Chapter 75: Selling out Intelligence

We just said “see you later,” and now we’re meeting again already?

What’s going on?

I was full of confusion, but Carter and the other four came straight up to me.
“What’s up? Did something happen?”

I blinked, looking at the towering Carter and asking.
“Our orders changed. Higher-ups told us to retreat to the train station and stand by. Looks like we’re heading the same way as you, Su Mengmeng.”

Carter glanced at me and explained.
“Hehe, it was my idea!”

Nico popped out, grinning at me.
“We asked the city guards about you, and they said your fireball spell packs a punch. Seems like you’re stronger than you let on, huh, Mengmeng? Since we’re also heading to the train station, how about we travel together?”

Nico cut in before Carter could continue, and I was momentarily stunned.
“…Sure, that works. Honestly, I’d be happy to.”

I paused, then nodded in response.
Truth be told, I didn’t even know where the train station was and was planning to ask Chriss later.
I never expected Carter’s noble squad to be pulling out too—it seems the frontlines are in serious trouble.

“But why the sudden retreat? What happened?”

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked.
“Someone betrayed the defense line’s deployment plans. The three frontlines are all locked in brutal battles. The Mechanist Guild guarding the thousand-millimeter cannon emplacements is struggling and can’t keep firing. Meanwhile, elite alien squads have slipped through gaps in the lines and are heading for Blackshine City. Soon, the city will be completely sealed, with no one allowed in or out.”

Katherine stepped up beside Nico, explaining bluntly.
I hadn’t expected them to share something like that with me so openly.
“Tch… Isn’t that, like, military secrets? Is it okay to tell me?”

I froze, instinctively clutching my backpack with the two egg babies tighter.
“It’s not exactly a military secret. Anyone with a bit of status knows this stuff.”

Katherine and Nico shrugged nonchalantly, while Carter and the other two noble squad members looked exasperated, clearly showing that bringing me along was Katherine and Nico’s idea.
“Besides, Nico and I trust someone who’d risk their life to save others—that’s why we want you with us.”

“…I’m honestly glad to hear such straightforward reasoning.”

I blinked, then gave Katherine and Nico a genuine smile.
“Alright, we’re short on time. We need to move fast, or the city guards will seal the exits.”

Carter glanced at Katherine, Nico, and me, urging us along.
I nodded, standing up to leave with the noble squad, but I glanced back at Chriss, the steadfast female warrior.

“You can go with them. The noble squad outranks me by a lot.”

Chriss, still seated, nodded at me.
“Got it. Take care.”

I replied, then turned to follow Nico and Katherine, ready to leave the city with them.
Chriss was part of the city guard—whatever Blackshine City’s fate, she’d stay and fight alongside it, so there was no need for further words between us.

As for the noble squad? Traveling with them was reassuring.
I trusted Carter and the others wouldn’t use me as cannon fodder… but if they tried to screw me over, I wouldn’t let them off easy either.

My mental energy may be low, but my skill and intensity make up for it.
Plus, I’ve got a magic crystal to summon a stone giant as my ace in the hole.
Anyone trying to mess with me might end up regretting it!