BXBX NOVEL Chapter 218: Risks and Return
They said that they did this for additional security. Since 'Risks' could turn into 'Node', keeping them near the civilization was far too risky. It would only take one mistake and a city would be in grave danger.
So, to increase the security of all cities, they decided to transfer the inmates near the frontlines so they could be monitored closely. In case of emergency, the army could instantly respond and take care of the problem.
This statement might fool others but certainly not Cedric...this reeks of bullshit and the people who made this statement knows that too.
If they're truly concerned about the people's safety, why build the RMCs near the cities in the first place? Besides, the 'Risks' are monitored 24/7, and aside from unexpected situations, nobody can fool their security measures. Those who are close to turning into a Node are always dealt with accordingly.
The security within the RMCs is impressive too, anyone who's admitted inside would find it extremely difficult, even almost impossible, to escape their clutches.
...Cedric would know, he was once a 'Risk' himself, after all. He spent 7 years in there and was nearly driven mad.
Still, the statement wasn't entirely false. It would most definitely be more appropriate for the Risks to be transferred near the frontlines. In case of any unexpected emergencies, the army would be able to instantly respond to any threats to human society. The army was strong so there was no way that the plots of the prisoners would pass without them knowing.
That said, it wasn't the complete truth. Since the army and government weren't completely honest, Cedric decided to piece together the information himself.
Well, common sense tells him that the prisoners were transferred near the frontlines to become cannon fodders. It only makes sense since tensions are rising. Besides, with the increased activity of the Demon Race, the leaders of Humanity wouldn't put it past them to use underhanded tactics and target the desperate ones.
There's no way that Demons would forget about the Risks since it was one of the more viable ways to infiltrate Prime Earth. By having the prisoners near the walls, the army could respond better and faster if the Demons decided to extend their reach to the prisoners.
Additionally, the army could tempt these people with resources to help them increase their strength. If they could become stronger, their chances of turning their life around would increase. Of course, it wouldn't be too surprising if the army 'hires' them to increase their manpower.
If the prisoners were to perform well and could follow orders, they might even receive military merit. They could use that to gain freedom and completely turn their life around.
Well, these are just his speculations. Cedric didn't have any real insider information, he's just going with common sense.
**
"We're home!"
Cedric released a sigh of relief as he heard two familiar voices echoing within his dorm (penthouse). He stood up and walked out to meet Chrissy and Erica.
Disregarding their haggard and exhausted looks, he unhesitatingly wrapped them in a tight hug, once again sighing in relief since they'd returned safely.
"Welcome back." He whispered in their ears before letting them go. "How's work?"
"Exhausting," Erica whined and pouted. "Can't say much but things are crazy out there."
"Yeah, it's...a bit overwhelming, not gonna lie. We're under too much pressure." Chrissy added solemnly.
Both girls seem to almost pass out from exhaustion. Cedric doubts that they're even conscious enough to continue this conversation. He kept his questions within and instead picked both of them up before taking them to his bed.
As soon as the girls felt the softness of his bed, they both sighed in comfort and fell unconscious.
Cedric's eyes twinkled with a rainbow-colored flash for a bit before he muttered:
"Their energy levels are extremely low." He then continued scanning their bodies to diagnose them. "Their muscles have been overworked, especially their lower bodies. Their faces are pale and they're dirty. I bet they didn't even get much rest in the middle of their mission."
Cedric had no idea just what kind of mission these two had but it must be really challenging if it drained them this much.
Making as little noise as possible, Cedric took a clean towel and drenched it with lukewarm water to clean them up. The girls were too deep in their slumber that they didn't wake up to this. On normal days, they would've since they're light sleepers, but today isn't one of those days.
Aside from being dirty, the girls are still in their combat gear. Cedric stripped them off of it and replaced them with silk pajamas. He also lit up lavender-scented candles to help them sleep better and deeper.
Once he was done, he scanned them once more just to be sure that nothing from outside hitched a ride with them all the way here. Fortunately, there was none. Still, just to be extra, extra careful, he still swept them with his sunlight energy to cleanse them of any hidden substances that might've been able to escape his senses. NovelBin-article
Since there was no reaction, it meant that they were okay. Cedric then smiled and left them alone. He went downstairs to prepare a feast for them since he knew that the girls were famished on top of being exhausted. He bets that they haven't had any warm food during the entire month that they're out so it only makes sense that they would want some after they wake up.
A few hours later, he sensed movement around. The girls woke up so he immediately stood up and prepared food on the table.
"Mmm~! Smells good!" Chrissy's delicate voice sounded out, followed by a pair of footsteps.
Once they arrived at the dining area, Cedric smiled at them and said: "Eat up, you two. I know you're hungry."
"Wouldn't say no to that, thanks handsome!" Chrissy kissed his cheeks before sitting down at the table. Erica did the same.
He joined them but he didn't eat much. He wasn't hungry anyway. He's just here in case the girls need something.
A little bit later, Erica released a sigh, not out of comfort but worry. This of course didn't escape Cedric's senses so he asked: "What's wrong? Do you not like the food?"
"No, no!" Erica shook her head. "It's the best, you know that. I'm just...worried, yeah. Just worried."
Chrissy rolled her eyes and snickered: "Understatement of the century. The Demons are going on the offensive. War's close and I don't think we, and yes I'm including you, Cedric, we won't be able to evade it."
Erica looked at her in surprise and asked: "Should we really be telling him that? Isn't that classified?"
"Psh, relax Girl," Chrissy responded while casually buttering her bread. "He's no ordinary person. He has Lv.9 System Authority and is a 1st Class Army Officer with special privileges. It's only classified to certain people and he's not one of them."
"...fair." Erica conceded with a shrug.
Cedric blinked. He could still remember them saying that they couldn't tell him much but here they were revealing classified information. Well, they indeed have a point. He would learn about this sooner or later anyway.
"We have...a few months of relative peace remaining...I think." Chrissy sounded uncertain here. "The Demons are closing in on the walls, the army's throwing cannon fodders at them and it's working, for now. Can't say how long that will last though."
"The Outposts are also under duress," Erica complained. "Expedition Teams like us are expected to go out more to send them supplies and examine the situation to anticipate where they're coming from. The worst part is that the land reclamation projects we've been working on for years would suffer an immense setback after this."
Outposts are army camps stationed deeper on the Black Lands. They function as a lookout and checkpoints for the army and the expedition teams. As for the Land Reclamation Projects, it's plan to cleanse and retrieve pieces of the Black Lands, making them habitable once more.
With demonic activity on the rise, it is understandable that these things would suffer immensely. This meant more stress on the expedition teams and wasted effort. This also means that girls might not be able to stay as long as he hoped.
Since Cedric had been anticipating it already, he wasn't surprised when they told him that war was coming. However, that doesn't mean that he liked the idea. If anything, he dreaded it greatly.
The Humans are responding to the movements but are they truly ready for another fight? Can Humans endure this upcoming war? Cedric had no idea, he felt too small right now but he didn't dare show it on his face.
"Well, let's make the most out of what little peace we have then. Let's not talk about this for now."