Sister Amelia naturally did not answer the question, and Zhang Ge did not seem inclined to press further.

  Wouldn't it be clear once we go see for ourselves?

  After a period of travel, the vehicle quickly came to a stop in a temporary garage within the base. The four of them exited the vehicle, while the political commissar made the final arrangements:

  "Pastor Ryder will accompany me. We will continue to the nearest Blessing Communication Node to call for a review from the Tribunal. Soldier Zhang Ge, you and Sister Amelia should not stay at the base for more than three hours."

  Listening to the political commissar's words, Zhang Ge suddenly realized an issue:

  "Wait a minute, what transportation are we taking to the convent?"

  "Ernesto's personal vehicle... oh, you might not know him, but since you're back alive, you'll get to know him soon.

  Also, take this."

  The political commissar spoke as he took out a map and tore off a corner. After signing some words on the blank side and stamping it, he handed it to Zhang Ge.

  "You can go to the armory to select some equipment. Although there isn't much left there,"

  The political commissar glanced at the one-armed nun beside him holding a laser gun. "It’s best to choose a sword for Sister Amelia, and also a temporary prosthetic."

  After Zhang Ge reached out to take it, the political commissar waved his hand as a farewell and quickly left the garage with Pastor Ryder.

  As for this Chimera? They certainly couldn't drive it away.

  While using alien equipment on the battlefield isn't a big deal, the main issue is that without prior registration and communication, it's easy to be mistakenly shot by friendly units from other factions. Moreover, at this critical moment, it’s better not to draw attention in front of the tribunal.

  Once the political commissar left, Zhang Ge turned his gaze toward Sister Amelia.

  The other party seemed a bit confused, and she took the initiative to speak:

  "I will follow you for the next three hours without interfering with your actions."

  Of course, the implication was that if it exceeded three hours, she couldn't guarantee that.

  However, Zhang Ge's intention was not that; he said:

  "No, what I mean is... where is the armory? Can you lead the way?"

  "…"

  Sister Amelia wanted to say something but swallowed it back, stepping forward while Zhang Ge naturally followed behind her.

  Upon entering the trench, PDF or Star Realm soldiers occasionally whispered prayers for the passing nun, but no one seemed to find it strange. It appeared that Sister Amelia had been doing this for quite some time.

  Alternatively, there was another possibility: the ongoing war was so intense that the mixing of combat nuns and frontline soldiers had become the norm.

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  Given the current situation, Zhang Ge believed the latter possibility was more likely. Of course, this wasn't a bad thing for him; he would rather be thrown into an apocalyptic battlefield right now.

  After crossing another trench, ahead, an exaggeratedly dressed figure came into view. The PDF soldiers beside him stood at attention on either side of the trench, while the Star Realm soldiers seemed indifferent to him.

  He was wearing a full-body force-feedback power armor, adorned with various extravagant decorations, with gold and gemstone embellishments either inlaid or serving as a base. A family crest was prominently displayed on the right chest of his power armor, which was the same emblem worn by the PDF soldiers.

  If nothing unexpected happened, he should be a local noble, and these PDF soldiers were likely drawn from his family.

  "Sister Amelia, Soldier Zhang Ge."

  He first called out their names in a calm voice, not at all high-handed like his ostentatious power armor.

  Then, he introduced himself:

  "Let’s skip the unnecessary formalities; my full name is too long. You can call me Ernesto. I come here on behalf of my family to express gratitude for the heroic deeds of both of you."

  As Ernesto spoke, several of his humble servants stepped forward, bowing slightly and holding a tray above their heads.

  On the tray were a finely crafted explosive gun for mortals, a similarly well-made power sword, and a pile of throne coins.

  Sister Amelia had no intention of speaking to him, while Zhang Ge watched him with interest, curious about what he wanted to do.

  Seeing that neither of them responded, Ernesto did not show any signs of displeasure but continued speaking:

  “Additionally, Sergeant Zhang Ge, I have a vacancy for a captain of the guard beside me. I wonder if you...”

  So quick with the dagger.

  But it’s understandable; veterans of the Star Realm Army are quite common, but veterans who can infiltrate an enemy stronghold of this scale, carry out a decapitation mission, and return unscathed are not so common.

  For a noble, in such an environment, a capable enforcer is far more valuable than money.

  Zhang Ge understood what the political commissar meant.

  Following the other’s words, Zhang Ge responded:

  “I agree, but before that, I need to go to the convent with Sister Amelia. I can only take up the position after I return... As for these items, there’s no need, right?”

  The hesitation in Zhang Ge’s final words wasn’t due to the other person, but rather his uncertainty about refusing these items. What if he encountered an enemy ambush on the way and ended up dead? Would that be considered a deliberate refusal of equipment leading to his own demise?

  However, Ernesto seemed to misunderstand Zhang Ge’s meaning. Upon hearing Zhang Ge’s agreement, he revealed a satisfied smile, stepped forward to pat him on the shoulder, and said:

  “Just so happens, I have an extra carriage. You and Sister Amelia can take it to the convent; it’ll be faster that way.”

  Pausing for a moment, he continued in a friendly tone:

  “These items are a token of gratitude from my family; there’s no need to refuse. I’ll have my servants help you load them onto the carriage, and besides, I’ll have other gifts for you at your inauguration ceremony.”

  For someone as perceptive as Zhang Ge, Ernesto was always generous with rewards—after all, for a noble like him, this money was hardly a drop in the bucket.

  Having said that, Ernesto stepped aside to let Amelia and Zhang Ge pass, displaying a demeanor of humility.

  The two walked past him and left that section of the trench.

  At this point, they were already not far from the armory. Sister Amelia quickly brought Zhang Ge to the entrance of the armory, but before entering, she asked:

  “Why did you agree to him?”

  There was no emotional undertone to her question; it was simply a matter of curiosity.

  “Why do you ask? Can’t I agree?”

  “No, I just feel like you wouldn’t agree.”

  Zhang Ge replied helplessly:

  “Will we come back after going to the convent?”

  “...Perhaps not.”

  “Since we might not, why refuse his free money? Does he dare to cause trouble for you at the convent, or can he come to the tribunal to rescue me?”

  “Alright then.”

  And this was also why Zhang Ge couldn’t refuse better equipment out of a need for death.

  Under normal circumstances, a “normal death” refers to dying while following the logic of normal actions. Deliberately refusing better items and then dying due to inferior equipment would likely be considered a deliberate act of seeking death, and Zhang Ge couldn’t take that risk.

  But it didn’t matter; at most, he would just go from being cannon fodder to slightly better-equipped cannon fodder. At worst, the tribunal would intervene.

  Zhang Ge consoled himself with that thought.