon?" My words were clearly past tense.
Sensing that, the Cardinal asked again.
"They're fine now. All fully recovered, so no need to worry."
"...H-how?"
"The reason I came today is to treat the Crusaders."
I glanced around and spoke in a low voice.
This couldn't get out yet.
"Is that really possible? Alliance tech? If so, then..."
"It's entirely my ability. And it's not something I can use lightly."
Seeing me lower my voice again, the Cardinal finally calmed his excitement.
But the strange fervor in his tone lingered.
"Then, shameless as it is, I must ask. Please treat our Crusaders. Without them, the League's future is uncertain. Whatever you desire, I'll make it happen."
"As I said, I'm here to treat my comrades-in-arms from the raid. I wouldn't dream of demanding payment."
Even so, the Cardinal bowed deeply, pleading with me.
Considering Cardinal Karl's lack of political savvy, this was genuine concern for the Crusader League's future.
Under his guidance, we reached the space where the Crusaders were being treated.
Their conditions were as bad as expected.
They were on medical devices, but the microscopic mutations from contamination across their bodies made major recovery unlikely.
Some were comatose, like Shepin two days ago.
"...Leonard?"
"Jang."
Jang, tending to his comrades, spotted me and approached.
"Greetings, Cardinal."
"Well done. And on short notice, could you clear out everyone except the Crusaders?"
"Understood."
Jang obeyed Cardinal Karl without question.
A few medical staff seemed to protest, but upon realizing it was the Cardinal's order, they left quietly.
Soon, only the Crusaders and us remained.
"Good. I trust no one will break a promise in the Lord's name, but secrets shine brightest when fewer know them."
"Thank you for granting my request."
"Jang, assist Leonard here. Treat the Crusaders."
"Yes."
"...Then, may the Lord's blessing be with you." The Cardinal made the sign of the cross and withdrew.
Alone with Jang, an awkward air settled in.
'Come to think of it, have we ever been alone like this?' It used to be impossible.
Jang had unconditional hostility toward aliens, and with my horns, I was always at risk of attack.
"You always test my resolve."
Jang's eyes fixed on my left arm.
His brow twitched, like he was holding something back.
'Ah, right...'
He must remember my left arm from the last raid.
Back then, aliens were everywhere, so he had little attention for me. But face-to-face alone now? Different story.
'Is this dangerous?' My crimson left arm outranked the blue demon horns.
Blue demons are 7th grade; crimson is 8th.
And with the entire arm grafted on, who knew how tempting it'd be to Jang.
I felt my body tense.
"...Hard to hold back? Should I call Merdi?"
"Not that bad. It does provoke me, but strangely, the scent is fainter than before."
Must be the seal.
I inwardly sighed in relief as I gauged Jang's reaction.
If Jang snapped here, my safety aside, the backlash would be massive.
'A superhuman attacked on a Crusader League flagship.'
Perfect headline fodder.
"More importantly, you said you can heal them?"
"Yeah. I can treat alien contamination."
"Related to your ability, I assume."
"The price is secrecy. No telling others how they recovered."
I nodded as I spoke.
Jang was primed to suspect I had some alien-related power.
"Nothing will leak from us."
"That's enough. Show me the worst cases first."
"This way."
*
Treating 19 Crusaders took a total of 10 hours.
I could've done it in 2 if rushed, but to show limits, I deliberately dragged it out.
And I didn't fully cure them.
I focused on restoring them to a state where Crusader League medical tech could finish the job.
Even then, I told some severe cases they'd need a couple more sessions—laying it on thick.
'No choice.' Necessary precaution.
Few feel deep gratitude for easy feats.
I'd acted gravely solemn when bringing up treatment.
Finishing in 2 hours flat? The Cardinal might rejoice outwardly but wonder inwardly.
He's a true man of faith, so maybe not—but better avoid suspicion altogether.
"...Oh! Ohhh!"
After the first round, the Cardinal returned.
He marveled repeatedly at the improved Crusaders.
He spent ages grasping hands and praising each conscious one.
I just sat, claiming fatigue from treatment.
Once he'd checked everyone, the Cardinal seized my hand.
"Incredible! They're really better. How can we repay this grace...?"
"Helping the Crusader League is reward enough. We've received plenty too—like with the Elohim Church."
"Ah, the Elohim Church! Come to think of it, you were from the Monarch family, who aided in purging those heretic spawn."
I slipped in the Elohim Church mention.
It tied me closer to the Crusader League.
"I got wind of something unsavory by chance and dug in, that's all."
"As expected! You were involved there too. We uprooted them thanks to you."
The Elohim Church originated from the Crusader League.
Precisely, during the League's formation, a group opposing religious unification fell to special alien mental contamination, mutating it—but sharing roots, the Crusader League saw the Elohim as their own failing.