Jim noticed the somewhat stiff reactions of the other two, so he sensitively changed the topic in an attempt to ease the atmosphere. "Hey! Let's change the subject. Between Leo and Number Six, who do you guys prefer? Do you think Leo has the potential to replace Number Six's position?"
Sarah shrugged slightly, then reluctantly closed the flashing notification on her armguard's social app. Her gaze drifted to the damp, gloomy ceiling of the consulting room, as if seeking some comfort or reminiscing about the past. "Well... it's really hard to say. We haven't had much contact with Leo, so our understanding of him isn't very deep. But Number Six... he's really a loyal person, with the kind of spirit that's always ready to go through fire and water for his teammates. That's really rare."
Emily also interjected, her voice carrying a hint of contemplation, "Yes, Number Six is always so proactive in the team, always so willing to help. Leo... he has also shown extraordinary courage and resilience, especially in this mission, proving that he also possesses the courage and determination not inferior to Number Six. But whether he can replace Number Six's position, I think it's not just a matter of ability, but also whether he can integrate into our team and become a true part of us."
Jim listened to their conversation and rubbed the stubble on his chin, seemingly lost in thought. At this moment, Emily spoke up, "What about you? What do you think of Leo? It's rare for you to accept a newcomer so quickly. Weren't the ones who wanted to join before all rejected by you? Why, does Leo particularly appeal to you?" After hearing Emily's question, Jim fell silent for a moment. His fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of the chair, as if organizing his thoughts. After a while, he finally spoke, his tone carrying an elusive emotion.
"Mm, Leo..." Jim's voice was slightly hoarse as he looked up at the ceiling, as if savoring certain memories, "Actually, you're right. I didn't have much patience with many newcomers before, but Leo is different."
He paused and continued, "You didn't see his performance at that factory, that kind of madness, that disregard for life and death, it reminded me of the days when we first formed Valkyrie. Just hearing him describe that battle, I could feel that kind of exhilarating rush in my blood." There was a hint of unusual light in Jim's eyes, as if he was moved by Leo's bravery.
"Moreover," Jim lowered his head slightly, a hint of disdainful smile playing at the corner of his mouth, "he messed up the entire drug manufacturing facility. The scene, ha! I can't even imagine. It's not just about appetite, it's about recognition, it's appreciation for his crazy behavior."
Listening to Jim's words, Emily's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but soon relaxed again. "So, you are attracted to his madness?" she asked softly, with a hint of a complex expression on her face.
Jim nodded, "Yes, it's madness, but it's also courage. In this world, there are too few people who can face death and still charge forward with a smile. Leo, he has that something."
At this point, Jim suddenly stood up, walked to the window, and gazed into the blurry city skyline in the dark outside, "Aren't we Valkyrie in need of this kind of crazy courage? If Leo can integrate this spirit into us, then we will be even stronger."
Listening to Jim's words, Sarah and Emily exchanged a glance, seemingly silently contemplating Jim's words. In this mercenary life where danger and death coexist, perhaps it is this kind of madness and courage that they truly pursue.
Jim stood up, the cigarette in his hand seemed particularly out of place in the empty illegal clinic. He walked towards the door, lightly tapping his leg as if trying to dispel the fatigue and pressure from his body. He pushed open the door, walked out of the narrow consulting room, and stepped into the dim corridor. The dim yellow light cast a long shadow, and only his footsteps echoed in the long corridor.
Sarah and Emily sat quietly on the old waiting chairs, no longer speaking to each other, just waiting silently. There was a sense of unease and heaviness in the air, as if everyone carried indescribable worries in their hearts. The environment of the illegal clinic, combined with the darkness outside, made the atmosphere even more oppressive.
The ticking of the clock was clearly audible, as if reminding of the passage of time. Each tick felt like a beat on everyone's heart. In such an environment, time seemed to become long and slow, every second feeling unbearable.
Jim lit a cigarette outside the door, took a deep breath, and the smoke appeared particularly ethereal under the dim street light. Leaning against the wall, he gazed into the distance, seemingly lost in thought. The gentle night breeze carried away strands of smoke, but couldn't dispel the burden in his heart.
Back inside the clinic, Sarah and Emily's wait continued. The silence between them was like an invisible barrier, making the already small consulting room feel even more stuffy and oppressive. On a night like this, for members of the Valkyrie mercenary group, it was another unforgettable experience, full of unknowns and challenges.
In the corridor outside the clinic, Sarah's armlet suddenly emitted an urgent alert, breaking the heavy atmosphere. She quickly tapped the answer button, and a virtual projection of Alex appeared in the air. He looked somewhat relaxed, swaying a glass in his hand as he asked with concern, "How is our Second Lieutenant doing?"
Sarah glanced at the still closed consulting room door and replied softly, "It's not clear yet. Dr. Douglas is handling it. But... it shouldn't be a big problem." Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty but also revealed a glimmer of hope.
Alex nodded in the projection, his expression turning serious. "Be careful, the situation in the slums has been quite chaotic lately, and the government's power has completely lost its effectiveness. You need to be especially careful when you come back." His words were filled with concern, clearly emphasizing the safety of the members of the Valkyrie mercenary group.
Sarah nodded gently, indicating her understanding. "We will be careful, Alex," her voice was firm, seemingly assuring Alex that they would bring back their Second Lieutenant safely no matter what.
The call ended in silence, and Alex's projection gradually disappeared, leaving Sarah alone in the dim corridor, filled with complex emotions. She turned back to the waiting area and saw Jim and Emily still silently waiting. Without saying much, they all sat down quietly, waiting together for news of Leo's recovery. The night wind outside continued, making the already long and uneasy night in the slums even more so. But at this moment, the members of the Valkyrie mercenary group had only one thought in their hearts - hoping that Leo would be safe and sound.
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